MrsK Books

Perfect Reading....

2011-05-28T12:43:00.000-07:00

2011 Summer Reading is here !

I have so many books just waiting to be opened.... What will you be reading over the summer? Which book will you suggest that I should be checking out?

Stay connected to your Green Mt. Library, there will be new discoveries posted while we are away from school.

Enjoy the summer sun, the cool evening breezes, and that perfect summer book!
MrsK

Knife of Never Letting Go Take 2

2010-06-29T00:54:00.000-07:00

Knife of Never Letting Go Take 2

Getting Meaning Off the Page

2010-02-12T10:33:00.000-08:00

Just click the title above for video connection...

Watching this video clip with reading experts was insightful. Observing third graders during an instructional period provide excellent feedback as to what my students might be doing and/or not doing while reading instruction is being presented.

Take a moment to compare and contrast what is or isn't working in your instruction....

CORI Reading

2010-02-12T10:27:00.000-08:00

What is Concept-Oriented Reading Instruction? How does it work?

When I spotted this article, I just had to find out more. Just click the title above and you can investigate this style of integrations for science and reading. The primary aim is to increase comprehension for students grades 3-5. Engaging inquiry = knowledge.

Reading Partners

2009-11-13T15:19:00.000-08:00

If you wonder just what you can do to help your student "read to learn," try the above link. You will be redirected to numerous articles, great literature connections, and interesting ideas that you can use to engage your student at home with the world of literacy.

If you are looking for a great link to interesting titles, try this link to Read Kiddo Read.
Happy investigations,
MrsK

A Kindle in Every Back Pack

2009-07-19T09:47:00.000-07:00

Click on the above title for article...

Wow, can you just see the first day of school when every student is given a Kindle for the school year.....

Read the above Democratic proposal to see what the buzz is all about.
MrsK

Reading Coaches

2009-07-17T09:17:00.000-07:00

Click the title to read the article

Does your school have a literacy coach?

Check out this article about literacy/reading coaches.....are you get the best service your district can provide? What makes a successful coaching program? What you could be looking for that will ignite your student's interests.

Happy Summer Reading,
MrsK

Pack Horse Librarians

2009-06-16T20:03:00.000-07:00

Click the title above to follow the link to the article....

Welcome to Summer Reading 2009,

I just read an article about these amazing women who delivered books to those without during the 1930's. Very inspirational, can you imagine no school or public libraries? What have so many done to get books in the hands of people around the world is beyond belief. If you need a good book for a summer evening, begin a journey with those who went beyond the call of literacy....

Just click on the links listed to preview some Librarians on the road......without a bookmobile!

Down Cut Shin Creek: The Packhorse Librarians
That Book Woman
My Librarian is a Camel
The Camel Bookmobile

Enjoy,
MrsK

Boosting Schools' Value Without Spending a Dime

2009-02-21T18:43:00.000-08:00

Click on the above title to read the article

With our economy heading into unknown financial challenges, educators across America are wondering what will be happening to their contracts, their student requirements, and national/state educational standards.

Washington Post's Jay Mathews is trying to come up with avenues beyond the "government" influence as to how we as educators might think outside the box and stand together as a school team with better options.

Read the above article and check out his blog.....there are some excellent "pondering/debating" articles to discuss at your next staff meeting.

MrsK

Educator's Concerns Blog: http://voices.washingtonpost.com/class-struggle

Sam's Interactive Reader

2009-02-11T12:39:00.000-08:00

Click on the above title to enter site for free download.

A wonderful reading experience for primary readers. Using this site with my grandchildren has been such a source of joy. When they arrive, it is straight to the computer, after a few hugs, and they get started with Sam's stories. It doesn't matter how many times they may have heard the story being read to them....they continue to listen and practice reading right along with the story.

Visit the site, download Sam's interactive reading room, then relax and enjoy this delightful Internet connection.

Mrs.K

Adopt an Author Program

2009-02-05T19:58:00.000-08:00

Click the above title to enter website

Take a moment to check out this new program for young adult readers and reluctant readers. What an inspiring way to get your students connected to an author whether you are a teacher or a librarian.

Registration is free, but necessary. You will have access to curriculum connections and interactive websites. There is also a writers connection to the Megsite (www.MEGsite.com ) that will help students in every phase of writing, including how to get publish.

