National Family Literacy Month

Hello, friends! Did you know that November is National Family Literacy Month? According to the National Center for Families Learning,

Literacy is essential to success in today’s economy, now more than ever. The family literacy approach harnesses the strength of parent-child bonds to help those who are most at risk of failing economically, emotionally, and socially. We build success by strengthening their confidence, increasing their ability, and broadening their outlook.

What a powerful message! We thought it would be fun to see what our staff’s favorite books are.

Scott (Visitor Services)- Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak.

Lynn (Visitor Services)- Madeline by Ludwig Bemelmans. “This series was always my favorite. They all stood in line except Madeline.”

Lorena (Visitor Services)- Little Bear. “This was one of my favorite books as a kid, a cute little bed time story that I read over and over.”

Ally (Visitor Services)- If you Give a Mouse a Cookie by Laura Numeroff and Lyle Lyle Crocodile by Bernard Webar.

Kristine (Visitor Services)- The Giant Jam Sandwich by John Vernon Lord. “A town is invaded by wasps so they make a giant sandwich to trap them. Enough said.”

Steven (Volunteer Coordinator)- Where the Sidewalk Ends by Shel Silverstein. “I loved how silly they were and would try to draw the pictures in my notebook.”

Maria (Assistant Director)- The Napping House by Audrey Wood. “This book would always help my kids wind down for bed when they were little. The illustrations are beautiful and the story is quite sweet.”

Lisa (Curator of Exhibits and Education)- “My older sister had a set of Dr. Seuss books (this was back in the 60’s, so they were probably originals) and she wouldn’t let me read them, so one day I snuck the entire set into the barn and camped out in a manger reading all the books in one day (along with a horse).”

Eden (Exhibits and Education Assistant)- The Tacky Penguin by Helen Lester.

What are your favorite books? Leave us a comment below, and check out the books in our Preschool Play Park treehouse, Nature Walk, or Nanny’s Travels to create your own story time!

For more resources on family learning and literature, visit Reading Rockets  and Wonderopolis. Happy reading!

 

 

Volunteers make the world go round!

With Thanksgiving right around the corner, the museum staff is feeling thankful to the many individuals that help the museum run – our amazing volunteers! The museum is fortunate to have a roster of dedicated volunteers who lend their time and skill to ensure our guests have an unforgettable visit. Volunteers at the museum work in many capacities, from helping with craft prep to conducting fundraisers!

Our weekend volunteers are primarily made up of local high school students who, with their already busy schedules, give their time and energy to assist with events and activities. You can see our weekend volunteers swarming around operating our Dentzel Carousel and conducting animal presentations of our critters in our Nature Walk gallery.

Another indispensable part of the museum machine is the museum guild. The guild is comprised of a group of energetic and creative ladies who come together to support educational programs by fundraising throughout the year through various events. The museum guild also runs and maintains the Fascination Station (the Museum gift shop!)

Our Target Free Sunday’s could not be possible without the help and generosity of the National Charity League and the museum volunteers who help prepare activities and crafts for hundreds of eager families out for an afternoon of fun.

Thank you volunteers for your continued support of The Children’s Museum at La Habra!

Visit the museum and share what you are thankful for on our Tree of Appreciation in our Nannie’s Travels gallery!

Mini Monsters Bash and Dia de Los Muertos

Wow, October just flew by and we hope yours was as fun and busy as ours! On October 30th we had our annual Mini Monsters Bash and it was a graveyard smash! Visitors enjoyed a costume parade, special crafts and activities, and animal presentations. Our art room was transformed into a spooky maze and our friends from PizzaRev showed up with a game to add to the excitement. Museum staff got into the Halloween spirit with our costumes, too. Thanks to all who attended!

The fun didn’t stop there! November 1st was our Target Free Sunday with a Dia de los Muertos theme. Students from Lynwood High School volunteered their time to paint faces and work our crafts booths and sugar skull decorating class. Our staff set up a special altar, or ofrenda, honoring family and loved ones. Day of the Dead altars are built to honor the lives of those who have passed. They are often quite beautiful creations, constructed with love and care. Creating these altars is one of the most important traditions during Day of the Dead in Mexico and in Mexican-American communities around the globe. On top of the altar, offerings are laid out for the dead. These are items that the spirits will enjoy when they come back to earth to visit their living families and friends.

Here are some some pictures from our events, and hope everyone had a safe and fun Halloween!