Learn how to encourage young readers with new HDL series

Reading doesn’t come easy to every child. Herrick District Library’s new Strong Readers Series addresses the issue of reluctant readers from a variety of angles. 

“We get a lot of requests for help motivating readers,” HDL children’s librarian Adrienne Baker says. “We believe the sometimes-reluctant readers in your life are full of potential.”

Reading problems can manifest in children for a variety of reasons: lack of interest, lack of early intervention, a missing puzzle piece in their overall health, and more. 
The series of five events — for the caregiver who is out of ideas or educator looking to explore new ways to advocate for students — begins Tuesday with literacy and nutrition. 

A father reads to his daughter at Herrick District Library.

Here’s a rundown of the sessions:

• In a kid-friendly workshop from 6-7 p.m. Tuesday, March 12, at the HDL North Branch, 155 Riley St., Kids’ Food Basket will provide nutritious examples of how each color of the rainbow can support a child's learning and development, such as how eating orange foods promotes eye health.
• The library will screen “Building the Reading Brain,” which explores the science of reading, 6-7 p.m. Thursday, March 21, at the North Branch. The special was produced by WKAR television in East Lansing. A panel discussion with local reading experts and leaders will follow. 
• Caregivers and educators can join former schoolteacher Deb Weiss-Gelmi 6-7 p.m. Tuesday, March 26, at the North Branch as she explains the connection between movement and literacy development in children. Weiss-Gelmi is the founder of Sing Song Yoga and a teacher educator, with a master’s in reading and literacy, who provides professional development for schools.
• During the Ask the Librarian readers’ advisory panel, participants will find out which children's books are flying off the shelves and which books librarians love to recommend. There will also be information about how to help encourage kids on their reading adventures. Kids are welcome to join in the Q&A 6-7 p.m. Tuesday, April 9, at the North Branch.
• One in four students struggle with functional vision problems that interfere with their ability to read, learn, comprehend, and even pay attention. During “Vision Therapy for Readers,” with Dr. Neil Renaud from Eagle Eye Performance Vision, participants will discover the link between visual development and reading and how to better advocate for young readers. The event is 6-7 p.m. Thursday, April 18, at the North Branch.

Teachers may earn up to five State Continuing Education Clock Hours by attending these events. Teachers must bring their personal identification code number to sign in and earn the hours.