Enjoy creating moments by connecting your students with an author,
MrsK

February's Finds

2009-02-05T19:45:00.000-08:00

Hello Educators,

Sorry for the bit of a break....so much to do and so little time to get it all accomplished.
This month's reading selections hit a wide range of reading subjects yet I know that you will find a nugget a inspiration to take back into your classroom:

Next Stop Reading Junction

Doctors Urge Parents to Read

Reach Out and Read

Taking the Kids: Books Fill the Dead Times on a Trip

Kids can Help Arthur Find a New Friend

Playaways and Audio Book Research

Enjoy these reading updates, happy inspirational journeying......
MrsK

Meet Author Robin Gunn

2009-02-05T19:30:00.000-08:00

click the above title for author's website

Have you ever read a series and adored the writer's work? Well I have numerous times. What is so great about meeting authors and reading their work is that once you get older.....they are still emerging as writers and new characters get born.
That is what is happening with Christy Miller's author.

Robin has branched out into a new series for beginner readers, Mrs. Rosey Posey is a delight made for those moments of reading giggles.

A must order for Elementary Libraries............

http://www.robingunn.com/html/kidsbooks.html

Enjoy this fun new character,
Mrs K

BookPALS Online Storytelling

2008-09-29T10:45:00.000-07:00

Click the above title to listen to a screen actor/actress read a story !

Have you heard the news about the collaboration with the Screen Actors Guild and the reading program which engages readers? If not, take the time to check out these links!

In an article, posted at this weeks Reading Rockets site, an article was posted which provides an enticing invitation to learn more about this program that was started in 1993. Given that many parents can't find time to read to their children, the Performing Artists for Literacy in Schools designed a program of "volunteers who read aloud weekly to children through out the school year." An instructional moment, using your Elmo and your computer/lab top, will promote an enthusiastic "read aloud" on a weekly basis for your students. Just click the links to either read more about this program or to share the stories on a Friday afternoon.

Article

BookPals Website

Happy Listening & Reading,

MrsK

Into The Book

2008-09-25T17:16:00.000-07:00

Click the above title to enter the website.

Into The Book is a great resource for all reading instructors across the content areas. Are you looking for instructional connections that will inspire your readers to use their prior knowledge and to make connections with the topic/theme? What about helping students with interpretative reading strategies by using questioning techniques or visulaizing methods which will bringing the writing to life? Maybe you just are looking for reading standards or a discussion forum that might "ignite" your student readers interest. Try this website it is a wonderful source for quick ideas.

MrsK

Golden Books Art Display

2008-09-18T18:10:00.000-07:00

Click the above title to read the article.

The Aurora Public Art Commission is bringing back childhood memories with stories to tell the future generations. Many, if not most of us grew up reading/hearing these perfect-sized readers. Just the mention of "The Poky Little Puppy" or "The Golden Book of Prayers," brings back the most endearing "comfort" that wraps us up as if we were still a youngster.

Enjoy this article,
Kim

Read, Write, Think

2008-09-15T12:46:00.000-07:00

To enter website, just click the title above.

The Read, Write, Think website is not only an excellent resource for your language arts instructional design creations. . . . there are lesson plans and activity ideas for all "calendar" events for literacy projects. September 15 - October 15 is the Hispanic Heritage awareness month and this site provides free resources for your students.

Just click the calendar link to view these resources: Hispanic Heritage Resources

Mrs K

7 1/2 Habits of a Highly Successful Lifelong Learner

2008-09-12T16:05:00.000-07:00

Click on the title above to view learning video !

Are you a life-long learner? What of the 7 1/2 habits are your learning foundational blocks? As an eduator, do your students know how to be highly successful as life-long learners?

Watch this video, share it with others, practice these steps.
MrsK

DogEared Favorites: for Kids, by Kids

2008-09-04T17:15:00.000-07:00

Just click the title above to go to the website !

National Geographic Kids launched a blog that's just for kids and book reviews. Log on to see what books kids like (and why), and encourage your own book reviewer at home! Reading the blog posts is a great way to get a sense of books you might want to find at your public library or bookstore.

International Literacy Day: Sept 8, 2008

2008-08-28T10:25:00.000-07:00

Welcome back to a new year of educational discoveries !

