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Articles by Catherine Behrendt
How to address the achievement gap
According to the National Summer Learning Association, “when the school year ends, children in high-poverty environments struggle not only with basic needs like healthy food and safe places to spend their days, but with losing precious time during the summer months to continue their learning.” It results in what’s called the “Achievement Gap,” when factors like race, ethnicity or socioeconomic status have an impact on a child’s ability to succeed, in school and in life.
Fifth grade is a crucial year for developing lifelong readers
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — Screen time, video games and social media distract kids from reading, but technology is not solely to blame when children struggle to read. After all, research shows that audiobooks and electronic reading devices can actually help boost literacy skills. Grand Rapids Public Library Teen Librarian, Erin Hart, said fifth grade is a crucial time because reading for fun starts to decline as kids hit middle school. “They get busy with other things,” said Hart.
Let children choose their books
We’re about six weeks into summer vacation. Have your children complained about boredom yet? Why not take them to the library, or better yet, stop by one of this summer’s literacy events at two Grand Rapids area parks, Garfield and Lincoln. There are free books for the kids, ice cream, story times, and other activities. The idea is to cure the boredom with a book and stave off summer learning loss that happens when kids are out of school for the summer.
Men of Color Read participate in summer reading program at Grand Rapids-area parks
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — Jon Covington said he discovered Hackley Library in Muskegon as a young child and it opened up his world to possibility. “No matter what was going on around me, I went to the library every Saturday morning, most Saturday mornings, and just lost myself in the library,” said Covington. “I walked out of there just believing anything is possible. Anything is possible if you believe it's possible.
Furry friends offer the perfect reading partners
GRAND RAPIDS, Michigan — There’s a unique program being offered at eight different Kent District Library branches this summer. It’s designed to help children gain confidence in their reading abilities. After all, we live in a dog-eat-dog world, where a lack of reading skills can spell disaster for a child. KDL’s Ruff Readers program does something about that. Diane Cutler and her dog Duncan are regulars at the Alpine KDL branch.
Halfway to fall: It’s time to check-in on your child’s summer reading
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — The 13 Reads: Stop the Summer Slide campaign is now four weeks in. Have your kids been doing any summer reading? It is critical to avoid the loss of learning that has become so pronounced during the summer months. If the take-home reading packet is still in the backpack in a hall closet right about now, there’s no time to waste.
There are benefits to summer reading that go beyond the magic of a good story
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich — All this summer, why not incorporate READING into your plans for fun? 13 On Your Side is focused on literacy and the backslide that happens when kids are out of school and not as focused on their reading skills. Without the structure of a classroom and curriculum, summers can un-do much of what has been achieved in school the year before. Summer Slide is the loss of learning that happens when kids climb off the bus for the last time each year.
Community reading programs help children avoid summer learning loss
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — Remember when you were a child and the start of summer break, the feeling of freedom, days at the beach, and gathering with friends? All THIS summer, why not incorporate reading into your plans for fun? 13 On Your Side is focused on literacy and the backslide that happens when kids are out of school and not as focused on their reading skills. Without the structure of a classroom and curriculum, summers can un-do much of what has been achieved in school the year before.
West Michigan community steps up to help promote literacy
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — Research shows a strong correlation between poor literacy and poverty. That’s why it’s important to catch children while they’re young and encourage them to become lifelong readers. Educators agree, a child who struggles with reading faces a lifetime of challenges. The ability to read affects a child’s future earning potential. In fact, statistics show that workers with poor literacy earn somewhere between 30 and 40 percent lessthan their peers.
KDL Summer Wonder Kick-Off
KENT COUNTY, Mich. — Kent District Library has kicked off its summer reading program. The Summer Wonder Challenge takes children on a journey of reading, learning and experiencing! It challenges children to log their reading and earn some great prizes. Along with the reading, Summer Wonder encourages scavenger hunts, outdoor discovery, STEAM activities and lots of fun for the whole family. Amber Elder, Programming Specialist with KDL, said summer reading programs make learning fun.
Keep kids reading as summer sets in
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — School ends this week for many West Michigan students. Educators say when kids continue learning during the summer they are healthier, safer, and more prepared for the school year ahead. With that in mind, 13 On Your Side has teamed up with two local programs in the Grand Rapids area, Storytime in the Park and Read GR, to encourage continued summer learning.
