Author: Deborah

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Everyone’s an Asset-Builder

Search Institute has identified 40 positive sup-ports and strengths that young people need to succeed. The framework identifies a set of skills, experiences, relationships, and behaviors that enable young people to develop into successful and contributing adults.This 4-hour training identifies the steps that every-one who interacts with children and youth can take to become effective asset-builders.
The training is paid for through federal grant funding and is free for participants. Presented by the Bureau of Student Wellness-NH Department of Education.
WHEN: Wednesday 21 August 9-1
WHERE: NH Municipal Association Building – 25 Triangle Park – Concord
Note: Bring your own water and snacks

Sign up here: https://forms.gle/C75NezSwn1mtcSN8A

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THIS EVENT HAS BEEN CANCELLED! Family Engagement Game for Change Event

Event Timing: July 24, 2019   1-3 pm

Event Address: Minot Sleeper Library – Bristol NH

Let’s get together for a few hours and try an interesting professional learning approach—gaming. Join me in Bristol on July 24th to play the Global Family Research Project’s “Family Engagement Game for Change.” The game is based on the five family engagement processes called the 5Rs (see download). Let’s tackle some problems together, use strategic thinking, collaborate with others and learn from each others failures and successes.

Register here: https://forms.gle/5VoiQ4fFs6etzJvT6

If you have a family engagement dilemma that is happening or happened at your library—I would love to have you share it with me for the game. Many thanks!!

5RsDownload
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Chell Sommese

Location:  NH

 Website: https://www.dharmadoxie.com/

 Writing

Chell Sommese is a retired NH teacher and Dharma is her miniature dachshund that inspired The Adventure of Dharma Doxie, complete with a sing-along. Contact Chell and Dharma at their website to have them visit.

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Irene Applebaum Buchine

Author of Celia and the Little Boy, Irene is available for speaking as both an author and advocate for children with depression. Irene would like to think of this not as a presentation but as a conversation: a shared experience that includes dialogue, questions and perhaps even some answers. These engagements typically include a short reading of the book to serve as the starting point for this important conversation. Audiences include people of all ages.

We owe it to our children to do whatever it takes to help them through the darkness. With the rise in childhood depression and suicide, we need to do more as caregivers, friends, and communities. Engaging in conversations and speaking out is one way we can spread light on children who are hiding in the darkness and give them hope. ~ http://irenebuchine.com/

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Depression and Children’s Books

Books are never replacements for conversation with children, but they can be the conversation starter needed when discussing difficult subjects like grief, sadness and severe depression. Ignoring the subjects with children will not prevent them from noticing or even experiencing them. Not discussing sensitive issues only leaves them in the dark. When we discuss emotions, we are better able to cope and feel empathetic to those that may be suffering.

With suicide the second leading cause of death for people under 25, discussions about mental health should begin early. As Crystal Ponti states in 10 Books to Help Children Understand Mental Illness, ” As much as we want to shield our kids from confusion or concern, health professionals recommend educating children and teenagers about mental illness. ”

Maybe Tomorrow?  

Author: Charlotte Agell

Illustrator: Ana Ramirez González

Publisher: Scholastic Press (March 26, 2019)

ISBN-13: 978-1338214888

In this beautifully illustrated book, Elba the cute pink hippo is very sad because she has lost her good friend. This sadness is represented by a large block that she drags around with her everywhere. Norris the happy alligator shows Elba kindness, empathy, and readers how to be a friend to someone experiencing difficult emotions.

Celia and the Little Boy  

Author/Illustrator: Irene Applebaum Buchine

Publisher: Woody Runs Publishing (2018)

ISBN-13: 978-0-9988089-0-1

Drawing on her own experiences, New Hampshire Author Irene Applebaum Buchine opens a dialogue about severe depression. Celia finds a little boy in the dark. She persist in showing him that he is not alone and repeatedly gives him a message of hope. As an author and advocate for children with depression, Irene Applebaum Buchine is available to speak. http://irenebuchine.com/speaking/

Used as a book club book or discussion starter:   Holly Pirtle, Health Educator used Celia and the Little Boy with 90 eight graders and they came up with some key messages:

  • You can show someone you care without being their best friend.
  • Keep trying to help no matter how hopeless they or the situation seems.
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Space Rangers

FREE summer science camp toolkit, all about stars and constellations, the solar system, the Moon, Apollo 11, Mars, and space exploration. Five days of hands-on activities, matched with book recommendations and summer writing ideas. Great for families and summer programs. Celebrate curiosity, our space pioneers, and the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 11 Moon walk (July 20, 2019) all summer long!

https://www.startwithabook.org/space-rangers-book-based-science-adventure