If you haven't investigated IRA's website, click on the above title to learn about this wonderful day of celebrating literacy within the United States and around the globe. As educators we have a passion for literacy for all students, yet we often get bogged down in the instructional design of our lessons and we become "seperated" from the "united goal" of all educators. Take a moment to be renewed, to remember you aren't alone in your classroom, and to ignite your flame for literacy for all who enter your opened doors of literacy success.

Book mark this site, Reading Across the Continents, it is a site which connects students and teachers "Around the World via Technology and Literature."

MrsK

African Library Project

2008-08-22T12:32:00.000-07:00

Don't forget to click the title above for the website connection.

With school beginning, what will your students be doing as a global connection beyond the classroom?

The African Library Project would be an excellent outreach fundraiser for your classroom, for a building service project (PTA sponsored), or for a grade level service project. As you know, providing global connections for our students will inspire interest into the world in which they are growing up. Many buildings or grade levels have global community themes every year, consider adding this project to your instructional design. Opening the window to the world through international classroom connections is one seed planted in a child's heart towards global acceptance!

Chris Bradshaw, founder of the African Library Project, says, "Studentslearn that they can have a profound impact on the lives of hundreds ofAfricans who otherwise don't have easy access to books. During the courseof a book drive they learn about Africa, gain an appreciation of our ownresources, develop leadership skills and build local community spirit asthey help start a small library in Africa. It's amazing what we can do whenwe roll up our sleeves and work together."

MrsK

PBS: ABCs Shows

2008-08-22T09:14:00.000-07:00

Just click the title above for access to the article.

"It's a bird! It's a plane! It's the Super WHY team, soaring over Storybrook Village. The animated characters jump inside books and look for answers to questions they have." Out of the Blue Enterprises LLC

While picking up her pre-schooler, this parent was given a free DVD as part of a major initiative by the Department of Education in conjucture with a multimillion dollar grant with PBS to produce shows that would help children with their reading skills.

Check your local PBS scheduling to find these shows and then sit with your little ones for a few moments of "virtual reading."

Here's a link to the Super Why website: http://pbskids.org/superwhy/#

Enjoy your reading skill discoveries with your younger readers !

MrsK

The 39 Clues: New Book Series

2008-08-03T12:38:00.000-07:00

Click the above title to read all about it !
Library Buzz. . . . . . . . The 39 Clues series will be in the book stores starting Sept. 9th ! What do you know about this series? Will this series be a "hot" book connection between the book mystery + reader + the collector cards + the Internet website = READING ?

In an LM_Net posting this week, one Librarian had the opportunity to read a pre-printed copy of this new series by various authors and a Speilberg collaboration: Review.

Barnes & Noble has the book available for sale if you are interested in getting your copy now. The collector cards are listed as well.

Keep checking the official Scholastic "39 Clues" website: http://www.the39clues.com/. Get the jump on this new series for your September book "kick-off." The sequel is due out in December with all 10 of the books available by 2010.

MrsK

Student Reading & Comics

2008-07-30T13:37:00.000-07:00

Click the title for the full article

Do you know a student who is struggling to read? Visual stimuli might be the hook for these readers. Higher levels of thinking and tracking occurs with readers who are comic lovers. Who doesn't love a comic book? How many did you read when you were younger?

Consider using comics that first week of school......what a great reading incentive for "hooking" your new students in their reading for enjoyment. Later revisit a "Comic" unit during history and have them work in groups of three to retell a historical moment through comic-frame shots and captions.

Check out the suggested 26 "important" comics, show the students this bit of reading history during a comic introduction.

Enjoy your re-discovery,
MrsK

Get "Caught" Reading

2008-07-29T21:17:00.000-07:00

Just click the above title to go to the website

Did you know that there was a photo contest for readers "in-action"?

Check out this video of 2007 entries, use it to inspire reading with some "mood" music and you have just set the stage for your back-to-school "free" reading environment.

Caught Reading Photos

Enjoy,
MrsK

Engaging male reluctant readers with technology tools

2008-07-21T11:05:00.000-07:00

Are you wondering how others are inspiring those reluctant male readers? In the article, "A+ ADVICE: Can technology re-Kindle boy's interests in reading? by Leanna Landsman (7/21/08) the debate about plugging reluctant readers into technology is proving some benefits, just click the above title to read the entire article. Landsman stated, "Taking a "cross-media" approach is important, Harvey says. "It teaches your sons that we learn from a range of sources and makes them more eager consumers of information." I have found this to be a promising factor from 21st Century learning experiences, using the technology beyond the classroom and offering the book as the "missing link" with the technology tool of choice creates an interest hook in which to engage otherwise uninterested readers.

