The Community Bookcase
This is indeed a normal, everyday bookcase with glass doors that you can open and contents inside that are 100% free to the public. No library cards, overdue notices or payment required. At this bookcase you simply visit it, find a book (or two) that you want, remove it and put it in your little tote or bicycle basket, and then go on your merry little way. The bookcase only asks that in return, you bring some of your own books back to replenish the supply
i am super excited about these science books by basher and dingle! i found them at my son’s book fair yesterday and was instantly mesmerized. the illustrations on each page appeal to the digital generation and look like they were taken straight from a manga.
in this periodic table version, each element is given a personality and an accompanying personality profile (likes, dislikes, etc.) on its “homepage.”
other ones in the series include rocks and minerals, astronomy, biology, and physics.
here’s a quote from dingle:
“It’s not going to be a primary reference or resource [in classrooms], but it is a book that makes a potentially difficult and harrowing subject open up for younger kids,” he says. “There’s a lot of fun incorporated with a few hard facts. It can be a gateway to learning by removing some of the mystery and making the subject more accessible.”
indeed.
i read this book while at my local bookstore. i was intrigued by the cover, as i like to find children’s books that are typically deemed multicultural. ironically, one thing that bugs me about “multicultural” books is that often times, the main character’s race defines him/her.
not dyamonde daniel.
the wonderful nikki grimes has managed to write a chapter book about a young girl named dyamonde daniel who is smart and strong and independent.
oh, and she just so happens to be black.
(side note to book publishers: please, please, please continue to put out books that speak to this notion, especially since the media often shapes the public’s perception. in a nation where race is such a prevailing factor, it would be nice to think that someday this won’t be the case.)
mo willems is a god. well, a literary god at least. not to offend any devout [insert religious followers here], but mo willems is one of those children’s authors who gets it…the type who you wished lived next door just so you could get a glimpse of his genius.
his stories are so full of humor and character and are just so darn appealing to kids and adults alike. it’s as if he walks that line between childhood and adulthood without missing a step.
case in point: knuffle bunny. kids love it because it’s hilarious. they can relate to having a beloved stuffed animal and the paralyzing fear of losing it. parents can identify with temper tantrums and the ability of kids to go, in mo’s words, “boneless.”
don’t miss out on mo willems’ world. to do so would be a literary sin.
can i get an amen?
i read book one of the sisters grimm series a few years ago. loooved it. one thing in particular that drew me in was the quick wit and strength of the protagonist, sabrina. my 6th graders enjoyed this series - especially because of the humor - and quickly devoured the other titles.
watch the video and be prepared for a whole new look at the grimm family.
along the lines of today’s post, this captures the “old meets new” perspective of new media and literacy.
(via ohmybiancaaa)
it’s such a fascinating time to be a student! new forms of media have lead to a shift in pedagogy…particularly when it comes to literacy.
newmedialiteracies.org posted an introductory video on their website that discusses the various skills and strategies people will have to master to successfully navigate the digital world.
watch. learn. grow.
when I first stumbled across storybird, i immediately thought of how it could be used in the classroom and on a rainy fall day with my boys. using a set of pre-drawn illustrations, users create a short story which can then be shared with friends. the illustrations are so delicious and visually inviting that you will become hooked immediately.
take a tour of storybird here.
here is a fantastic video on how to teach Guided Reading. although it is an example of a first grade classroom, the same principles apply all the way through the grades. it has frequently asked questions, a sample lesson, and recommended professional books. it helps to see it in action!
*found at www.teachertube.com
(*image courtesy of newschief.com)
the landscape of children’s and adolescent literature has changed greatly over the years. nowadays, the children’s book publishing market reflects a boom in realistic fiction and fantasy genres, with popular series like the Wimpy Kid diaries and Twilight (team edward!) weaving a common thread through the lives of young people.
my brother’s friend, elle, shared this website with me. playfullearning.com is a fun resource for reading and writing ideas that you could do with your young children.
one of my favorites is this “alphabet photography” project.
after all, developing a strong foundation for literacy starts at home!
one way to really celebrate your budding authors is to get them entered into a national writing contest. letters about literature, sponsored by the library of congress and target stores is one of my favorites for grades 4-12.
students are asked to write a letter to any author, living or otherwise, who has touched them in some way. i love this contest because it speaks to the power of words.
here’s an excerpt from a previous letter, as noted on the contest’s website:
We loved this opening line, written by 8th grader Lucy from Wyoming:
My world is alive with sensation and sound, laughter and music. But there are also shadows. Lying in those shadows are secrets, so deep they will never be uncovered.
click here for more information, sample letters, and lesson plans for teachers. the december 12, 2009 deadline is quickly approaching, so get to it.
:) happy writing!
Serious Eats: Cookie Monster on the Origin of ‘Om Nom Nom Nom Nom’ and How to Eat a Cookie
Thanks for the mention, Robyn!
nonfiction books about bugs and insects are very popular with young kids, especially boys. one fabulous series that i highly recommend are the backyard books.
often times, kids get bogged down with too much content and have trouble retaining facts in expository text. the backyard books are written in such an inviting way that kids almost automatically absorb the info. you know when we make teaching fun and children do not realize they are learning?
it’s kind of like that.
only better.
