Strong Readers All: What Would It Take ... ? (EL magazine)

Creating Stronger Readers

http://whatworks.wholechildeducation.org/blog/strong-readers-all-what-would-it-take/

[LINK]

What would it take to make all the children we serve strong readers?

It's a bold question to ponder as you prepare for the coming school year. ASCD's Educational Leadership (EL) summer issue, "Strong Readers All," shares stories of how to successfully help all learners improve their reading skills—by using nontraditional approaches at every grade level. These articles describe research, strategies, and revamped school structures. Other articles profile schoolwide strategies that made a serious difference during the earliest reading years.

EL also offers two classic articles from past issues—from two trusted voices in reading instruction: Richard L. Allington and Cris Tovani.

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2012 Canadian Children's Book Centre Awards

See the Finalists for the 2012 Book Centre Awards

http://www.bookcentre.ca/news/finalists_ccbc_awards_2012

"This year's finalists include fantastic stories introducing readers to a 16-year-old Sherlock Holmes; a clever continuation of one pussycat's journey following his visit with the queen; an incredibly moving collection of photos of Afghanistan; a young soldier's harrowing experiences during World War I; and a haven for faeries hidden deep underneath New York City. "

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Writing Stories - Stenhouse Publishers

"Writing Stories" (Preview this book online)

Ideas, Exercises, and Encouragement for Teachers and Writers of All Ages

http://www.stenhouse.com/shop/pc/viewprd.asp?idProduct=9447&r=ww120619b

"Award-winning author Carolyn Coman has made a career out of writing stories for children and young adults as well as teaching writing to people of all ages. She believes that the essence of good writing, no matter the genre, is the ability to craft a solid story."

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"Building Up Your Book Muscle"

The Book Whisperer - Be a Better Reader

http://blogs.edweek.org/teachers/book_whisperer/2012/06/building_up_your_book_muscle.html

Donalyn Miller is a 6th grade language arts teacher in Texas. Whether you are new to a classroom or library, changing grade levels, or want to ramp up your knowledge, her suggestions will provide you a starting point. Pick one or two suggestions and see how many books and authors you discover. Donalyn includes a number of links to sites and blogs for more information about titles and authors.

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TED-Ed | Use, Adapt or Create

TED-Ed Videos for Education

http://ed.ted.com/tour

Use engaging videos from TED to create customized lessons. You can use, tweak, or completely redo any lesson featured on TED-Ed, (ie. use your own title, change the initial writeup, ask questions, etc.)  or create lessons from scratch based on any video from YouTube. (Upload your own creations and add guiding questions and additional resources.)

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Doug Wilhelm - Reading Matters

 "My father, the reader"

http://dougwilhelm.com/dougs-blog/viewpost/197

A writer/publisher's take on the changing book world, the fight for libraries and local bookstores, writing for young readers, independent publishing, and more.

His tribute to his father:

"This year's Father's Day is my first without my dad, Peter Wilhelm, who passed away in Florida almost a year ago. He was 85. When I visit schools these days, and young people ask me how I got started writing, I tell them first how I got started reading — and that was because my dad was the best reader I ever knew. "

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How to use criteria for making a decision

"Using Criteria"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CbkGf6MR1vo&feature=player_embedded

"The Critical Thinking Consortium" This lively 2-minute video from the Take 2 collection uses the example of buying a cell phone to introduce, or reinforce, the importance of using criteria when making decisions both in and out of school.

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DYI kindle, kobo, Sony eReader cases

How to make a Kindle case out of a vintage hardcover book

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aPKXzJao41A&feature=youtube_gdata_player

Finding an old hard cover can let you show off your eReader in retro style.

"If you have access to an old hardcover of the right size, you can remove the pages and turn it into a simple ereader case in 60-90 minutes, using some cardboard, fabric, elastic bands, thread and glue."

Make a Kobo Cover that is a work of art.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q7lUZzeNZiw&feature=youtube_gdata_player

If you have some time and a bit of talent or technique, you can create truly unique covers for yourself, or to gift to any eReader owners you may know. This would make a great Art project for students.

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Your Digital Tattoo

Learn about your "digital tatoo"

http://digitaltattoo.ubc.ca/

Just like a tattoo, your digital reputation is an expression of yourself. it is formed and added to by you and others over time. Want to learn more about yours? The goal of this site and the Digital Tattoo project is to raise questions, provide examples and links to resources to encourage you to think about your presence online, navigate the issues involved in forming and re-forming your digital identity and learn about your rights and responsibilities as a digital citizen. It's really just all about making informed decisions and your own decisions.

UBC has put together this site for its own students. Some material may not be appropriate for all grade levels, but could be adapted for use in schools.

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CC Search - images and more

Find Creative Commons material

http://search.creativecommons.org/

Use this page to find CC images for student work. It offers convenient access to search services provided by other independent organizations. (Note: CC has no control over the image results that are returned. You should always verify that the work is actually under a CC license by following the link on the results page.)

Our mission

Creative Commons develops, supports, and stewards legal and technical infrastructure that maximizes digital creativity, sharing, and innovation.

Our vision

Our vision is nothing less than realizing the full potential of the Internet — universal access to research and education, full participation in culture — to drive a new era of development, growth, and productivity.

