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New eLibrary Elementary Goodies

by StoryLaura

Does your child only want to play or learn on the computer? Check out the new Weekly Reader series at elibrary Elementary on our website. There are biographies and histories in graphic novel format. The illustrations will captivate and the stories will spark interest in subjects that are sometimes just beyond a child’s reach. While you are at the research page on our website, click on AADL Select Sites for Kids and see what the library has to offer. Then lure them away with hands-on science activities.

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How Did We Get to Now?

by iralax

With a mouse click on the aadl.org Research tab you can read basic articles on American and World history and biography. Two of the databases there are History Resource Center: US & World, and Biography Resource Center. These can be searched even without a library card from any AADL building, or with your library card number from anywhere else. You will have free access to articles about things of interest to you from the past; give it a try and you’ll get hooked on history! Also, check out the other free databases for finance, genealogy, literature, popular magazines, historical photographs, and other topics.

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Kid Bits - Federal Guidelines for Fitness

by ryanikoglu

"The Feds have unveiled their first-ever physical activity guidelines for kids". Take a look at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services website. It's very straight-forward and useful.
2008 Physical Activity Guidelines For Americans
Then GET ACTIVE with:
Fit 4 U With Twirly Sue And Crew
Shana Banana Yoga
Food And Fitness Matter
Fitty Cap Hip-Hop Dancexercise For Kids

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Something About The Author Online is here!

by battlem

Not just for Children's Lit. students! AADL has recently added the < href="http://research.aadl.org/login?url=http://infotrac.galegroup.com/itweb/aadl?db=SATA">Something About The Author Online database, a product from Gale Cengage Learning. This valuable resource compiles biographical profiles of authors and illustrators of books for kids and teens from the over 200 volume print set. Each profile includes information regarding the individual's personal life, contact details, career highlights, complete bibliography, and works in progress. Samples of illustrations are also included. You will find citations for other biographical and critical sources. Also included are all profiles from the Autobiography series of Something About The Author, providing rare first-person perspective about the author's career and works.

You can search this database by author, illustrator, title, or keyword, as well as combine terms and browse a complete list of included individuals.

This is one-stop shopping for info about your favorite author for kids or teens!

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Every Child Ready To Read

by ryanikoglu

The NATIONAL INSTITUTE For LITERACY is a government agency promoting early Literacy practices for families. You can find activities and testimonials in their booklets. The booklets are by age level as follows:
KINDERGARTEN: Kindergartners Learn To Read.
FIRST Grade: First Graders Learn To Read.
SECOND and THIRD Grade: Second And Third Graders Learn To Read.
La Lectura Es Lo Primero: Del Presescolar Al Tercer Grado.

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DVD Bits - Finding Movies with a "G Rating"

by ryanikoglu

Teachers and Parents ask "how do I find the movies with a G Rating"?
You can get a list of G-Rated Movies for Kids on the internet. The nice thing about the list is that it begins with 2005 movies and gets older. This means the movies would be on DVD, and perhaps the kids haven't seen them yet.

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View YOUR Sample Ballot Now

by Debbie G.

Your sample ballot, from President of the United States right down to your City Council Ward candidates, is available now from Michigan Votes. Once you fill in the info on the opening screen you'll go to a page with a purple "View My Sample Ballot" button. There's a handy print feature on the sample ballot page too. Need more info on the candidates and proposals? Check out the League of Women Voters of Michigan Statewide Voter Guide and the MLive local candidate guide.

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Parent Bits - Kids and Self-Esteem

by ryanikoglu

There's more than one way to help kids grow up healthy and competent. In addition to books on Self-Esteem like Stick Up For Yourself!, there are websites that can be useful. The October 2008 issue of Library Sparks provides suggested websites:
Kid's Health: Self-Esteem offers easy-to-use information by age levels, and a "fun and games" section section for kids 6-12 years old.
Kids Health For Kids: The Story Of Self-Esteem offers information in both English and Spanish language.

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Terrible Beauty Underfoot

by Caser

It's a great time of year for hiking at any of the delightful Ann Arbor city parks, as the leaves are changing color and the blood-thirsty insects finally die off. But don't forget about the terrible beauty underfoot: poison ivy, oak, and sumac. These silent pests are some of the first plants to change color, and they thrive where many a "step had trodden black." You can find poison ivy at the edge of footpaths, on the barks of trees, along fences, or at its most vicious, as autonomous shrubs that branch out laterally.

Although not everyone is allergic to the urushiol oil that causes the weepy, itchy blisters, it's important to be able to recognize the three leaf plants on sight, for the oil can seep into the skin within three minutes of contact. All parts of the plant -- including the roots and berries -- contain the poisonous oil, so be careful when digging in the garden as well. If you do make that unfortunate contact, it's best to wash the area immediately with plenty of soap and water. For more information on the poisonous trio, try the Health and Wellness Resource Center database available on aadl.org.

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Get Homework Help with a Live Tutor

by amy

The Library is pleased to offer Brainfuse, a new online tutoring service that matches students with a live tutor for personalized homework help. Just log on to chat one-on-one with a tutor in real time for individual help answering homework questions, building skills in specific subject areas, or writing a better research paper. Tutors (including Spanish-speakers) are available from 2-11 p.m. 7 days a week and help is available for all students, from elementary school through high school and beyond. No appointment is necessary.