Is Your Child Ready to Read?

by Debbie Heaton

Teaching your child to read early has multiple benefits and is the key to your child's academic future.  Why? Because reading is at the heart of all formal education; other advantages include neurological, educational, psychological, social, and linguistic characteristics.

Reading helps to develop a young child’s brain.  In the first six years, children learn at a faster pace than at any other time in their lives.  Necessary connections in the brain are made very early in life.  At birth, a healthy baby is born with approximately 200 billion active brain cells.  Given the right kind of stimulation, each of these brain cells is capable of multiplying and ensuring connections between them which store additional information.  Through these connections and early experiences, the basis of all future learning and intellectual ability form.

As parents talk, sing and read to their children, existing links among brain cells are strengthened and new links are formed.  At a younger age, learning is faster than it will be as the child grows older.  When a child is taught to read, the process of learning has a profound influence on the entire functioning and development of the brain.  Parents can play a critical early role by implanting not only reading skills and ability but more importantly, instilling a lifelong love of reading.

Reading opens the door to your child’s academic success and imparts a love of learning that leads to higher grades in every subject.  Strong language skills are the basis for literacy development.  When children learn to read at an early age, they have greater general knowledge, expand their vocabulary and become more fluent readers.  They also have improved attention spans and better concentration.  Early readers can recognize a larger number of words by sight, which enables them to learn more from and about their environment.

A child who learns to read joyfully at home, at an early age, with a loving parent or caregiver, grows in self-confidence and independence.  Reading promotes greater maturity, increases discipline and lays the basis for moral literacy.  It sparks curiosity about people, places and things and also satisfies the child’s curiosity by providing explanations of how things work.  It also exposes the child to a range of problem-solving techniques while igniting the child’s creativity and imagination.

Even at a young age, children have social awareness.  They know who is more popular.  They can tell who can do what.  If there are a few children in kindergarten who know how to read, they may receive awards and certificates, be called upon to choose books or are encouraged to write, illustrate and read aloud their own stories.  In some schools, they may even be asked to help other children, who may still be struggling with basic letter recognition.

Early readers have the opportunity to relate to their peers on a more confident, more competent level as they are already being recognized for their superior accomplishments.  Such experiences increase the child’s social status among peers as well as his or her self-image and self-confidence.

Children who can read independently and early have more opportunities to encounter the written word.  The sooner children learn how to read, the more books, knowledge, and ideas they will be exposed to.  The result is improved linguistic skills in the form of a richer vocabulary, correct grammar, improved writing, better spelling and more articulate oral communication.

Graham County’s very own “Story Lady,” Giane Powell, earned a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education and has worked at the Safford Library for 23 years providing Storytime, Summer Reading and Early Literacy programs.  Giane provides the following information to parents in short presentation formats:

Help Your Child Get Ready to Read

From the time they are infants, children learn language and other important skills that will help them learn to read.  As parents and/or caregivers, you have been your child’s teacher from the day he or she was born.  You know more about your child than anyone else.  You are in the best position to help your child get ready to read because:

 

• Young children have short attention spans.  You can do activities for short bits of time throughout the day.
• You can help your children learn in ways and at times that are best for them.
• Parents are tremendous role models—if your children see that you think reading is important and enjoy it, they will follow your lead.
• Children learn best by doing—and they love doing things with YOU!
• To become successful readers, children need to understand the meaning of what they read.  Making sense of written language—comprehension—is at the heart of what it means to be a good reader.
• Vocabulary and comprehension skills start to develop from the time a child is an infant.  A baby listens to what parents and other caregivers say and they learn the meaning of words.
• The more language experiences children have the more words they learn and the better they become at understanding the meaning of what is being said.  This will help children understand the meaning of written words as they learn to read.

The best way to help your child get ready to read is to spend time with them.  Talk, sing, read, write, and play.  Just have fun!!!

You can visit Giane Powell at the Safford Library and check out her Toddler Storytime on Tuesdays from 10:30 to 11:15; Pajama Time on Tuesdays from 6:30pm to 7:30pm; Preschool Storytime on Wednesdays from 10:30 to 11:30 and Thursdays from 11:00 to 12:00; and Open Play Time on Wednesdays from 2:00 to 4:00pm.

It’s never too early to begin reading to your child.  Even the youngest babies will gradually come to associate books with the warmth of being held by you and the soothing sound of your voice.  By establishing reading time as an enjoyable time, you’re helping to jump-start a lifetime of reading and learning—a benefit that lasts throughout childhood and beyond.

