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BOOK TALK WITH THE LIBRARY: Celebrate
How to be a Literacy-Focused Family with the Library
by Eric Hughes, all photos provided by Tampa-Hillsborough County Public Library
November is National Family Literacy Month. The ability to read, write and learn are among the most important keys to lifetime success for every individual. One tried and true way to ensure this success for your family is to practice solid literacy habits. Aim for a little reading time every day. The written word can be a ready solution for everything from entertainment to building skills to resolving life’s many challenges, and the public library stands ready to help.
DISCOVER BOOKS & MORE | HCPLC.org/Books
Hillsborough County public libraries have a large selection of books in print and digital formats, including fiction and nonfiction, audiobooks and read-along titles. The unique offerings of the online library include digital magazines and newspapers, graphic novels and comic books, streaming music and video, business and technology classes, and a terrific collection of research databases for a range of interests. The library provides a significant number of resources in Spanish and other languages in print, online and through mobile apps.
Children who have been read 1,000 books before they begin school already will be well on their way to a love of reading and literacy. While that may seem like a lot of books, you can reach this goal in less than three years by reading one book a day. Visit HCPLC.org to learn more about how to participate, get a welcome packet with a free book and earn digital badges for each milestone.
FALL READING CHALLENGE | HCPLC.org/FallReading
We know you love summer reading every year, and this year the public library is bringing you an extra reading challenge for fall! Register for the Fall Reading Challenge and be eligible for prizes, free books and digital badges. Whether you are already reading for school, are a regular reader or are looking to reboot your love of reading, simply log your reading for a chance to win some fantastic prizes. Learn more about logging your reading, special activities, book lists for all ages and live online events at HCPLC.org. You and your family have until Friday, Dec. 11, to complete this year’s bonus reading challenge.
IT TAKES A VILLAGE | HCPLC.org/About/Stories
All literacy paths lead to a stronger connection with friends, family and other people in our lives. Taking what has been newly discovered and discussing it or applying it is a great way to keep stoking the fires of interest in everyone’s mind. When you are considering who you and your family would like to share your progress with, make sure to keep the Hillsborough Literacy Council and your public library in mind. Several public library staff work closely with the Hillsborough Literacy Council: hillsboroughliteracy.org. We would love to hear from you and help you however we can. TIPS FOR PARENTS
YOU CAN REDISCOVER READING AT ANY AGE. THESE TITLES ARE PERFECT TO HELP YOU FALL INTO READING AGAIN:
PreK: “Olaf Loves to Read” by John Edwards (2020) Kids: “Charlie Joe Jackson’s Guide to Not Reading” by Tom Greenwald (2011) Adults: “A History of Reading” by Alberto Manguel (1996) T(w)eens: “Suggested Reading” by Dave Connis (2019)
Lead by Example: Model the reading and writing behaviors you want kids to adopt.
Create Shared Experiences: Read, discover and find answers to questions together.
Use Subtitles and Closed Captioning: When watching shows and movies, turn on subtitles to boost spelling and vocabulary.
Reading is Reading: Remember, there’s no such thing as wasted reading–support your family’s reading no matter what the interest or format!
NORTH TAMPA CHRISTIAN ACADEMY
5585 E. County Line Road, Wesley Chapel 33544 813-991-0801; northtampaca.com
North Tampa Christian Academy provides an on-campus experience that encourages innovation through project-based learning and thematic structure. When life demands flexibility, we offer the Titan Teacher Network, a “teacher-centric” virtual learning experience. Parents have the freedom to flex from on-campus to accessing at home instruction through the Titan Teacher Network, ensuring excellent education every day. Enrollment: 300 Class-size: 15:1 Tuition: $13,475-$17,875
NORTH TAMPA CHRISTIAN EXPLORERS PRESCHOOL
5585 E. County Line Road, Wesley Chapel 33544 813-991-0820; northtampaca.com/preschool
We support young children as they develop skills of exploring, choosing, creating and solving for God’s glory. Children are challenged to stretch themselves and persevere as they make sense of the world around them. Our safe and secure facility is nature-inspired, diverse and family oriented.
ODESSA CHRISTIAN SCHOOL
19521 Michigan Ave., Odessa 33556 813-792-1825; odessachristianschool.org
ORANGE GROVE MIDDLE MAGNET (VISUAL, PERFORMING AND COMMUNICATION ARTS)
3415 16th St., Tampa 33605 813-276-5717; hillsboroughschools.org/orangegrove
ar Quest offerings lead to high school credit. OUR SAVIOR LUTHERAN SCHOOL
5843 4th Ave. S., St. Petersburg 33707 727-344-1026; osls.net
family! PAIDEIA CLASSICAL CHRISTIAN SCHOOL
7834 N. 56th St., Tampa 33617 813-988-7700; paideiatampa.com
think: thoroughly, maturely and biblically. PATEL CONSERVATORY
1010 N. W.C. MacInnes Place, Tampa 33602 813-222-1040; patelconservatory.org
Grades: K-12
OCS is a Christ-focused school for motivated, self-directed learners seeking to discover their God-given calling. Students dive deep with content through inquiry, investigation and discussion, and gain responsibility, perseverance, professionalism and compassion. Graduates achieve mastery in all areas of learning and launch into life with strong minds and hearts. Enrollment: 135 Class-size: Varies by age Grades: Six weeks to PreK Tuition: $115-390 per month
Enrollment: 75 Class-size: 25 students max per department (1-5, 6-8, 9-12) Tuition: $10,100-$10,500
Be a shining star at Orange Grove, where high academic achievement meets creativity. Our historic campus includes two professional dance studios, video production, visual arts with a MAC lab and exceptional music and technical theater suites. We provide advanced courses, and our ScholGrades: 1-12 Enrollment: 556 Class-size: 22 Grades: 6-8
Our Savior Lutheran School is committed to help your child grow intellectually, academically and spiritually. We are designed for students to learn on campus, but have technology in place to transition to remote learning during required times. Check us out and see if OSLS is the right fit for your Enrollment: 185 Class-size: 15-20 Grades: Preschool age Tuition: $4,800-$8,100
Paideia Classical Christian School is a community of parents and teachers who share a commitment for educating children to love learning and grow in godliness. We are intentional about developing passionate disciples, exceptional scholars and virtuous citizens. As a nationally accredited, classical school, we employ time-proven curriculum and methods of education which teach students not primarily what to think, but how to
Tuition: FREE 2 to grade 8
At the Patel Conservatory, every student deserves the opportunity to discover their creative potential. Our programs provide training in dance, theater and music. Camps and classes vary by length, age and skill level. Patel Conservatory classes require active learning participation by students and result in a performance. Enrollment: 86 Class-size: Varies Grades: K-12 Tuition: $7,930-$8,699
Enrollment: 1,000 Class-size: Varies by program Grades: All ages and skill levels Tuition: Varies by program
