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March 4, 2010
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March is National Reading Month
Read Aloud, Read Often, & Keep Reading!

Reading aloud to my kids has always been a priority for our family. We have been reading books to our kids since they were infants because we knew it would help with their language development. We have tons of books on the bookshelves, in the kids' room, in our kitchen, and around the house. We never turn down a moment to read (except at bedtime, when we resist the plea for "Just one more book, please?"). And, my husband and i love to read.
March is National Reading Month in the US and it coincides with Dr. Seuss's birthday (March 2). My Kindergartner has been bringing his beloved Seuss books to share with his class this week - The Foot Book, There's a Wocket in my Pocket, and Oh, The Places You Will Go, just to name a few.
The benefits of having children read in the company of an adult are numerous. Research by the National Education Association shows that:
- Reading reduces stress. When I'm reading a book with my child, I'm calm, engaged, and focused.
- Reading increases vocabulary. Language in children's books is more sophisticated than many of our conversations.
- Reading helps kids do well and enjoy school. The more they understand, the more they will want to know. Reading expands horizons.
- Reading improves memory. When my son or daughter reads something, they remember it better.
Now that I have young readers in the house, we read a lot - the newspaper, fun books, magazines, food labels, placemats, you get the idea. I read somewhere that when you read, you can do anything.
I compiled a list of the free local storytimes for kids and families in libraries and bookstores in our area. There's a storytime every day of the week, except Sunday. I'll be heading to the library when the kids aren't in school. If you know of a storytime that I've left off, please let me know and I'll add it. Also, look for all the calendar events that you can do that involve reading.
Happy Reading Everyone!
--Lauren
Reading Resources:
- National Education Association http://www.nea.org/
- The Read-Aloud Handbook by Jim Trelease - this book is great and includes a giant treasury of great read-aloud books. A wonderful resource for parents.
- US Department of Education - provides info for parents and teachers on how to promote reading at home and school http://www2.ed.gov/parents/read/resources/readingtips/part_pg4.html#4
- Reading Is Fundamental http://www.rif.org/parents/ - a well organized website with tons of info on reading, books, bilingual activities, and more.
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Saturday, March 6 - Family Adventures at the Arboretum: Birds of the Arboretum
Where: LA County Arboretum & Botanic Garden 301 N. Baldwin Ave., ArcadiaWhen: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PMWho: From strollers to grandparents.How: Show up early as space is limited to 25 participants.Cost of event: Free with museum admission: $8 adults, $3 children 5-12.
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Saturday, March 6 - Science Saturdays at Caltech: HD Movie Screening of movie, Planet Earth - Caves
Where: Caltech's Beckman Auditorium 332 South Michigan Ave., PasadenaWhen: 2:00 PMWho: Recommended for children 8+ and parents/caregivers.How: Purchase tickets at door. Unreserved seating.Cost of event: $5 per person.For more info: http://www.cinemuse.com/
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Sunday, March 7 - Pacific Asia Museum's Lantern Festival
Where: Pacific Asia Museum, 46 N. Los Robles Ave., PasadenaWhen: 12:00 PM - 4:00 PMWho: Children and families.How: Purchase tickets at door.Cost of event: $9 adults, children under 12 free.
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Sunday, March 7 - Pasadena Symphony - The Mozart Effect at the Americana
Where: The Americana at Brand 889 Americana Way, GlendaleWhen: 2:00 PM - 3:30 PMWho: Children 3-8 years and families.How: Just show up!Cost of event: Free!
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Thursday, March 4 - Author Event at Whole Foods Pasadena: "Finding Humor in Motherhood"
Where: Whole Foods Pasadena 465 S. Arroyo Parkway, PasadenaWhen: 7:30 PM - 9:30 PMWho: Adults.How: Just show up!Cost of event: Free. This event is sponsored by Mothers & More of Pasadena.For more info: https://www.bigtent.com/groups/mmpasadena
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Saturday, March 6 - Free Crafts at Lakeshore: Crazy Kaleidoscope
Where: 3848 E. Foothill Blvd., PasadenaWhen: 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM ( Free crafts are availble every Saturday. )Who: Ages 3 and up.How: Just show up.Cost of event: Free!For more info: http://www.lakeshorelearning.com
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Saturday, March 6 - Storytime & Book Signing at Kidpsace with Author Oliver Chin
Where: Kidspace Children's Museum, 480 N Arroyo Blvd., PasadenaWhen: 11:00 AMWho: All children.How: Just show up!Cost of event: Free with museum admission. $10 for adults & children over 1. Free for members.
