tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-65638411268260291532024-03-12T18:03:44.705-07:00Partnership for Children of Lincoln and Gaston CountiesOur mission is to lead, advocate and collaborate with others to ensure the well-being of children, ages birth to five.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18108565799484251333noreply@blogger.comBlogger7125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6563841126826029153.post-46694355144632000002017-10-02T09:50:00.000-07:002017-10-02T09:50:27.984-07:00Partnership Recognizes Retiring Board Members and Key Players in the CommunityAt recent Board Meetings, the Board of Directors of the Partnership for Children of Lincoln and<br />
Gaston Counties (Partnership) recognized retiring Board members Tammy Kane, Joe Dixon and Bill Gross. Chair Sarah Miller and Vice Chair Wanda Wyont presented each with a plaque noting the Partnership’s sincere appreciation for their years of leadership and service as a member of the Board.<br />
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Left to Right, Michael Linker, Sarah Miller, Tammy Kane and Rosalind Richardson</div>
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Left to Right, Michael Linker and Joe Dixon </div>
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Left to Right, Michael Linker and William Gross </div>
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Barbara Voorhees (former Executive Director) and Laura Lineberger (current Executive Director) of the Carrie E. and Lena V. Glenn Foundation were also recognized and thanked for the Foundation’s generous $10,000 grant in support of the Partnership’s early literacy <a href="http://pfclg.com/index.php/services/family-engagement/reach-out-and-read" target="_blank">Reach Out and Read®</a> Program (ROR). ROR is a nationally recognized program with evidence-based research for promoting pre-literacy and language development skills in young children. The Partnership collaborates with physicians serving young children in Gaston County who incorporate ROR into their standard practice of care by reading to and providing an age-appropriate free book for children as part of their “well child” visit.<br />
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Left to Right, Laura Lineberger and Barbara Voorhees</div>
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Additional special guests recognized included Nocona Brittain, Economic Support Services Supervisor-Child Care with the Gaston County Department of Health and Human Services, and Michelle Miller, Child Day Care Subsidy Program Supervisor with the Lincoln County Department of Social Services. Ms. Brittain and Ms. Miller were recognized for their leadership in assisting the Partnership in meeting a key cash/in-kind funding match required by the State’s Legislature. Mr. Ernest Sumner, Executive Director of the Community Foundation of Gaston County was also recognized at the office of the Partnership for Children for their generous contribution and continued support.<br />
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Left to Right, Michelle Miller, Nocona Brittian, and Wanda Whetstine</div>
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Left to right, Michael Linker, Ernest Sumner and Rosalind Richardson</div>
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<a href="http://pfclg.org/" target="_blank">Click here</a> for more information about the Partnership for Children of Lincoln & Gaston Counties.</div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18108565799484251333noreply@blogger.comDallas, NC, USA35.3165257 -81.17618949999996435.2646992 -81.256870499999962 35.3683522 -81.095508499999966tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6563841126826029153.post-86598493724038527062017-06-21T15:13:00.000-07:002017-06-22T08:45:57.419-07:00Summer Books for Preschoolers<i>By: Chrissie McGovern, Gaston County Public Library - Dallas Branch; Collaborative Summer Library Program (CSLP). <a href="http://www.gastonlibrary.org/" target="_blank">www.gastonlibrary.org</a></i><br />