Tuesday nights are ‘reading nights’ in Grand Rapids
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — Two Grand Rapids city parks are hosting literacy events every Tuesday of the summer. Starting June 3, Garfield Park will be the site of Storytime in the Park. Starting June 10, Lincoln Park is the second site for this summer-long literacy campaign. Storytime in the Park started at Garfield 16 years ago and continues to set records for crowd size. That bodes well for getting books into the hands of children, which is the goal. Each child in attendance receives a free book.
Grand Rapids Public Library challenges young readers to pick up a book this summer and READ.
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — Tuesday night is “reading night” this summer and it’s being celebrated at a couple of Grand Rapids city parks, both Garfield and Lincoln. One of the best ways to get your kids interested in devoted reading time is by taking advantage of some of the programming offered at our local libraries.
Tuesday nights are reading nights in Grand Rapids
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — In just a few days from now, school bells will ring for the final time and kids will head home for the summer. In an ideal world, their learning would continue outside the nurturing environment of a classroom but chances are, it will not. So, 13 On Your Side is once again presenting our 13 Reads: Stop the Summer Slide program to fend off some of the learning loss that inevitably comes during the summer.
Reach Out & Read program lights a spark with Ottawa County’s youngest readers
OTTAWA COUNTY, Mich. — As we wrap up our 13 Reads: Stop the Summer Slide campaign, we focus on setting the stage for a lifetime of literacy. A child’s pediatrician measures their height and weight to ensure they’re hitting all the benchmarks. But there’s a program in Ottawa County that ALSO has the family doctor watching for a child’s LITERACY benchmarks. More than 150 doctor’s clinics in Michigan offer the Reach Out & Read program.
Literacy Coach shares strategies for reluctant readers
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — It’s tough to get children to pick up a book when summer fun is calling, especially when a child is what educators call a “reluctant reader.” It just doesn’t come naturally to them. Literacy Coach Tara Baxter had tips for getting reluctant readers engaged. Baxter said there are two kinds of reluctant readers. There's those who can't read, and those who won't read.
Kids are more likely to read books they choose themselves
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — Some people, both children and adults, see reading as a chore, while others find great joy inside the pages of a book. Research shows, the solution to taking the work out of reading is CHOICE. A book chosen by a child is one that is more likely to be read. Tara Baxter is a Literacy Coach at the West Michigan Academy of Environmental Science. She says the benefits of choice are many. “The students develop a better attitude. And then it gives them power.
There is joy and dignity in a new book
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — If you were lucky, you grew up in a home surrounded by books. Too many children do not and as a result, they lack the literacy skills of kids who have access to reading materials. 13 On Your Side has partnered with Storytime GR, Summer Reading Celebrations and the Grand Rapids Public Library to hold a series of events to keep kids reading during the busy summer months.
Graphic novels engage reluctant readers and help build literacy skills
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich — Who’s your favorite comic book character? Superman? Wonder Woman? Spiderman? There’s a genre of comic books that’s gaining in popularity. They’re called graphic novels. Where comics provide short episodic segments, graphic novels, like traditional novels, offer more complex plots and characters. You read the text and then use the artwork to learn more about the story. They’re created for both children and adults.
Summer learning loss is cumulative and presents special challenges for educators
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — According to the organization Start with a Book, summer learning loss is one of the most significant causes of the achievement gap between poorer and wealthier students. They say, on average, low-income students lose more than two months of reading achievement during the summer, versus slight gainsmade by middle-class students. 13 ON YOUR SIDE is working to change that with our “Stop the Summer Slide” campaign.
13 On Your Side Executive Producer leaving after 25 years serving West Michigan
Entertainment After 25 years, 13 On Your Side Executive Producer leaving. Author: Chris Fleszar, Catherine Behrendt Published: 3:30 PM EST January 19, 2023 Updated: 3:30 PM EST January 19, 2023 GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — Newscast producers really are the unsung heroes in any newsroom. It’s their job to stay on top of developing stories, know what’s important to our viewers, and design shows that include both of those things.
Spring time change means lost sleep for many
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — Daylight Saving Time begins March 14, which means clocks are set forward by one hour. Believe it or not, that loss of an hour has an impact on some people. We wanted to know more, so we spoke with Dr. Leisha Cuddihy from Spectrum Health Sleep Medicine. Dr. Cuddihy said most adults need 7-8 hours of sleep, with some variance. She said too little sleep can result in difficulty focusing and concentrating and can cause memory problems.
