Children’s Event Organizer
Lakeshores Library System and
Mid-Wisconsin Federated Library System
Youth Services Update
Issue 319, July 24, 2008
http://www.west-bendlibrary.org/mwflskids.htm
http://www.llsmwflschildrens.blogspot.com/
In this issue:
· Ruhama’s Reviews
· 2008 Summer Olympics
· The Barbara Bush Foundation for Family Literacy Announces the 2009 National Grant Competition
· Pay It Forward Mini-Grants
· Welcome, Stranger: Public Libraries Build the Global Village
· Events This Week and Next
· Dates to Remember
· Website Faves
· And Finally…….
RUHAMA’S REVIEWS
Double Identity by Margaret Peterson Haddix
http://tinyurl.com/46spg5
Bethany isn't quite sure what's going on--her parents have packed her up and are driving across the country, dropping her off at an unknown aunt's house for an undetermined amount of time. The secrets start slipping, though, as time passes: Bethany learns she had a sister who died several years ago, and her whole family had lived in Sanderfield, IL, where only her aunt lives now. But there must be more to the story, as Bethany finds more and more of her traits mirror her sister's, her mother calls with what sound like delusional stories and her father sends copies of several birth certificates.
Haddix is a master of suspense, and uses two aspects of it to propel this story to its epilogue: discovering the secret (she was cloned) and then discovering who is after her parents. Bethany, her aunt and her cousin are all well developed characters and I enjoyed their relationships. This book, like House of the Scorpion (Farmer), can be a vehicle for discussions about the morality and possibility of cloning humans. Joss, Bethany's cousin, is a preacher with an Evangelical standpoint about much of life, though she never determines what *she* thinks of cloning in her talks with Bethany. This book also is a great one to talk about similarity traits among siblings, as well as some of the quirks of twins. If you're looking for a media tie-in, watch a clip of the X-Files 'Eve' episode.
2008 SUMMER OLYMPICS
The Games of the XXIX Olympiad will be held in Beijing, China August 8 to August 24, 2008. According to Wikipedia, 10,500 athletes are expected to compete in 302 events and twenty-eight sports. It will the first Olympics to be broadcast entirely in high definition TV, and four billion viewers are anticipated. Here are some annotated sites to check out from Surfing the Net with Kids and Librarians Index to the Internet:
Official Website of the 2008 Beijing Games
http://en.beijing2008.cn/
Click on Fun Page for computer wallpapers and screensavers featuring the five Fuwa mascots that represent the colors of the Olympic ring logo and five Chinese traditions. When you put their names together – Bei Jing Nuan Ying Ni – they say “Welcome to Beijing”, offering warm invitation that reflects the mission of Fuwa as young ambassadors for the Olympic games. Other worthwhile clicks include Olympic Education (features about the history and culture of the games) and the photo and video galleries. (Surfing the Net with Kids, 7/23/08)
CNN.com: Special Reports: Olympics
http://www.cnn.com/SPECIALS/2008/olympics/
This special report is a central depository for all Olympic news, features and videos coming out of CNN. Currently the stories are divided into categories such a "Road to Beijing" and "China Hosts the World," but expect the structure will change when the games begin. Special video reports (such as Security Worries and Torch Tribute) are featured on the front page. Reader submitted video has its own section called Fan Zone. (Surfing the Net with Kids, 7/23/08)
Kaboose: 2008 Olympics
http://holidays.kaboose.com/Olympics.html
"Celebrate the world's largest sporting event by creating Olympic-themed kids' crafts and participating in kid-friendly activities and games." There are also sport coloring pages and an interview with three-time Olympic medal winner (and mom) soccer pioneer Julie Foudy. (Surfing the Net with Kids, 7/23/08)
Olympic Express
http://olympic.wlb.aw.atosorigin.com/front/index_en.html
Olympic Express is an interactive magazine for kids and teens, published by the International Olympic Committee. The front page features a different sport every Wednesday and Saturday. Archives of past issues are available (look on the left) and can also be accessed via search (look on the right.) (Surfing the Net with Kids, 7/23/08)