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Saturday, March 6 - Family Fun Classes at The Arboretum: Lost in the Arboretum
Where: LA Arboretum & Botanic Garden 301 N. Baldwin Ave., Arcadia; Meet by the fountain in front of the Oak Room.When: 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM ( This event was rescheduled due to last Saturday's rain. )Who: Children 5+ with parents & caregivers.How: Call 626-821-3222 to register.Cost of event: $10 per family for members; $12 per family for non-members; includes admission to Arboretum.
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Saturday, March 6 through Sunday, March 7 - Family Art Stops at the Getty Museum
Where: The Getty Museum, 1200 Getty Center Dr., Los AngelesWhen: 2:00 PM ( Sessions at 2:00 PM and 2:30 PM )Who: Children and families ages 5 and up.How: Sign up at the Museum Information Desk beginning at 1:30 p.m. for the 2:00 p.m. program and at 2:00 p.m. for the 2:30 p.m. program on the day you'd like to participate.Cost of event: Free.For more info: http://www.getty.edu/visit/calendar/events/Family.html
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Saturday, March 6 - Craft Drop-in at Montrose Branch Library
Where: Montrose Branch Library 2465 Honolulu Ave., MontroseWhen: 3:00 PM - 5:00 PMWho: For families.How: Just show up!Cost of event: Free.
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Saturday, March 6 - Family Drawing Hour at the Getty Center
Where: The Getty Center, 1200 Getty Center Dr., Los AngelesWhen: 3:30 PM - 4:30 PMWho: Children ages 7+.How: Sign-up begins at 3:00 PM.Cost of event: Free.For more info: http://www.getty.edu/visit/calendar/events/Family.html
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Sunday, March 7 - PCC Flea Market
Where: Pasadena City College 1570 East Colorado Blvd., PasadenaWhen: 8:00 AM - 3:00 PM ( Occurs first Sunday of the month )Who: Everyone.How: Just show up!Cost of event: Free! Parking $2 on Hill & Del Mar.For more info: http://www.pasadena.edu/fleamarket/marketdates.cfm
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Sunday, March 7 - Parenting Seminar - Calmer, Easier, Happier Parenting
Where: Kid's Klub 380 S. Raymond Ave., PasadenaWhen: 1:00 PM - 6:00 PMWho: Parents.How: Register online at www.calmerparenting.comCost of event: $125 per person.For more info: www.calmerparenting.com
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Tuesday, March 9 - Mask Madness at La Pintoresca Library
Where: La Pintoresca Branch Library 1355 N. Raymond Ave., PasadenaWhen: 3:30 PM - 4:30 PMWho: Children and teens.How: Just show up!Cost of event: Free.For more info: http://ww2.cityofpasadena.net/librarykids/
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Tuesday, March 9 - Barks & Books: Storytime at the Library
Where: Hastings Branch Library 3325 E. Orange Grove Blvd., PasadenaWhen: 3:30 PMWho: Children.How: Just show up!Cost of event: Free.For more info: http://cityofpasadena.net/library/hastings_branch.aspx
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Tuesday, March 9 - Irish Festival at Altadena Library
Where: Altadena Library Community Room, 600 E. Mariposa St., Altadena.When: 7:00 PMWho: Families and children.How: Just show up!Cost of event: Free!For more info: http://www.altadenalibrary.org/events
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Tuesday, March 9 - Arbor Day Celebration at South Pasadena Library
Where: South Pasadena 1100 Oxley St., South PasadenaWhen: 7:15 PM - 8:00 PMWho: All ages.How: Just show up!Cost of event: Free.
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Wednesday, March 10 - Teddy Bear Clinic at Altadena Library
Where: Altadena Public Library 600 E Mariposa St., AltadenaWhen: 11:00 AM - 12:00 PMWho: Children ages 2-6.How: Just show up!Cost of event: Free.For more info: 626-798-0833
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Sunday, March 7 - Teen Arts Academy at Norton Simon
Where: Norton Simon Museum of Art 411 W. Colorado Blvd., PasadenaWhen: 1:00 PM - 4:00 PMWho: Kids ages 12-17.How: Register 626.844.6980.Cost of event: The course is free and limited to 18 participants.For more info: For further information, contact the Education Department at (626) 844-6980.