Spectrum Health honors social workers during National Social Work Month
Good To Go At a time when we are identifying “essential workers,” the theme for this year is “Social Workers are Essential.” Author: Catherine Behrendt Published: 1:49 PM EST March 2, 2021 Updated: 1:49 PM EST March 2, 2021 GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — March is National Social Work Month, an opportunity to call attention to the critical role social workers play in nearly every facet of our lives.
Pine Rest adapts to serve psychiatric patients with COVID-19
Dr. Bill Sanders is the Chief Medical Officer at Pine Rest and he joined us to talk about how the organization has been able to pivot in these challenging times. GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — For an adult struggling with a mental health condition the decision to seek help can be difficult. When their needs demand in-patient care, Pine Rest offers the safety and security each person deserves.
Congenital Heart Conditions get first-rate attention at Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital
The Congenital Heart Center at Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital specializes in diagnosing and treating all congenital heart conditions, regardless of age. GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — February is Heart Health Awareness Month but there is also time set aside for the little ones born with heart defects. Congenital Heart Defect Awareness Week is February 7-14. It’s designed to help raise awareness for those living with these life-long heart defects and the care that’s available.
Find relief as cold weather and COVID crisis bring cabin fever
Alive And Well We have every right to be worried about going a little stir crazy. But, don’t give up hope! Author: Catherine Behrendt Published: 1:32 PM EST January 26, 2021 Updated: 1:32 PM EST January 26, 2021 GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — The winter months stretch before us–during a pandemic no less–and we’re all a little concerned that being stuck at home, alone or with our family, is going to bring on a major case of cabin fever. We have every right to be worried about going a little stir crazy.
There is help for women who suffer with hot flashes
Good To Go Hot flashes can be a real nuisance, but hear from a nurse practitioner on what can be done to help. Author: Catherine Behrendt Published: 1:01 PM EST January 19, 2021 Updated: 1:01 PM EST January 19, 2021 GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — Women of a certain age will tell you that hot flashes are a THING, and for some women they can be a real nuisance. Natasha Peoples is a Nurse Practitioner with Spectrum Health and she joined us to talk about the basics of hot flashes.
Spectrum Health honors MLK legacy and addresses equity in health care
Hear Spectrum Health’s Chief Diversity Officer, Ovell Barbee, talk about Spectrum’s plan for the holiday. GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — Next week, the nation will honor the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Spectrum Health has a number of activities lined up for employees and also is encouraging others to learn about the racial disparities in our communities and work toward greater equity. Hear Spectrum Health’s Chief Diversity Officer, Ovell Barbee, talk about Spectrum’s plan for the holiday.
Stop the yo-yo dieting and change the way you see yourself in the mirror
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — If the inactive lifestyle of the pandemic has impacted what you see when you look in the mirror or pull-on your favorite pair of pants, Ideal You may be the answer. Dr. Geri Williams described the system that helps people lose weight the healthy way and FAST. Dr. Williams said that with Ideal You, people see results the first week and can lose up to 40 lbs. in 40 days.
There is help for women who suffer with hot flashes
Good To Go Hot flashes can be a real nuisance, but hear from a nurse practitioner on what can be done to help. Author: Catherine Behrendt Published: 12:27 PM EST December 29, 2020 Updated: 12:34 PM EST December 29, 2020 GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — Women of a certain age will tell you that hot flashes are a THING, and for some women they can be a real nuisance. Natasha Peoples is a Nurse Practitioner with Spectrum Health and she joined us to talk about the basics of hot flashes.
Schools needed to help with annual Toys for Tots campaign and participate in the School Spirit Challenge
There won't be a big celebratory wrap-up day in the 13 ON YOUR SIDE parking lot, like in year's past, but Toys for Tots is still happening! GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — COVID-19 has changed the way many counties will conduct their annual Toys for Tots campaigns, but here at 13 ON YOUR SIDE, we still want you to launch toy drives within your school and community.
Holland Hospital offers healthy life talk on vaping
WZZM13.com would like to send you push notifications about the latest news and weather. Notifications can be turned off anytime in the browser settings. THE-EXCHANGE Learn about healthy ways to stop vaping. Author: Catherine Behrendt Published: 1:24 PM EDT October 8, 2019 Updated: 1:24 PM EDT October 8, 2019 It was once considered a preferable alternative to smoking but vaping has quickly become a health risk for people young and old.
Recovery From Addiction Is Possible!
THE-EXCHANGE In this edition of Alive and Well, we look at beating addiction. GRAND RAPIDS, Michigan — September is National Recovery Month, highlighting treatment for substance use disorders such as alcohol and opioids and celebrating people in recovery. Recovery month was introduced because often people don’t talk about recovering from addiction and substance use disorders because of stigma, guilt, and shame.
