Although I didn’t really get to know my grandfathers, I’ve enjoyed writing about grandfathers/abuelos. I had a fabulous dad, though, and treasure the many years we had with him, wonderful memories.
Pat
 Illustration by Cecily Lang from Pablo’s Tree |
 Illustration by Raul Colón from Tomás and the Library Lady |
 Illustration by Rafael López from Yum! ¡Mmm! ¡Qué Rico! America’s Sproutings |
 Illustration by Maribel Suárez from Let’s Eat ¡A comer! |
June 14 is Flag Day, set aside to commemorate the adoption of the flag of the United States. The American Flag Foundation encourages families to “Pause for the Pledge” and say the Pledge of Allegiance together at 7 p.m. EST. End the day with the perfect bedtime story!
Every year, brand-new teachers graduate and get ready to head into fall classrooms for the first time. Encourage them to cultivate their own creativity with ZING! Seven Creativity Practices for Educators & Students.
“Written as a series of seven letters to teachers, this useful, insightful and inviting book encourages teachers to rediscover their creative and artistic energy in order to become more impassioned educators.”–REFORMA newsletter
In this video, Pat explains how she hopes Zing! will help teachers and librarians get in touch with their own creativity. Video provided by WETV’s ¡Colorín Colorado!
I hadn’t thought of this season that I wait for with great anticipation as a verb too, of course–to leap. The spring season does have plants springing up and leaves appearing. Blossoms too. Ah, even here in the New Mexico desert, the scent of lilacs, sweetens the breeze. Lilacs require that we be attentive since though lovely, like many spring flowers, lilacs don’t last long.
Neither do the huge pink peony buds, a neighbor’s amazing gift. I am mesmerized by the stunning beauty, how the huge, opening blooms transform a room.
How can each of us also transform our spaces, share our talents generously, naturally, do our good work in the world? And what work is needed so that our wonderful country with its high aspirations of equality for all stuns our world by our example. Each of us is needed. Let’s be stunners ;).
Pat
This weekend, as we celebrate those who have served in our armed forces, let’s also take a minute to remember: liberty and justice for all.
Illustration by Patrice Barton from I Pledge Allegiance by Pat Mora and Libby Martinez
The UN General Assembly designates May 21 as World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development. Their website says “Bridging the gap between cultures is urgent and necessary for peace, stability and development.” The mission of Children’s Day, Book Day (Día) aligns: “a year-long commitment to celebrating all our children and to motivating them and their families to be readers, essential in our democracy.”
Join the collaboration of national and state library and literacy organizations, educators, presses and readers creatively striving to share bookjoy and its importance!
Illustration by Rafael Lopez from Book Fiesta!
Children’s Day, Book Day is often known as Día, meaning day for our daily commitment to celebrating all our children and to motivating them and their families to be readers, essential in our democracy. As part of their daily commitment, many of our Children’s Day, Book Day supporters share resources for parents, librarians and educators to help them promote summer reading.
For Parents
Summer Reading and Fluency: Tips for Parents, from Reading Rockets.
Colorín Colorado’s Summer Learning & Reading page has links to articles guiding parents to make the summer educational–and fun.
For Teachers
AFT’s Share My Lesson offers thousands of lesson plans to support summer reading assignments and reinforce the skills and strategies that students have developed during the school year.
NCTE’s Plan Now for Summer Reading shares resources and links for teachers to use.
Librarians
ALSC’s 2019 Summer Reading Lists are free downloads that libraries can make available to patrons.
¡Feliz El Día de los Niños, El Día de los Libros! Día!
Across our country, April 30th and all year long, librarians, educators, organizations, publishers and families excite ALL our children to be readers. Today, we celebrate each of our children in a special way–all children, all cultures, all languages.
Many thanks, gracias, to all of you who promoted this year-long initiative that both celebrates children and literacy. Thanks to those of you who planned and hosted events and who are also encouraging our young people to be readers this summer.
Pat
