Actividades productivas y divertidas para la temporada de frío

El clima de invierno y las vacaciones pueden ocasionar algo de estrés y cambios en nuestras rutinas, pero también nos brinda oportunidades para concentrarnos en actividades importantes.

Hay tiempo para conversar en familia. Cuando los niños y jóvenes aprenden y participan activamente en conversaciones de la cultura familiar, es más probable que aumenten su confianza, sean optimistas y refuercen su identidad. 

Traten de mantener horarios regulares para comer, dormir, jugar y aprender. Los niños y jóvenes con dificultades de procesamiento sensorial se benefician cuando las rutinas siguen siendo las mismas durante las vacaciones escolares y los días festivos.

Los estudiantes de secundaria y preparatoria pueden aprovechar este tiempo para realizar las actividades que propone el College Board y ponerse al día sin la presión del tiempo.

El juego es muy importante; hagan una piñata y creen un libro con fotos y algunas historias de sus tradiciones para revivir los recuerdos en familia.

He aquí una lista de recursos y actividades que recopilamos para que todos los miembros de su familia se mantengan mental y físicamente activos. 

Cómo eliminar el estrés durante las festividades 

Cómo mejorar las festividades para los niños

Consejos para ayudar a los niños a dar lo mejor de sí mismos y también a divertirse.

Eliminar el estrés de los días festivos

Estudiantes de secundaria y preparatoria

Inscríbanse ahora mismo para tomar el SAT digital en la primavera de 2024

Fechas del examen PSAT 10

Fechas del examen 8/9

Cómo hacer una piñata

Tutorial 

Cómo hacer un álbum para fotos

Tutorial

Canciones infantiles

Bienvenidas las hojitas

Canción para abrigarse del invierno

Din don de don (juego de manos)

 

What is Dyslexia?

Dyslexia is a neurological difference often characterized by difficulties with reading, writing and spelling. It may run in the families and cannot be “cured.” Individuals with this condition must learn coping strategies.

Dyslexia has nothing to do with intelligence. With the right instruction, almost all individuals with dyslexia can learn to read.  A multi-sensory, phonics based approach is often the best way to help kids learn to read. The Orton-Gillingham, Barton System and/or Lindamood-Bell programs are well known programs that work.

This great Ted-Ed talk provides an overview of dyslexia.

What should I look for?

Decoding Dyslexia offers these early signs of dyslexia:

• Late speech (3 years or later)
• Mixing up sounds in multi-syllable words (e.g. bisghetti, aminal, mazageen)
• Inability to rhyme by age 4
• Difficulty with substitutions, omissions and deletions
• Unusual pencil grip
• Difficulty remembering rote facts (months of the year, days of the week)
• Confusion of left vs. right  

One of the biggest challenges of dyslexia is counteracting shame caused by teasing and misunderstanding. Children are often teased because they can’t read as well as others. Teachers may say things like “she’s a slow reader” in front of the child or parents. Kids know what “slow” means and they often grow up believing they are “stupid” and/or “lazy.”

Dyslexia Assessment in Multnomah County

Oregon Senate Bills 612 and 1003 require school districts to universally screen for risk factors of dyslexia in kindergarten. The Oregon Department of Education provides guidance and training for districts and educators. If you or your child aren't in school or you feel the school is missing something, here are a few of the many assessment and intervention providers in the County.

The Blosser Center - Accredited by the Academy of Orton-Gillingham Practitioners and Educators, the Blosser Center provides assessment, tutoring and teacher training.

Language Skills Therapy - Provides assessment and tutoring

New Leaves Clinic - Provides assessment and treatment in Hillsboro, Oregon

PDX Reading Specialist, LLC​ - Provides assessment, tutoring, advocacy and professional development

How the library can help

There are three valid types of reading: with your eyes (print & video), with your ears (audiobooks), and with your fingers (Braille).  

