Books to Go
Liz Lovelace loves to read to children. “It’s a fun thing to do,” she explains. As the Powhatan Public Library Youth Coordinator, Lovelace noticed that the library story times are well attended by children with moms who stay home, but daycare centers and large groups find it impossible to participate.
 
That is why Lovelace decided to take story time to the community. Teaming up with Brigid Lanzalotti and Cindy Harris, the three moms created Storytellers-On-Wheels, an entertaining, educational way to bring the joy of reading to children. These ladies arrive on location with books, a felt storyboard and a craft designed to coordinate with themes chosen by preschool teachers, directors or parents.
 
Lovelace’s most challenging request so far was for an “all across the world” theme which involved exciting books about Egypt, Australia and other far away places. Popular themes for May include Mother’s Day, gardens and spring time.
 
Preschool directors are delighted by their students’ attention to Storytellers-On-Wheels. The spirited storytelling encourages even active preschoolers to settle down and listen. “It’s a different voice,” Lovelace explains. “Kids get tired of the same voice.”
 
Dee Dee David of A Little Peace of Mind Daycare & Learning Center effuses, “We absolutely love her,” when asked about Lovelace. “She’s a librarian...she brings all kinds of books and gives them [the students] the opportunity to look at other books while she is reading.”
 
Storytellers-On-Wheels was created for the love of sharing books and fun with children, and with knowledge of its lasting benefits: stronger vocabulary, listening and comprehension skills. They do one-time events or weekly visits for daycare centers and individuals. For information, contact Lovelace by phone, 492-5440, or email, liz488@aol.com.
 
 
 
Books to Grow
You may already be familiar with psychologist Dr. Thomas W. Phelan’s book, “1-2-3 Magic: Effective Discipline for Children 2-12,” a no-fuss approach to behavior modification. And if you are, you will be interested in its new companion book, 1-2-3 Magic for Kids: Helping Your Children Understand the New Rules.
 
The book is a brightly illustrated guide written for children ages 4-12 and designed to help parents explain the “1-2-3 Magic” program to their children. The program goal is to help parents gain control of their child’s difficult behaviors through fair and consistent consequences. To help reinforce the household rules, parents can read this kid-friendly book aloud to younger children or give it to older kids who can read it on their own.
 
Tracy Lewis, the family resource coordinator for Colonial Heights Public Schools, co-authored the book. She is also a family educator for Commonwealth Parenting and a mother of two.
 
Lewis was teaching the “1-2-3 Magic” classes at Commonwealth Parenting and emailed Phelan with the idea of an explanatory book for children. “My job,” she explains, “was to take this adult material and make it both palatable, as well as understandable to children.”
 
Commonwealth Parenting offers two-part classes in the “1-2-3 Magic” method; a $65 fee covers instruction for two parenting partners. A class on May 6 and 13 will be taught by Suzanne Hanky. Interested persons can sign up by calling 545-1272, or by registering at commonwealthparenting.org.


Bike Rules to Know
 
May weather is perfect for oiling your chains, pumping your tires and getting out on two wheels. Adults and children alike can have a great time rolling through neighborhoods, parks and designated bike trails while taking some precautions to ensure a safe ride for all.
 
May is Bicycle Safety Month. The National Fire Protection Association and “Risk Watch” website, nfpa.org/riskwatch/parent_bike.html, recommends the following tips:
 
For young children:
 
-Never ride at dusk or at night.
 
-When entering a sidewalk, path or driveway, stop completely. Look left, right and left again.
 
-Walk, don’t ride, your bicycle across the street.
 
-Cross only at the street corner, not mid-block.
 
For teens and adults:
 
-When riding in the street, obey all traffic signals and laws.
 
-Ride with the traffic flow, not against it.
 
-Always stop at stop signs and stop lights.
 
-Use the correct hand signals when turning to let drivers know your intent.
 

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