Books to Read!
- Abuela by Arthur Dorros
- Bee-bim Bop! by Linda Sue Park
- Blackout by John Rocco
- Does a Kangaroo Have a Mother, Too? by Eric Carle
- Grandpa Green by Lane Smith
- Guess How Much I Love You by Sam McBratney
- The Hello, Goodbye Window by Norton Juster
- Llama Llama Misses Mama by Anna Dewdney
- Mr. Rabbit and the Lovely Present by Charlotte Zolotow
- The Napping House by Audrey Wood
- Owl Moon by Jane Yolen
- Peter's Chair by Ezra Jack Keats
- The Relatives Came by Cynthia Rylant
- What Mommies Do Best/What Daddies Do Best by Laura Numeroff
Around SC
Check out Festivals and Events happening in November around the state.
- Penn Center Heritage Days Celebration showcases the unique cultural legacy of the Gullah people and history of Penn School on St. Helena Island.
- Carolina Foothills Heritage Fair – Fair Play (Oconee County)
- Fall Harvest Festival – Greenville
- Harvest Fest – Charleston
Read & Rhyme
SC Spotlight
The Gullah Culture
The term “Gullah” (or “Gee-chee” in Georgia) describes communities of people who live on the Sea Islands of South Carolina and Georgia. The unique blend of the West African culture, combined with European and Native American influences, resulted in the distinct culture that is known as Gullah. Gullah traditions are the customs, beliefs, and ways of life that have been passed down among Sea Island families. Making sweetgrass baskets, quilting, and knitting fishing nets are a few of the crafts that parents and grandparents teach children.
Folklore, stories, and songs have also been handed down over the years. In June, the Sweetgrass Cultural Arts Festival highlights the unique artistry of over 100 basket makers over the two day celebration. Local residents perform a variety of entertainment consisting of Gullah/Geechee culture songs, dance, storytelling, and skits. Artists and crafters showcase their paintings and handmade crafts. Local restaurants and food vendors provide an assortment of authentic Lowcountry foods throughout the festival.
Ronald and Natalie Daise
Storyteller and author Ronald Daise and his wife Natalie perform around the country with their Sea Island Montage performances, which include singing, dancing, and storytelling focused on Gullah heritage. Natalie and Ronald also starred in the award winning Nick Jr. show, "Gullah Gullah Island" and continue to share the joy of learning about the Gullah culture through books, music, and crafts. They live in Beaufort, South Carolina with their children.
Monthly Activities
- Get Set4K.org: November - Check out this month by month guide to school readiness.
- Reading is Fundamental Monthly Activity Calendar: November - This monthly activity calendar provides engaging reading and writing activity suggestions to last a month! (Also available in Spanish)
Wonderful Websites
- Children’s Storybooks Online - This collection of online stories is perfect for beginning readers through young adults.
- Reading Is Fundamental - The Literary Resource section offers a wealth of support and information about reading and children. You can search for activities, explore booklists, read articles, and check out the special multicultural section.