Tools for a Terrific School Year By Jasmin Valentino, Photos by Tampa-Hillsborough County Public Library
As we bid farewell to summer, families prepare to embrace a new school year and jump into the swing of a new routine. The library is here to help students hit the ground running with confidence and enthusiasm. What is even more exciting is that accessing library resources from the comfort and convenience of your home has never been easier. The following tools are not only digitally and easily accessible, but sure to help students and families successfully soar into a new school year.
If summertime fun has left your student a little rusty on a subject or two, Tutor.com is here to help. Tutor.com is a fully online tutoring service offering homework help on math, science, social studies and English. Tutors are experienced professionals and interactions are anonymous. Upload a math question or a paper for review or prepare for advanced tests like the SATs. Whatever assistance you need, one-on-one tutors are available to provide feedback and the tools needed to excel. www. hcplc.org/research/ homework-help
Help your little scholars prepare for going back to school with the following eBooks: Celebrate inclusiveness in a school where all are welcome. This book has beautiful illustrations and a message on community and strength through diversity. For ages 4 to 8.
Check out the public library’s online resources. Kid-friendly student databases, such as Gale in Context: Elementary and Gale in Context: Biography offer students a safe place to explore interests,
find answers to their questions, and practice research skills. Our kid-friendly online resources provide curriculum-related reliable content and are great for inspiring curiosity and excitement about learning. www.hcplc.org/kids Every K-12 Hillsborough County public school, charter school and virtual school student already has a library card. With HAAL Pass, students use their student ID number (lunch number) as their library card. HAAL Pass is students’ key to access tutors and resources online. www.hcplc. org/account/haalpass Don’t forget about eBooks and audiobooks. Libby, by Overdrive and Hoopla are two eBook and audiobook-borrowing apps that place your local library in your pocket. Students can knock out those required readings, kick back and read something of their choosing, or stream music while studying.
Unhei (pronounced YoonHey) is a new student from Korea. Her name is difficult for the other students to pronounce. Will Unhei choose a new name or keep the one she has? For ages 3 to 7.
Did you ever wonder how a school felt about the first day of school? This title offers a glimpse into the first day of school through the perspective of a newly built school. For ages 4 to 8.
Sarah is so nervous about her first day at her new school that she doesn’t even want to get out of bed. This book, with its surprise ending, is sure to delight readers and squash first day jitters. For ages 4-8.
GO BACK TO SCHOOL WITH THE PUBLIC LIBRARY. START AT HCPLC.ORG FOR SUPPORT FOR LEARNERS ALL YEAR LONG.
AUGUST 2020 TampaBayParenting.com
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