Audiobooks

The library has thousands of audiobooks on CD and in downloadable formats for people who read with their ears. Library information staff can help you find and use audiobooks, which are typically easier for someone with dyslexia.

DVD/Blu-ray and streaming

The library has thousands of DVDs, Blu-ray and downloadable films for people who read with eyes and ears. Library information staff can help you find and use these media.

E-books

E-books are available to borrow through OverDrive to read on your desktop or with the Libby app. Accessibility options include using screen readers, changing text size, turning on dyslexic font, reading in sepia or night mode, and more. When searching for a subject, you can also look for the format "OverDrive Read-along" which provides narration that plays along while you read. The OverDrive help page explains how to find these read-along books, and library staff can help as well.

Additional resources

Bookshare e-books have functions for people with print disabilities, including low vision, dyslexia and the inability to hold a physical book. Adults with a library card can get free access through the library. Students can get access through their school.

Decoding Dyslexia Oregon's parent resource list has many suggestions of books, websites and videos where you can learn more about dyslexia.

FACT Oregon provides parent training in English and Spanish to help families navigate the special education system.

The International Dyslexia Association has a list of local support groups for students and adults with dyslexia.

The Oregon Talking Book and Braille Library is free for any Oregonian with a print-disability including dyslexia or dysphasia.

The granddaughter of the Chief of Celilo Falls, Linda Meanus is a beloved Native American Elder from the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs, an author and educator.

Part of her story was first told in 1956 by Martha McKeown in a book titled Linda’s Indian Home. The book called attention to the Columbia River tribes, their ways of living and how the new dams destroyed fishing.

Fish are sacred to the tribes. So daily fishing activities embodied tradition, culture and a way of life that were deeply impacted by the construction of the Dalles Dam. The water itself is also significant because it represents the connection between people, water and earth.

When Linda’s Indian Home was published, Ms. Meanus was a little girl, traveling to different schools and libraries, sharing the book and story, and signing her name. In 1956, she is pictured during a visit at Multnomah County Library’s Central Library location.

Now, Ms. Meanus has written her own book: My Name is Lamoosh, chronicles her life as she grew up with her grandmother, Flora Thompson, and her grandfather Chief Tommy Thompson. She talks about life before the creation of The Dalles Dam, which flooded Celilo Falls. The book highlights Indigenous ways of the Columbia River and provides a first-hand account of Native American history in the Pacific Northwest. 

As Ms. Meanus describes in her book, “If you have ever heard Multnomah Falls, it was ten times louder than that. It was an echo that you could feel in your heart.” 

Celilo Falls was a place where salmon flowed plentifully and tribes from different parts of the Northwest came together. 

“I was six years old when my grandma came after me to show me what the Corps of Engineers were going to do on March 10, 1957,” says Ms. Meanus. “I thought it was important to write this book and share my story. There are a lot of Native American stories, and since this is from a historical site, I thought it was important to do that. And it makes me feel good that I can contribute to the community a real life story."

The library is welcoming back Ms. Meanus with an author talk at Mamook Tokatee, NAYA housing complex on November 9. During this visit, she will discuss her new book, My Name is Lamoosh.

“Ms. Meanus is a revered and respected Elder” says Eva Red Bird, Indigenous outreach program coordinator. “She is a strong advocate for sobriety and helping Natives get clean and sober. She still goes out to powwows and dances and continues to practice tribal traditions. It’s really an honor to have her visit us.”

Stay up to date on events happening to celebrate Native American Heritage Month, or participate from home by checking out one of the always available books on the Libby app.

Support your community by signing up to volunteer at the library.

Spanish-speaking volunteers are always needed to tutor adults completing their GED program. Helping other adults further their education makes an immediate impact both for individuals and the community as a whole.

One Spanish-speaking volunteer, David, has been volunteering at the library for two years. His partner, Luz, started volunteering six months ago.

David said, “We arrived in the United States about three and a half years ago, during Covid quarantine. Luz began receiving help with her English language skills through the library. We wanted to return the assistance and support our community.”