The Beijing 2008 Olympic Games: An Insider's Guide
http://www.budgettravel.com/bt-srv/beijing2008/beijing_olympics/
"Beijing has never welcomed travelers as eagerly as it is welcoming them now [for the 2008 Olympics]. The Chinese capital is determined to make a fantastic impression during its moment in the global spotlight. The following Web exclusive articles offer a fresh look at Beijing -- plus some practical travel tips." Topics include China tourist visa policies, staying healthy in China, Chinese etiquette, arranging transportation to and within China, and more. From Budget Travel magazine. (Copyright 2008 by Librarians' Internet Index, 7/24/08)
Online Newshour: China Prepares for 2008 Olympics
http://www.pbs.org/newshour/indepth_coverage/asia/china/2008/
Reports and news coverage by the PBS Online NewsHour about China's preparations for hosting the 2008 summer Olympic Games. Covers topics such as an odd-even car ban during Olympics to reduce traffic congestion and pollution, efforts to increase press freedoms for foreign journalists, and human rights and Tibet. Also includes a comparison of demographic factors for Olympic host cities back to 1980, slideshow about Olympic stadiums around the world, and more. (Copyright 2008 by Librarians' Internet Index, 7/24/08)
THE BARBARA BUSH FOUNDATION FOR FAMILY LITERACY ANNOUNCES THE 2009 NATIONAL GRANT COMPETITION
The Barbara Bush Foundation for Family Literacy is pleased to announce our 2009 national grant competition. The Foundation's grant-making program seeks to develop or expand projects that are designed to support the development of literacy skills for adult primary care givers and their children. A total of approximately $650,000 will be awarded; no grant request should exceed $65,000.
Family Literacy programs funded through the Foundation's National Grant Program must include all of the following components:
· Reading instruction for parents or primary care-givers
· (pre-GED/GED/ESL etc.) literacy or pre-literacy instruction for children
· Intergenerational activities where the parents/primary caregivers and children come together to learn and to read.
Programs can also include additional components such as parent support groups, parent involvement, home visits, and job training.
Visit http://www.barbarabushfoundation.com/nga.html for more information.
PAY IT FORWARD MINI-GRANTS
Pay It Forward Mini-Grants go to one-time-only, service-oriented activities that young people would like to perform to benefit their school, neighborhood, or greater community. Projects must contain a "pay it forward" focus, which is based on the concept of having one person do a favor for others, who in turn do favors for others, and so on, so the results grow exponentially. Maximum award is $500. Youth in grades K-12 are eligible. Applications will be accepted starting September 15, 2008. For more information go to http://payitforwardfoundation.org/educators/grant.html.
WELCOME, STRANGER: PUBLIC LIBRARIES BUILD THE GLOBAL VILLAGE
Public library strategies that help communities successfully welcome New Americans are explored in a new publication from the Urban Libraries Council (ULC). Aimed at senior municipal, county, foundation, and library leaders, "Welcome, Stranger: Public Libraries Build the Global Village" examines successful library outreach at work across the country, and its impact on communities.
Welcome, Stranger" is a guide to finding the areas in which libraries can make a difference and identifying programs that turn ideas into action." The work explores five areas, including:
- Libraries' central role in the collection of formal and informal data on settlement patterns and needs of immigrants and refugees in their communities,
- Libraries' innovations in promoting their services through welcoming signage, websites, collections, and provision of basic services in the first languages of their new residents, making the library more usable and more effective.
- Libraries as leaders in building English capacity, the most important factor in immigrants' chances for success.
- Libraries' roles as key conduits to other local agencies and support institutions, improving opportunities for work, education, health services, and housing.
- Libraries as jump-starts to civic engagement through their encouragement of community inclusion and newcomer.
