Pyrotechnics on the Page - preview writing book online

Playful Craft That Sparks Writing

(Pyrotechnics on the Page)

Ralph Fletcher

http://www.stenhouse.com/shop/pc/viewprd.asp?idProduct=9202&r=sb100427

"Writers in every field play with words each time they sit down at their desks. In his newest book, Ralph Fletcher demonstrates how playful craft can energize student writing and breathe new energy into the writing workshop.

Children have a natural affinity for language play; Pyrotechnics on the Page demonstrates how writing teachers can tap into it. This book provides a wealth of resources for teachers."

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"Storyjumper" site

A great site to explore. Read my blog post about "Storyjumper"

http://gordonsthinking.blogspot.com/2010/04/make-and-share-your-own-books.html

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Why do boys lag girls in reading and what can we do about it? IRA Radio

Now Playing on IRA Reading Radio: Boys Lag in Reading.

http://www.jackstreet.com/jackstreet/WIRA.Billboard.cfm

http://www.reading.org/Resources/Radio.aspx

Why do boys lag girls in reading and what can we do about it? Listen as literacy expert William G. Brozo discusses the overwhelming evidence of a gender gap between boys and girls in reading that is an accelerating international phenomenon. Brozo explores how current notions of masculinity may be contributing factors and shares field-tested strategies for closing the gap.

Brozo is Professor of Literacy in the Graduate School of Education at George Mason University in Fairfax, Virginia, and is author of To Be a Boy, To Be a Reader: Engaging Teen and Preteen Boys in Active Literacy (International Reading Association). 

Drive: the science of Motivation

Daniel Pink has recently come out with a new book called: "Drive: the surprising Truth about what motivates us". In it, he talks about what makes us go the extra mile, what makes us pursue excellence. Is it "carrots and sticks" or something else? These ideas are critical for teachers who are looking for ways to engage students. In our schools, "marks" take the place of "dollars", and they just don't motivate most students. We need to key in on what Pink calls the "third drive."

"Forget everything you thought you knew about how to motivate people--at work, at school, at home. It's wrong. As Daniel H. Pink explains in his new and paradigm-shattering book Drive: The Surprising Truth About What Motivates Us, the secret to high performance and satisfaction in today's world is the deeply human need to direct our own lives, to learn and create new things, and to do better by ourselves and our world"

TED talk where he shares his findings.

http://quietube.com/v.php/http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rrkrvAUbU9Y&feature=sdig&et=1251728132.58

Excerpt from his book: Drive

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748703483604574630034192655434.html#articleTabs%3Darticle

PBS segment on motivation

http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/video/flv/generic.html?s=news01s3e2eq793

Cinderella around the world

For those doing Fairytales from other cultures:

The Annotated Cinderella

http://www.surlalunefairytales.com/cinderella/

An Internet WebQuest on Cinderella Stories

http://www2.visalia.k12.ca.us/teachers/kcoulter/docs/cinderella.htm

Additional versions (including some PPT files)

http://fairytales.pppst.com/cinderella.html

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Superheroes in your Library

Here is a library promotion idea from Dawne Murray in Surrey.

(I added a few additional links and ideas.)

Superheroes in the library

or

"The Library League"

or

The League of Extraordinary Reading

or

The Super Reading Team

or

...

===========================

        

The campaign is entitled: "Superheroes in your Library"

Capitalize on the excitement around graphic novels!

        The accompanying slogan is:

        Reading brings you endless power! (or make up your own)

There would be a team of superheroes associated with the library;

Fiction Boy, Non-Fiction Girl and Reference Bot.

        

The students participate in developing the superheroes.  They could submit drawings for the design of the characters.  (The drawing aspect might engage students who perhaps would not normally participate in library events.)  In brainstorming sessions, create a list of powers or attributes for each character.  This leads into lessons reviewing differences between Fiction and Non-Fiction.  (Fiction Boy's powers might include: can list all the names of popular authors in the blink of an eye,  can name favourite picture book illustrators at lightening speed, creates amazing characters faster than anyone, brings imaginary creatures to life, etc. )

Students use ComicLife to produce a series of adventures and present them to younger kids.

Use the superhero images on bookmarks, notices and on the staff newsletter.  Draw up and paint large superhero mural sized posters.  (This art project could work as a collaborative unit for an intermediate teacher.) Start your campaign with a superhero themed day when students are invited to dress up as a superhero of their own choice or of their own design.

