It’s Important
Seven Spools of Thread:
A Kwanzaa Story
Holiday Reading
GILROY • MORGAN HILL • SAN MARTIN
The Latke Who Couldn’t
Stop Screaming
by Lemony Snicket
Inspired by a real life rescue
dog, this story follows Mo, who
uses his heightened sense of
smell to explore the wonders of
Christmas. Your kids can sniff
along with Mo by using the
book’s press-2-smell feature,
which uses pure aromatherapy
oils. Ages 2-4.
Mo Smells Christmas:
A Scentsational Journey
by Margaret Hyde
Adapted into a popular movie, this is a
sweet, playful story about a town’s annual
Christmas pageant that gets overtaken by
the Herdman’s the worst kids in town. The
Herdman’s, who have never heard of the
Christmas story before, set to reimagining
it in their own way, to great comedic effect.
It is told in a way that’s easy for younger
kids to read, but also has a touching and
fresh perspective to the Christmas story for
adults. Ages 8-12.
The Best Christmas
Pageant Ever
by Barbara Robinson
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o Ki s, I
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NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2017
Article Brought
To You By:
Titus, Kelvin, Why Reading Is So Important For Children, Lifehack.org
Told with Lemony Snicket’s classic
satirical wit, the story follows a freshly
cooked and very irate latke as it tries to
explain the significance of Hanukkah to
the Christmas items it encounters. This
book is great for kids and adults alike.
Little kids enjoy the latke’s screaming
and older kids and adults enjoy the wry
humor, all while learning a bit about
Jewish traditions and acceptance of
other people’s winter season celebra-
tions. Ages 4 and up.
Sources:
This story is set in an African village and centers around seven brothers who
are constantly fighting. When their father dies, he leaves an unusual will,
stating that the brothers must make gold out of seven spools of thread or they
will be cast out as beggars. While the story teaches about the seven principles
of Kwanzaa, it does so in a very loose manner. Rather than explicitly connect-
ing the dots, it allows the readers to form their own conclusions, which makes
for a great family discussion. Ages 4-8.
n the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, reading
books often falls by the wayside. While this might not
seem like a big deal, reading is one of those activities that
comes with a plethora of benefi ts, regardless of your child’s age
and stage. It is perhaps the most important thing your kids
should stay engaged in over the holidays.
In its most practical sense, reading is essential for learning.
Whether it’s math, science, history, or the arts, most subjects
require reading to understand their concepts. The more your
child reads, the better he becomes at it and the more he is
able to understand all aspects of his school and life. Reading
to toddlers allows them to observe the interactions between
the characters and learn useful communication skills, such as
grammar, phrasing, and how to express themselves. In older
children, reading challenges them to think outside the box
and make abstract connections. It gives them the opportunity
to hone critical thinking skills like problem solving, concepts
of cause and effect, confl ict resolution, and accepting
responsibility for one’s actions.
But reading isn’t just great for its practical reasons. It opens
doors to creativity and imagination. Kids can immerse them-
selves in different worlds, journeying with characters from
different time periods or countries. They learn about different
customs and modes of thought, and the more they identify
with the characters and their plights, the more they gain a
deeper understanding of different people and cultures. This
helps them develop a sense of empathy and humanity
towards others.
Although your holiday schedule might be jam-packed, there
are ways to include reading without making it feel like a chore.
If you’re travelling a lot for the holidays, try incorporating
games like “I Spy”. For example, “I spy with my little eye,
something that begins with the letter G.” You can also play
word games where you name as many things you see on the
road that start with one letter, starting off with a few examples
such as “tree” and “track” and asking them to fi nd more.
Another great way to make reading enjoyable is to create
a special reading break time. Cozy up someplace warm with
some hot cocoa, snacks, and your favorite stories. Not only
does this show your kids that reading can be relaxing, it’s a
great time to bond with them and create lasting memories. If
things are too hectic during the day, try creating a bedtime story
ritual instead.
Every family has their own classic books, but here are some
holiday themed stories that would make great additions:
I
by Angela Medearis
e
m il y S
gmhtoday.com
855 Moro Drive
Gilroy
gokids.org
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