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Reading Together Matters

Reading has almost fallen out of style. Because of entertainment streaming services like Hulu or Netflix, more kids open up screens than books. However, the benefits of opening up a book will never disappear. That is why child development theorists call it one of the most significant activities for your child’s future success.

Reading is necessary for your child’s development

Parents know that a huge part of a baby’s development happens in the first 5 years of their life, but this doesn’t end at age 5. Whether your kid is 2 or 11, reading increases literacy and comprehension skills. It also adds to the number of words in their vocabulary. It can even strengthen their social skills. Not to mention doing the activity together helps to build bonds within the family!

Get creative!

There are ways to make reading as a family fun and engaging. Try creating special “book nooks” around the house specifically for opening up books. You can also have your kids come up with their own endings to their favorite stories to test their creative skills and imagination. You can even add family karaoke nights to your week, turning reading into a fun and musical event. The possibilities of reading together are endless, as are the benefits for your child’s learning.

Black History Month: How To Explain It To Your Little Ones

Black History Month is here! But what exactly is this month and how do you explain it to your kids? Thanks to Carter G. Woodson Black History Month is a time to recognize and celebrate African-American people. We put together a few tips for you to keep in mind while teaching your young ones about the importance of this month.

Start with the idea of fairness

All children understand the idea of unfairness, which makes it a great place to start when explaining the difficult parts of history. You can explain how African-Americans were treated unfairly for hundreds of years and fought for over a century to be treated like everyone else. As your children get older, you can explain to them the history in more detail.

Talk about the positives!

Remember–Black History is more than just hardship! Talk about the amazing contributions they have made to society as a whole. A great place to start is to teach your kids about the impact of Black music, Black scientists and inventors, activists, and any other important cultural contributions. There are a ton!

Don’t forget to mention the present

Remind your kids that the fight is not yet over and that inequality still exists. History is still being made every day, and by learning about Black History they are contributing to the fight for freedom and equality for all!

It’s never too young to teach your kid to celebrate differences and to have respect for different backgrounds. And it’s also never too late to teach yourself more. After all, Black History is American History and is something we should all know and appreciate.

Valentine’s Day With The Kids: 3 Ways to Show Love

Valentine’s Day sometimes focuses more on gifts than it does love itself. As our young ones begin to celebrate Valentine’s Day in the classroom, make sure they understand that some of the best kinds of love aren’t always romantic (although that type of love is pretty cool, too). The love between friends, family, and self-love is just as powerful. Instead of centering romantic love this Valentine’s Day, here are a few ideas you and the kids can try instead.

Write Appreciation Letters

A big part of love is showing your appreciation for someone and making sure it is clearly expressed to them. A great way to practice this with your kids is by having everyone in the house write “love letters”–or letters of appreciation, to family members and friends. In these letters, be specific! Use details to really express the unique things you love about someone, then pass the letters off to their recipients and watch how happy everyone involved will be.

Secret Santa–But Make It Valentine’s Day.

Gift-giving is another huge way of expressing love. Set up a Secret Santa Valentine’s edition with your household, neighbors, or family friends. You can decide the price limit on gifts, or make homemade gifts. Whatever you decide, remember–the more heartfelt the gift, the better.

Compliment Giving

Fill the day with compliments to everyone in the household. Everybody loves compliments, but more importantly, everyone needs compliments. It is super necessary that kids be complimented so they can develop a strong sense of self, but it’s also important that they are able to give compliments and develop meaningful connections with others.

These are just a few things you can do to help expand your children’s idea of love this Valentine’s Day. In the process, you might even expand your own.

Chuck Berry, black inventor of rock n roll

5 Things You Didn’t Know Black People Made

Black people have invented and innovated a lot since being in the United States. Despite centuries of hardships, Black people have changed so many parts of our daily life. In celebration of black accomplishments, here’s 5 things you probably didn’t know Black people made.

Some of America’s Biggest Music Genres–Rock, Blues, Country, Jazz

Black people are credited with founding genres like Hip-Hop, R&B, and Gospel music. However it’s not as well known that they also created genres like Rock and Country music. The genres originate out of Southern Blues. Rock n’ Roll greats such as Rosetta Tharpe and Chuck Berry pioneered them.