A graphic novel or superhero themed novel would be a great kickoff for a school-wide reading campaign. (see lists below)  

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Using comics in the classroom ( a mini-comic) created by Dawne.

http://www.stripcreator.com/comics/dawnethelibrarian1/480610

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Some superhero books for kids:

Picture books:

Max, by Bob Graham

Superdog: The Heart of a Hero, by Caralyn and Mark Buehner

Superhero ABC, by Bob McLeod

Superhero, by Marc Tauss

The Adventures of Sparrowboy, by Brian Pinkney

Traction Man is Here! By Mini Grey

• Chapter books:
  

Babymouse: Our Hero! By Jennifer and Matthew Holm

Magic Pickle series, by Scott Morse

MAXimum Boy series, by Dan Greenberg

Melvin Beederman, Superhero series, by Greg Trine

Shredderman series, by Wendelin Van Draanen

The Adventures of Captain Underpants (and its many sequels), by Dav Pilkey

The Extraordinary Adventures of an Ordinary Boy series, by William Boniface

• taken from: http://parentsblog.scholastic.com/librarian_mom/2008/04/the-case-of-the.html
• ================
• Another list of Superhero books
• http://ysreadersadvisory.pbworks.com/J-Superhero-Picture-Books
  
• ================
  
• All About me Superhero Book Template
• http://www.hp.com/hho/hp_create/media/downloads/All_About_Me_Superhero_Book.pdf
  
• =====================
• Create Your Own Superhero - webapp
• http://marvel.com/create_your_own_superhero
  
• ======================
  
  
  

Novels in verse

Wendy brought a number of "Novels in verse" that are great to use with reluctant teen readers. (Some deal with "older" themes.)

Love that dog

Shakespeare bats

Brimstone journals

Out of the dust

One of those hideous books where the mother dies

Fishtailing (Wendy's book!!!!)

The crazy man

A few additional booklists

http://www.connectedyouth.org/books/index.cfm?booklist=verse

http://www.epl.ca/EPLMaster.cfm?id=VERSENOVELSF0001

http://www.goodreads.com/list/show/2212.YA_Novels_in_Verse

Bathroom guerrilla marketing

If you are trying to "sell" a resource, idea or library service to your staff, consider using Nancy's great suggestion and put up a "flyer" advertising the fact in the staff washroom, above the mirror or other prominent location. Your captive audience will be sure to get the message.

The Arrival - a wordless book

Val ordered 15 copies of this wordless book to use with an Elementary class. Great for exploring metaphor and imagery. Wendy also used it with her grade 12s to great effect!

"The Arrival is a story about immigration and finding a new home in a place that is so very different from one's homeland that is quite literally alien to the mind and senses. The author, Shaun Tan's own father was an immigrant from Malaysia who came to Australia to study architecture. Shaun Tan initially intended The Arrival to be a children's book, but it took on a life of its own. The book took five years to create, and the final format is more of a graphic novel than a children's picture book. The Arrival is a completely wordless book, but the story has the power to speak to anyone who has the honor of reading it."

http://www.shauntan.net/books/the-arrival.html

View portions online:

Canadian illustrators Unit

Consider putting together a unit that features Canadian Illustrators.

You could use this book: "Meet Canadian authors and illustrators", as a starting point for names, or look here for other suggestions: http://www.canscaip.org/memberscraft.html

Reading passports

Cathy adapted a number of different "foldable" passport booklets that students can use to "Read around the world" or "read across the genres". Here's a PDF version that you can use as is: http://iriseducation.ca/pdf/passport.pdf 

You could even use a suitcase or two as part of your book display!

Eluminate session on Libraries and crisis!

School Library "Crisis" Seminar

http://tlvirtualcafe.wikispaces.com/Crisis_Webinar

Chris Harris - an administrator on the crisis in school library

Buffy Hamilton - librarian - blogger - "The Unquiet Librarian"

(View in Firefox or Internet Explorer - Safari won't load the Eluminate archived presentation properly)

"It's the most exciting time to be a teacher librarian. The opportunities for learning have never been more rich. The studies prove the value of the role of strong school libraries in student achievement. Yet, the pink slips are flying. Where do we go from here?"

Chris Harris: His slides to support his presentation: http://public.iwork.com/document/?a=p147869949&d=crisis.key 1. Cuts will happen (money is tight everywhere) (marketing rather than advocacy) 2. Don't be an easy target (don't make it easy for decision makers to chop you!) (do compelling work that makes you indispensable) 3. It's probably too late now (we have to plan for the future..not rear-guard action for today.) (this year's budget is already a done deal) (communicate to your admin often, with high value, high interest info.) 4. Increased achievement (help make this happen for students) (show our 21st century skills and relevance)

Buffy Hamilton: We will look at 5 “librarian Iifestyle changes” we can make as library professional to “express" and "flip on" our best qualities so that we can evolve and adapt to the changing landscape/environment to become more effective librarians, and consequently, library programs. 1. Make our practice/data transparent. web-based mindmap of duties flickr archive of projects youtube of work you're doing blogs make teaching a priority Embrace Instructional Leadership 2. Promote participatory culture mobile computint ereaders re-think collection coolective intelligence 3. Bulid your collaborative tribe 4. Tap into the wisdom of the crowd ie webinars 5. Be an advocate for access, multiple literacies.

