Library Volunteer

Mica's continuing to volunteer at the library a few hours a week. He collects zip codes for their Read to a Dog Program.

The teacher in me already had to get after him. We went to pick him up, and he was on his cell phone checking something. I said, "Mica you're at work. No cell phone!" He said, "Mom they don't care." I said, "I do. Get off it!"

Otherwise I think volunteering is good for him!

The boy has already read his Summer Reading hours. I'm making him wait to cash in for prizes until Isaak gets there. 

I signed the boys up for a few things through the library. 

Babysitting Class:

Mica took a 2nd Babysitting Class. He wasn't too excited about joining in because he took it last year. I said, "You may learn something new. A refresher is good for anyone." 

He came out of the class thanking me. He said he did learn a lot. I guess the girl that headed it up was a different person than his other class. 

• He learned different games to play with different ages of kids. 
• They talked about how a lesson is more important than discipline. Example: Instead of taking something away, explain why what a kid did was bad. Then they know not to do it again. That's not to say that they shouldn't be disciplined, but have a lesson first.
• He learned more First Aid. He's not certified with it, but knows how to deal with certain situations. 

Cupcake Decorating Class:

I kind of thought Mica may not want anything to do with cupcake decorating, but Isaak wanted to take the class when I brought it up. They could choose between just frosting and sprinkles, making a rainbow with an Airhead Strip of Candy, or a Sunflower with the center being a small Oreo. 

Isaak picked the Sunflower. He was happy to eat it afterwards.

We have a few more classes underway:

• Didgeridoo for Isaak
• Teen Movie Night (Possibly)
• Chess (Possibly)
• Ukulele Lessons

I say possibly because some we didn't have to sign up for all the classes. It's more like you just show up. 

Are you active with your public library?

The Ripper Tales | By: Mica Apel

Just a short explanation before I go right into Mica's story. I told him towards the end of winter break that our local library had a writing competition going on. He had to include a character in a book that he's read.

It was due last week. Travis printed it out, read it, and decided it couldn't be submitted. Why? Because it was too gory, for a kid's writing. We'd probably get a call wondering what our child was reading, or watching on TV. No he hasn't watched Dexter with us. Nor is is a crazy child. He's actually very normal, gets along with other kids, and does well in school.

But the story is really good, for only being 12 years old. Just know he got the ideas from a book about Jack the Ripper.

Image Belongs to: Thomas Haynes Cutbash

The Ripper Tales 

Written By: Mica Apel

September 12, 1888, 3:00 PM

Hello diary, my name is Eel Witherson. You may have heard of me when I helped Dr. John Snow discover how Cholera spreads in 1854. But times have changed here in London. Now I am a detective and I have a very intriguing case. This morning, a young girl's body was found in a secluded alley with a slitted throat and lower body organs taken from her body. I think it is the work of a disturbing serial killer with surgical expertise. The bloke must be keeping organs as a prize of his foul doings.

September 19, 1888, 11:00 AM

This morning I woke unprepared for a hellish morning. My neighbor, Beatrice, was found dead in a damp sewer. Same scene, slit throat, lower organs out. I have a thought of who this killer is. Last night, a man, bloody to the bone, was sighted in Boar's Bottom Bar. I will go tomorrow to investigate and possibly confront this man.

September 20, 1888, 9:00 PM

I had a gruesome day with two more bloody deaths one at 8 and one at 2. I have nicknamed this man Jack the Ripper, due to him ripping organs out of his victims. As I entered Boars Bottom, I spotted Jack ordering a Bloody Mary. I asked him if he knew of four strange deaths that have happened over the past week. While he was explaining his alibi, I noticed a bloody scalpel in his left pocket of his jacket. I took it explaining it was evidence, when he rushed out of the bar fast as his long strides could carry him. Next time I confront him I will be ready for him. Bring it on, Jack.

October 2, 1888, 12:00 PM

Jack has not been sighted in a very long time, but today he struck again. This time he killed a 15 year old girl, same scene, same story. He left telling me to go to LeFonza's Talbot at 11:00 PM. Here I am waiting here at twelve o' clock! Wait! Here he comes! Thwack! Aaaoouuhh! That hurt, Jack! You want to play, Jack? I'll play, with my rapier! Shiing! Spliff! Ugghh! Well (cough!) that's the end of the Ripper. After my midnight duel, I buried Jacks halves in an unmarked grave hehind the talbot. For the rest of London's years, it will be free of the Ripper.

By: Eel Witherson P.H. D.

WW: Babysitter and Clue Lock-In {Linky}

I love our library! They offer so many things there. 

Mica's been helping them stock books and with their Read to a Dog program. It gets kids reading, and dogs love attention!

