When schools close, open some books

The Children’s Reading Alliance of Las Cruces is stepping in to fill an activity vacuum caused by the state’s decision to close all public schools for three weeks, beginning March 16.

“The Children’s Reading Alliance wishes to remind parents and caregivers that reading should not stop because schools are closed,” said Executive Director Audrey Hartley. “Time off from school is an excellent opportunity for learning. Parents and caregivers have an excellent opportunity to create some fun experiences during this time away from school, and not park the kids in front of the television or video games for the duration of the three-week event.”

Hartley said her organization recommends a three-tiered approach to organizing days off: play time, down time and family time.

Programs Manager Jennifer Alvarado broke it down.

“Play time is best done in the early part of the morning, just after breakfast,” she said. “One of the best places for play time is the back yard.”

Alvarado suggests filling the back yard with toys, such as jump ropes, balls and other items that encourage children to be physically active.

"The key is to let them play until they tell you they are done,” she said.

She added that down time is good for offering younger children a snack and a nap, while older children can be encouraged to play with puzzles, board games and other quiet activities.

“This is the time when screen time is the most tempting,” Hartley said, “but experts warn that limiting screen time – especially during special circumstances – is important. Screen time should be limited to no more than an hour a day for children 10 and older, and a half an hour for younger children.”

Recent research, she said, suggests that children enjoy reading from a book better than staring into a screen.

Alvarado concurred and said the segue to family time accentuates the opportunity to engage children in reading and mind-building activities.

“Family time is an excellent time to share stories and books for children of all ages,” she said. “Reading to your children — especially young children — makes an incomparable example for them and sets them up for a lifelong love of reading.”

She added that older children can be recruited by parents and caregivers to read to their younger siblings.

Hartley said the Alliance will begin posting daily reading and other interactive tips and resources on its Facebook page beginning Sunday, March 15. Parents who have questions or need assistance in obtaining reading materials for their children are encouraged to call the Children’s Reading Alliance at 575-522-3713.