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Summer is a great time to share books with young children. Here are some great summer reads for preschoolers that you can find at the <a href="http://gastonlibrary.org/" target="_blank">Gaston County Public Library</a>!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglgedRZz0AR1nCYsvaFq7iwrC1DntLJSimyIA4GIy5WQDWiktNAWdU2PIvxRP9o67T_kkKap7uCfzhsRiplyoZiYkrsruomGy90gef9pJkZlhb4DLTREtcFLYWtMb6yzvapt0aCUYg_uo/s1600/1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="156" data-original-width="200" height="156" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglgedRZz0AR1nCYsvaFq7iwrC1DntLJSimyIA4GIy5WQDWiktNAWdU2PIvxRP9o67T_kkKap7uCfzhsRiplyoZiYkrsruomGy90gef9pJkZlhb4DLTREtcFLYWtMb6yzvapt0aCUYg_uo/s200/1.jpg" width="200" /></a><b>At the Beach by Anne Rockwell</b><br />
A young girl enjoys a day at the beach building a sandcastle, collecting sea shells, and more!<br />
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<b>The Watermelon Seed by Greg Pizzoli</b><br />
A watermelon-loving crocodile accidentally swallows a watermelon seed. Will he grow a watermelon in his tummy?<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBWLwSqfA3aLd2rvKV5_OZxTPi_KdAjO2JXdUnlCitr6GLDwRaIb5A-LASr5R5AxKwhidcuXmgm-TS3D13V2Z4VoC1UJ23kioiuF1Vm4CC6zsk-e7ezyf6NZs3qcA1UxujKQ9W9bf9QcQ/s1600/3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="200" data-original-width="200" height="199" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBWLwSqfA3aLd2rvKV5_OZxTPi_KdAjO2JXdUnlCitr6GLDwRaIb5A-LASr5R5AxKwhidcuXmgm-TS3D13V2Z4VoC1UJ23kioiuF1Vm4CC6zsk-e7ezyf6NZs3qcA1UxujKQ9W9bf9QcQ/s200/3.jpg" width="200" /></a><br />
<b>I’m the Biggest Thing in the Ocean by Kevin Sherry</b><br />
A giant squid encounters other ocean animals and claims he is the biggest thing in the ocean…..until he meets a whale!<br />
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<b>Camping Day by Patricia Lakin</b><br />
Sam, Pam, Will and Jill are a bunch of crocodile friends who encounter getting lost, a bees’ nest, and bad weather while on their camping trip. Will they have fun after all?<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAVSEbiTHka1gHA_lQmhdrN_ngOoCvWZj5wG3gkIPZ2U9zlC-BrtsEosQ0T7PaxoHYnFbdezJUFp9ebX6bMzd0d8u_rN7eMMUYQ64Hz2bDBQfLdVLI3sfS2dZDCR3eJQpn01Z308itdAU/s1600/5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="200" data-original-width="198" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAVSEbiTHka1gHA_lQmhdrN_ngOoCvWZj5wG3gkIPZ2U9zlC-BrtsEosQ0T7PaxoHYnFbdezJUFp9ebX6bMzd0d8u_rN7eMMUYQ64Hz2bDBQfLdVLI3sfS2dZDCR3eJQpn01Z308itdAU/s1600/5.jpg" /></a><b>Penguin on Vacation by Salina Yoon</b><br />
Penguin is getting tired of all of the snow where he lives and decides to go on a tropical vacation. He meets a new friend on his trip.<br />
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<b>Summer Days and Nights by Wong Herbert Yee</b><br />
A little girl finds different ways to entertain herself on a hot summer day. She has a picnic, chases a butterfly and enjoys sipping cool lemonade.<br />
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<b>Ten Flashing Fireflies by Philemon Sturges</b><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg95zZlH2rjt26Vv1uWHvmNIHYol7bcjbXRDInXew1GW4dEQGWovwtFVBNpd47Pd362OOVaJAoIhmxWvUTzErzqXHzg38ppqJRnmvngCn-jcqma40F7CAd9rgfnExH6dyCq0tkMcYPHc2E/s1600/8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="192" data-original-width="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg95zZlH2rjt26Vv1uWHvmNIHYol7bcjbXRDInXew1GW4dEQGWovwtFVBNpd47Pd362OOVaJAoIhmxWvUTzErzqXHzg38ppqJRnmvngCn-jcqma40F7CAd9rgfnExH6dyCq0tkMcYPHc2E/s1600/8.jpg" /></a>Two children catch fireflies on a summer night, putting them one by one into a jar until all ten are caught, and then they let them out to watch all ten fly away.<br />