Luz and David tutor adults who are working to complete their GED in Spanish. The time commitment is one weekly session of about 1.5 – 2 hours. Volunteers must sign on for a minimum of 3 months. Volunteers must be 18 years or older and have a high school diploma, GED or the equivalent.

Luz has a background in science education, and David has an accounting background. “I’ve always loved school. So both of us love the constant learning experience and what better way of learning and remembering knowledge or research if not by helping others,” says David.

It’s easy to sign up to be a library volunteer. Complete an application form for Rockwood library or a virtual opportunity that offers flexible scheduling. 

“It’s a great way to feel connected to your community and give help to those who have the curiosity of learning,” says David. 

Call 503.577.9984 or email Adult Literacy mcl.adult.literacy@multco.us to get started.

Are you a writer looking for inspiration, support and community? Portland is a writing city, with many organizations focused on the craft. Here's a brief and by no means comprehensive list of some of those organizations. 

Writing groups, workshops, and classes

Literary Arts offers an ongoing BIPOC Reading Series, intended to prioritize the safety, creativity, and stories of Black people, Indigenous people, and People of Color. You can come to listen or sign up to share in an open mic. Anyone is welcome to attend, but only those who identify as Black, Indigenous or people of color are invited to read.

The Attic Institute presents workshops, classes, and individual consultation about writing projects.

The Multnomah Arts Center offers some wonderful literary arts classes.

Portland State University has a few different academic programs in creative writing.

VoiceCatcher is a nonprofit connecting and empowering women writers in Portland.

Write Around Portland offers free creative writing workshops, hosts a bimonthy BIPOC writing circle, and creates publication and reading opportunities for workshop participants.

For a variety of author readings and all things literary, check out Literary Portland. They maintain lists of author readings, book and discussion groups, writing organizations and more. They are also the people behind Old Pal, a journal devoted to literature and art.

Check out Meetup for a variety of creative writing groups in and around Portland.

Membership organizations

The Independent Publishing Resource Center (IPRC) offers resources and workshops related to printing and book-making. They also have certificate programs in creative nonfiction/fiction, poetry, and comics/graphic novels.

Oregon Poetry Association, Oregon’s oldest and largest literary organization, offers community, contests, and conferences.

Oregon Writers Colony offers community, conferences and workshops, and the use of a beach house writing retreat!

Rose City Romance Writers, the Portland, Oregon chapter of Romance Writers of America, educates, supports, and mentors published and unpublished romance writers.

Willamette Writers hosts regular meetings for the exchange of ideas related to writing and craft.

Reading series

Literary Arts’ programs include Portland Arts and Lectures, Writers in the Schools, the Oregon Book Awards and Fellowships, and Delve Readers Seminars.

There are many different reading series in Portland! You could head out to hear writers read their work at Burnt Tongue, Unchaste Readers, you could catch a reading when the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America (FWWA) Pacific Northwest Reading Series has a Portland event...  or you could see one of the many readings at Powell's Books! 

Local Publishers

The Northwest is home to a vibrant publishing world. Here are just a few:

• IPRC -  provides affordable access to space, tools, and resources for creating independently published media and artwork, and to build community and identity through the creation of written and visual art.
• Ooligan Press -  is a student-run trade press dedicated to cultivating the next generation of publishing professionals. Ooligan works with the library to publish selections from The Library Writers Project. Visit the Library Writers Project page to learn more about submitting your self-published work to the library's digital collection.
• Microcosm Publishing - Microcosm specializes in nonfiction DIY (Do-It-Yourself) books, zines, and decks that focus on the reader and teach self-empowerment.
• Forest Avenue Press - publishes literary fiction on a joyride and the occasional memoir. Our titles are infused with a fresh, complex, sometimes nutty, and often-wondrous approach to storytelling.
• Sasquatch Books - publishes books by the most gifted writers, artists, chefs, naturalists, and thought leaders in the Pacific Northwest and on the West Coast.

