ShortStuff

Scholastic Summer Reading Program

Scholastic knows summertime can provide tremendous opportunities for kids. They can accelerate reading, experience the social-emotional impact of good literature, and make up for any learning loss (as access to instruction and reading has been completely rethought due to the pandemic.) Research has proven that in a typical year, summer reading supports skill gains, and its absence leads to widening skill gaps. With this in mind, the Scholastic Summer Reading Promise is to help you get books in the hands of kids, support social-emotional well-being, build skills, and create community among kids.

Scholastic’s work with all of their partners has changed dramatically this past year, reflecting the dedication of school leaders, teachers, and families to address the needs of children in the face of great challenges. Together, they found new ways to get millions of books to children who were unable to attend schools while also supporting remote, hybrid, and in-person learning.

From May 9th–August 19th, kids can visit the summer zone in Scholastic Home Base, a free digital destination which offers stories, characters, games, and a community of readers. Home Base is moderated for safety 24/7. Through this summer reading community kids will share and discover the joy of stories and help provide books to their peers with limited or no access.

In addition, when kids start and keep Reading Streaks™ in Home Base, they will help unlock a donation of 100,000 new books from Scholastic.

To learn more about the Scholastic Summer Reading Program and access free summer reading resources, visit: scholastic.com/summer

Celebrate AAPI Heritage Month this May

Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders have rich heritages thousands of years old, have both shaped the history of the United States, and had their lives dramatically influenced by moments in its history.

Celebrate Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month this May by visiting the PBS YouTube Playlist, "Celebrate Asian American & Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month with PBS KIDS." There you'll find fun and educational videos from favorites like Hero Elementary, OddTube, and Let's Go Luna! You'll also find sing-a-longs, tutorials, and more!

If you're an educator, head to asianpacificheritage.gov/ for-teachers where you can browse ready-to-use lesson plans, student activities, collection guides, and research aids.

It's National Bike Month!

May is National Bike Month, promoted by the League of American Bicyclists and celebrated in communities from coast to coast. Established in 1956, National Bike Month is a chance to showcase the many benefits of bicycling—and encourage more folks to give biking a try!

Celebrate ways to #BikeThere this National Bike Month. For some, that will be joining in for Bike to Work Week (and Day!) and for others, that will mean biking to coffee or around the block. Whether you ride for fitness, fun, or with family, you can be part of the movement for safer streets, connected communities, a healthier planet, and happier people!

Save the date for National Bike to Work Week from May 15th–21st and Bike to Work Day on May 19th!

Learn more at bikeleague.org/bikemonth

Some Shorter Stuff

Meet our Cover Kids, Hazel & Piper! Hazel, age 6, and Piper, age 4, are sisters and best friends from Fresno. They love make up and pretend play—and roping their younger brother in too! They love going to the park, taking family road trips, and days spent with their grandparents. They have a pet rat named Cinder—short for Cinderella—who they love to hold and take care of. They love Jesus and school and are having the best time learning so many new things!

May is National Foster Care Month. Thousands of young people age out of the U.S. foster care system every year and transition into adulthood without the emotional or financial support of a family. Foster Care to Success is dedicated to helping these young people succeed and is offering ways you can help. Visit fc2success.org to learn more.

Be Kind to Animals Week is May 7th–13th. Teach your kids the importance of caring for animals by volunteering in a shelter, spending a little extra time with your own pet, or helping to care for a neighbor’s furry friend. Visit americanhumane.org for more information and ideas.

Maternal Mental Health Awareness Week is May 1st–7th and is dedicated to talking about mental wellness for new moms and moms who are pregnant. Take some time this month to reach out to a new or soon-to-be mom. Bring her a ready-to-eat dinner, offer to babysit any older siblings, or simply ask if she’d like to get together and catch up.

Weekly Giveaways! Be sure to stay connected with Central California Parent at ccparent.com and all our social platforms for a chance to win prizes every week! Last month, we gave away Fresno Grizzlies tickets, an American Girl Doll, and more!

“Reading is a Superpower!” The annual Children’s Book Week is May 1st–7th. This week-long celebration of children’s books and reading, administered by Every Child a Reader, is a great time to reinforce a love of reading—especially in reluctant readers. Head to everychildareader.net for posters, resources, and more!

Worried About Toxic Chemicals in Everyday Products? Visit ecocenter.org and learn about lead poisoning, climate action, recycling information, car seat reports, and more! You'll find many great resources to keep your family safe!

Protect the Air You Breathe! May is Clean Air Month. Officials with the American Lung Association say there is something everyone can do to clean up the air. For resources and ideas go to californialung.org. You can also speak with a registered nurse or respiratory therapist regarding your air pollution and health questions by calling 1-800-LUNG-USA.

Always at ccparent.com! Visit us online to view the digital edition of this month’s issue, our calendar of family events any day of the week, local resources, and so much more!