Read Jean Todesca's column in the January 4, 2018 edition of the Norwood Transcript and Bulletin. Jean is the Head of Children's Services at the Morrill Memorial Library.
The beginning of a new year brings resolutions. Losing weight, learning a new skill, donating
time, we’ve all made them. The thought
of resolution makes me reflect on the many transitions in life that we all go
through. Whether a welcomed transition
or an unwelcomed change, we all need to adjust and grow.
This past year 2017 has been a transition year for
my family. We celebrated my daughter’s
wedding in May as well as my nephew’s wedding a week later. My husband and I traveled to Los Angeles to
celebrate Thanksgiving with my son’s future in-laws. The trip was a major change since I’ve been
hosting Thanksgiving at my home for the last 20 years. My husband retired in April from a demanding
position and is changing his focus in life.
Read Jean Todesca's column in the January 19, 2017 edition of the Norwood Transcript and Bulletin. Jean is the Head of Children's Services at the Morrill Memorial Library.
It had only been a month since my two year old brother Paul had died as I padded down the stairs for my daily evening cry in my parents arms. Paul and I were best buddies. Since I was the big girl of the family, a fourth grader, I was often given the responsibility of watching him. We would hang out on my parent’s bed. Paul would giggle in hysterics as I bounced the bed below him. Paul was born with disabilities. He was two years and hadn’t learned how to sit up. Often he would have seizures that frightened me and my siblings. Having four germy older brothers and sisters would unfortunately cause the pneumonia that took his life.
Read Jean Todesca's column in the April 28, 2016 edition of the Norwood Transcript and Bulletin. Jean is the Head of Children's Services at the Morrill Memorial Library.
We’re
so excited! The MBLC Preschool STEAM
Grant has given the Children’s Department the chance to flex its creative
muscles. STEAM stands for Science,
Technology, Engineering, Art and Mathematics.
Since November, we have provided many opportunities to examine these
subjects. Now nature is our upcoming
point of interest!
Our
next adventure is three storytimes to be held at Moose Hill Wildlife Sanctuary
in Sharon. We are taking our programming
outside the library walls! On Wednesday,
May 11, 18 and 25, our young patrons ages 3-6 will have the opportunity to
learn about frogs, butterflies, and songbirds.
Patti Austin will guide through the activity.
“Touch
& Feel” of specimens, stories, and a nature walk will round out the
programs. We are hoping to see some
frogs! The sanctuary provides natural
items for the children to examine. We
ask the adults to expand the child’s experience by using the K-W-L
Strategy. Before you arrive, ask the
child-“What do you know about frogs?”
After they respond, ask-“What do you want to learn about frogs?” Finally, after the event, ask-“What did you
learn about frogs?’ These conversations
will enhance the child’s observation skills as well as create a fun family
discussion and shared experience.
Our Moose Hill
Wildlife Sanctuary programs will illustrate that reading and learning can
expand outside of the brick and mortar buildings. The library isn’t just for books anymore!
If
you and your preschooler would like to join us, email norchild@minlib.net. Space is limited and you must provide your
own transportation. We are planning on
beautiful weather, but as New Englanders we never know. So, dress for the weather.
The
Children’s Department is happy to provide these unique experiences. So, see you there!
Read Jean Todesca's column in the December 3, 2015 edition of the Norwood Transcript and Bulletin. Jean is the Head of Children's Services at the Morrill Memorial Library.
What
is it? NYRA is the Norwood Young Readers
Awards. Every year 4th and 5th
grade students in the Norwood Public Schools participate in this reading
event. From November 1st
until the end of January, students are encouraged to read from a list of
preselected by the public school librarians.
There are twelve titles to choose from.
Each student who reads four books has the opportunity to vote for the
book that they felt was the best. The
winning title is awarded the Norwood Young Reader’s Award.
Read Jean Todesca's column in the February 20, 2015 edition of the Norwood Transcript and Bulletin. Jean is the Head of Children's Services at the Morrill Memorial Library.
Let’s just say, I live in the woods. Although my home is 17 miles southwest of Boston, you would think I lived in the Maine wilderness. Day to day, I forget the large amount of wildlife that surrounds me. With the current snowstorms that we have experienced, there are reminders everywhere. The many paths the deer created through the snow. The tiny white footprints impressions placed all over my driveway. The mounded tunnels running across the ground.
When my children were young, we identified many animal tracks using library books. We’ve seen deer, squirrel, opossum prints and many more. We watched tunnels develop that were created by voles and squirrels.
Animal tracking is a great outdoor activity for both adults and children. The Children’s Department has books to guide in the identification process. “Who Was Here? Discovering Wild Animal Tracks” by Mia Posada and “Wild Trackers! A Guide to Natures Footprints” by Jim Arnosky are nonfiction titles. “Who’s Been Here? A Tale in Tracks” by Fran Hodgkins and “Tracks in the Snow” by Wong Herbert Yee are picture book titles that will introduce the experience of tracking in story form.