Debbie A. Heaton is an author, parent educator, and a master’s level therapist currently employed with The Parent Connection, a member of Arizona’s Children Association Family of Agencies.  The Parent Connection utilizes the Adlerian approach to parenting.

Bonding with Your Baby

By Debbie A. Heaton

Ever notice how your baby’s face—those chubby cheeks and sparkly eyes and that mischievous smile—is somehow more fascinating to watch than even your favorite television program? That’s no coincidence. The two of you are hardwired to thoroughly enjoy each other’s company. And if you follow your instincts and develop a great rapport now, you could set him up for a lifetime of stellar relationships.

Bonding is the intense attachment that you and your baby have for each other. It’s the feeling that makes you want to shower your baby with love and affection, when you know you would do anything to protect him. And while you’re savoring the high, the hormone dopamine is also helping your baby attach emotionally to you.

You probably started to bond with your baby while he was in your tummy. This love-before-sight may have begun when you first felt his movements or hiccups. Or it may have started when you saw him grow week-by-week at your ultrasound scans, or developed as you massaged or talked to your ‘baby bump.’

As parents, when we spend time loving our infant, we are also helping to safeguard their health. How? Attentive mothers are helping to buffer their child against chronic stress, which can cause sleep disorders, digestive problems, memory impairment, depression, and obesity.

Bonding with your baby is both intuitive and a joy. Attachment isn’t about acting the ‘correct’ way; it’s about watching your child and responding with sensitivity. So if you are both having a good time, you’re doing it right!

What can parents do to bond with their infant and continue as they grow?

Birth to 3 months: Did you know there’s a reason the scent of your baby’s skin triggers pangs of affection? It’s true! When you smell, hold, or breastfeed your infant, your body releases oxytocin, the bonding hormone that prompts new mothers to be more loving and protective of their infant—and also encourages him to cuddle right back.

From birth, your child is programmed to connect with you. He can distinguish human faces and voices from other sights and sounds, and more than anything, he loves watching your every move. He sees best at about 8 to 12 inches—the exact distance between his face and yours when he’s cradled in your arms. He can even recognize his parents’ voices and will turn when he hears you speak. Babies are very eager for face time with any caregiver who is willing to hold them.

If your newborn smiles in the first month or so, sorry to say it but that smile doesn’t mean much! It’s just a reflex. By six weeks, though, babies start to respond to their environment, and by two to three months their brains are developed enough that they can look right at you when they smile, letting you know that they are pleased with your company.

Build your bond by showing your baby you care. Hold him when you’re able and pay attention when he’s squirming or unusually quiet. This will help you figure out how he tells you when he’s hungry or content. Answer his cries, provide plenty of eye contact, talk to him, and smile often. Breastfeeding, cuddling, and giving him massages are great ways to bond as well. Remember, interacting with your baby as you care for him doesn’t just help you to bond; it also helps your baby’s brain to grow and develop.

During face time, interact using expressions, coos, and cuddles that feel natural to you—but don’t just plaster a grin on your face every time you turn his way. Why? Because he knows when you are faking! Babies are very intuitive. If you are smiling, but it’s not related to what he’s doing, he’ll prefer to look somewhere else.

4 to 8 months: At this point, you are your child’s first friend. Your baby’s developing intellect helps him to recognize that his interactions with you are different from those with strangers. Young children learn that “Mom comforts me, and when I cry, Dad usually feeds me.” Your child expects certain things during an exchange with the adults in his life.

If you’re consistent in your efforts to soothe, and your baby feels as if you’re watching out for him, he’ll begin to play with toys, your keys, and anything else close at hand. He will begin to explore his world, which is exactly what his developing brain needs right now. An infant learns something unique when he picks an object up or puts it in his mouth, versus just looking at it. It’s important that your baby is encouraged to get hands-on with his environment. If your infant is feeling comfortable in his surroundings, your transition back to work won’t be as frightening for him. He’ll be capable of playing without you by his side. This is the appropriate time to start teaching your baby that strangers, like daycare workers, will take good care of him. When you return home, he’ll greet you with a smile. If he turns away, it’s because he’s learning to regulate emotion and the joy of seeing you is too intense.

Build your bond by feeding your child’s hungry mind as you interact with him throughout the day. A baby can tell when you’re ignoring him—say, by propping him up in front of the television—and when you’re just plain busy. So talk to your child whenever you’re near him, and play peek-a-boo as you fold clothes. As he starts to play with toys, encourage his efforts and don’t take it personally if your child is not in the mood. Sometimes infants need to look away—constant interaction is awfully tiring!