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Tuesday, March 9 - Rock Band at La Canada Library
Where: La Canada Flintridge Library 4545 N. Oakwood Ave., La Cañada FlintridgeWhen: 3:00 PM - 5:00 PMWho: TeensHow: Just show up!Cost of event: Free.For more info: http://www.colapublib.org/libs/lacanada/
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Wednesday, March 17 through Saturday, April 17 - Caterpillar Adoption Days at Kidspace
Where: Kidspace Children's Museum 480 N. Arroyo Blvd., PasadenaWhen: 9:30 AMWho: All children and families.How: Call (626) 449-9144 ext. 5223 to check inventories.Cost of event: $5 per caterpillar available while supplies last.
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Friday, March 19 through Saturday, March 20 - LA Kids Consignment Semi-Annual Sale
Where: 7733 Hayvenhurst Ave., Van NuysWhen: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM ( March 21st, 9-2 PM )Who: Families with kids from birth to pre-teens.How: Just show up! Get there early as a line can form out the door just to get in.Cost of event: Free!For more info: http://www.lakidsconsignment.com/
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Saturday, March 20 - BodyWise Conference Presented by the Junior League of Pasadena
Where: Westridge School 324 Madeline Dr., PasadenaWhen: 8:00 AM - 3:30 PMWho: Girls in grades 6-8 and their parents/caregivers.How: Registration required http://www.jlweb.org/pasadena/npo.jsp?pg=projects&article=509&tab=OverviewCost of event: $10 per person. Seating is limited. Register by March 15th.For more info: http://www.jrleaguepasadena.org/pasadena/index.jsp
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Saturday, March 20 - Children's Cooking Class at the Langham Huntington Hotel
Where: The Langham Huntington Hotel, 1401 S. Oak Knoll Ave., PasadenaWhen: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM ( Kids cooking class offered on third Saturday of the month. )Who: Children ages 6-12 years.How: Reservations required. Call 626.568.3900. Space is limited to 10 children.Cost of event: $80 per child.
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Saturday, March 20 - Budding Botanists: Plant a Pizza at Descanso Gardens
Where: Descanso Gardens Nature's Table 1418 Descanso Dr., La CanadaWhen: 10:00 AMWho: Children 6-10 years.How: Registration required 818-949-7980.Cost of event: $12/child, for members only.For more info: http://www.descansogardens.org
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Saturday, March 20 - Flower Arranging for Children at Huntington: Bud Vases
Where: Huntington Gardens 1151 Oxford Rd., San MarinoWhen: 1:00 PM - 2:30 PMWho: Children ages 7-12.How: Call to make reservation: 626-405-2128. Space is limited, so call soon!Cost of event: $25 members, $30 non-members.For more info: http://www.huntington.org/cal_event_detail.aspx?d=3/20/2010
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Sunday, March 21 - Mother-Daughter Book Party & Speed Dating Event
Where: The Community Center of La Canada Flintridge 4469 Chevy Chase Dr., La Canada FlintridgeWhen: 2:00 PM - 4:00 PMWho: Girls in 3rd- 6th grades and their mothers.How: Reservations recommended. Tickets can be bought at door. Contact: Catherine Linka for more information. catherineL@flintridgebooks.comCost of event: $5 for mother-daughter combo.For more info: catherineL@flintridgebooks.com
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Macaroni Made
Winter Sun Catcher

Add a little color to your windows.
Make color ice cubes by adding 1-2 drops of food coloring to the water in each section of a ice cube tray. The colors will run together in the pan later so use complimentary colors. Freeze the ice cubes completely.
Fill a round cake pound about 2/3 full with water. To make a hole for a ribbon, set a plastic cup full of water in the pan. Place the pan in the freezer for about an hour. Put the colored ice cubes in the pan and let all the liquid freeze completely.
Remove the plastic cup, flip the frozen sun catcher out of the pan and hang from a tree branch with a ribbon.
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Free Storytimes In & Around Pasadena
MONDAYS
Location: Currant Baby & Mommy 289 E. Green St., Pasadena (in Paseo Colorado)
Start Time: 11:00 AM
Description: This is an excellent opportunity to get to know other parents and children in the Pasadena area as well as enjoy a morning out.