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<b>Mama, is it Summer Yet? By Nikki McClure</b><br />
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A little boy asks his mother, “Mama, is it summer yet?” She encourages him to enjoy the beaty of spring while recognizing the signs that the seasons are changing.</div>
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<b>Higher, Higher by Leslie Patricelli</b></div>
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A little girl pleads with her father to push to new heights on the swing while at the park one day. Children will identify with the everyday pastime of swing higher.</div>
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<b>Turtle Splash: Countdown at the Pond by Cathryn Falwell</b></div>
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Ten turtles splash into the pond one by one. This is a colorful countdown that every child can be a part of!<br />
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<i>Special thanks to Chrissie McGovern with the Gaston County Public Library - Dallas Branch for sharing this list of summer books with us. Check out these books and more at the Gaston County Public Library or visit them online at <a href="http://www.gastonlibrary.org/" target="_blank">www.gastonlibrary.org</a>.</i><br />
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<i>The Partnership for Children of Lincoln & Gaston Counties is a nonprofit organization that provides services, advocates and collaborates with others to insure the well-being of children, ages birth to five, so they can reach their health, developmental, and educational potential. Learn more about the Partnership at <a href="http://www.pfclg.org/" target="_blank">www.pfclg.org</a>.</i></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18108565799484251333noreply@blogger.comGastonia, NC, USA35.262082 -81.18730049999999235.054573 -81.510023999999987 35.469591 -80.864577tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6563841126826029153.post-5988676457879542532017-05-12T10:18:00.000-07:002017-05-12T10:22:34.852-07:00The Power of Reading Aloud<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyx_054ycNt-gQCzIuXuu1Coc1U8o6DYFEBiYuMi7eiceZnDkJml8yhme7RmZA_b22Ymlb487UaZdX6k9jWYgGNbxOtGNqrmnyOKZhEw-QUxV-jl-XR_oFAxjqRZrtdpFroI0D3-8dWfE/s1600/IMG_1662.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyx_054ycNt-gQCzIuXuu1Coc1U8o6DYFEBiYuMi7eiceZnDkJml8yhme7RmZA_b22Ymlb487UaZdX6k9jWYgGNbxOtGNqrmnyOKZhEw-QUxV-jl-XR_oFAxjqRZrtdpFroI0D3-8dWfE/s400/IMG_1662.JPG" width="400" /></a>Earlier this month, our Public Information Coordinator Tabitha Whetstine transformed into Super Girl and set out on a mission to read aloud to the children at several child care centers in our community! </div>
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Tabitha read “Mother Bruce” by Ryan T. Higgins, “Clifford the Firehouse Dog” by Norman Bridwell and “Doc McStuffins Doctor’s Helper” by Sheila Sweeny Higginson.</div>
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By reading aloud to the young children at the child care centers, Tabitha exposed them to more words, sparked their curiosity, and gave them more reasons to love books! In fact, reading aloud to young children promotes language development and early literacy skills, such as word sound awareness, understanding how stories work, recognition of sounds and letters, knowledge of a wide range of vocabulary and the ability to listen. </div>
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<b>All of these skills are essential as children start school and learn to read. </b></div>
