If you are the parent of a preschool-age child AND live in the Washington, DC-metro area, PBS KIDS would like to talk to you. Email ParentAG@pbs.org if you’re interested in participating in a discussion on November 17th or 19th.
A great way to get your child excited about reading is giving them autobiographies of people they recognize and like. This gives children an opportunity to learn about people who have made a difference in their lives. Here are some great examples from PBS online.
26 Fairmount Avenue
by Tomie dePaola
In nine entertaining chapters, author Tomie DePaola shares some of his fondest and funniest memories from his childhood. Some of his highlights include surviving the infamous hurricane of 1938 and deciding to skip kindergarten because students aren't taught to read until the first grade. If your child enjoys this book, also try What a Year and Nana Upstairs and Nana Downstairs. Newbery Honor, 2000
Ages: First-grader, Second-grader, Third-grader
Themes: Biography, Family, School
Types: Read Aloud, Read to Self
Buy it now from Amazon »
A Picture Book of Helen Keller
by David A. Adler
This brief biography recounts the incredible and inspirational events of Helen Keller's life. The picture book format makes the historical trials and tribulations of her life, from childhood to college years, accessible to the young reader.
Ages: Kindergartner, First-grader, Second-grader, Third-grader
Themes: Biography, Family, School, Special Needs
Types: Read Aloud, Read to Self
Buy it now from Amazon »
Author: A True Story
by Helen Lester
Author Helen Lester writes a humorous tale about her life from age three to adulthood. She describes how she became a writer, citing her achievements and challenges, including overcoming dyslexia, along the way. This cheerful book will inspire the writer within your child.
Ages: Kindergartner, First-grader, Second-grader, Third-grader
Themes: Biography, School, Special Needs
Types: Read Aloud, Read to Self
Buy it now from Amazon »
Crazy Horse's Vision
by Joseph Bruchac
Young readers will enjoy this biography about Crazy Horse, one of the best-known Native American heroes. Written with great respect for Native American life and illustrated with brilliant paintings, this book provides an overview of the historical events in Crazy Horse's life.
Ages: First-grader, Second-grader, Third-grader
Themes: Biography, Multicultural
Types: Read Aloud
Buy it now from Amazon »
Do You Remember the Color Blue?: And Other Questions Kids Ask About Blindness
by Sally Hobert Alexander
Author Sally Hobart Alexander candidly answers children's questions about blindness. Ms. Alexander describes how she became blind at the age of 26 and how she has adapted to this change. She responds to such questions as, "How do you read?", "How did you become blind?", and "Has being blind changed you?"
Ages: Second-grader, Third-grader
Themes: Biography, Family, Special Needs
Types: Read Aloud
Buy it now from Amazon »
Girl Wonder: A Baseball Story in Nine Innings
by Deborah Hopkinson
Set in the early 1900's, this inspiring picture book tells the tale of one determined and talented female athlete. At age 17, Alta Weiss breaks through gender stereotypes by convincing the coach of the men's semi-professional league to let her play. She proves to herself and those around her that she has what it takes to be a fierce competitor.
Ages: Kindergartner, First-grader, Second-grader, Third-grader
Themes: Biography, Sports
Types: Read Aloud, Read to Self
Buy it now from Amazon »
Happy Birthday, Martin Luther King
by Jean Marzollo
This beautifully illustrated biography presents the key events in Martin Luther King's life. The picture book format makes the historical trials and tribulations of his life, from childhood to his death, accessible to the young reader.
Ages: Kindergartner, First-grader, Second-grader, Third-grader
Themes: Biography, Holidays, Multicultural
Types: Read Aloud, Read to Self
Buy it now from Amazon »
Malcom X: A Fire Burning Brightly
by Walter Dean Myers
Walter Dean Myers brings the life and work of Malcolm X to young readers in this picture biography. Using colorful portraits and direct quotations, Malcolm X's leadership and impact on the nation is celebrated.
Ages: Kindergartner, First-grader, Second-grader
Themes: Biography, Multicultural
Types: Read Aloud
Buy it now from Amazon »
Martin's Big Words: The Life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
by Doreen Rappaport
Young Martin Luther King vowed to find "big words" that would inspire and lead like his father. Through the use of striking collage work and quotations, Martin Luther King's work comes to life in this award-winning children's book.