As the animal population changed, I’ve returned to books to help identify coyote and fisher cat prints. As this snowy winter wears on, try animal tracking. You’ll never know what you might find in the “wilds” of Norwood.
Read Jean Todesca's column in the January 22, 2015 edition of the Norwood Transcript and Bulletin. Jean is the Head of Children's Services at the Morrill Memorial Library.
Oh No! The days are shorter and winter’s cold has settled in. The kids are getting
restless and cranky. It’s time to find cures for “Cabin Fever”. Bundling up everyone and getting some outside activity is an answer, but some days it’s too too cold.
Cure 1. Let’s get moving! The library offers books and DVDs to enhance your fun. The
DVDs; “Yogakids” and “Barney. Shake Your Dino Tail!” will get them exercising. “Llama Hoppity Hop”, “From Head to Toe” and Doreen Cronin’s titles “Bounce” and “Stretch” are books you can move to.
Cure 2. How about cooking? You can eat like a super hero with “The Official DC Super Hero Cookbook” or enjoy cupcakes from the “Pinkalicious Cupcake Cookbook”. Why not travel the USA with “The United States Cookbook:Fabulous Foods & Fascinating Facts From All 50
Cure 3. Get crafty! The Children’s Department offers books covering sewing, papercrafts, knitting and more. Kids can recycle egg cartons, milk jugs, and cardboard tubes. Titles
like “Fun Things to Do with Egg Cartons” and “Fun Things to Do With Milk Jugs” have fun
ideas. Budding artist will find titles to enhance their skills. Titles include “Oil Paints” by Mari
Bolte and “365 Things to Draw & Paint” by Fiona Watt.
Cure 4. Learn a new game. The library offers many books that contain instructions for
Chess, Minecraft, Checkers, and more.
Cure 5. Just sink into a good book. Librarians are here to assist in finding the perfect
book to curl up with on a cold winters day.
So, bundle up, stay warm and use the library to help you enjoy our winter season.
Read Jean Todesca's column in the July 31, 2014 edition of the Norwood Transcript and Bulletin. Jean is the Head of Children's Services at the Morrill Memorial Library.
As
children’s librarians, we are often faced with the screen time question. What is too much? Should babies and young children be allowed
screen time? We are often challenged over
the use of iPad and computers. We are
currently developing a storytime that incorporates the use of iPad and
apps. As we move forward, we understand
some parents will have concerns.
Dr. Dimtri
Christakis, Director of Child Health Behavior & Development at Seattle
Children’s Research Institute states “Screens are purely a delivery
mechanism. What parents should be
focused on is content”. He feels former
statements by the American Academy of Pediatrics are out of date. I agree.
Apps and
games need to be interactive not passive to stimulate and develop the child’s
brain. Recently, I participated in a
class where app reviews were a requirement.
I compared the “Pop-Up Peter Rabbit” storytime app to “The Tale of Peter
Rabbit” app. The pop-up version promoted
exploration within the app while the other version was flat with no interaction. Often when a parent has a young child who
does not want to sit and be read to, I suggest interactive books. Interactive books will draw the child into
the story through the use of flaps, pop-up, touch & feel or repetitive
verse. They are all vehicles to involve
the child in the reading process. Apps
are the same approach, but a different mode of delivery. The child will explore and grow with
activities that call for their response or touch/swipe to control the
activity. Young children can improve
eye/hand coordination, speech & language and conceptual thinking. The library has recently added iPads for
young children’s use. One of the apps
that was loaded on to the iPads is Color Zen Kids. It’s a great example of design to develop
conceptual thinking.
Parents as
well as teachers and librarians must make thoughtful app choices. Some of the best sites for app reviews are
Common Sense Media, Graphite and Google Play for Education.
Like any
other technology or activity, moderation is the key. Screen time can be fun, entertaining and
educational, but only screen time is too much for anyone whether an adult or
child.
Read Jean Todesca's column in the November 22, 2013 edition of the Norwood Transcript and Bulletin. Jean is Children's Librarian at the Morrill Memorial Library.
November 22,
1963, I clearly remember how ecstatic my 3rd grade classmates and I
were when our teacher announced that class was dismissed. Boy that dates me back to the era when
children could just be released from school.
As we skipped and cheered at our new
found freedom, passing Debbie’s house, her mother scolded us, “You should be
ashamed of yourselves on such a sad day!
Jean Todesca is a children's librarian at the Morrill Memorial Library. Read her column in the March 22, 2013 edition of the Norwood Transcript and Bulletin.
“Do you have any Children’s books
about death?” This is one of the many
challenging questions Children’s librarians are faced with. Bibliotherapy also known as Reading Therapy is
the use of books to help guide children through life’s difficult
experiences. Bibliotherapy is designed
to provide information and insight, stimulate discussion and offer realistic
solutions to problems. Children learn
that there are other people who share similar problems.