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<a href="http://pfclg.org/services/family-engagement/reach-out-and-read" target="_blank">Click here</a> to learn about the benefits of reading aloud and to download free reading resources for parents and educators. </div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18108565799484251333noreply@blogger.comDallas, NC, USA35.3165257 -81.17618949999996435.2646992 -81.256870499999962 35.3683522 -81.095508499999966tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6563841126826029153.post-39440999599682029542017-04-04T14:07:00.000-07:002017-04-04T14:07:27.443-07:009 Children's Books to Read Aloud This SpringDid you know that children who are introduced to reading early on tend to read earlier and excel in school compared to children who are not exposed to language and books at a young age? Since it's never too late to make reading aloud a daily routine with your child, we've compiled a list of our favorite spring-themed children's books that your children are sure to love!<br />
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<b>I See Spring by Charles Ghigna (Ages 2-5)</b></div>
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<b>Rooting for You by Susan Hood (Ages 2-5)</b></div>
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<b>Caterpillar Spring, Butterfly Summer by Susan Hood (Ages 2-6)</b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiotGBiPH0rOGpzyfZYIVNyeWBAxlhUIE-itWH1Uc52c-Qt9wQbFJ-MJByw0VqFkmZYwUNUBr-Jd4KttPZd2CW4XWCZ4-0EGVHbfIXsxeWZJgtixrt6nDxnxkOJ4uOJPTz_Q5XCN-NZQIc/s1600/4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiotGBiPH0rOGpzyfZYIVNyeWBAxlhUIE-itWH1Uc52c-Qt9wQbFJ-MJByw0VqFkmZYwUNUBr-Jd4KttPZd2CW4XWCZ4-0EGVHbfIXsxeWZJgtixrt6nDxnxkOJ4uOJPTz_Q5XCN-NZQIc/s1600/4.jpg" /></a></div>
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<b>Hurray for Spring by Patricia Hubbell (Ages 3-5) </b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ26oTY4x9Yx3d0bZrM7pwTgbCpL1mpQe5aku0nzaXyFoDvoGY6NG2WivxwdI157HyDu0X5NsIqo9AUwB7QQmOURGLGtVs_SaInMFyTzVpqXx6H4SJkIdTZK1KMRvHMca45RRaMy8TlSI/s1600/5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ26oTY4x9Yx3d0bZrM7pwTgbCpL1mpQe5aku0nzaXyFoDvoGY6NG2WivxwdI157HyDu0X5NsIqo9AUwB7QQmOURGLGtVs_SaInMFyTzVpqXx6H4SJkIdTZK1KMRvHMca45RRaMy8TlSI/s1600/5.jpg" /></a></div>
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<b>Olaf Welcomes Spring by Brittany Rubiano (Ages 3-5) </b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2SoZ7xfSARvL3VGoAjlz2k0XO6EU4ZcDPhsrl3wo5T4Wyd3-0uhOzhgwJtpZLpW70-JEDVtiHqHTs9wBs3ffNRSemaMC5pLITDjRf0N3emVG6elfMxTJZbdg3jnJKAgApDR8qWNpfnJM/s1600/6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2SoZ7xfSARvL3VGoAjlz2k0XO6EU4ZcDPhsrl3wo5T4Wyd3-0uhOzhgwJtpZLpW70-JEDVtiHqHTs9wBs3ffNRSemaMC5pLITDjRf0N3emVG6elfMxTJZbdg3jnJKAgApDR8qWNpfnJM/s200/6.jpg" width="171" /></a></div>
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<b>Fran’s Flower by Lisa Bruce (Ages 3-7) </b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDOQbAeG3buMNFnljkpFR1iTim51ov_2MDjV9fNSOyBPxiSZDrXMigxU1DiQUYNYN55TSUrxUnRbvfs54vxGbDYBvLIW9PODGXMyHIKkT8uaGYgeEA81xLJ9vPTo8Hn7ymzQtRAprz1QM/s1600/7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDOQbAeG3buMNFnljkpFR1iTim51ov_2MDjV9fNSOyBPxiSZDrXMigxU1DiQUYNYN55TSUrxUnRbvfs54vxGbDYBvLIW9PODGXMyHIKkT8uaGYgeEA81xLJ9vPTo8Hn7ymzQtRAprz1QM/s1600/7.jpg" /></a></div>
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<b>And Then It’s Spring by Julie Fogliano (Ages 4-7) </b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-6mS77tpd6rEkMHhivWbFlnl3hYXea3iYd39J2DLS2pciD3aEtRsStcsc8oZcNfH0GDIc9zx2muaFTpCGwbfPG9W9HuZKggUnhb49qzSzudlkwGO5FvsKbpLbuwM2Sz3wRNsB6jDvfjM/s1600/8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-6mS77tpd6rEkMHhivWbFlnl3hYXea3iYd39J2DLS2pciD3aEtRsStcsc8oZcNfH0GDIc9zx2muaFTpCGwbfPG9W9HuZKggUnhb49qzSzudlkwGO5FvsKbpLbuwM2Sz3wRNsB6jDvfjM/s1600/8.jpg" /></a></div>
