If you're in a library, you can try the 'We Recommend' collection for great staff picks. Our Build a Book Bag service may also be of interest. We offer curated lists on our website and access to the NoveList Plus database. You can also find staff picks through our eBook collection.
Kids will work as mechanical engineers as they use the engineering design process to build and test their own candy catapults. They will learn about trajectory, tension, and...
Read more about "Candy Catapult (Ages 5 - 7)"Many children struggle with learning how to read. Some kids can read well but choose not to read. For others, learning disabilities can make reading more challenging.In today's world, kids have the option of many other activities that may keep them busy and distracted from reading. From after school activities and sports to the pull of devices, TV, and video games, reading for fun is often forgotten or avoided. Older kids might think reading is boring since they associate it with technical reading, like worksheets and textbooks in school.There are plenty of things to try that can make reading more interesting and exciting to kids. Here are ten tips to try that might help motivate your infrequent reader:1. Reconsider what counts as reading.There are lots of ways to read, including listening! Audiobooks, radio shows, podcasts, oral stories — including sharing stories of your family and family history — are all great ways to explore literacy outside of written materials.2. Let them choose what they want to read.All reading is good reading. Be open to comics, manga, blogs, graphic novels, short stories, magazines, screenplays, picture books (even for big kids), song lyrics, books of world records and fun facts, profiles of musicians, artists and sports heroes, or gross-out science books. Visit your public library in person and online for a huge selection of reading material. Our expert staff would also be happy to help make recommendations based on your child’s reading preferences.3. Avoid banning what they love to read.From comic books with adult themes to serial tween romances, it’s natural for caregivers to be concerned about the content of their child’s books. But banning what they love can discourage reading. Instead, talk about why you think certain books are offensive and invite them to ask questions. Let your child recommend a book to you so you can read it and discuss the book together. Everyone has different tastes, which is part of the joy of being a reader.Concerned about age-appropriate content? Look for an online booklist curated for your child’s age or interests. You can use the “advanced search” function in your library’s online catalogue to search by collection (i.e. Hindi, Biography), format (i.e. Graphic Novel) and Audience (i.e. teen).4. Let your kids see you enjoy reading.Nearly 60% of kids who are frequent readers have parents who read five to seven days per week, compared to only 15% of kids who are infrequent readers (Kids and Family Reading Report – Scholastic, 2017).5. Read together as a family.Make reading a memorable family event. Set aside regular time for reading, whether as a family or each person reading independently near each other. Children whose parents are involved with them in family literacy activities score ten points higher on standardized reading tests.6. Read in your home language. Children who learn to read in their first language have an easier time learning to read in a second language because they better understand the process of reading.7. Try reading something funny!Read dramatically, use costumes and accents, or read joke books to each other. Have fun when reading aloud together! Try not to focus on their mistakes and simply enjoy the book. These staff-recommended books will help you get your giggle on.8. Relax.When we enjoy something, we want to keep doing it — the same applies to reading. Try to make reading as relaxing as possible at home, especially if reading at school is stressful. Have a special snack or read in a special spot. If there’s a movie adaptation of the book, watch the movie together after you’ve finished the book and decide which you liked better.9. Keep reading sessions short and simple.Research shows that when students believe they can achieve a task, they are much more likely to persevere and overcome challenges. Parents can help build their child’s reading confidence by praising their effort rather than their outcomes. Use affirming language throughout the process to show that you enjoy seeing their efforts. Another strategy is to break reading into smaller parts, even just one paragraph at a time, so that success comes quickly and can be celebrated.10. Find a role model for your reader.Research shows that older boys read less than their female peers. Men that model reading to boys can have a positive influence, especially around a shared interest. Sports statistics, LEGO instructions, musician biographies, etc., all count as reading too!