Ages: Kindergartner, First-grader, Second-grader, Third-grader
Themes: Biography, Holidays, Multicultural
Types: Read Aloud, Read to Self
Buy it now from Amazon »
Radio Rescue
by Lynne Barasch
Detailed illustrations present facts about Morse code in this book. Information is skillfully integrated into the exciting, true story of Robert Marx, a 10-year-old boy who becomes an amateur radio operator and saves a family stranded by a hurricane in Florida.
Ages: Kindergartner, First-grader, Second-grader, Third-grader
Themes: Biography, School
Types: Read Aloud, Read to Self
Buy it now from Amazon »
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
Give Thanks and Praise in ALL Things!
I am sure that many are doing very well right now and may be surrounded by loved ones that support them at every step of the way. However there are many today that need a bit of encouragement along the way and a nudge to assure them that their prayers will not go unanswered. Here is a blog entry from Joel & Victoria Osteen. I hope that it gives you the encouragement you may need RIGHT NOW. Enjoy! @livebigg on Twitter!!
Are you giving thanks in every circumstance? This might seem like a stretch at first, especially when you are going through a season of difficulty. But notice today’s verse doesn’t say to give thanks “for” everything, it says give thanks “in” everything. In other words, no matter what’s going on, find something to be thankful for. Don’t just focus on what’s wrong in your life; focus on what God will do in your life!
When you are thankful, it opens the door for God to move on your behalf. That’s why it says “this is God’s will for you.” He wants you to be close to Him and receive His strength and power by giving thanks.
Today, have the attitude that says, “God, in spite of what’s happened, I choose to be grateful. I may be sick, but Father, thank You for being my healer. Thank you for giving me great friends and family.” Or, “I may be struggling in my marriage, but God, thank You for being my restorer. Thank You for giving me another sunrise.” As you give thanks in everything, you will see God’s hand move mightily on your behalf. Before long, you’ll come out of that difficulty better, stronger, and wiser than before!
Prayer for Today: Father God, today I choose to give You thanks in all things! I know that You are a good God, and You have good plans in store for my future. I bless You and thank You for another day to sing Your praise! In Jesus’ Name. Amen.
Are you giving thanks in every circumstance? This might seem like a stretch at first, especially when you are going through a season of difficulty. But notice today’s verse doesn’t say to give thanks “for” everything, it says give thanks “in” everything. In other words, no matter what’s going on, find something to be thankful for. Don’t just focus on what’s wrong in your life; focus on what God will do in your life!
When you are thankful, it opens the door for God to move on your behalf. That’s why it says “this is God’s will for you.” He wants you to be close to Him and receive His strength and power by giving thanks.
Today, have the attitude that says, “God, in spite of what’s happened, I choose to be grateful. I may be sick, but Father, thank You for being my healer. Thank you for giving me great friends and family.” Or, “I may be struggling in my marriage, but God, thank You for being my restorer. Thank You for giving me another sunrise.” As you give thanks in everything, you will see God’s hand move mightily on your behalf. Before long, you’ll come out of that difficulty better, stronger, and wiser than before!
Prayer for Today: Father God, today I choose to give You thanks in all things! I know that You are a good God, and You have good plans in store for my future. I bless You and thank You for another day to sing Your praise! In Jesus’ Name. Amen.
Monday, April 27, 2009
Independent Reading Reward & Incentive Programs
INDEPENDENT READING REWARDS/INCENTIVE PROGRAMS
Encouraging students to read independently is an important goal of reading enrichment programs. Incentives and rewards
can provide students with the external motivation to read. Some ideas:
Tracking reading with a log (time or number of books) or with Accelerated Reader points (for those schools with
AR books and quizzes)
Set school-wide and class goals and incentives
Pick theme for a special reading promotion (see ideas above for Reading Night)
Offer reading incentive programs by month, quarter, winter or spring break, and especially summer!
Individual and class prizes can be purchased by PTA or donated from local businesses.
Work with your local community, especially your public library.
Take advantage of community-based programs, including:
Book Adventure (www.BookAdventure.org) K - 8 students
Supported by Sylvan Learning, Book Adventure is a free, Web-based reading incentive program encouraging K-8
children to read great books and win cool prizes. Book Adventure not only rewards children for reading, but also
enables parents to track their child's progress and participate in their education. Students create a log on name and
password, and then customize their reading list to their preferred reading level and genre to generate a list of
suggested books from 7,000 books on file. Students take a quiz after reading the book to earn points for prizes.