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<b>When Spring Comes by Kevin Henkes (Ages 4-8) </b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAifL6p1MixFRfVeQBpiYfGvwLFN3gIoODhXfRHrOmnClMDovC34aHFng-z8IjI4yFyD694geycFzlJjHO5OyhFJ6tX5gRyhriyHlBRIoFCz1Smv0ogD7cw4wvVstozCUqBoFk8YZrFHI/s1600/9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAifL6p1MixFRfVeQBpiYfGvwLFN3gIoODhXfRHrOmnClMDovC34aHFng-z8IjI4yFyD694geycFzlJjHO5OyhFJ6tX5gRyhriyHlBRIoFCz1Smv0ogD7cw4wvVstozCUqBoFk8YZrFHI/s1600/9.jpg" /></a></div>
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<b>Come Along Daisy! by Jane Simmons (Ages 5-8) </b></div>
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<a href="http://pfclg.org/services/family-engagement/reach-out-and-read" target="_blank">Click here</a> to learn more about the benefits of reading aloud. </div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18108565799484251333noreply@blogger.comDallas, NC, USA35.3165257 -81.17618949999996435.2646992 -81.256870499999962 35.3683522 -81.095508499999966tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6563841126826029153.post-87366871534888787342016-09-29T14:15:00.000-07:002016-09-29T14:15:52.325-07:007 Kids Books to Read This FallThe leaves are slowly starting to transform into their beautiful red, yellow and orange colors, which can only mean one thing: fall has officially arrived! The shorter days and cooler nights will give you and your child plenty of time to cuddle up and enjoy books together. Whether you’re outside enjoying some fresh air or curled up together on the couch, your kids will love hearing these stories all autumn long.<br />
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT57-Uo6QzHuni6_PAlO2SOXauMRxzjUdKPC2Pfz4U_VBQW19AgUEgdwxn2OsyzXX9kFYo8E123EQoYPemo6_PwjZjuj0CT9VNI6Mkhk3xCavFcFodwMku9ZZaD_h7rVen5R17ds_U7tU/s1600/1.png" /></div>
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<b>“Duck & Goose Find a Pumpkin” by Tad Hill (ages 1-2)</b></div>
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUTHVEOBAVFfnV5sG1UrB0uqIXNnIsHCEbaGb_nDBlEpZUMGHwbv-oOO5k-7iYe-T6dUDP1Eb5SBu1O7SZFrgovvoU9phaWcJ5dgN3k9Yy4erhUzlTB_V5uNzlpZ1nYHL2O7LXm1GMXTk/s1600/2.png" /></div>
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<b>“Where is Baby’s Pumpkin” by Karen Katz (ages 1-4)</b></div>
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJpB2ZWOSN2zylBtNtz97t-Tb69Jp4f3jqjCjdMB5x8aQOWLxE2EmR_hLtnM4Qsp4lnOuOr16ecvmiU58M9Lhf3NnTr08Ft1pj3oOVa-RAFzB-D82kQwPNmrr4o_5ptISBX4cVuNyJvYU/s1600/3.png" /></div>
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<b>“Berenstain Bears & the Spooky Old Tree” by Jan Berenstain (ages 2-5)</b></div>
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJp37prc9Dvc4fmqW5xrqnEkndzn2ARl052wSlbw_lAST8lYFhB5A6oENt6asRM7HcdJcIJQzQmOv9420AaLu8SEhkzyan5D7xp2GpmPH8meBS4aFjynlmnOu24hqE76x2QEqvrmla8Ac/s1600/4.png" /></div>
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<b>“Leaf Man” by Lois Ehlert (ages 3-7)</b></div>
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHPIPVSF3hrpJSpQ2iq5O-ZIIxUorzZ4TDeBx6ll486dTcAsed10roy6m0vXDCRnl6yMS1wNCCwNEDD4pxpoSv0CXVIxV2dApqaGj5B7dhyVHrO1fDxh2y4V0c5IlKujeg9XeTJgkFVSE/s1600/5.png" /></div>
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<b>“How Many Seeds in a Pumpkin” by Margaret McNamara (ages 3-7)</b></div>
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghNwaUmvRz-V9CA-pGAoZMrQrMq8VXaB5dIdYSbMhpEhjwssf_7REQ1BJ1WrC5Ee3FQKqF_i7MOJ8K6fDUk-Dzt5JrpI629biMpobukehh3rBSW5EIrK1Xh2L1LXUKZggYk4YWHZ8ADfg/s1600/6.png" /></div>
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<b>“The Little Old Lady Who Was Not Afraid of Anything” by Linda Williams (ages 4-8)</b></div>
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1R4bQ3qZ03SCwGe7LHlZVjVcV2-nxwDNlVML7JO999xlV6dSEIN0DLM9c4YMvdv3swhFlreWBAHfmyLx-ERoJ6slK7nRh4HDkidYKAiATpn6KmSPJtGhyphenhyphenpXKjeaIaYcRVMT5tynAW3Pg/s1600/7.png" /></div>