Read more about "Stories 10 Tips for Motivating Your Infrequent Reader The Kitchen Table Classroom: A Series to Support Learning from Home"Explore the world of animals, important people, and places in easy-to-read articles, images, and videos. You can also solve puzzles while learning fun facts or try out science experiments. World Book Online for Kids is developed expressly for young users.Not sure how to start? Watch the tutorial on Niche Academy: World Book tutorial.
Read more about "Learn about animals, people, and places"Track your progress Find your next great book with Beanstack with personalized reading recommendations sent every week to your inbox. Once you s ign up fo r free , you can track your reading on the physical map or on the app — either way, you’re eligible for all the Ultimate Summer Challenge grand prizes.
Read more about "Track your progress"'\n ', 'Sign up to Beanstack for personalized reading recommendations sent every week to your inbox. You can also track your growing TBR (to be read) pile and reading progress.', 'Not sure how to start? Watch the tutorial in Niche Academy: ', 'Beanstack', '\n '
Read more about "'Find your next great book'"'\n ', 'La Encyclopaedia ofrece actividades prácticas que animarán a los estudiantes a interesarse en la investigación. Una guía de enseñanza, acompañada de temas de discusión y una matriz de evaluación, está disponible para cada actividad.\xa0', 'Explore articles and videos from a variety of topics, learn new words from a visual dictionary, and try fun activities like making your own play dough.', '\n '
Read more about "'World Book Kids Encyclopedia in Spanish'"These books by Indigenous authors celebrate Indigenous identity, language and experience. For Grades 1–6.
Read more about "Indigenous Titles for School-Aged Kids"School-age kids can find books and activities for their reading level in these areas.
Read more about "Questionariums"Mental Health Resources Crisis Counselling Calgary Distress Centre 24-hour crisis counselling conducted over the phone. Eastside Mental Health Community Services (Urgent) Available to support families in crisis over the phone or in person. Hope for Wellness Hotline This resource offers immediate mental health counselling and crisis intervention to all Indigenous peoples across Canada. For kids, teens, and parents Calgary ConnecTeen Phone, text, chat, or find mental health resources for teens and parents. Run by the Calgary Distress Centre. Equipped from CMHA Calgary EQUIPPED offers mental health courses and tools for young adults. It provides an online platform for learning through modules and workbooks. Kids Help Phone Canada Phone, text, chat, or find resources for children and teens looking for mental health support. General Wellness 211 Alberta Information and community resources including mental health and support with basic needs. Dial 2-1-1 to call. 811 Health Link Alberta Provides 24/7 advice from a Registered Nurse. Available in 200 languages. Dial 8-1-1 to call. Awo Taan Healing Lodge Local resource centre provides healing resources guided by the seven sacred teachings, and traditional knowledge. Community Education Service (CES) Provides parents/caregivers and other community members with opportunities to access free, public education sessions on child and youth emotional wellness and health topics. Run by Alberta Health Services Help in Tough Times Links to all support services and wellness resources provided by Alberta Health Services. Steps to Support Created by the United Way and Social Impact Lab, this toolkit is helpful for people who want to learn more about mental health, or support those in need of mental health assistance. General Mental Health Text4Hope A free Alberta Health Service program providing three months of daily Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) based text messages written by mental health therapists. Calgary Counselling Centre Offers counselling for individuals, couples, and families. Access Mental Health A non-urgent service providing information, consultation, and referrals for individuals with addiction and / or mental health concerns. Visit the website or call 403.943.1500. Canadian Mental Health Association Calgary Region Peer Support Speak to someone with lived experience of mental health or substance use concerns. Mental Health Wellness Videos A series of short (one to 2.5 minutes) videos on mental wellness by a doctor from Alberta Health Services on a variety of topics. MoreGoodDays Receive a daily dose of inspiration and advice, straight to your phone via text message. The project was started by a University of Alberta researcher to support mental health during the pandemic.
