The PJ Library- Cincinnati...
PJ Library is an international program which supports families in their Jewish journey by sending Jewish-content books and music on a monthly basis to children from age six months to five years. Through the program, families with young children are provided the opportunity to develop a personal library of age-appropriate Jewish books and music, at no cost, for three years.
The program was created by the Harold Grinspoon Foundation. The PJ Library Cincinnati program is made possible by the generous support of the Mayerson JCC, Jewish Family Service, Anne Heldman, the Fisher family (founding sponsors), and the Jewish Federation of Cincinnati. The PJ Library initiative and programs in Cincinnati are a collaborative effort of the Jewish Federation, Jewish Family Service and Mayerson Jewish Community Center. These agencies are providing opportunities for families to enhance their connections to the community and to one another through on-line discussions, newsletters and community programs.
While the benefits of the PJ Library initiative may seem obvious, here are some of the ways the program enhances children and families:
First and foremost, the books! PJ Library emphasizes early childhood literacy. “The single most significant factor influencing a child’s early educational success is an introduction to books and being read to at home prior to beginning school.” National Commission on Reading.
Books are a conduit for bonding with our children while helping them learn about the world around them. Reading with our children is an essential tool for parents and others in the community to pass on our history, our values and our opinions. Reading time throughout the day and at bedtime provides each child unique moments to explore, grow and learn about life’s lessons through stories. And interactive reading not only develops critical thinking skills, but also teaches our children positive ways to converse, ask questions, listen and make observations as they learn to step outside of our homes and interact with others. The PJ Library Cincinnati group brings a national movement into your community with free children’s books and music to help strengthen the principles and connection of Jewish family life.
Second, reading is a link for children to connect with individuals and groups in the community. When children spend time with friends in the neighborhood, extended family, preschool or childcare teachers, or participate in programs in the Jewish community they learn that their growth and development is supported by an extended family of people who care about them.
The following video shows a 21-month old who just received Deyenu, his Passover PJ Library book. After his grandmother read/sang it to him once, he was ready to "read" it to his dad.
Here are some links to help you stay connected to PJ Library activities in Cincinnati:
- National PJ Library facebook page
- Cincinnati PJ Library facebook page
- Jewish Federation of Cincinnati
- Mayerson JCC
- PJ Library Email Newsletter and Articles
Learn more about The PJ Library at www.pjlibrary.org
Print Version | Sitemapcopyright Jewish Family Service of the Cincinnati area 2010
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