The article offers a further study to check out, "The 2008 Kids & Family Reading Report, a survey of children ages 5 through 17, found that kids who go online to extend their reading experience — by going to author Web sites or connecting with other readers — are more likely to read for fun every day. For more on the report, go to:
http://www.scholastic.com/aboutscholastic/news/readingreport.htm

Enjoy these technology updates,
MrsK

Reading & the Arts

2008-07-17T16:56:00.000-07:00

Summer Planning for the Fall . . . . . . . . . .

Artstart is an organization that was designed to enhance reading skills through the use of the arts (theatre, puppets, music, dance, visual arts, etc). In the school district of Charlotte-Mecklenburg teachers meet with the art teachers over the summer to collaborate and learn instructional design options for integrating the arts into their reading lessons.

What a beautiful connection. Click the posting title for the home page and discover what other teachers are using. Not all education is driven for testing, making the difference includes balancing a reading program with creative opportunitites for active participation and engaging skill practice !

To view the lessons, either scroll down to the section entitled "Arts-Integrated Curriculum" and click the word "online". . . . . or click to enter the page from this site. Pick the year to review below, enjoy your discoveries:

2007-2008 Lesson plans

2005-2006 Lesson plans

Enjoy your fall planning,
MrsK

Reading Rockets Summer Readers

2008-07-07T20:17:00.000-07:00

Just click on the title to learn more 8^)

Summer Reading Ideas, Literacy Information, and Videos:

Have you visited the Reading Rocket site yet? If not consider it as a great reading resource. . .bookmark it as one of your favorites! At this site you can read the latest reading news and updates for our nation. There is always an author video, as well as a Parent literacy update. Educators will find tons of reading connections and articles !

This month's Parent update includes a trip to the Library with a mom and her son TJ who loves to learn about Dinosaurs, just click the following "hotlink" for this great video:
http://video.readingrockets.org/asx/reading_meaning/Finding_the_right_book.asx

This month's Author interview is Meagan McDonald, just click the following "hotlink" for her interview:
http://www.readingrockets.org/books/interviews/mcdonald

Summer Readers . . .

2008-06-23T10:43:00.000-07:00

Just a quick "shout-out" to all summer readers . . . . . .
Consider this your open invitation to investigate MrsK Books summer reading wiki site. Here you will discover summer reading links, book titles, and a discussion board for you and I to discuss what you are reading . . . .

Just click the title above and enjoy your summer reading investigations.....I'm hoping to hear from you !
MrsK

Summer Reading

2008-06-14T11:27:00.000-07:00

Summer time is here and it's the perfect season for sitting on your porch and taking a grand adventure beyond your front door. Check out the book collection in this short video, jot down the book title that catches your eye and investigate what lies within its cover.

Don't forget you can always put one of the titles on hold at your local library just click the following Library link:

then locate the "Catalog" navigational button
enter the book's title and search
have your library card ready to put the title on hold

Fort Vancouver Regional Library: http://www.fvrl.org/
Camas Public Library: http://www.ci.camas.wa.us/library
Multnomah County Library: http://www.multcolib.org/

International Reading For All Children

2008-05-13T13:05:00.000-07:00

(Click the above title for Internet Link)

Students reading ON-LINE ? ? ?
Check out this International Online Library site for all readers. Multiple languages are presented for stories. Students, and you, can choose the book title and read the book online while turning "virtual" pages!

Enjoy a new way to read !

Titles Around the World

2008-04-29T22:20:00.000-07:00

Shift Happens

2008-03-15T08:39:00.000-07:00

What is your educational goal for the 21st Learner?
Click the title above to watch the video.

Are your students doing "great" work? Does their CQ + PQ = their IQ?
Those educators whose vision for their students goes beyond the classroom boundaries will be "bridge builders" who are teaching students to be 21st century learners.

As an educator, how can you learn more about what areas of your instruction needs an "upgrade" in order to inspire and ignite your students to be "connectors" who are motivated and learning for their furture in 2036!

Log on to the 21st century educator wiki at: http://shifthappens.wikispaces.com/