Read more about "Mental Health Resources Crisis Counselling For kids, teens, and parents General Wellness General Mental Health"Whether you’re looking to help develop your student’s literacy skills or simply foster a lifelong love of books, you’ve come to the right place. Check out our list of free eResources to help your child discover the magic of reading and writing as they learn new things, read about their interests, and follow the adventures of their favourite characters. Use your free Library membership to access these great apps and resources in the Digital Library. No Library card? No problem. Sign up for free online and start using it now. Beanstack Need some help finding great reading material? Beanstack has you covered. Get personalized reading recommendations for every member of the family, sent weekly to your inbox. eReading Room for Kids Visit the eReading Room for Kids to borrow children’s eBooks for free with your Library card. Read or listen to eBooks on your computer or take them with you on your mobile device with the free Libby app. Check out our One Week Loans for Beginning Readers. There’s no wait time, and you can have two early readers checked out at once. When you're done, just return them and check out two more. Bookflix Cuddle up and read with Bookflix! Find your favourite picture book classics paired with related non-fiction books for early readers. Read aloud together or watch and listen to an animated version of the picture book. Enhance reading comprehension with quizzes and puzzles after the story. Does your early reader love big trucks? Check out the Imagination section, where you can read or listen along to the picture book I Stink (about a smelly garbage truck) paired with a Mighty Machines book (about real garbage trucks). (Ages 6 – 8) Canadian Encyclopedia Read and learn about Canadian history and culture in the Canadian Encyclopedia. Search for a specific topic or browse more than 30,000 multimedia items, including images, maps, games, audio, and video. For help with essays on important Canadians, try reading the special collection on women in Canadian history in the Canadian Encyclopedia. These short articles tell the stories of Canadian women — including 47 Indigenous women — who paved the way in music, art, politics, sports, suffrage, and leadership. (Ages 9 – 12) Learning Express Learning Express is a database offering practice tests and tutorials for students in Grades 4 and up, including reading comprehension and math. There are also helpful career exploration resources for high school students considering their next steps after graduation. Kanopy Kids Kanopy is a free movie and TV streaming app with a section just for kids. Your child can watch their favourite cartoon characters and educational shows from any device. Love a good story? Visit the kids’ section of Kanopy to watch animated versions of your child’s favourite books with beloved characters like Pigeon, Scaredy Squirrel, and Curious George. (Ages 5–10) TumbleBook Library Listen and read along with animated story books for young children, their parents, and teachers in TumbleBook Library. Read-alongs are a wonderful way to help improve your child’s reading skills as they hear the story read to them and follow the text at the same time. Check out their cute and colourful read-alongs that are perfect for beginner readers. (Ages 5 – 7) Older kids can enjoy read-alongs too! Browse a selection of chapter books that your older child will love, or check out their collection of read-along children’s classics like Anne of Green Gables.
Read more about "Stories Reading and Writing eResources for ages 5 – 12"Marty Chan writes funny books for kids and plays for adults. He’s best known for his Marty Chan Mystery Series. He’s written picture books, kids books, young adult novels, and plays.
Read more about "Marty Chan"Live action and animated short films on Kanopy Kids to inspire and entertain all the young heroes in our lives.
Read more about "Superheroes to the Rescue!"Track your reading time and titles in Beanstack to receive recommended reads via personalized weekly emails.
Read more about "Beanstack"I live outside of Calgary and want to use Calgary Public Library’s Digital Library Complex licensing agreements mean access to Digital Resources like eBooks, digital music, online courses, and movies is excluded from non-resident borrowing privileges across Alberta, including at Calgary Public Library. We are unable to provide non-residents access to these Digital Resources. Please contact your local library to share your Digital Resource recommendations.
Read more about "I live outside of Calgary and want to use Calgary Public Library’s Digital Library"Accessing and using media is a fundamental skill for youth today – and so is the ability to analyze and evaluate that media critically. Strong media literacy skills allow kids to properly interpret the information they find, especially on the internet.
Read more about "Why is media literacy important? "