RISE Co-op

09/03/2026

Free-to-Read Thursday: The Long Road to the Ballot 🗳️

This week’s feature is Lillian’s Right to Vote by Jonah Winter, illustrated by Shane W. Evans.

In this picture book, 100-year-old Lillian makes her way to the polls to vote. As she walks, she remembers the generations before her—family members who faced slavery, racism, and unfair barriers that kept Black Americans from fully participating in democracy.

Through Lillian’s story, young readers can begin to understand that voting is more than checking a box. It is a right that people fought long and hard to secure—and a way to make our voices heard.

This is a meaningful read for families learning about the civil rights movement, voting rights, Black history, or what it means to be an active member of a community.

Look for Lillian’s Right to Vote through your local library, Libby, or Hoopla.



[Image credit: Google]

09/02/2026

STEAM Wednesday: Marshallese Stick Charts 🌊🧭

Marshallese stick charts matter because they remind us that science did not begin with modern technology, GPS, or Western textbooks. For generations, Marshallese navigators built and shared highly detailed knowledge of ocean swells, winds, currents, stars, and islands—knowledge that made intentional travel across the vast Pacific possible.

These charts were teaching tools, not simply decorations. They show how careful observation, memory, engineering, geography, and community knowledge work together. They also challenge the harmful idea that Indigenous knowledge is less scientific or less advanced.

For this week’s STEAM Wednesday, create a learning model inspired by Marshallese stick charts using craft sticks, yarn or string, and beads, buttons, or shells to represent islands.

As you build, discuss: What can waves tell us? How is knowledge passed from one generation to the next? Why should we respect the people and communities who hold this knowledge?

Try this kid-friendly lesson and project: https://artclasscurator.com/marshall-islands-stick-chart-lesson-plan-project/

Marshallese stick charts represent living cultural knowledge and a profound relationship with the ocean—not just an art project.



[Image Credit: Google]

09/01/2026

Looking Ahead: September 4 is National Food Bank Day🍎🍞

If groceries have been harder to afford lately, please know you are not alone—and asking for help is okay.

August can be an especially difficult month for many families. Back-to-school costs, summer utility bills, rising grocery prices, reduced work hours, unexpected emergencies, and the gap before school meals fully resume can stretch a household budget beyond its limit.

Food assistance is for our neighbors, friends, coworkers, elders, military families, students, and parents doing everything they can to keep food on the table. Needing support is not a failure. It is what community is for.

If you need food assistance in Bell County, Central Texas Food Bank resources can help connect you with local food distributions, partner pantries, and other support:
https://www.centraltexasfoodbank.org/

Ways to help local families:
🍞Donate shelf-stable food, diapers, hygiene items, or funds to a local pantry or food bank.
🍞Volunteer to sort, pack, or distribute food.
🍞Share local pantry schedules and resource links in neighborhood groups.
🍞Check in privately with friends, relatives, and neighbors—especially families with children, seniors, and people living on fixed incomes.
🍞If you are able, add a few extra grocery items to your cart for a community food drive.

A meal, a grocery bag, a ride to a distribution site, or simply sharing a resource can make a real difference. Let’s take care of one another, Bell County.



[Image Credit: Google]

08/31/2026

What Would You Say to a Friend?

Would you say what you’re thinking about yourself to a friend?

If not—try again. Talk to yourself the way you’d talk to someone you care about.

Mindful Monday reminder:
👉 Your voice should be your safe space, not your battlefield.

[Image credit: Cybele and Bevan]

08/21/2026

Rock the Vote! 🗳️

Your voice matters—especially in the elections that shape our schools, communities, rights, and future.

Rock the Vote is a nonpartisan organization that helps young people register, stay informed, and take part in the democratic process. Whether you are voting for the first time or have voted before, make a plan: check your registration, learn about what is on your ballot, and encourage a friend to do the same.