The publication is available at http://www.urbanlibraries.org/files/ULC_WS.pdf.
EVENTS THIS WEEK
Thursday, July 24
Pioneer Day
Amelia Earhart Day
Cousin's Day
National Drive-Thru Day
National Tell An Old Joke Day
Friday, July 25
National Hot Fudge Sundae Day
Merry-Go-Round Day
Thread The Needle Day
Day Out of Time
Saturday, July 26
National Coffee Milkshake Day
All or Nothing Day
Aunt and Uncle Day
Cow Appreciation Day
National Day of the Cowboy
Sunday, July 27
Take Your Houseplants for a Walk Day
National Parents Day
Walk on Stilts Day
Monday, July 28
Hamburger Day
Beatrix Potter's Birthday, b. 1866
National Milk Chocolate Day
Accountants Day
Tuesday, July 29
National Lasagna Day
Chicken Wings Day
National Lipstick Day
Wednesday, July 30
National Father-in-Law Day
Funky Purple Ketchup Day
Comedy Day
National Cheesecake Day
DATES TO REMEMBER
July 24-27 Bix Fest in Davenport, IA
July 30 MWFLS Battle of the Books, Whitewater
November 4-7 WLA Conference, Middleton
WEBSITE FAVES
The World of Opera
http://www.npr.org/templates/rundowns/rundown.php?prgId=36&agg=1
This website should prove useful and interesting to the most dedicated opera aficionados and opera neophytes. The World of Opera "brings listeners compelling performances from top American and international opera companies." Beyond just performances, World of Opera goes beyond "traditional, operatic vernacular" to showcase opera as anything but an elitist form of art. Each opera presented here is accompanied by a short introductory article (with an available audio version as well). After the introduction, visitors can view video clips from a performance, listen to interviews which may include a conductor, stage director, and performer of the show. Also available is a short synopsis of the opera, act-by-act, as well as additional links to related NPR stories. Overall, this is a fantastic site dedicated to the World of Opera and it does a remarkable job of making this art form more accessible. (From The Scout Report, Copyright Internet Scout Project 1994-2008. http://scout.wisc.edu/, 7/18/08)
Dali: Painting and Film
http://www.moma.org/exhibitions/2008/dali/
The late Salvador Dali was a rather brilliant artist and a very effective self-promoter. Throughout his long life he remained interested in the power of cinema and he engaged in a number of collaborative works with Luis Buñuel, Alfred Hitchcock, and Walt Disney. Recently, the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) decided to launch both an in situ exhibit and this interactive website in order to explore some of these collaborations. After reading a brief narrative essay, visitors can wander around an interactive version of his 1929 work, "The First Days of Spring", to learn more about some of these projects. Clicking on each element of this surrealist work will take visitors to a different collaboration (such as his work with Buñuel on "L'Age d'or") where visitors can read a bit about each project and also view images, sketches, and photographs related to each project. (From The Scout Report, Copyright Internet Scout Project 1994-2008. http://scout.wisc.edu/, 7/18/08)
AND FINALLY……..
Today is the last day of Storywagon!
Thursday, July 24, 2008
CEO, July 17, 2008
Children’s Event Organizer
Lakeshores Library System and
Mid-Wisconsin Federated Library System
Youth Services Update
Issue 318, July 17, 2008
http://www.west-bendlibrary.org/mwflskids.htm
http://www.llsmwflschildrens.blogspot.com/
In this issue:
· Ruhama’s Reviews
· America’s Children in Brief: Key National Indicators of Well-Being 2008
· A Golden Exhibit
· Cultivating Readers/Cultivando el hábito de la lectura Brochure
· Lois Lenski Covey Foundation Grants
· Events This Week and Next
· Dates to Remember
· Website Faves
· And Finally…….