Location: Hastings Branch Library 3325 E. Orange Grove Blvd., Pasadena (626) 744-7262
Start Time: 7:00 PM
Description: Pajama Story Time! Kids, put on your pajamas and bring your favorite stuffed animal to the library for bedtime stories that are sure to inspire sweet dreams.
Location: Crowell Public Library 1890 Huntington Dr., San Marino (626) 300-0777
Start Time: 10:30 AM
Description: Storytime for toddlers.
Location: La Canada Flintridge Library 4545 N. Oakwood Ave, La Canada (818) 790-3330
Start Time: 10:15 AM
Description: Children up to age 3 and their caregivers are invited for stories, songs, and an age-appropriate art activity.
Location: Glendale central Library 222 E. Harvard St. Glendale (818) 548-2030
Start Time: 10:30 - 11:00 AM
Description: Stories, songs, poetry and fingerplays for babies ages 6-17 months and their caregivers.
Location: La Canada Flintridge Library 4545 N. Oakwood Ave, La Canada (818) 790-3330
Start Time: 11:00 AM
Description: Children up to age 5 and their caregivers are welcome at Preschool Storytime. Reading readiness and listening skills are encouraged through books, songs, activities and art projects.
Location: South Pasadena Public Library 1100 Oxley St. South Pasadena (626) 403-7358
Start Time: 3:00 - 5:00 PM
Description: Volunteer Grandma Carole shares her enthusiasm for books by reading aloud to children of all ages in one-on-one or small group settings.
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Tuesday Storytimes
Location: Vroman’s Hastings Branch 3729 E. Foothill Blvd., Pasadena
Start Time: 10:00 - 10:30 AM
Description: Story time for toddlers and preschoolers.
Location: Pasadena Public Library 285 E. Walnut St., Pasadena (626) 744-4066
Start Times: 9:30, 10:00, 11:00 AM
Description: Story time for infants, 0-17 months.
Location: Pasadena Public Library 285 E. Walnut St., Pasadena (626) 744-4066
Start Time: 10:00 AM
Description: Story time for toddlers.
Location: Hill Ave. Branch Library 55 S. Hill Ave., Pasadena (626) 744-7264
Start Time: 10:30 - 11:15 AM
Description: Join us for stories, finger plays, flannelboards, songs and a movie. A craft to make and take home will follow the program.
Location: Lamanda Park Branch Library 140 S. Altadena Dr., Pasadena (626) 744-7266
Start Time: 10:30 AM
Description: Stories, finger plays, fun and a craft to take home. For preschoolers ages 3-5 years old.
Location: Crowell Public Library 1890 Huntington Dr., San Marino (626) 300-0777
Start Time: 10:30 AM
Description: Storytime for preschoolers.
Location: Once Upon a Time Bookstore 2207 Honolulu Ave., Montrose (818) 248-9668
Start Time: 10:30 AM
Description: Preschool story hour.
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Wednesday Storytimes
WEDNESDAYS
Location: Vroman’s Bookstore 695 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena
Start Time: 10:00 AM
Description: Story time for toddlers and preschoolers with Mr. Steve.
Location: Barnes & Noble, The Americana at Brand, 210 Americana Way, Glendale 3rd floor
Start Time: 11:00 AM
Description: All li'l book lovers are welcome to this fun story time. Please join us as we read the latest in children's titles as well as our classic favorites.
Location: Hastings Branch Library 3325 E. Orange Grove Blvd., Pasadena
Start Time: 10:15 AM & 11:15 AM
Description: Bring the little ones to the library for a fun-filled time of stories, crafts, and more. For children 3-5 years old.
Location: Santa Catalina Branch Library 999 E. Washington Blvd., Pasadena (626) 744-7272
Start Time: 10:15 - 10:35 AM
Description: Infant & toddler storytime. Bring your little ones, ages 0-2 to share stories, sing songs, have fun with finger plays and more! Make a craft together and enjoy a treat as well!
Location: Santa Catalina Branch Library 999 E. Washington Blvd., Pasadena (626) 744-7272
Start Time: 10:45 AM
Description: Preschool storytime. Bring your little ones, ages 3-5 to share stories, sing songs, have fun with finger plays and more! Make a craft together and enjoy a treat as well!
Location: Allendale Branch Library 1130 S. Marengo Ave., Pasadena (626) 744-7260
Start Time: 10:30 AM
Description: Bring the little ones to the library for a fun-filled time of stories, crafts, and more. For children 3-5 years old.