Voting is one powerful way to show up for your community. Register, get informed, and rock the vote! https://www.rockthevote.org/

Dedicated to building the political power of young people. Register to vote, check your registration status, and more. Fast, easy, secure, nonpartisan.

08/20/2026

Free to Read Thursday - I Talk Like A River🗣📕

Today’s pick is I Talk Like a River by Jordan Scott, illustrated by Sydney Smith. This tender picture book gently honors the experience of a child who stutters and reminds us how powerful patience, empathy, and understanding can be. It’s a beautiful read for families who want to support children in feeling seen, accepted, and loved just as they are.

💫It opens the door for compassionate conversations about speech differences.
💫It encourages children to value their own voice, even when it feels hard to use.
💫It reminds adults that listening with patience can be deeply healing.

Pick up a copy from your local library or favorite independent bookstore.



[Image credit: google]

08/19/2026

STEAM Wednesday: 25 Indigenous Artists to Know🎨

We’re sharing a list of Indigenous artists to know, and it’s a great reminder that STEAM learning includes so much more than just labs, formulas, and machines. Indigenous artists bring together creativity, problem-solving, design, math, science, materials knowledge, and cultural storytelling in ways that are deeply meaningful and highly innovative.

Each artist on the list represents a different way that art and STEAM connect, whether through weaving, beadwork, sculpture, printmaking, photography, or mixed media. These forms of art often involve geometry, patterning, color theory, material science, and a strong understanding of place and culture. They also show children that innovation has always existed in Indigenous communities.

For homeschool families, this kind of resource is a wonderful way to expand STEAM conversations beyond the usual classroom examples. It helps students see that art is not separate from science and engineering, but often works alongside them in powerful ways.

Sharing this list is also a great opportunity to center Indigenous creativity, honor Native voices, and introduce children to artists whose work deserves to be seen, studied, and celebrated.

https://www.artnews.com/list/art-news/artists/native-american-artists-to-know-1234762021/sydney-akagi-2/

This Native American Heritage Month, we delve into art by 25 Native American, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian artists

08/18/2026

🧡💙 EMOTIONS IN MOTION — FREE WORKSHOP! 💙🧡

This Saturday, the Nolanville SMART Museum is hosting an interactive, trauma-informed workshop for parents, caregivers, and teachers. This workshop will help them to strengthen connection and communication between children and caregivers.

Please see more information below.

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1ETLxkKLCs/

🧡💙 EMOTIONS IN MOTION — FREE WORKSHOP! 💙🧡

Parents, caregivers, and teachers—join the Nolanville SMART Museum for an interactive, trauma-informed workshop designed to strengthen connection and communication between children and their caregivers.

📅 Saturday, August 22, 2026
⏰ 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
📍 Nolanville SMART Museum
408 N. 10th St., Nolanville

Participants will learn how to:
✨ Recognize emotions in themselves and children
✨ Understand what emotions are communicating
✨ Practice healthy ways to express feelings
✨ Enjoy engaging books, songs, games, and activities

🎓 BONUS: Caregivers will receive 3 clock hours of instructor-led training and a certificate!

The workshop is FREE, but registration is encouraged. Scan the information on the flyer to enroll or contact the SMART Museum for more information.

Come learn, connect, and discover healthy ways to help children understand and express their emotions! 🧡

08/18/2026

Homeschool Resource: Expand Your Bookshelves by Following We Need Diverse Books!

If you haven't already, we recommend following We Need Diverse Books, whose entire mission centers around uplifting diverse voices, creating inclusive books, supporting diverse publishing professionals, and donating thousands of books to students who need these stories.

They believe in transforming bookshelves with diverse books to increase empathy and reduce bias. This is a phenomenal resource to have if you're seeking more diverse literature for your home. It's a beautiful way to shine a spotlight on voices that often go unheard.

Give them a follow and check out their website for more information:

We Rise Welcome! Indigenous Reads Rising is a celebration of Indigenous children’s literature of Native Nations, centering those