RUHAMA’S REVIEWS
Rash by Pete Hautman
http://tinyurl.com/5vrnak
Far, far into the future, safety precautions have become so prevalent that it's not longer the USA, but the USSA: United Safety States of America. Bo, our 16 year old hero, can't imagine running without all the protective equipment, being able to drive (you can't until you're 26) and eating French fries. Despite the drugs, trial system and penalties, though, Bo and the males of his family have anger management issues. Both his father and brother are in prison work camps, and Bo isn't too far behind, especially since Karhlos is making the moves on Bo's girlfriend. Things come to a head and Bo is sentenced to work at a pizza labor camp in the far north (Canada), where he joins the assembly line to make frozen pizzas. He does get a chance to reduce his sentence, though, when the Hammer (head boss) recruits him for the secret football team. But can their team prove themselves worthy of time off for good behavior?
Hautman has created another unique look at a possible future: what if we decided that being safe is better than anything else we hold near and dear? Bo's gramps is a bit of a holdover from the last millennium, and spends much of the book reminiscing about how it used to be, when you could drink beer, run without helmets, kneepads and spongy tracks and hunt for wild animals, and he provides the balance to Bo's perspective that all these safety measures are for humankind's own good. This also would provide great discussion of how much should the government control peoples' lives and well being? The title comes into play with the psychological effect someone can have on a group of people--Bo sarcastically claims to have caused a rash on Karhlos, and soon the whole school believes they have the rash, too. Bo has to be removed for the students' own good, and gets sent to the work camp. Overall, I enjoyed this book and think it would be great for a teen book group.
AMERICA’S CHILDREN IN BRIEF: KEY NATIONAL INDICATORS OF WELL-BEING 2008
The Federal Interagency Forum on Child and Family Statistics has released America's Children in Brief: Key National Indicators of Well-Being, 2008. The annual report profiles the status of the nation's children and youth, presenting up-to-date federal statistics in one convenient reference. The National Center for Education Statistics in the Institute of Education Sciences is one of the 22 federal agencies that participate in the Forum and contribute to the report. The report documents that mathematics and reading scores of fourth and eighth graders have increased, but shows as well that the adolescent birth rate and the proportion of infants born at low birthweight have also risen. The report also includes indicators on child poverty, health care, housing, and at-risk behavior.
You can view, download, and print the report at http://www.childstats.gov/
A GOLDEN EXHIBIT
Remember those cute, colorful illustrations of Tootle the Train, Scuffy the Tugboat, and The Pokey Little Puppy? Well, you’ll be able to see them and other original artwork from Little Golden Books during an ongoing exhibit at New York’s Children’s Museum of Manhattan (CMOM) http://cmom.org/.
On display until August 28, Golden Legacy: Original Art from 65 Years of Golden Books features 60 illustrations and sketches—the most extensive public showing of art from the popular picture book series, which was launched in 1942 at 25 cents each.
Curated by Golden Books’ editorial director, Diane Muldrow, and children’s book historian Leonard S. Marcus, the exhibit boasts works from some of the most famous names in children’s literature, including Gustaf Tenggren, Hilary Knight, and Richard Scarry.
“I had about 20 or so Little Golden Books, and I would line them all up with the gold binding on the outside,” says Marcus, author of Golden Legacy: How Golden Books Won Children’s Hearts, Changed Publishing Forever, and Became an American Icon Along the Way (Golden Books, 2007). “At one point, as a child, I thought it was real gold! It was like having my very own block of gold, my own treasure.”
Marcus says his interest in Golden Books stemmed from the fact that they were initially ignored by librarians and the literacy world. Not so any more. Andrew Ackerman, executive director of the Children’s Museum, says he expects the exhibit to draw generations of loyal followers. “Grandparents, parents, and children will all be able to look at and recall these pictures together,” he says. (By Amrisa Niranjan -- School Library Journal, 7/9/2008, SLJ’s Extra Helping)
CULTIVATING READERS/CULTIVANDO EL HÁBITO DE LA LECTURA BROCHURE
The National Center for Family Literacy (NCFL) has released a new resource printed in Spanish in conjunction with El día de los Niños, the holiday that recognizes children as the center of the Latino family. The publication, Cultivating Readers or Cultivando el hábito de la lectura, provides activities for parents to support their child's literacy, language and reading skills. NCFL thinks the resource will increase school readiness for infants and toddlers, preschoolers and students from kindergarten through third grade.