9 to 12 months: Focus on security. Your child may start clinging to you when you leave his side. It’s normal—and temporary! Separation anxiety appears around the ninth month, when your baby can remember you even when he can’t see you. But he can also sense patterns and understand that you always come back. By giving your baby consistent cues, he knows you’ll come back and he’ll trust that you will. The children who struggle the most are often those who can’t predict whether their caregiver will come back or not.

Amid those tearful goodbyes, you’ll see another social stride: Your child will begin to communicate using gestures, like waving or raising his arms to be picked up. Babies will start to share their intentions as well. For example, he may stare at something fully expecting that you’ll turn to look at it too. He’ll also ‘share’ smiles, grinning at a toy and then turning his toward you.

Build your bond by continuing to send clear, consistent signals that you love your baby and that you’re doing your best to interpret what he’s trying to tell you. That isn’t a marching order. It’s more like a permission slip to hit pause on your busy life and do what your instincts are telling you to do. In our culture, it’s hard to put down our finances or laundry and just sit with our baby and see what he’s doing. Your baby does want to engage with you, so allow yourself to let the other stuff go sometimes and just enjoy him! Weigh the pros and cons: A sink full of dirty dishes or snuggle time. I’ll take the hug anytime, anywhere!

In an ideal situation, the journey of bonding progresses smoothly from birth through young childhood, empowering the child to venture forth into his ever expanding world with a solid sense of self, but we can only achieve that by responding to our child’s cues, spending quality time with him, and reassuring him that he is both loved and wanted.

Debbie A. Heaton is an author, parent educator, and a master’s level therapist currently employed with The Parent Connection, a member of Arizona’s Children Association Family of Agencies. The Parent Connection utilizes the Adlerian approach to parenting.

Help us create memories for children in care throughout National Foster Care Month

Children who are placed in foster care are often uprooted from their homes leaving their family with just the clothes on their backs. They leave all that they have known with only a few, if any, personal keepsakes. Many will go on to live in numerous and temporary foster homes while sharing many life experiences and passing through developmental milestones along the way.

Without record of these events, much of a child’s life might be forever missing and left behind with a previous placement. Documenting the time spent in care can go a long way in helping the children who have already lost so much. Pictures are used to create histories and document those memories and experiences throughout childhood. Most parents take photo after photo of their children with every milestone or achievement. Yet, children in foster care don’t always have someone to do this for them.


Andrea Fries, a program director for Arizona’s Children Association foster care and adoption program, is also a kinship adoptive parent and foster mom. “Having a record of their early lives is important to most kids. My three kids who are adopted, and who are fortunate enough to still see all of their family, love to go back through photos of things we have done,” said Andrea. “They are always curious about finding pictures from their past because most of their baby pictures have been lost or are only at their grandmother’s.”


Lifebooks are scrapbooks that are created by the parents of foster and adoptive children to use as a personal album of memories. These books are a collection of the child’s words, photos, artwork and other mementos that showcase the child’s growth and early life experiences. Lifebooks also serve as a way to build a connection between the child and their foster or adoptive family.


“These Lifebooks represent a youth’s identity,” said Michael Wydra, program director. “They help them understand their life events, grow, and develop into stronger individuals.”


Arizona’s Children Association is collecting blank, 12” by 12” scrapbook albums and new, or slightly used, digital cameras to provide for the families of children in care. May is National Foster Care month and we are counting on our community to help us provide a heritage for Arizona’s children. Through May 31, AzCA will be collecting donations at many of our offices:

Donation Drop-Off Locations

Phoenix
711 E. Missouri, Suite 300
Phoenix, AZ 85014
602.253.1620


Tucson
3618 E. Pima Street
Tucson, AZ 85716
520.318.4882 x 1565


Yuma
3780 S. 4th Avenue Extension, Suite K
Yuma, AZ 85365
928.344.8800


Sierra Vista
174 S. Coronado Drive, Suite B
Sierra Vista, AZ 85635
520.224.9100


Prescott
440 N. Washington Avenue
Prescott, AZ 86301
928.443.1991


Flagstaff
906 W. University Avenue
Building B, Suite 150
Flagstaff, AZ 86001
928.527.1000


Lake Havasu City
228 London Bridge Road, Suite 202
Lake Havasu City, AZ 86403
928.680.4458


For more information, contact Michael Wydra at MWydra@arizonaschildren.org or call 602.253.1620 x2679. Monetary and in-kind donations are encouraged throughout the year to support many of our programs statewide. Contact the office nearest you to learn more.

