gins with one child on a slide. The next page has two children
on a teeter-totter. The next has 3 children skipping rope, and
one by one all the way to ten, a child joins to play a new game.
Then, all the way back to one, one child at a time leaves to
go home. This is a wonderful way for children (and teachers)
to bring others into a group play situation and to get everyone
ready for the start of school.
For those children who are experienced school-goers, Chris
Van Dusen has written and illustrated If I Built a School (Dial
Books for Young Readers, New York, 2019, $17.99). What child
wouldn’t want to design their own school? This creative look at
the “ideal” school is told through rhyme and colorful cartoon-
like illustrations.
Zoo animals, pods
to travel between
classes, writing in
the air instead of
on a board, and
holograms of fa-
mous people and
extinct
animals
seem like schools
of the future! Gym
and lunch are an-
other experience
all together! Art
and music, field trips, and the playground are out of this world!
Who knows? Maybe this book might inspire a budding architect
or engineer, and what better place to begin than with a school!
No matter how many new school year beginnings we experi-
ence with our children, we are always transported back to our own
school days. Remembering these days and the mixture of excite-
ment and trepidation, we can certainly empathize with them. If
you are anything like me, all the excitement and emotions return
when I see the first school bus! So get ready for school! Get set
for school! And keep reading as much as you can!
Dr. Donna Phillips is an associate professor in the College of
Education at Niagara University where her specialty is literacy
and children’s literature. She lives on Grand Island, NY and is
the mother of two adult children and the grandmother of one.
For Kids
ages
5-12
Before and After School Programs
CALL TODAY 639-8500
Today’s families and staff choose Just for Kids!
DISTRICT LOCATIONS:
Amherst, Cheektowaga: Central & Sloan, Grand Island, Williamsville
SELECT SCHOOLS:
Ss. Peter and Paul, St. Mary’s, Buffalo Collegiate,
Persistence Preparatory Academy, Charter School of Inquiry
Best Places To Work Finalist -
Buffalo Business First, 2019
www.justforkidsonline.org
Holy
in Hi Ghost Gradua tes Excel
gh S c h o o
l and Beyond
Providing Quality
Christian Education
for over 175 years
Accredited PreSchool & Kindergarten - Gr. 8 Programs
Expanded Preschool Program For 3’s & 4’s
Full Day & 5 Days / Week Options
a ll !
St ill A cc ept i n g Stu d ent s f o r th is F a ll ~ G i ve U s a C
HOLY GHOST LUTHERAN SCHOOL
6630 Luther St., Wheatfield, NY 14304
731-3030 • www.holyghostlcms.org
Bounce
House Rental
Available s
Hours:
Now
Serving
Food
Party Room
M: closed • T/T: 10-7
W: 10-2 • F/Sat: 10-9
Sun: 1-7
Buy One, Get One
4401 Bryant & Stratton Way
Clarence (off Main St. near Transit)
www.LeapsNBounce.com
1/2 OFF
Regular Admission
Expires 9/29/19
September 2019 WNY Family 33