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"One of my most important goals as
first lady of Illinois is to educate parents on the importance of
early childhood education and childhood literacy," Mrs. Blagojevich
said. "Reading with and to your children is one of the most
unforgettable experiences a child can have, and this series of books
from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources encourages
families to enjoy time together, have fun, learn about our state and
enrich their children's education. By translating these books into
Spanish, we are offering thousands of Latino families for whom
English is a second language new learning opportunities in their
mother's tongue, as well as a wonderful window to find out more
about Illinois' rich wildlife. These books underscore the commitment
of my husband's administration to making education a top priority in
Illinois." The books are the
first Illinois Department of Natural Resources educational materials
to be translated into another language. They are available free of
charge and can be ordered online at
teachkids@dnrmail.state.il.us or by
calling (217) 524-4126. The books incorporate the learning standards
that are in place in Illinois schools. Lesson plans for teachers
interested in using the books in a classroom setting are also
available from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources.
Children who have reading materials
available in their primary language feel more comfortable in the
classroom, and the Illinois State Board of Education reports that
one in 10 students in the state are Spanish speakers.
"As a former teacher myself, I know
that these books will be a valuable resource in the classroom," said
Illinois Department of Natural Resources Director Joel Brunsvold.
"It can be challenging to find materials that are free, high-quality
and Illinois-specific. These meet those criteria and more -- because
they are fun."
The books are important because they
help nurture an appreciation for Illinois' natural resources in all
Illinois residents and represent the commitment of Gov. Rod
Blagojevich and the Illinois Department of Natural Resources to
serve the needs of Illinois students and their families.
"As summer arrives, kids are
climbing trees, picking flowers and chasing lizards," said Leslie
Sgro, deputy director of the Department of Natural Resources. "These
books give children a chance to put a name with the plants and
animals that surround them. Students who make the connection to our
natural resources through education are more likely to be stewards
of them in the future."
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 The educational materials were
unveiled May 10 during a press conference at the Peggy Notebaert
Nature Museum in Chicago. Copies of the books were provided to over
40 first- and second-grade children from the Pilsen Community
Academy, a public school in the heart of Chicago's Pilsen
neighborhood. The school is 98 percent Latino. Some 365,000 of the
state's 2.06 million students enrolled in public schools are Latino.
After the press conference, the
students enjoyed a tour around the museum, where they had the
opportunity to get a firsthand look at many of the species described
in the books.
The books will also be available at
the Teacher Resources Fairs being hosted May 16-19 in cooperation
between the Department of Natural Resources and the Chicago Public
Schools.
Books currently available are
described in the chart below.
Other
books that will be available in coming weeks are:
(Spanish title; English title)
- "Mamíferos de Illinois";
"Illinois Mammals"
- "Símbolos Estatalesde Illinois";
"Illinois' State Symbols"
- "Recursos Acuáticos de Illinois";
"Aquatic Resources of Illinois"
Childhood literacy is an issue
particularly important to Mrs. Blagojevich. In February, the first
lady launched "The Children's Reading Club" literacy initiative to
encourage parents to read with their children. The Children's
Reading Club consists of a recommended reading list of books the
first lady and her daughters enjoy reading at home. Each month, the
first lady selects a featured book that she believes children, as
well as their parents, will enjoy.
The book selection for May is "The
Adventures of Tom Sawyer," by Mark Twain. Previous selections are
"In their own words: Abraham Lincoln," by George Sullivan; "The Tale
of Despereaux," by Kate DiCamillo; and "Charlotte's Web," by E.B.
White. Each month's book selection is featured on the first lady's
website,
http://www.illinois.gov/firstlady.
[News release from the governor's
office]
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