Mica and a friend took a Babysitting Clinic at the library earlier in July. I think they were the only boys, but they learned how to change diapers, first aid, what to charge, what to do in emergencies and so on. Both boys seemed happy when I picked them up, so they must of had fun.

Last weekend Isaak and Mica had a Clue Lock-In at the library. All the Librarians were dressed up like people from the game/movie. They had clues in each room to solve a mystery. It looked fun to me!

All their classes, clinics and lock-ins are free. I make sure to thank our Librarian's. They have coding classes, Lego classes, story time, and a ton of classes for adults too. 

WW: @OmahaLibrary Volunteer {Linky}

Mica's moving up in the world! I asked him if he'd like to be a Youth Volunteer at the library? He said, "Yes!" right away. It is after one of his favorite places to go. The boy loves to read.

I made him fill out his own application. We covered things like why there are 3 lines for an address (if someone has an apartment number), what his skills are and his experience. Luckily he's been on Student Council at school, in the gifted program, and goes to a camp called Banister's Leadership Academy. We had some things to work with.

The library said that he can help out this summer, but not during the school year until he's 13. The boy doesn't turn 12 until August 10. I to would like him to focus on his new middle school experiences and studies during the school year also.

He works volunteers at the library for 2 hours on Sundays. I love it because it gives him more experience, keeps him busy, lets him do something to help our community, and I get one on one time with Isaak.

Isaak and I made some String Art, while Mica was off to volunteer:

Mica was off to volunteer at the library. I think Mica was slightly nervous at first. At least that's how I read the crossed arms.

When I went to pick him up 2 hours later he was still busy volunteering away.

He said, "Mom I have got to tell you about this when I'm done."

He told me that his first experience was ripping books that they couldn't sell apart to be thrown away. "Can you believe they throw books away at the library?" He said. Then he had to shelve books. He said it was easy to do, but that he didn't realize certain letters moved over to the next shelf system.

He must have enjoyed it because he asked to call my parents Grandma and Grandpa to tell them about his whole experience.

I'm so thankful that the library is letting him volunteer. When it comes time for Mica to get a job he'll actually have experience to put down on that application.

What was your first job, or volunteer experience? 

Random Tid Bits

1. Isaak just can't get enough of basket ball lately. We really should sign him up for the sport because he likes it a lot.
   
   
   


2. Isaak's getting 3 teeth pulled right about now (I'm writing this ahead of time). His mouth is a crowded mess. He's excited because he gets money from the Tooth Fairy. I'm sure he won't be so excited when he has the numb feeling, and the pain afterwards.
   
   
   


3. I got my first back to school catalog in the mail this week. It was from Lakeshore Learning Store. I think events and holidays are celebrated earlier and earlier every year. Truth be told - the boy's school doesn't get their back to school list until a week before school starts. I get the stuff, then they are sent home with things they don't need. What's the point of a list then? 


4. We ran into a fourth grade teacher at Barnes and Noble. She said, "Hey Mica! I really hope I get you as a student!" She's a loud, fun lady. I said, "I'd love for Mica to have you. I also like the other teacher to. There are great 4th grade teachers at the school! A kid can't go wrong in 4th grade with the teacher they get." She is great! The other teacher is a male. He's the only male teacher at the school. I wish there were more male teachers. Diversity is nice.
    
   We're hoping Isaak stays on the trend of getting the opposite teacher than Mica had. We didn't care for Mica's 2nd grade teacher. She didn't push Mica enough. She'd tell the kids they were to have a spelling test on a certain day, and it would never happen. When we talked to her about our frustrations at conferences she just said, "The kids are just so good, we keep having parties." Ummm HELLO it's not Pump it Up. It's school. A place to learn. Some fun is great. She was too party happy. Isaak needs to be pushed. I hope he gets the other teacher. 


5. The boys had a lock-in at the library a few weeks ago. We got called twice about Isaak. His chest hurt from running around. He looked white. I told them to call me back if he was still like that after 15 minutes. Then we were called because he wanted to go home. Apparently an older kid had kids in a pretend jail. He wouldn't let Isaak out. Isaak was in tears. I thought maybe he was over reacting. He tends to do that. The Librarian was apologetic. She said, "I understand how he's upset. We just can't be in all the spots in the library at all times. Isaak's a good kid!" I understood. It was late, and Isaak was tired. I told Isaak what to do if something like that happens again. He needs to A) Go find a Librarian. B) Tell them he has to go to the bathroom to get out of the situation. C) Just leave the situation. I felt bad that he had that experience. All the other boys (Mica, my nephew's Evan and Elijah) had fun.

WW: Library {Linky}

The boys both read their 10 hours for their summer reading program at the library. 

They got bags, loads of coupons, and each got to pick out a book. One child picked out a book on slavery, while the other picked out a book on Martin Luther King Jr. They didn't even pick them out at the same time.

