September is Library Card Sign-up Month

• Back to School (http://www.caslt.org/research/backtoschool.htm):
  
  Annotated links to teacher resources such as back-to-school activities, icebreakers, classroom management techniques, and related concepts and tools. Includes general teaching ideas and resources for English as a Second Language (ESL) teachers. From the Canadian Association of Second Language Teachers (CASLT).
• Back to School Tips (http://www.aap.org/advocacy/releases/augschool.htm) A list of ideas for parents of school-age children, covering topics such as backpack comfort and safety, starting a new school, school avoidance, study habits, child care, television use, and alcohol abuse prevention. From the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP).
• Great Ideas: First Day Activity for Middle School (http://education.indiana.edu/cas/tt/v1i2/first.html): Teacher talk from Indiana University
• Kim's Korner for TeacherTalk (http://www.kimskorner4teachertalk.com/): a colleague's site full of ideas for Language Arts, six trait writing, reading literature, classroom management, getting organized, bulletin boards,.... and more
• Activities for the First Days of School  (http://www.kimskorner4teachertalk.com/classmanagement/firstday.html)     
  
• First Day of School America (http://www.firstday.org/) is a grassroots movement that brings together schools, families, and communities in celebration of education. First Day events are a fun, practical, effective way to get parents involved in their children's education starting on Day One of each school year.  Activity guide, newsletter, free materials, message board are also available through this site.  "Make the First Day of School the best day of each year! Join thousands of schools across the country mobilizing families and communities to get involved in children's education through the First Day of School America campaign."
• Kathy Shrock's Guide  (http://school.discovery.com/schrockguide/) for Educators is a teacher's resource.  It is a categorized list of sites useful for enhancing curriculum and professional growth. It is updated often to include the best sites for teaching and learning.
• Parent Back to School Articles from the National PTA:
• 10 Ways for Parents to Help Teachers (http://www.pta.org/archive_article_details_1118086988656.html)
• Helping Your Student Get the Most Out of Homework (http://www.pta.org/pr_magazine_article_details_1118088722562.html)
• Helping Your Young Child Learn (http://www.pta.org/pr_magazine_article_details_1118091379390.html)

• September is Library Card Sign-up Month

  As you check things off your children's school supply lists, make sure you're not missing a very important item—a library card. Unlike other supplies, a library card is free. If your children do not have one, visit your local library and apply.
  
  What can you get with a library card? Free resources! Here are just a few examples:

  • Do your kids need to research something for school? They can borrow books, CDs, DVDs, videos, and more. Librarians are also a great resource that can help your kids find the information they need.
  • Can't think of how to occupy your children's free time? Many libraries have a story hour and activities for children. Libraries also have book clubs for children, teens, and adults.
  • Don't have a computer at home? Use the computers at your library!
  • Do your kids need help with homework? Many libraries offer homework help after school.
  If you and your family members already have library cards, spread the word and encourage others to apply for them. For more information about libraries and Library Card Sign-up Month, visit the San Francisco Public Library (SFPL) website.

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