Barbecue, Mac & Cheese, Potato Chips & More!

While barbecue has roots in both West African and Native American culture, enslaved Black people made the cooking style popular. Other figures like James Hemings learned French Cuisine and brought it back to America. He developed classics like mac and cheese. Funnily enough, Chef George Crum made potato chips ironically to spite a customer.

Essentials Like The Home Security System, Traffic Lights, Refrigerators

Imagine a world with no traffic lights to guide cars. Or no alarm systems to protect your home from intruders. How about no refrigerators to keep your perishables in? We have black inventors Garrett Morgan, Marie Brown, and Frederick McKinley Jones to thank for making our lives safer.

The Whole Concept of “Cool”

When you think of someone cool, you probably think of someone who unbothered. This idea of “cool” is more similar to the West-African definition than the English one. Historian Robert Farris Thompson discovered our American idea of cool sounds a lot like the Liberian one: “to be nonchalant at the right moment…to do difficult tasks with an air of ease”.

Life-Saving Innovations–Blood Bank, Pacemaker, Blindness Prevention

Black professionals have made major contributions made to the medical field as well. Surgeon Charles Drew changed the game when he discovered a way to store blood. Otis Boykin made his mark when he improved the pacemaker. Patricia Bath changed people’s lives by pioneering blindness treatment and prevention.

Black History Month is Over–What’s Next for Allies?

February is ending and so is Black History Month. But we should celebrate the Black community’s journey and accomplishments beyond February. In fact, here are a few ways you can be a good ally for the rest of the year and beyond.

Pay attention

History is made every day. Pay attention to events that Black People inside and outside of the US. Watch the news and stay up-to-date on what’s happening around the world and in your country.

Advocate in real life

While sharing information on social media is good, never forget about the power of support in real life. Stand up if you see someone being discriminated against or treated unfairly. Speak up if you hear something harmful said against Black people. Use your voice to call for the respect of all people, regardless of what they look like.

Donate to good causes

Monetary donations to the right places can be life-changing and sometimes even lifesaving. Communities who struggle with poverty and lack of resources are often best supported by financial donations. However it is important to make sure the person or organization receiving these donations is legitimate.

Volunteer where you can

Your time is equally as valuable as your money. You can help to create safe spaces by volunteering at an underfunded school or community center. For young black children who may need more safe spaces and mentors, these places are extremely impactful.

Be aware of your own thoughts, beliefs, and actions

Lastly, one of the best things you can do as an ally is check yourself! Ask yourself if you are treat people fairly, if your beliefs align with your words, and if you are make space for those who need it. After all, change starts with each of us everyday, not just during Black History Month.

We Are Still Fighting For Women’s Rights

It’s 2022 and women around the globe are still fighting for equality. There have been huge strides made towards equality, but there are still many areas to improve. As we settle into Women’s History Month, we must remember women’s rights still need protection.

1. Wage inequality

In 2021, the gender pay gap between men and women was 1 dollar to 82 cents. It widens further depending on race and occupation. This gap also hasn’t budged for 15 years.

2. Safety

Currently, 1 in 3 women globally experiences violence at least once in their lives. Because of these alarming numbers, over 52 countries put measures in place last year to protect women alongside their COVID actions.

3. Household duties

Although it is normal for both parents to work these days, it turns out women still do most of the domestic work at home. This is while they work full-time positions. While things have become slightly more fair in the workplace, they’ve stayed relatively the same at home.

4. Business opportunities

As of 2021, women fill only 8.2% of S&P 500 CEO positions, which is sadly an improvement from 6.2% in 2019. Additionally, female entrepreneurs, especially Latina and Black, receive far less in investments even though businesses owned by minority women have nearly doubled since 2014.

There are many other reasons why it’s important to honor the long journey of women’s rights, and these are just a few. So when you see a woman doing something remarkable, remember all the challenges she has had to face, and give her credit when it’s due.

Girls Run The World!

It is Women’s History Month, and women and girls are still making history as we speak. Instead of focusing on accomplishments of women in the past we wanted to switch it up. Here are the girls who are changing our present and our future.