The brochure gives some practical advice for parents to help in the development of their children's abilities. It is divided into sections so as to promote different kinds of habits for different age groups, 0-2, 3-5, and 6-8. It also includes a glossary of terms related to reading such as text comprehension, print awareness, phonemic awareness and more. Have some available as a handout for parents.
Go to http://www.famlit.org/site/c.gtJWJdMQIsE/b.3485129 for more information and to download the Cultivating Readers brochure in both English and Spanish.
LOIS LENSKI COVEY FOUNDATION GRANTS
The Lois Lenski Covey Foundation, Inc. is a charitable institute whose purpose is to assist organizations in their efforts to provide books to children who might otherwise lack access to children's literature. Lois Lenski, the 1946 Newbery medalist for Strawberry Girl, had a life-long concern that good books be available to all children. In pursuit of this goal, she established a foundation to provide grants to public libraries, school libraries, and non-profit agencies serving disadvantaged populations.
The Lois Lenski Covey Foundation, Inc. annually awards grants to rural and urban, public and school libraries serving at-risk children. The Foundation gives priority to applications from libraries and agencies with real need and limited book budgets. Funds are earmarked for purchasing books for young people, and are not intended for administrative or operational use. Previously awarded grants have ranged from $500 to $3000. Successful applicants have proposed purchases to update their children's book collections generally or to expand their holdings in specific areas.
An application form for the year 2008 downloaded in pdf by going to http://www.loislenskicovey.org/GrantApp2008.PDF. To qualify for year 2008 grants, completed application forms must be received no later than September 15, 2008. Grants will be awarded on December 15, 2008.
EVENTS THIS WEEK
Thursday, July 17
Canada's Parks Day
National Get Out of the Doghouse Day
Disneyland opens in 1955
National Peach Ice Cream Day
POW-MIA Recognition Day
Wrong Way Day
Friday, July 18
Phonograph Birthday
Sidewalk Frying Day
Cow Appreciation Day
National Ice Cream Day
National Caviar Day
Railroad Day
Saturday, July 19
Stick Out Your Tongue Day
Flight Attendant Safety Professionals Day
New Friends Day
Sunday, July 20
Moon Day (to clarify, Armstrong and Aldrin land on moon in 1969)
Chess Day
Ice Cream Soda Day
National Lollipop Day
National Nap Day
Sundae Sunday
National Tapioca Pudding Day
Monday, July 21
National Junk Food Day
National Tug-Of-War Tournament Day
National Creme Brulee Day
Make a Scarecrow Day
Cousins Day
Tuesday, July22
Lion's Share Day
Maple Syrup Day
Summer Leisure Day
Pied Piper of Hamelin Day
Wednesday, July 23
Mosquito Day
National Vanilla Ice Cream Day
Hot Enough For Ya Day
DATES TO REMEMBER
July 20 Riverport Chorus performs in Kenosha at Flower and Garden Festival, 3 PM
July 30 MWFLS Battle of the Books, Whitewater
November 4-7 WLA Conference, Middleton
WEBSITE FAVES
Animal Bytes
http://www.sandiegozoo.org/animalbytes/index.html
Teachers and students will be happy to find Animal Bytes. It offers information and a host of multimedia files on amphibians, birds, mammals, reptiles, and insects that will support students reading, writing, and science skills. The animal records include quick facts (class, order, family, genera, species, etc.), fun facts, articles, photos, sounds, videos, iZoofari Chats (interviews with zoo workers), and more. Visitors to the site can also find descriptions of animal classifications, habitats and ecosystems, and where animals are found geographically including interactive maps and blogs. The texts include hyperlinks to the Zoo Glossary. Teachers will want to click on the “Education” link at the top of the page and scroll down to find the link to curricular materials such as Wildlife Wizards, Butterflies, and the Lifestyle of the Komodo Dragon, and classroom activities that cover a variety of topics. All materials include a suggested grade level. (Education World Site Reviews, 7/11/08)
Sound Junction