Bruster’s Ice Cream (www.brusters.com) K - 5 students
Students earn a free ice cream cone for keeping a reading log in pursuit of reading goals.
Pizza Hut Book-It Program (www.BookItProgram.com) K – 6 students
Students are eligible to earn a free pizza per month from October to March by meeting reading goals. Other class
promotions held regularly to promote reading.
Six Flags Read to Succeed (www.sixflags.com/parks/OverGeorgia/ParkPress/SixHourReadingClub.html)
K – 6 students
Students earn a free pass to the theme park by reading six hours.
Atlanta Hawks/Atlanta Thrashers Check-It-Out Reading Challenge (www.nba.com/hawks/community click
on “Check-It-Out Reading Challenge”) K – 12 students
Encouraging students to read independently is an important goal of reading enrichment programs. Incentives and rewards
can provide students with the external motivation to read. Some ideas:
Tracking reading with a log (time or number of books) or with Accelerated Reader points (for those schools with
AR books and quizzes)
Set school-wide and class goals and incentives
Pick theme for a special reading promotion (see ideas above for Reading Night)
Offer reading incentive programs by month, quarter, winter or spring break, and especially summer!
Individual and class prizes can be purchased by PTA or donated from local businesses.
Work with your local community, especially your public library.
Take advantage of community-based programs, including:
Book Adventure (www.BookAdventure.org) K - 8 students
Supported by Sylvan Learning, Book Adventure is a free, Web-based reading incentive program encouraging K-8
children to read great books and win cool prizes. Book Adventure not only rewards children for reading, but also
enables parents to track their child's progress and participate in their education. Students create a log on name and
password, and then customize their reading list to their preferred reading level and genre to generate a list of
suggested books from 7,000 books on file. Students take a quiz after reading the book to earn points for prizes.
Bruster’s Ice Cream (www.brusters.com) K - 5 students
Students earn a free ice cream cone for keeping a reading log in pursuit of reading goals.
Pizza Hut Book-It Program (www.BookItProgram.com) K – 6 students
Students are eligible to earn a free pizza per month from October to March by meeting reading goals. Other class
promotions held regularly to promote reading.
Six Flags Read to Succeed (www.sixflags.com/parks/OverGeorgia/ParkPress/SixHourReadingClub.html)
K – 6 students
Students earn a free pass to the theme park by reading six hours.
Atlanta Hawks/Atlanta Thrashers Check-It-Out Reading Challenge (www.nba.com/hawks/community click
on “Check-It-Out Reading Challenge”) K – 12 students
Book and Reading Clubs
BOOK/READING CLUBS
Book clubs are appropriate for all K-12 students as they encourage independent reading while facilitating the development
of reading comprehension and critical thinking. Generally, students read books by themselves and get together at a pre-set
time and date to discuss the book. One school started an eight week parent/family book club. Middle and high school
students can meet at local bookstore cafe to increase social aspects of activity.
SuggestedInternet Resources:
Great Books Foundation (www.greatbooks.org )
All America Reads (www.allamericareads.org)
Ready.Sit.Read (www.target.com/site/en/readysitread/home.jsp click on “Start a Book Club” upper left corner)
Georgia Council for Humanities (www.georgiahumanities.org/programs/book.html)
Public Broadcasting Service (www.pbs.org/parents/readinglanguage/articles/bookclubs/main.html)
National Network of Partnership Schools Program, Center for Social Organization of Schools, Johns Hopkins
University www.csos.jhu.edu (find with “Programs” link, and then go to “Promising Practices”)
Book clubs are appropriate for all K-12 students as they encourage independent reading while facilitating the development
of reading comprehension and critical thinking. Generally, students read books by themselves and get together at a pre-set
time and date to discuss the book. One school started an eight week parent/family book club. Middle and high school
students can meet at local bookstore cafe to increase social aspects of activity.
SuggestedInternet Resources:
Great Books Foundation (www.greatbooks.org )
All America Reads (www.allamericareads.org)
Ready.Sit.Read (www.target.com/site/en/readysitread/home.jsp click on “Start a Book Club” upper left corner)
Georgia Council for Humanities (www.georgiahumanities.org/programs/book.html)
Public Broadcasting Service (www.pbs.org/parents/readinglanguage/articles/bookclubs/main.html)
National Network of Partnership Schools Program, Center for Social Organization of Schools, Johns Hopkins
University www.csos.jhu.edu (find with “Programs” link, and then go to “Promising Practices”)
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