To connect to more publishers and keep up with Northwest book news, especially indy stores and authors, check out the Pacific Northwest Booksellers Association.

Other stuff

Although closures may impact availability, Multnomah County’s Central Library offers the Sterling Room for Writers, where writers can find a quiet work space in close proximity to all the resources the library has to offer. Interested writers must submit an application and be approved to gain access to the room. Please note that Central Library is currently closed for remodelling and will likely reopen in late 2024.

English | Español

Celebra el Mes de la Herencia Hispana y Latina del 15 de septiembre al 15 de octubre en la Biblioteca del Condado de Multnomah. 

El Mes de la Herencia Hispana y Latina es un tiempo para festejar las contribuciones de la comunidad hispana y latina en los Estados Unidos. 

La comunidad hispana y latina incluye a gente con raíces españolas, de países sudamericanos, el Caribe, Centroamérica y México. Por causa de la colonización, la esclavitud y la migración, hay latinos en todas partes del mundo y con identidades diversas como afro-latina, indígena, asiática y más. La diversidad de la comunidad no se limita a solo un país o idioma; más bien la cultura latina e hispana es tan rica, que podemos disfrutar de la diversidad que existe en una cultura creada con tantas.

La celebración empezó en 1968, cuando el Congreso de los Estados Unidos proclamó una semana en otoño como la Semana Nacional de la Herencia Hispana. En 1988 la celebración se extendió a un mes completo.

Las fechas se escogieron para conmemorar varios eventos importantes, incluyendo el Día de la Independencia de México, Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Costa Rica y Chile.

La biblioteca celebra nuestra comunidad hispana y latina todo el año y durante este mes tendremos eventos que se enfocan en la música y la comida.

Juan García, bibliotecario para jóvenes en la Biblioteca de Rockwood, dice: “Me mudé de México a los Estados Unidos cuando tenía siete años y durante mucho tiempo me resultó difícil encontrar mi lugar en este país. La asimilación jugó un papel importante en mi educación, quería encajar y no me di cuenta de que estaba alejándome de mi cultura. Esta es una lucha que muchos inmigrantes tienen. Me hace muy feliz trabajar en un lugar como la biblioteca pública que no sólo reconoce nuestra cultura sino que crea espacios para celebrarla. Este Mes de la Herencia Latina estoy entusiasmado con todos los eventos que organizan mi biblioteca y las demás bibliotecas.”

¡Visita la biblioteca para participar en actividades para toda la familia!

• Aprende cómo hacer churros dulces en las bibliotecas de St. Johns, Troutdale y Hillsdale
• Participa en una comedia para niños en la Biblioteca de St. Johns
• Aprende a cocinar arepas venezolanas en las bibliotecas de Gresham y Kenton 
• Escucha música en vivo en la biblioteca de Gresham
• Disfruta paletas mexicanas en las bibliotecas de Rockwood y Kenton
• Participa en la noche de lotería en la Biblioteca de St. Johns

También habrá actividades artísticas y recomendaciones de libros en las bibliotecas. 

Aprende sobre el equipo de la biblioteca que habla español  y mantente al tanto en la página web.

Multnomah County Library is proud to participate in Banned Books Week (October 1- 7). Library staff in every state are facing a disturbing increase in challenges and book bans. The American Library Association documented 1,269 demands to censor library books and resources in 2022 alone, which is the highest number in the more than 20 years that statistics have been recorded. The titles being challenged and banned were predominantly by or about LGBTQIA+ persons and Black, Indigenous, and people of color.

Banned Books Week draws attention to the very real harm and dangers of such censorship by celebrating intellectual freedom. While adults have been given plenty of air time on this important topic, librarians decided to speak with those most impacted: the youth. To support and amplify the voices of these young readers, the library included some direct quotes from teens and tweens we surveyed across the county.