http://www.soundjunction.org/default.aspa
SoundJunction is a great multimedia site for anyone to learn about music. The content is divided into seven major sections where users can access interactive games, musical excerpts, interviews and videos to explore music, see how it works, learn about musicians, and of course listen to music. For the would-be composer there is a Composer Tool that allows users to create their own compositions. Navigating the site in Journey mode allows users to track their progress and suggest further steps or use the Learning trail forum for some step-by-step trails on particular subjects and issues. Music educators will find an enormous free music resource with around 1,000 pages of information and activities as well as curriculum materials such as packets of lesson plans, ideas for using the site with students, quick links for learning how to use features the site, and a forum for sharing learning ideas. This is one to bookmark for further exploration! (Education World Site Reviews, 7/11/08)
50 Best Ever Summer Holiday Books
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/arts/main.jhtml?xml=/arts/2008/06/21/nosplit/bohols.xml
This 2008 listing of summer reading suggestions "encompasses ancient and modern, fiction and non-fiction. All they have in common is that we're confident that if you take any one of these on holiday, you are in for a huge treat." Includes links to related lists of the best new books (UK publishers) and celebrity book picks. From the British newspaper The Telegraph. (Copyright 2008 by Librarians' Internet Index, 7/17/08)
AND FINALLY…………..
Congratulations to the Burlington Public Library, celebrating their 100th anniversary tomorrow!
Lakeshores Library System and
Mid-Wisconsin Federated Library System
Youth Services Update
Issue 318, July 17, 2008
http://www.west-bendlibrary.org/mwflskids.htm
http://www.llsmwflschildrens.blogspot.com/
In this issue:
· Ruhama’s Reviews
· America’s Children in Brief: Key National Indicators of Well-Being 2008
· A Golden Exhibit
· Cultivating Readers/Cultivando el hábito de la lectura Brochure
· Lois Lenski Covey Foundation Grants
· Events This Week and Next
· Dates to Remember
· Website Faves
· And Finally…….
RUHAMA’S REVIEWS
Rash by Pete Hautman
http://tinyurl.com/5vrnak
Far, far into the future, safety precautions have become so prevalent that it's not longer the USA, but the USSA: United Safety States of America. Bo, our 16 year old hero, can't imagine running without all the protective equipment, being able to drive (you can't until you're 26) and eating French fries. Despite the drugs, trial system and penalties, though, Bo and the males of his family have anger management issues. Both his father and brother are in prison work camps, and Bo isn't too far behind, especially since Karhlos is making the moves on Bo's girlfriend. Things come to a head and Bo is sentenced to work at a pizza labor camp in the far north (Canada), where he joins the assembly line to make frozen pizzas. He does get a chance to reduce his sentence, though, when the Hammer (head boss) recruits him for the secret football team. But can their team prove themselves worthy of time off for good behavior?
Hautman has created another unique look at a possible future: what if we decided that being safe is better than anything else we hold near and dear? Bo's gramps is a bit of a holdover from the last millennium, and spends much of the book reminiscing about how it used to be, when you could drink beer, run without helmets, kneepads and spongy tracks and hunt for wild animals, and he provides the balance to Bo's perspective that all these safety measures are for humankind's own good. This also would provide great discussion of how much should the government control peoples' lives and well being? The title comes into play with the psychological effect someone can have on a group of people--Bo sarcastically claims to have caused a rash on Karhlos, and soon the whole school believes they have the rash, too. Bo has to be removed for the students' own good, and gets sent to the work camp. Overall, I enjoyed this book and think it would be great for a teen book group.