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<b>“Fletcher and the Falling Leaves” by Julia Rawlinson (ages 4-8)</b></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18108565799484251333noreply@blogger.comDallas, NC, USA35.3165257 -81.17618949999996435.2646992 -81.256870499999962 35.3683522 -81.095508499999966tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6563841126826029153.post-34735707904668615982016-09-01T08:39:00.000-07:002016-09-01T08:39:26.394-07:00It's never too early to start reading aloud!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj4IUtpK5Ji7Pm3UEvQc0yQkdJ_DUSs35P6-VP6xAU2y97sGRm49SYEjlR7haDZf4fwfn4iivYPArx9BIpceD3V8fNX6Xn-KBus6KUuhN3bnNPCx5BSruTDfcIydNW136fbkkSPGiMgKE/s1600/HungryCaterpillar.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj4IUtpK5Ji7Pm3UEvQc0yQkdJ_DUSs35P6-VP6xAU2y97sGRm49SYEjlR7haDZf4fwfn4iivYPArx9BIpceD3V8fNX6Xn-KBus6KUuhN3bnNPCx5BSruTDfcIydNW136fbkkSPGiMgKE/s320/HungryCaterpillar.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
The first five years of life offer a critical window for learning, with rapid brain development that does not occur at any other time. When you read to your child every day during this time period, you are exposing them to more words and helping them develop the basic literacy skills they need to succeed in kindergarten and beyond. Luckily, there is an abundance of books available for you to choose from. Here are a few of our favorites:<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE1bvn0fbmw_E0kxs5668DnlMwk6V9v0qLmKh9YC-9sfmn1-ZqR41X-sHe1RcguooS-C-KaDRn-fceML_Ib_9vCNhF_uwlgeAAGuPi194mwAN-3h73Hrp2S20LtCvuqKhuU89VmS94wsM/s1600/Toy+Boat+by+Randall+de+Seve+and+Loren+Long.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><b></b></a><br />
<ul><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE1bvn0fbmw_E0kxs5668DnlMwk6V9v0qLmKh9YC-9sfmn1-ZqR41X-sHe1RcguooS-C-KaDRn-fceML_Ib_9vCNhF_uwlgeAAGuPi194mwAN-3h73Hrp2S20LtCvuqKhuU89VmS94wsM/s1600/Toy+Boat+by+Randall+de+Seve+and+Loren+Long.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE1bvn0fbmw_E0kxs5668DnlMwk6V9v0qLmKh9YC-9sfmn1-ZqR41X-sHe1RcguooS-C-KaDRn-fceML_Ib_9vCNhF_uwlgeAAGuPi194mwAN-3h73Hrp2S20LtCvuqKhuU89VmS94wsM/s200/Toy+Boat+by+Randall+de+Seve+and+Loren+Long.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxo7RPjuDhLoE25MKJrWsVZnMS8G84M5WuLZugbNKK0qRcs9jBq9bcH2kYw-GvK89sx_YWrNvl-o3BJZ5RovjXeyuDGaBlXqPRtvxfDMoD955y_4uMkBRicoz9H8_3WRAfZi1_5rweFpM/s1600/563148.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxo7RPjuDhLoE25MKJrWsVZnMS8G84M5WuLZugbNKK0qRcs9jBq9bcH2kYw-GvK89sx_YWrNvl-o3BJZ5RovjXeyuDGaBlXqPRtvxfDMoD955y_4uMkBRicoz9H8_3WRAfZi1_5rweFpM/s200/563148.jpg" width="183" /></a>
<li><b>Toy Boat</b> by Randall de Seve/Loren Long</li>
<li><b>Owl Moon </b>by Jane Yolen</li>
<li><b>Love You Forever </b>by Robert Munsch</li>
<li><b>Do Unto Otters</b> by Laurie Keller</li>
<li><b>Stand Tall Molly Lou Melon</b> by Patty Lovell & David Caltrow</li>
<li><b>Goodnight Moon</b> by Margaret Wise Brown & Clement Hurd</li>
<li><b>The Very Hungry Caterpillar </b>by Eric Carle</li>
<li><b>The Going to Bed Book</b> by Sandra Boynton</li>
<li><b>The Rainbow Fish</b> by Marcus Pfister</li>
<li><b>Go, Dog, Go!</b> By Dr. Seuss</li>
<li><b>Chicka Chicka Boom Boom </b>by Bill Martin Jr.</li>
<li><b>We’re Going on a Bear Hunt </b>by Michael Rosen</li>
<li><b>Clip Clop</b> by Nicola Smee</li>
<li><b>Goodnight, Goodnight, Construction Site</b> by Sherri Duskey Rinker</li>
<li><b>Where’s Spot</b> by Eric Hill</li>