Location: San Rafael Branch Library 1240 Nithsdale Rd., Pasadena (626) 744-7270
Start Time: 10:30 AM
Description: Enjoy stories, songs, finger plays, and all sorts of fun with your preschoolers.
Location: Villa Parke Branch Library 363 E. Villa St., Pasadena (626) 744-6510
Start Time: 10:30 AM & 1:30 PM
Description: This storytime is for preschool children and their parents or care providers. It features stories, crafts and activities suited for young children.
Location: Crowell Public Library 1890 Huntington Dr., San Marino (626) 300-0777
Start Time: 10:30 AM
Description: Storytime for toddlers.
Location: Altadena Public Library 600 E. Mariposa Ave. Altadena (626) 798-0833
Start Time: 11:00 AM
Description: Musical parade with real instruments. Kids love it and our stories, snacks, and handouts, too.
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Thursday Storytimes
THURSDAYS
Location: Barnes & Noble, The Americana at Brand, 210 Americana Way, Glendale 3rd floor
Start Time: 7:00 PM
Description: All li'l book lovers are welcome to this fun story time! Please join us as we read the latest in children's titles as well as our classic favorites.
Location: Allendale Branch Library 1130 S. Marengo Ave., Pasadena (626) 744-7260
Start Time: 10:30 AM
Description: Come and enjoy stories and songs for children up to age 5. Children will listen to stories, watch a short movie and make a craft to take home.
Location: La Pintoresca Branch Library 1355 N. Raymond Ave., Pasadena (626) 744-7268
Start Time: 10:30 AM & 3:30 PM
Description: Preschool and school-age children are welcome to come to this storytelling experience, complete with songs, and a simple craft.
Location: Pasadena Public Library 285 E. Walnut St., Pasadena (626) 744-4066
Start Time: 10:30 - 11:30 AM
Description: Preschool stories, finger play and songs for preschool age children.
Location: Lamanda Park Branch 140 S. Altadena Dr., Pasadena (626) 744-7266
Start Time: 3:30 PM
Description: Family story time. Stories, finger plays, fun and a craft to take home.
Location: Linda Vista Branch Library 1281 Bryant St., Pasadena (626) 744-7278
Start Time: 10:30 AM
Description: Preschool stories, finger play and songs for preschool age children.
Location: Crowell Public Library 1890 Huntington Dr., San Marino (626) 300-0777
Start Time: 10:30 AM
Description: Storytime for preschoolers.
Location: Glendale Central Library 222 E. Harvard St. Glendale (818) 548-2030
Start Time: 10:30 - 11:00 AM
Description: Stories, songs and fingerplays for ages 2 1/2-5.
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Friday Storytimes
FRIDAYS
Location: Pasadena Public Library 285 E. Walnut St., Pasadena DRW Auditorium (626) 744-4066
Start Time: 10:00 - 10:30 AM
Description: A 30-minute program with picture book stories on the big screen for ages 3-5.
Location: Glendale Central Library 222 E. Harvard St. Glendale (818) 548-2030
Start Time: 5:00 - 6:00 PM
Description: Spanish-English storytime for children.
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Saturday Storytimes
SATURDAYS
Location: Vroman’s Bookstore 695 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena (626) 449-5320
Start Time: 10:00 AM
Description: Story time for toddlers and preschoolers with Mr. Steve.
Location: Barnes & Noble, Burbank Town Center, 731 N San Fernando Blvd., Burbank
Start Time: 11:00 AM
Description: All little book lovers are welcome at this regular story time event. Please join us as we read the latest in children's titles as well as our classic favorites. Stories are followed by activities and refreshments.
Location: Pasadena Public Library 285 E. Walnut St., Pasadena (626) 744-4066
Start Time: 10:00 AM
Description: A story time for preschoolers with stories, songs, finger plays, flannelboard stories, and a short video. For ages 3-5 and their families. No registration required.
Location: Glendale Central Library 222 E. Harvard St. Glendale (818) 548-2030
Start Time: 10:30 AM
Description: Stories, songs and finger plays for ages 18 months - 3 years.
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Macaroni Music
I'm A Rock Star!

By Katherine Howard - Katherine is a cultural anthropologist with an amazing kid-connection, Katherine has spent her life surrounded by music of all kinds and brings a sophisticated perspective to the sometimes silly world of children’s music and entertainment!
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