Mari Copeny aka Miss Flint

Mari is the definition of a child activist. She has been fighting for clean, lead-free water in Flint, Michigan since she was 8. Her work has caused people around the United States to address racial inequalities of water quality.

Greta Thunberg

One of the more well-known young women activists, Greta Thunberg is a Swedish 17-year-old girl who has been extremely outspoken about climate change. She has been invited to speak at the UN and other large political events.

Emma Gonzales

After surviving a school shooting at Stoneman Douglas High School in Florida, Emma Gonzales and other students from the school led one of the largest gun-control protests the country has seen. In addition, she gave one of the most memorable speeches about gun violence at the March For Our Lives protest.

Malala Yousafzai

Another household name, Malala Yousafzai began her fight for female education around the globe. Her bravery reached new levels when she faced a horrible attack for her activism, but continued to advocate for the cause. She also started the Malala Fund, which helps girls around the world fund their education.

Khloe Thompson

Homelessness was something that concerned 11-year-old Khloe Thompson when she decided to found Khloe Kares, a foundation that provides care packages to shelters and homeless individuals around the nation. The foundation has dispersed 1000s of care packages to date.

These are only a few of the young girls who are helping to make our planet a safer and more equal place. It is no shocker that these women are so young and making such a huge impact because who runs the world? Girls!

Women-Made Inventions For Everyone

Women have added a lot to our society. From science to medicine women have put in work. During this Women’s History Month, let’s look at some of the best inventions made by women:

1. Car Heater: Margaret Wilcox

Margaret Wilcox invented central car heating in 1893. As a result we can stay cozy in our vehicles.

2. Fire Escape: Anna Connelly

Anna Connelly invented the fire escape in 1887, saving many lives. Because of her living in apartments has been much safer.

3. Laser Cataract Surgery: Patricia Bath

Patricia Bath finished her laser cataract patent in 1986. Due to her invention thousands of people can still see.

4. Computer Algorithm: Ada Lovelace

Ada Lovelace wrote the first “computer” program in the 1840s. Her work helps computer scientists write programs till this day.

5. Circular Saw: Tabitha Babbitt

Tabitha Babbitt is known for inventing the circle saw. During the year 1813 everyone praised her for inventing the convenient tool.

6. Dishwasher: Josephine Cochrane

Josephine Cochrane invented the dishwasher in 1886. Since then chores have been way easier.

7. Medical Syringe: Letitia Geer

Letitia Geer invented medical syringes that were clean and easy to use in 1899. Due to her invention hospitals are much safer.

8. Bulletproof Vests: Stephanie Kwolek

Stephanie Kwolek discovered Kevlar fabric in 1965. Because of her discoveries we have bulletproof jackets and vests.

9. Windshield Wiper: Mary Anderson

Mary Anderson invented the windshield wiper In 1903. As a result all cars use her invention.

Without women in science, our lives would be much less safe, convenient, and enjoyable.

Women Need Allies Like You

Allies for women, it’s your time. Although Women’s History Month is ending, women’s rights are always important. After all, women need allies year-round. Thankfully there are several ways you can step up to the plate. If you don’t know the best way to be an ally, don’t worry! We’ve got you covered.

What does it mean to be an ally?

An ally supports and defends someone who is less privileged than themself. There are many ways to support someone else, and at times it may be a little uncomfortable to speak up for someone. But thats just what the world needs.

We need men to be allies for women

Most men listen to other men more than they listen to women. When a woman speaks up about the inequalities she faces, it is less likely for her claims to be taken seriously unless she has men as allies supporting her issues. This is why it is so important that men who are willing to be allies amplify the voices of women and their experiences.

Listen Actively

You must hear what someone is saying before you can amplify their issues. As an ally one of the best things to do is listen. Actively listen to what the women in your life say their experiences are and take their words seriously.

Accept Differences In Experiences

Pay attention to the conversations of women you are close with, but also understand that not all experiences will be the same. You can also expand your viewpoints by doing independent reading and research. When you have a better understanding of gender issues, you can be a better.

We really aren’t that different

While there have been endless books written on the differences between men and women, there is actually a lot more in common than we like to acknowledge. Everyone wants respect, fair treatment, and to be heard. By making the decision to be an ally to women, you are helping the world become more equitable and safer for all.

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Reading Together Matters