We asked youth if they had ever read a book that was banned or challenged, what they thought of it, and why they thought someone would ban or challenge it. We also wanted to know if there was anything they wished people trying to ban books knew, what they would say to them, and who should be in charge of picking books for their school and public libraries.

 

“I’ve read many banned books. For example Stamped by Jason Reynolds & Ibram X. Kendi. I believe people challenged it because of its content on racism. And the history they wrote about it. I found it very interesting and a very important novel. We learn about history so we make sure it doesn’t happen again.”

— Halle, Woodstock library

 

“I have read multiple banned or challenged books. Most of their content includes diversity, learning of other’s experiences, LGBTQ+ groups, “offensive” language or other experiences people refuse to accept or discuss. I think reading about these expands knowledge and is beneficial.”

— Gresham library youth

 

“Many more diverse authors have been able to share their perspective in published books and as readers grow, misinformation about “explicit” pieces of literature (misunderstanding too often born about bigotry) also increase. I completed a project on banned books and found that PEN America reported 41% of banned books are LGBTQIA+ and 40% have characters of color. These bans reflect bias.”

— Ahnalya, Gresham library youth

 

“I think books are being banned/challenged because people are afraid of what they don’t understand, so they try to get rid of it altogether.”

— Woodstock library youth

 

“Many of these books talk about important issues today. I think the idea that the public learning how to fight back scares many of the people banning books. They need to realize that learning to fight back is good and can help us move forward from our current non-inclusive views.”

— Scout, Gresham library youth

 

“We need to let children choose what they read, just like how children should choose what they like, wear, etc. because it’s THEIR experience. Reading should be about diversity and inclusion because we’re in a place in society where people are safer and more comfortable with coming out as their true, authentic selves and we can’t allow children to think that racism, sexism, etc. is okay from them not learning about it early on or being introduced to these topics. These books aren’t designed to sexualize children or encourage “inappropriate” behaviors as many are saying, but they are exposing children/young adults to important social justice topics to further deepen their social skills, development, awareness and overall empathy in the real world.”

— Mason, Northwest library youth

 

The library applauds these young readers for speaking up and out about banned books and their impact on their growth and education. When the library says “All are welcome here,”  that means striving to include all communities, especially those who have experienced marginalization and systemic oppression. Everyone should have the chance to see themselves represented on library shelves and to have the opportunity to grow and expand their experience in a safe and inclusive environment for all. 

“Let Freedom Read” is the theme of this year’s Banned Books Week, October 1-7. Join the library—and county youth—in uplifting, celebrating, and exploring these indispensable titles!

The library offers volunteer opportunities for teens, adults and seniors. Patrons can also get involved in volunteer-led library programs.

The library's largest teen volunteer effort is the Summer Reading program, for which teens help kids and families pick up their gameboard and learn about prizes. However, there are other year round opportunities for teens as well. In the teen and tween councils, teens can work on service projects for the library, like creating book displays and connecting with patrons. 

Adults can volunteer in many ways: 

• Tutor a child needing extra help on a specific subject. Volunteer tutors meet with students for 30-minute increments each week for an eight-week term. 
• Read to the Dogs program. Adults with certified therapy dogs can meet with young readers to help develop confidence in their reading skills. 
• Tutor other adults who are preparing to take their GED exam in reading, math and other skills.
• Volunteer for talk time conversations to help adults who are practicing English or other languages.

Grace Hashiguchi recently volunteered at the library through the summer tutoring program. Grace met with the same students virtually every week during this six-week program. She primarily focused on general literacy for elementary students. 

“I’d brainstorm with the kids to find topics or series they were interested in, find relevant e-books and share my screen. Then I’d either have them read to me or we would alternate pages. We'd also discuss new vocab words or play spelling games and try to make that experience engaging,” says Grace.

