para los ninos
What is Para los niņos?
Para los niños is a set of 8 themed parenting (parent/child) workshops. Click on the name of the theme to view the curriculum. The themes include:

  1. Raise a Reader
  2. Math at Home
  3. Family Communication
  4. How Your Child Learns
  1. Taking Time/Taking Turns
  2. Healthy Minds/Healthy Bodies
  3. Self Esteem
  4. Loving Limits
Why do the workshops?
The program was developed to encourage new Spanish speaking immigrants to use the public libraries and the resources available to them. The workshops encourage families to get a library card and use the resources of the library. The parents also learn some simple inexpensive activities to do with their child to help their child learn. Other free, take-home, community resources besides the library are provided to parents.
Where are the workshops held?
The workshops can be held in public libraries, a school setting, Head Start Centers, Even Start Centers and community centers or shelters. The workshops can be held in a separate meeting room with tables and chairs or in the main library area with a space to hold the six activities and a story time/parent lesson.
What is the agenda?
Each workshop has 3 main parts:
  1. The story time with the children and parents
  2. The discussion with parents
  3. The hands-on-activities
Who does the workshop?
The librarian, teacher, parent or volunteer depending on the availability of Spanish speaking staff.
What is the sequence of the workshop?
  1. Prepare the learning activities before the date of the workshop.
  2. Arrive at least 30 minutes before the workshop.
  3. Set up the activities and prepare the handouts to share with the participants.
  4. Greet and invite the families to the workshop area.
  5. Gather the families together either on the floor or sitting in chairs for the story time.
  6. Model good reading techniques using dialogic reading and book descriptions during the story related to the theme.
  7. Talk to the parents for about 20 minutes about the theme of the day.
  8. Allow about 10 minutes for discussions and questions.
  9. Gather the parents and children and explain all of the activities and talk about how they relate to the theme.
  10. Facilitate the activities, encouraging the parents to work with their children.
  11. Make sure all parents have the hand-outs including the directions for the activities.
  12. Give the families information about using the library and assist them in getting a library card.
  13. Invite the families back for the next workshop.

Para los niños is generously funded by
the Institute of Museum and Library Services and The Powell Foundation.

 

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