Orthopaedic Associates of Muskegon offers Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine as a treatment option
THE-EXCHANGE Orthopaedic Associates of Muskegon is the lakeshore's largest orthopaedic practice. Author: Catherine Behrendt Published: 1:00 PM EDT June 20, 2019 Updated: 1:00 PM EDT June 20, 2019 The lakeshore’s largest orthopaedic practice features 18 physicians with a variety of expertise. Dr. Lindsay Rudert explained Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine. For more information about Orthopaedic Associates of Muskegon, visit www.oamkg.com. ►Make it easy to keep up to date with more stories like this.
Mercy Health offers minimally invasive procedure to correct heart valve disease
THE-EXCHANGE There is an alternative to open heart surgery and Mercy Health is offering it. GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — More than 5 million Americans are diagnosed with heart valve disease each year. Without an aortic valve replacement, as many as 50 percent of patients with severe aortic stenosis will not survive more than an average of two years after the onset of symptoms. The good news is that there is an alternative to open heart surgery to replace a faulty valve.
Winter weather brings wrist injuries
THE-EXCHANGE Orthopaedic Associates of Muskegon take a look at slip and fall injuries. Author: Catherine Behrendt Published: 10:07 AM EST December 27, 2018 Updated: 10:07 AM EST December 27, 2018 MUSKEGON, Mich. — Let the experts at Orthopaedic Associates of Muskegon treat your slip-and-fall injuries. Wrist injuries are common this time of year. Learn more about Orthopaedic Associates of Muskegon at www.oamkg.com © WZZM
Lake Michigan Credit Union opens new branch in Grand Rapids’ Creston Neighborhood
Lake Michigan Credit Union will officially cut the ribbon on its newest branch at 2209 Plainfield Avenue NE, right in the heart of Grand Rapids’ Creston neighborhood. It will be a full-service branch featuring a walk-in lobby, drive-through service, a 24-hour drive-up ATM and all of the services you would want from such an institution. They’ll also offer mortgage services, commercial lending and wealth management.
Kent County Toys for Tots program is in danger of elimination
GRAND RAPIDS, MICH. - The Kent County Toys for Tots program needs a permanent home, and it needs one fast. WZZM reported in December that the Marines stationed in Grand Rapids are being moved to Battle Creek this year, leaving the program without critical leadership, as well as a space in which to operate. The program was temporarily housed this year in a warehouse on Chicago Drive, but volunteers have been told they must be out of the space by January 8.
Kent County Toys for Tots program is in danger of elimination
GRAND RAPIDS, MICH. - The Kent County Toys for Tots program needs a permanent home, and it needs one fast. WZZM reported in December that the Marines stationed in Grand Rapids are being moved to Battle Creek this year, leaving the program without critical leadership, as well as a space in which to operate. The program was temporarily housed this year in a warehouse on Chicago Drive, but volunteers have been told they must be out of the space by January 8.
Local company makes generous donation to ensure toys are received at Christmas
GRAND RAPIDS, MICH. - Every year, employees at Williams Form Engineering donate money toward the local Toys for Tots campaign. Curtis Townsend joined us on the WZZM 13 Weather Deck to present the check, which will be used to buy toys in the age groups that are in short supply. Toys for Tots would not succeed without the generosity of our community! ?Make it easy to keep up to date with more stories like this. Download the WZZM 13 app now. Have a news tip?
Lakeshore car dealer fuels the local Toys for Tots campaign
Lakeshore car dealer fuels the local Toys for Tots campaign Catherine Behrendt , WZZM 5:30 PM. EST December 07, 2017 Toys for Tots (Photo: WZZM) GRAND RAPIDS, MICH. - Lakeshore Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep Ram is spreading holiday cheer by supporting the annual Toys for Tots campaign in West Michigan.Members of the Lakeshore team stopped by the WZZM 13 Weather Deck to encourage donations so that no child is without a toy on Christmas morning.?Make it easy to keep up to date with more stories like this.
Women build Habitat home
GRAND RAPIDS (WZZM) - Habitat for Humanity is celebrating National Women Build Week, a program that challenges women to help build affordable housing in their local communities. The Kent County Habitat chapter is working on a Women Build project on Arianna Street in northwest Grand Rapids. Members of the Women Build Steering Committee worked today alongside Luke, whose family will buy the home when it's completed. He and his wife have one child, with a second on the way.
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