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Digital and Media Literacy resources

Young Canadians in a Wired World, Phase III:

"Talking to Youth and Parents about Life Online".

Click on the link to download from the site.

From MediaSmarts: Canada's Centre for Digital and Media Literacy.  This Canadian not-for-profit organization for digital and media literacy provides information and tools for Canadian educators and parents to help youth engage with media as active and informed digital citizens.

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Spanish Language & Culture | Home

SLC with Barbara Kuczun Nelson

http://www.colby.edu/~bknelson/SLC/

You will find a number of study modules and activities that use Spanish culture to teach grammar and vocabulary. The sidebar allows the student to zero in on particular grammar points.

Spanish Language and Culture is, in the words of its creator, "a work in progress". She goes on to say "I add to the site as I have time and inspiration! Thank you to all the students and teachers who use this site and send me comments, suggestions and corrections! "

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CM Magazine: Canadian Review of Materials

Canadian authors and books - reviewed

http://www.umanitoba.ca/outreach/cm/

CM magazine (Canadian Review of Materials) is many things: book reviews, media reviews, children's book news, children's author profiles, info for teachers, librarians, parents and kids.

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Google World Wonders Project

A virtual stroll through world heritage sites

http://www.google.com/culturalinstitute/worldwonders/

A virtual stroll among the ruins of Pompeii or into the temples of Kyoto is available to anyone with an Internet-connected device through Google's new project.

The Google World Wonders Project is a platform which brings world heritage sites of the modern and ancient world online. Using Street View, 3D modeling and other Google technologies, they have made these amazing sites accessible to everyone across the globe. With videos, photos and in-depth information, you can now explore the world wonders from your armchair just as if you were there.

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Canada's History - View "Young Citizen" video projects

A video showcase of history projects from Heritage Fairs across Canada

http://canadashistory.ca/getdoc/cb028a4a-df19-4cd2-a170-6df5e39f6251/default.aspx

Each spring, more than 250,000 students gather to showcase their history projects at Heritage Fairs across Canada. The video project called "Young Citizens" is an opportunity for participants to further explore their topic and to share their work with a national audience.

Two hundred students (ages 10-16) participating in their local Heritage Fair were selected for the "Young Citizens" showcase. Each participant was asked to create a short video report about their Heritage Fair project. Click on the link to view the submissions, and to vote for the strongest presentation.

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Re-engage busy adolescents in reading

Irresistible Reading - VOYA Mag
http://edition.pagesuite-professional.co.uk/launch.aspx?eid=60cd38b6-5752-42a0-89a0-33d91c5c18b3&pnum=34

"Irresistible Reading" - VOYA Mag article

[Link to article] It may take a moment to load the page.

In the article "Irresistible Reading", Librarian Jole Seroff and English teacher Katie Sauvain talk about how they re-engage busy adolescents in a lit circle program, organized around themes. Students can't wait to share these novels with their peers.  Jole and Katie give practical advice on how to generate enthusiasm in these middle schoolers for the pleasures of reading. They talk about how their success has begun to spread to other grades.

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Readathon 2012 - summer reading - MeMeTales app

A free book each week over the summer

http://www.readathon2012.com/

"To help combat learning loss among young readers during the summer months, app developer MeMeTales is partnering with PBSKids and various publishers for its Readathon2012, which will make a free book available to readers through its iOS app each week.

"Kids can earn stickers and certificates and track their reading, and parents can receive specially created and theme based learning activity ideas created by educators. Participating publishers include HarperCollins, Orca Books, Shens Books, and Little Pickle Press.

"Students can participate in the program free by creating an online account from June 18 to July 28.

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Alphabet Zoo - PDF download

Primary Animal Activity Book

http://www.pacificedgepublishing.com/pdf/wksheets/langart/AlphaZoo.pdf

Alphabet Zoo - a downloadable 50 page fun filled primary activity book of blankline masters in pdf format, by Pacific Edge Publishing. Part of the Alphabet Zoo set. gr. K–3 (5.2 mb) (From Pacific Edge)

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Transit of the Sun by Venus

Images from the Solar Dynamics Observatory

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Z9rM8ChTjY

Here's a link to a "video and music" compilation celebrating the Venus Transit 2012. You can use the NASA app on an iPad or go to the Youtube clip on a desktop/laptop. The images show Venus against a backdrop of the Sun using a variety of filters. Students gain a sense of scale, especially considering that Venus is about the same size as the Earth. Stunning images. Moving music.

"On June 5 2012, the Solar Dynamics Observatory(a spacecraft launched in 2010 to study the Sun)  collected images of the rarest predictable solar event--the transit of Venus across the face of the sun.  This event happens in pairs eight years apart that are separated from each other by 105 or 121 years.  The last transit was in 2004 and the next will not happen until 2117."

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Kids' Stop - Games with FN focus

Aboriginal Games | People and History | Recommended Reads | Classroom Resources

http://www.aadnc-aandc.gc.ca/eng/1315444613519

Kids' Stop is a "fun zone" for students filled with information about Aboriginal history, culture and languages, games and stories, and classroom resources for teachers. The Recommended Reads section includes 15 fact sheets for children aged 8 to 11 on a range of aboriginal topics. (Sample: First Nations Music in Canada.)

(Thanks YLP)

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