Grace has a public relations and writing background and wanted to find a way to use her skills to serve the community. “My favorite part is finding common ground with students. Through active listening and compassion, you can form a connection in two short months just by showing interest in their lives and learning goals. Seeing glimpses of empowerment, when a student feels capable — even if just for a sentence, or while learning a new game together — it’s just such an exciting feeling.”

Alan Platt, another volunteer with the summer tutoring program, was previously a home teacher in California. He says, “I feel volunteering is a basic civic duty. Help in whatever way you can. If tutoring appeals to you, great. But duty aside, and regardless of how you volunteer, you get satisfaction from helping others, and often come away ‘enriched’ yourself in some fashion. In my case, teaching always leads to my own deeper understanding of the material we are studying. This is probably why I love teaching Social Studies and History so much!”

Stay connected with the library and find volunteer opportunities that work for you!

Over three million children in the United States experience a disability and almost all of them attend school. Today, laws ensure that children with disabilities receive a free and appropriate public education.  

Look out: acronyms ahead! You may need a special education glossary like this one from Understood.org, which is a fantastic resource for parents looking to understand the special education system.

Birth to Kindergarten

Some disabilities are apparent from birth, and some come to light in the first years of growth and development. In Multnomah County, the Multnomah Early Childhood Program (MECP) provides early intervention services for children with disabilities between birth and kindergarten.  

If you have a concern about how your child sees, hears, walks, talks, plays, or learns between birth and kindergarten, you can ask for a developmental evaluation. Screen your child’s development using this online tool from the Oregon Screening Project at the University of Oregon. Call 503-261-5535 to get in touch with MECP for early intervention services. They will do several observations and interviews to assess your child.

The results of the MECP evaluation may diagnose your child with a disability and qualify them for early intervention special education services. This could include services such as speech therapy, occupational therapy, parent education, and special education preschool. You’ll meet with a team to develop an Individual and Family Support Plan (IFSP) that outlines which services your child and family will receive, how much, when, and where. MECP services are free and are part of public school.

School Age

Children with disabilities in grades K-12 have Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) or 504 Plans. Both outline what services and accommodations a child needs to be successful at school. 

A child will qualify for an IEP if they have one of 13 disabilities defined by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). IEPs have a more formal, standardized format and process for describing a child’s present levels of development, their annual goals, accommodations and modifications, service levels, and classroom placement.  

A child qualifies for a 504 Plan if they have any disability that interferes with their ability to learn or navigate their school day. There is no standard format, but the plan usually lists the services, accommodations, and supports the school will provide and the names of the people who will provide them.  

Learn more about the differences between an IEP and 504 Plan and what you can expect from each.  

If your child has an IFSP, you and your team will write an IEP or 504 Plan when they go to kindergarten.  

Some disabilities may not become apparent until a child enters school: ADHD or dyslexia, for example. Parents or educators who notice a child struggling in school can request an educational evaluation. That evaluation may lead to a diagnosis and an IEP or 504 plan. Getting an evaluation and effective IEP after starting school may require persistence. 

When an IEP is in place, the child’s entire educational team meets annually to write the IEP for the coming year. As a parent, you are an important part of that team. The IEP includes a section for parent input where you can write about your child’s strengths, interests, and challenges to help the school know your child. Your child is assessed every three years to determine that they still qualify for special education services.

Graduation and beyond

During the IEP meeting of your child’s sophomore year of high school, you’ll begin talking about diploma options and plans for after high school. 

Getting help

You don’t have to navigate this system alone! Families and Communities Together (FACT Oregon) is a statewide group offering broad support for families experiencing disability. They offer help through parent education, connection to community, and a support line connecting you with other parents to help answer questions. The IEP Toolkit and The IEP: What You Need to Know online training are two of their most popular resources.

Special education services can be complicated and confusing, and you might feel you need a second education about special education.  The many resources and support options help you understand and advocate for your child throughout their school life.

This article was written for our Family Newsletter, available in English and Spanish. Please sign up and you can email us at learning@multcolib.org with any questions.