Reay's Ranch Investors Host Golf Tournament to Benefit AzCA

On April 19, 2013, Reay’s Ranch Investors hosted their 5^th Annual Golf Tournament benefiting ’s Children Association. This year’s event raised an astounding $60,605! The tournament was sold out with many of Reay’s vendors sponsoring the event and purchasing team foursomes. In addition to a magnificent day of golf, tournament participants generously purchased raffle tickets to raise additional funds for AzCA programs and services.

Arizona

Since 2006, Reay’s Ranch Investors has raised a staggering $890,878 for our organization and they anticipate hitting the $1 million mark in 2014! The majority of the funds come directly from customers who learned about our programs and services from the managers and staff inside a Reay’s Ranch store.

Rich Couch, former AzCA board member and current COO of Reay’s Ranch Investors, has spearheaded this initiative with the support of managers and staff. However, most people don’t realize that this is also a family affair – Rich’s wife and daughter and others donated their time and efforts to make this tournament happen. This golf tournament is an extraordinary event and we are very blessed to have such a supportive company in our ranks. Thank you to Rich and his team for their endless support and generosity!

Who will you dine out for? “Dine Out for Safety” returns to Tucson on April 10th

Who will you Dine Out for? That’s the question being asked around Tucson as “Dine Out for Safety” returns on April 10th for its 17th year. The facts are staggering:

• Every 13 seconds a child is abused

• One in six women will be sexually assaulted in their lifetime.

• By age of 18, one in six boys will be abused.

• Someone is affected by sexual violence every 2.5 minutes.

We’re asking our communities to help us help those in need. Dine Out for Safety is a unique and fun community-wide event that encourages the community to support survivors of sexual abuse and assault by simply gathering up their friends and family and dining out. On April 10th, restaurants in the Tucson metro area have joined in the effort by agreeing to donate a portion of that day’s sales to Southern Arizona Center Against Sexual Assault in an effort to increase awareness about their vital services. 100% of the proceeds will stay in the local community to support survivors of sexual assault and abuse.

The Southern Arizona Center Against Sexual Assault (SACASA) is a community resource that provides education and support for individuals and families impacted by sexual trauma. SACASA provides a safe place for survivors to gain strength, learn coping skills, and develop trusting, caring relationships. This event is held each year in April as it is Sexual Assault Awareness Month.

The Dine Out committee recruited leaders and community members to tell us who they were “dining out for.” Participants personalized their messages for a photo shoot to help share the important message, “I’m Dining Out For _______.” The collection of these photos can be seen in Dine Out materials across the city. The photo shoot included UA Assistant Basketball Coach Brandy Manning, children’s author Janni Lee Simner, and Arizona Daily Star Cartoonist David Fitzsimmons. The photos were taken courtesy of Rachel Castillo and Fluxx Studio.
Special thanks to the Community Partnership of Southern Arizona, Clear Channel Tucson, Comcast, Advision Outdoor, Cox Media and Desert Diamond Casino for their sponsorships of the event.

Participating Restaurants:   Bluefin Seafood Bistro, Café Desta, La Cocina, Don Pedro’s Peruvian Bistro, Kingfisher American Grill, NobleHops, Pastiche, Vero Amore, Wilko, Zivaz and Zona 78

More information about the event and an updated list of participating restaurants are available at www.dineoutforsafety.org.

Prescott Noon Lions Club continues to show their support

Since the start of 2008, the Prescott Noon Lions Club has been committed to helping Arizona’s Children Association. They have been making donations twice a year for the past five years and, to date, have contributed a total of $27,000.

A major source of the funds that they raise for the City of Prescott, local agencies, and other nonprofit organizations is derived from their paper recycling project. The Club has nearly 20 locations across Prescott with large bins and trailers for residents to deposit their newspapers, magazines, catalogs, and old paperback books. For more information of the project or to locate one of their recycling bins, visit their website at www.prescottnoonlions.org.

Bringing Hope for the Holidays

For years now, individuals, companies and organizations across Arizona have been collecting "Gifts of Hope" for the holidays for families we serve who have nowhere else to turn. Arizona’s Children staff from all over the state had much to say about your generous impact on our families this year:

“Our location was very blessed and we were able to help over 200 families provide a happy holiday season for their kids!”
- Amy Jordan, Sr. Family Support Specialist, Chandler

“One mother was under a lot of stress due to her husband’s illness and living on a fixed income… She did not ask for any help but I called her and asked her what size her child was. We just so happened to have some blue jeans that were just her size…I brought her the blue jeans, a board game and a gift card that had been donated so that the she could go out and get the child something special from her. She was so thankful for this help.”
- Foster Care Licensing Specialist, Lake Havasu

