Life Skills Lending Library at Kilmer Elementary

Students from Kilmer Elementary School in Rogers Park created this sign for their new Lending Library donated by the Giving Tree. 

     The Giving Tree Educational Consultants donated games and materials that help foster life skills such as budgeting, investing, bargain shopping, and reading the newspaper.  The activities also enhance reading, writing, and math skills. 

     Ms. Goldenberg, 4th grade teacher, already had a reward system in her class called Goldenberg Bucks.  The students in her class earn Goldenberg Bucks for good behavior and academic achievement.  At the end of the week they get to spend their Bucks on trinkets and treats from the Goldenberg Store.  So the Life Skills Lending Library is just another way for students to earn rewards. 

     Children can take home games such as Monopoly, Budget and
Tycoon to play with their family.  However, in order to earn Goldenberg bucks, the student must return the game complete, have family members sign that they have played the game with the student, and the student must write a review.  Some other materials include Remedia Publications' Life-Skills Series that allow students to work through activities involving real life situations.  Students learn the value of money-saving coupons; how to read directories and guides; and practice filling out forms.

Toolbox for Creating Partnerships with Your Local School

• Meeting with the Principal

     In today's educational climate there is a renewed interest in the role family, school and community plays in promoting children's learning and development.  As a result, there are partnerships forming between schools and community stakeholders on a large scale in Chicago.  Whether you are a community organization, local business, church, after-school program, or concerned resident of the community, you may have resources that could augment the success of your local school.  Read more...