Mica (the older one) is more the reader out of the two. When Isaak hit his 10 hours, he said, "Well I guess I don't have to read any more all summer." Think again kid.

Mica would only smile goofy smiles. This is the best photo I could get of him.

As we were walking out there was a science guy in the parking lot showing kids how to make gigantic bubbles.

Reading Nooks

I wish we had room in our house for a reading nook. I've thought about putting one under the downstairs steps - after we get it refinished.

The Land of Nod is giving away a $1,500 gift card to get supplies for your own Reading Nook, and books from their site.

Part of what I love is that it's only 1 entry. There is no like 50 FB pages, and follow 50 Twitter pages to enter.

Here are some Reading Nook ideas from my Pinterest Kid Spaces Board.

Take an old crib, make it into a toddler bed, and re-purpose it to be a seat for a reading space.

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An old crib mattress looks cozy!

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An old crib could be transformed into a desk to.

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Plastic rain gutters can be used to hold books.

This is one of those broken links. If you know where it came from, I'd be happy to add a source.

An old cable spool as a Book Nook.

This is one of those broken links. If you know where it came from, I'd be happy to add a source.

Take the under part of your steps and transform it into a kid's space. They can use it for a Reading Nook, play space, or tornado shelter.

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A fun space that can be for read, or take the cushions off and it can be used for writing.

This is one of those broken links. If you know where it came from, I'd be happy to add a source.

Make a Reading Nook out of old wood pallets.

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Turn a tepee into a Reading Nook.

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 Instead of a family tree, have a book tree.

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This is one of those broken links. If you know where it came from, I'd be happy to add a source.

What are your ideas for a Reading Nook? Do you have space for one?

Disclaimer: The Land of Nod did not ask me to post this. I just posted about it because it looks fun. I did not get anything in exchange for this post.

Today I Wrote My First Complaint

I'm not one to complain much. Maybe I seem like a complainer on here. This is my spot to do that. Blogging is like a journal to me. In real life I don't complain a lot. If I write down something that is bothering me I'm good with that. I feel better after I've done so. Then it's dropped, and I move on.

When I do complain to somebody, or a place I usually state it just like I do with a student critique on a project: I start with something positive, and move on to my complaint. In my mind nothing is always good, and nothing is always bad. There has to be a balance. I remind my students about balance often. I say, "If you find something wrong I have done please let me know. I'm only human, and born to make mistakes." 

I've blogged positively about our library before. They have so much to offer: Lego Club almost every Saturday, story time for little kids, lock-ins, clubs for adults, computers to use for adults and kids, books and movies to check out.

Recently Mica read all of the series The Indian in the Cupboard. There are 4 books in the series. As the series develops the books get thicker.

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I told him after he read the series that he could watch the movie called The Indian in the Cupboard. The library did have it. They had 3 copies. They haven't been seen, or checked in for 5 years. 

I inquired about it. I said, "Hello! My son would like to watch The Indian in the Cupboard on DVD, but there seems to be a problem in checking it out." The librarian looked into it. They were just as confused as I was. After talking among other librarians they mutually decided I should request to have them buy a copy. 

I did just that, and before anyone could look over my request a note popped up on their website that said some like, "This is too old. We only buy things that are over 2 years old." Why would a group of librarians tell me to request it then? They knew how old it was. I get that it's old. I don't agree with it though. You mean to tell me that classics like E.T., Star Wars, Gone With the Wind and so on wouldn't be considered to purchase because they are way beyond the 2 year time limit? I would in no way call the movie The Indian in the Cupboard a classic. But...that in the box thinking would knock out any older movie. 

One of the things I love about the library is that they do in fact have older movies available. My kids have watched originals Pollyanna, The Parent Trap, The Shaggy Dog, The Nutty Professor, Swiss Family Robinson, and more. All from the library. 

I'm not saying that they should drop everything and buy what I want them to buy. 

I wrote them saying how much I love the library. Then went into how I was disappointed that older movies are not considered for request a purchase. 

One thought may be - You have all the books of The Indian in the Cupboard, why not get the movie? Another thought may be - It is old, and won't get checked out a lot. They wouldn't even think of those things because my request wasn't even looked at. 

Maybe they did look at my request. This morning I looked to see if the DVD is still in their system. Nope they swiped it.

I can rent it for a small fee from the different library, or take that same amount of money, and buy it on Amazon. I may just buy it for a future birthday. After Isaak goes through reading the books, and follows up with the movie I can donate the movie to the library. 

I do love the library. 

I just don't love that silly rule of requesting only newer movies.

Tell me a "RULE" you haven't agreed with. It can be anything.

WW: Lego Club {Linky}

What Mica Made:

What Isaak Made:

Dad and the boy's made me a mask out of Duplo's last night.

If you have a moment please enter my low entry giveaway listed on the side bar for Specialty Coffee.