“Charlie was extremely appreciative and excited about his gifts. When he first saw the presents, his mouth immediately dropped open, saying “this is all for me?” Then he started opening the gifts, with tears in his eyes, saying “I can’t believe it … I’ve never gotten any real Christmas presents, ever in my life, nothing like this, ever…” …He was even excited about the socks and underwear. It was very touching and made me tear up a little too because I’ve seen so many youth open gifts over the years but never one this happy and touched by getting gifts- it was inspiring.”
- Jen Workman, Youth Advocate, Phoenix

"Surprise employees created a campaign to raise the funds needed to provide gifts to children from 50 families in need. Working together with local businesses, families from the community donated clothes, gifts, and toys… The last week of December was filled with joy in the Surprise office, as toys and clothing were delivered to over 100 families in need.”
- Maureen Fennell, Clinician II, Surprise

“…[Our program] was able to get 42 families adopted. Children received everything from bikes, to clothes, to Legos and stuffed animals… We were able to ensure that all of the families who were in need got something. It truly was a great team effort and it was nice that so many families got the help they needed.”
-Jacquie Moreno, CFT Team Lead/Supervisor, Tucson

“We had a really great time collecting presents and donations, and an even better time delivering them to our kiddo’s parents! One mom said to me, ‘Thank you guys so much!!! We would not have had a Christmas without you!’ Needless to say it was very heartwarming!! Can’t wait to do it again next year!”
- Sarah Jaquith, STAR Program Coordinator, Flagstaff

“Once Upon a Thyme Catering provided a 4 course dinner for 350 people at our foster care holiday party! This 100% donation includes all the food and preparation of the food as well as numerous volunteers to set up and serve. When they first offered, I estimated 225 people. Our RSVPs kept coming and coming and they very graciously agreed to do 350 people! They are amazing and we are so thankful!
-Virginia Watahomigie, Program Director, Tucson

There are many stories like these from all over the state. We appreciate the genuine generosity and joy of giving of all of our Gifts of Hope donors and foster care holiday party supporters across the state. Below is a list of corporate donors. Our individual donors are too many to mention here but we are truly appreciative of all that you do for us!

Western Arizona
Lowes, Home Depot, Mohave Community College, State Farm, All Kinds of Delicious, Horizon Community Bank, Associated Desert Shoppers, London Bridge Plaza,Inc. Alexander Ford Automotive Group,
Calvary Temple of Christ, JV farms, Yuma Adult Probation, Yuma Area Sector Border Patrol, Dr. Ochoa’s office, Hospice of Yuma, Garden Café, Yuma Union High School, San Luis High School, Dr. Aiello’s office, Southwestern Eye, Yuma Proving Ground, Sentinels, Border Health, Cornerstone Preschool, Public Defenders, Billie Jean Investment Company

Southern Arizona
National Association of Tax Professionals, Rainbird, Bank of the West, Tucson Electric Power, State Farm, Department of Ontology, Pima County Procurement Department, Tucson Country Day School, Tucson Police Department – Budget Department, UA Health Plans, Hungry Fox Café, St. Pius X Catholic Church, Reid Park Zoo, Once Upon a Thyme Catering

Northern Arizona
High Country Area – BTW, A1 Office Supply, Yavapai Indian Tribe, Captain Crossfit, Bend Hot Yoga, Red Arrow Realty, Fusion of Movement, Prescott Hot Rodders Club, Sheldon Street Walgreens, Style Suites, Arizona State Savings and Credit Union, Cracker Barrel, Marines Toys for Tots, Lions Club, Sue Ann’s Apple Pan

Central Arizona
Celebrity Skin, Federal Reserve Bank of SF, Merry Maids, Stanley Consultants Group, Arizona Supreme Court, Valley Partnership, One Source Freight, CBS Outdoor, Manheim Group, Aldea, Atlasta Catering Concepts, Babbo Italian Eatery, Mi Catering, Fleur de Lis Unforgettable Cakes, Tiffany's Cakes and More, Phoenix Photobooths, Bill Dooling Photography, Petals & Lucy, Push Play Entertainment, Orchard Medical Group, Surprise Angel’s Gymnastics, Top Shelf Mexican Cantina, Office Max, Global Supply Chain/First Solar, Inc., American Family Insurance, Sun America Mortgage, National Association of Tax Professionals, Vantage West Credit Union

An additional thank you to Arizona’s Children Association employees statewide who donated to Gifts of Hope!

If you are interested in participating in collection drives to collect the many items we need throughout the year, please visit www.arizonaschildren.org/drives.htm. If you are interested in Gifts of Hope 2013, please email Chris at cleblanc@arizonaschildren.org to request an informational letter about this event later in the year.