AMERICA’S CHILDREN IN BRIEF: KEY NATIONAL INDICATORS OF WELL-BEING 2008
The Federal Interagency Forum on Child and Family Statistics has released America's Children in Brief: Key National Indicators of Well-Being, 2008. The annual report profiles the status of the nation's children and youth, presenting up-to-date federal statistics in one convenient reference. The National Center for Education Statistics in the Institute of Education Sciences is one of the 22 federal agencies that participate in the Forum and contribute to the report. The report documents that mathematics and reading scores of fourth and eighth graders have increased, but shows as well that the adolescent birth rate and the proportion of infants born at low birthweight have also risen. The report also includes indicators on child poverty, health care, housing, and at-risk behavior.
You can view, download, and print the report at http://www.childstats.gov/
A GOLDEN EXHIBIT
Remember those cute, colorful illustrations of Tootle the Train, Scuffy the Tugboat, and The Pokey Little Puppy? Well, you’ll be able to see them and other original artwork from Little Golden Books during an ongoing exhibit at New York’s Children’s Museum of Manhattan (CMOM) http://cmom.org/.
On display until August 28, Golden Legacy: Original Art from 65 Years of Golden Books features 60 illustrations and sketches—the most extensive public showing of art from the popular picture book series, which was launched in 1942 at 25 cents each.
Curated by Golden Books’ editorial director, Diane Muldrow, and children’s book historian Leonard S. Marcus, the exhibit boasts works from some of the most famous names in children’s literature, including Gustaf Tenggren, Hilary Knight, and Richard Scarry.
“I had about 20 or so Little Golden Books, and I would line them all up with the gold binding on the outside,” says Marcus, author of Golden Legacy: How Golden Books Won Children’s Hearts, Changed Publishing Forever, and Became an American Icon Along the Way (Golden Books, 2007). “At one point, as a child, I thought it was real gold! It was like having my very own block of gold, my own treasure.”
Marcus says his interest in Golden Books stemmed from the fact that they were initially ignored by librarians and the literacy world. Not so any more. Andrew Ackerman, executive director of the Children’s Museum, says he expects the exhibit to draw generations of loyal followers. “Grandparents, parents, and children will all be able to look at and recall these pictures together,” he says. (By Amrisa Niranjan -- School Library Journal, 7/9/2008, SLJ’s Extra Helping)
CULTIVATING READERS/CULTIVANDO EL HÁBITO DE LA LECTURA BROCHURE
The National Center for Family Literacy (NCFL) has released a new resource printed in Spanish in conjunction with El día de los Niños, the holiday that recognizes children as the center of the Latino family. The publication, Cultivating Readers or Cultivando el hábito de la lectura, provides activities for parents to support their child's literacy, language and reading skills. NCFL thinks the resource will increase school readiness for infants and toddlers, preschoolers and students from kindergarten through third grade.
The brochure gives some practical advice for parents to help in the development of their children's abilities. It is divided into sections so as to promote different kinds of habits for different age groups, 0-2, 3-5, and 6-8. It also includes a glossary of terms related to reading such as text comprehension, print awareness, phonemic awareness and more. Have some available as a handout for parents.
Go to http://www.famlit.org/site/c.gtJWJdMQIsE/b.3485129 for more information and to download the Cultivating Readers brochure in both English and Spanish.
LOIS LENSKI COVEY FOUNDATION GRANTS
The Lois Lenski Covey Foundation, Inc. is a charitable institute whose purpose is to assist organizations in their efforts to provide books to children who might otherwise lack access to children's literature. Lois Lenski, the 1946 Newbery medalist for Strawberry Girl, had a life-long concern that good books be available to all children. In pursuit of this goal, she established a foundation to provide grants to public libraries, school libraries, and non-profit agencies serving disadvantaged populations.