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<a href="http://www.reachoutandread.org/choosing-books-for-children/" target="_blank">Click here</a> to learn more about choosing books for children.</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18108565799484251333noreply@blogger.comGastonia, NC, USA35.262082 -81.18730049999999235.054573 -81.510023999999987 35.469591 -80.864577tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6563841126826029153.post-27076649756130524042016-08-09T07:15:00.000-07:002016-08-09T07:15:19.711-07:00Vaccinations: Protecting Your Child’s Health<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://www.nphic.org/niam" target="_blank">National Immunization Awareness Month</a> is celebrated throughout the month of August by raising awareness about the importance of immunizations for children and adults of all ages. As the new school year quickly approaches, it’s important for parents to check their child’s immunization records and make sure they are up to date. Taking care of this before the new school year begins will help parents save money and time in the long run.<br />
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<br /><b>Why Does Your Child Need Vaccinations? </b></h3>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYhBLVMn9Dg2ifDV0oGT9UQzt5qdiFypcxjFd5f9YHkYZRuXu-5PbZdgwQL5KMFYAQA9wu40s96YASKW2TB7Jxqv3RehH1WQ0sBUWOHHH8UrY6IPsx85Hl_ldnYoyQ-iZJ1kUUYTclGNU/s1600/instagram_children.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYhBLVMn9Dg2ifDV0oGT9UQzt5qdiFypcxjFd5f9YHkYZRuXu-5PbZdgwQL5KMFYAQA9wu40s96YASKW2TB7Jxqv3RehH1WQ0sBUWOHHH8UrY6IPsx85Hl_ldnYoyQ-iZJ1kUUYTclGNU/s320/instagram_children.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
Child care facilities, preschool programs and schools are prone to outbreaks of infectious diseases, such as measles, whooping cough, chicken pox and the flu. When children are not vaccinated, they are at increased risk for disease and can easily spread sickness to others in their play groups, child care centers, classrooms and communities. Babies who are too young to be fully vaccinated and people with weakened immune systems due to cancer and other health conditions can easily catch infectious diseases that are spread by unvaccinated children.<br />
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Getting your child vaccinated according to the recommended <a href="http://www.immunize.nc.gov/schools/schools.htm" target="_blank">immunization schedule</a> is one of the most important things a parent can do to protect their child’s health. By age 2, babies will be protected from 14 serious and life-threatening diseases. <br />
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<b>Immunization Resources for Parents</b></h3>
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Parents can keep their children up to date on their vaccinations by visiting their family healthcare provider or using resources provided by their health department. If you reside in Gaston County or Lincoln County, North Carolina you may be eligible for free vaccination programs offered in both counties. <br />
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<b>Gaston County Health and Human Services</b> offers immunization services on a walk-in basis from 8am-4pm, Monday-Friday. Appointments may also be scheduled by calling (704) 853-5009. Some vaccines are free for children who are eligible for the Vaccines for Children (VFC) program. <a href="http://www.gastongov.com/departments/health-and-human-services/public-health-division/clinics#GeneralClinicImmunizations" target="_blank">Click here to learn more.</a><br />
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<b>Lincoln County Health Department</b> offers routine vaccinations to children ages 0-5 years old who are eligible for their Vaccine for Children (VFC) program. <a href="http://www.lincolncounty.org/index.aspx?NID=178" target="_blank">Visit their website for a full list of immunization services. </a><br />
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<a href="https://www.nphic.org/niam-babies" target="_blank">Source: NAIM Communication Toolkit: Babies & Young Children</a><br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18108565799484251333noreply@blogger.comDallas, NC, USA35.3165257 -81.17618949999996435.2646992 -81.256870499999962 35.3683522 -81.095508499999966