Jean Todesca is a children's librarian at the Morrill Memorial Library. Read her column in the August 10, 2012 edition of the Norwood Transcript and Bulletin.
An Oriental rug carpets the floor of the home's entry way. As I walk with steadfast purpose, my thoughts are drawn to earlier years when Frank and I would enjoy quick witted banter. We'd joke and solve the world's problems while playing a mean game of cribbage. Often in a fit of laughter, I tried not to inhale crumbs while snacking on our usual fair of crackers and sharp cheddar cheese.
Peek inside and you will see the gift of entertainment. The library offers books, movies, and music, but let’s takes a look beyond our materials.
Another surprise tucked behind each desk is the gift of friendship. We, the library staff members forge strong bonds with our patrons. We celebrate the arrival of a new baby and watch our young patrons grow. We enjoy wedding photos and lend a gentle ear through illness and death.
The library presents you with the gift of community. At our Children’s programs, parents, caregivers and kids get the chance to meet and develop friendships. Over the years, I’ve seen high school students who met at storytime still hanging out together. The library offers the First Thursday Book Club where patrons engage in lively discussions and enjoy each other’s company. The Adult Services Department presents lectures and movies where all are invited. Check our website for activities.
The Outreach Department provides you with the gift of belonging. If you are unable to come to the library due to special needs, illness or disability, home delivery can be provided. Please contact the Outreach Department at (781-769-0200).
The final gift that I’d like to present is the education. We provide databases for research including the Boston Globe and Consumer Reports. Are you curious about Norwood? The library houses the Norwood Historical Records. The Literacy Department and its volunteers provide instruction to help people improve their reading, writing and conversational English skills.
So, please come and unwrap your present. You will discover something amazing too!
Jean Todesca is a children's librarian at the Morrill Memorial Library. Read her column in the Norwood Transcript & Bulletin on May 25.
If you ever told me that I would grow up to be a librarian, I would have looked at you cross-eyed. It is still hard for me to believe the profession that I have chosen and how much I love it.
Tomboy, “rough and tumble” and constant motion are the terms I use to describe my younger self. The thought of sitting down and reading seemed like such a waste of time.
My brothers and sisters loved to read and would easily spend as far as I was concerned a “LAZY” afternoon enjoying a good book. Why sit around when there was so much to do and see? I’d be outside riding my bike or throwing a ball. Maybe I’d read a comic book that my brother left on the bathroom floor, but that was the extent of my pleasure reading.
For school assignments, I would choose the shortest and easiest possible book for reports. I still remember I read almost every book in the series, What is a Pig?; What is a Dog?; What is a Cow?. I think they had only 40 pages tops and I was in the 5th grade! If there was an incentive reading chart in the classroom, as long as I had a few stars on it, I felt I had made the proper effort.
This is the background that I bring to my position of Children’s Librarian. Often parents will say their child won’t read and they’re frustrated. I totally understand: My Mom couldn’t get me to read either. There is a twist to this story. As an adult and young adult, I became an avid reader. It happened slowly over time. First with reading in bits and bytes, I read magazines, newspapers and comic books. In time, short stories in magazines caught my interest.
If I enjoyed a short story, I would look to see if the author had other works and soon I was on to novels. I remember reading The Shining by Stephen King on cloudy days while life guarding on the Cape, and being so engrossed that I hoped the weather wouldn’t clear up. So, parents I know it is hard, but do not fret.
Here is my advice for parents. Any reading is OK whether your child is reading magazines, cereal boxes, comics or small books. Always try to find a hook, something that will draw your child’s attention. Often I recommend a high interest graphic novel or comic which comes in a series for example The Adventures of TinTin because the reader always wants the next one. Once your child sees some value in reading, then he or she can be guided to try more complex works. Also, don’t forget nonfiction section, children love to read about real things.
There are many titles designed for casual reading with pictures and captions that will not overwhelm your reluctant reader. Be a positive role model, read for pleasure in front of your children. Just remember we all find our path to reading in many ways and if one thing doesn’t work try something else. Happy Reading! P.S. I’m currently reading 3 books at once. Not bad for a nonreader!
Jean Todesca is a Youth Services Librarian at the Morrill Memorial Library in Norwood. Read Jean's entire column this week in the Norwood Transcript and Bulletin.
Excerpt:
The hectic day is finally winding down.
It’s 9:30, the pizza boxes are piled in the trash. Your 4- and 6-year-old children are finally bathed and in bed after a late Little League game, preceded by a Cub Scout meeting and a quick stop at the school art fair. You’ve just put your feet up when you hear a loud wail coming from your 9-year-old son who is working on his homework. “I need six facts about New Mexico!” he exclaims.
Your first thought is the library, but it’s already closed. You’re just too tired for a random Internet search. If you could only get to an almanac, encyclopedia or fact book, but you can’t!