The art of game design: a book of lenses By Jesse Schell

I heard an interesting interview with Jesse Schell on the CBC show Spark.

He has written a book called "The Art of Game Design". In it, he lists 100 "lenses" that game designers need to try on in order to be good designers. What struck me, was how many of these lenses can be transposed into the teacher's role as "lesson designer." While they are not all a perfect fit, it's a great metaphor for what teachers do everyday.

Here's the Google books link for a preview. The table of contents lists all the lenses, and you can read his take on many of them from the Google Books preview.

http://books.google.ca/books?id=LP5xOYMjQKQC&printsec=

Second World War Links to explore

The liberation of the Netherlands:

One of the best-known chapters from Canada’s military history is the

liberation of the Netherlands during the Second World War. 2010 marks

the 65th anniversary of this significant event that created a lasting

bond between our two countries.

www.vac-acc.gc.ca/remembers/sub.cfm?source=feature/netherlands

The Canadian Navy.

2010 marks the 100th anniversary of the Canadian Navy. From a modest

beginning of only two ships, it has grown to play an important role in

many of Canada’s military efforts over the years.

www.vac-acc.gc.ca/remembers/sub.cfm?source=feature/rcn_centennial  

Francophone Canadians in WWII

It took the efforts of all Canadians, both on the home front and

overseas, to help the Allies to victory during the Second World War.

Francophone Canadians played an important role, including hundreds of

thousands of women who were called on to fill new, non-traditional roles

in factories, on farms and in the military. Veterans Affairs Canada has

an engaging multimedia Web feature about the many contributions and

sacrifices made by French-speaking men and women from coast to coast.

www.vac-acc.gc.ca/remembers/sub.cfm?source=collections/lff

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Online Teacher Magazines from the UK

http://www.teachernet.gov.uk/teachers/index.cfm 

Primary (elementary) and Secondary teachers' magazines. Content is UK-centric, but some of the links and articles are useful. View the current issues or browse the archive.

Magazines are viewable in an online virtual magazine format. They can be downloaded as well.

Interested readers can create an email reminder announcing each new issue.

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Teacher read-alouds in Primary classrooms

Using Read-Alouds with Critical Literacy Literature in K–3 Classrooms

Reprinted from Young Children • November 2009

http://www.naeyc.org/files/yc/file/200911/PrimaryInterestWeb1109.pdf

Wendy B. Meller,

Danielle Richardson,

and J. Amos Hatch

"This article describes read-alouds that feature critical literacy literature. Critical literacy literature consists of high-quality children’s books that prompt children to think and talk about social issues that impact their daily lives. The article includes a rationale for the importance of using children’s literature and read-alouds in primary classrooms; a description of critical literacy and the kinds of children’s books appropriate for critical literacy read-alouds; and an example of a critical literacy read-aloud in a first grade classroom by one of the authors."

Fostering Independent Writers in the Primary Grades - Preview online

No More I'm Done!

Fostering Independent Writers in the Primary Grades

Preview the book online.

"No More "I'm Done!" demonstrates how to create a more productive, engaging, and rewarding writer's workshop. Jennifer guides teachers from creating a supportive classroom environment through establishing effective routines; shows teachers how to set up a writer's workshop; and provides an entire year of developmentally appropriate mini-lessons that build confidence and, ultimately, independence. Through her years of teaching and consulting, Jennifer has heard all the tough questions about working with primary writers: How do I get my students to sustain for a full writing period? What do I do about the student who can't choose a topic? What about the student who writes about the same thing every day? She answers these questions and many more in the final chapter of the book."

"Infotopia" enhancement

Dr Bell has just released an enhancement to his fabulous Infotopia site. See below for his message.

"As you know, Infotopia is a student-friendly, safe search engine that many are finding to be a good alternative in the library and classroom, because it accesses only trusted websites previously selected by librarians, teachers and library and educational consortia. At the request of a Canadian user, I am making available a search code menu item in the upper right corner of the page (http://www.infotopia.info ).  Click it to get the necessary code to embed an Infotopia search form in your library and school pages.

Please stay in touch and let me know of any sites or enhancements you would like to see in the search engine."

Dr. Michael Bell (Former Chair, Texas Association of School Librarians)

"Catching Readers Before They Fall" -preview online

Catching Readers Before They Fall:

Supporting Readers Who Struggle, K-4

by Pat Johnson and Katie Keier

Info about the book

Preview online: http://www.stenhouse.com/emags/0781/pageflip.html

"Every teacher of reading plays a vital role in helping to catch those readers for whom learning to read does not come easily. If you have ever been at a loss for what to say and do when confronted with a child who struggles, this book is for you."

New version of Wordle - Tagxego

If you have tried Wordle before with classes or your staff, there is a new version of this great little app called Tagxego. It's a great way to visually represent word frequency. Good as a brainstorming tool, anticipation guide or review exercise:  http://www.tagxedo.com/app.html

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