The Lois Lenski Covey Foundation, Inc. annually awards grants to rural and urban, public and school libraries serving at-risk children. The Foundation gives priority to applications from libraries and agencies with real need and limited book budgets. Funds are earmarked for purchasing books for young people, and are not intended for administrative or operational use. Previously awarded grants have ranged from $500 to $3000. Successful applicants have proposed purchases to update their children's book collections generally or to expand their holdings in specific areas.
An application form for the year 2008 downloaded in pdf by going to http://www.loislenskicovey.org/GrantApp2008.PDF. To qualify for year 2008 grants, completed application forms must be received no later than September 15, 2008. Grants will be awarded on December 15, 2008.
EVENTS THIS WEEK
Thursday, July 17
Canada's Parks Day
National Get Out of the Doghouse Day
Disneyland opens in 1955
National Peach Ice Cream Day
POW-MIA Recognition Day
Wrong Way Day
Friday, July 18
Phonograph Birthday
Sidewalk Frying Day
Cow Appreciation Day
National Ice Cream Day
National Caviar Day
Railroad Day
Saturday, July 19
Stick Out Your Tongue Day
Flight Attendant Safety Professionals Day
New Friends Day
Sunday, July 20
Moon Day (to clarify, Armstrong and Aldrin land on moon in 1969)
Chess Day
Ice Cream Soda Day
National Lollipop Day
National Nap Day
Sundae Sunday
National Tapioca Pudding Day
Monday, July 21
National Junk Food Day
National Tug-Of-War Tournament Day
National Creme Brulee Day
Make a Scarecrow Day
Cousins Day
Tuesday, July22
Lion's Share Day
Maple Syrup Day
Summer Leisure Day
Pied Piper of Hamelin Day
Wednesday, July 23
Mosquito Day
National Vanilla Ice Cream Day
Hot Enough For Ya Day
DATES TO REMEMBER
July 20 Riverport Chorus performs in Kenosha at Flower and Garden Festival, 3 PM
July 30 MWFLS Battle of the Books, Whitewater
November 4-7 WLA Conference, Middleton
WEBSITE FAVES
Animal Bytes
http://www.sandiegozoo.org/animalbytes/index.html
Teachers and students will be happy to find Animal Bytes. It offers information and a host of multimedia files on amphibians, birds, mammals, reptiles, and insects that will support students reading, writing, and science skills. The animal records include quick facts (class, order, family, genera, species, etc.), fun facts, articles, photos, sounds, videos, iZoofari Chats (interviews with zoo workers), and more. Visitors to the site can also find descriptions of animal classifications, habitats and ecosystems, and where animals are found geographically including interactive maps and blogs. The texts include hyperlinks to the Zoo Glossary. Teachers will want to click on the “Education” link at the top of the page and scroll down to find the link to curricular materials such as Wildlife Wizards, Butterflies, and the Lifestyle of the Komodo Dragon, and classroom activities that cover a variety of topics. All materials include a suggested grade level. (Education World Site Reviews, 7/11/08)
Sound Junction
http://www.soundjunction.org/default.aspa
SoundJunction is a great multimedia site for anyone to learn about music. The content is divided into seven major sections where users can access interactive games, musical excerpts, interviews and videos to explore music, see how it works, learn about musicians, and of course listen to music. For the would-be composer there is a Composer Tool that allows users to create their own compositions. Navigating the site in Journey mode allows users to track their progress and suggest further steps or use the Learning trail forum for some step-by-step trails on particular subjects and issues. Music educators will find an enormous free music resource with around 1,000 pages of information and activities as well as curriculum materials such as packets of lesson plans, ideas for using the site with students, quick links for learning how to use features the site, and a forum for sharing learning ideas. This is one to bookmark for further exploration! (Education World Site Reviews, 7/11/08)
50 Best Ever Summer Holiday Books
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/arts/main.jhtml?xml=/arts/2008/06/21/nosplit/bohols.xml
This 2008 listing of summer reading suggestions "encompasses ancient and modern, fiction and non-fiction. All they have in common is that we're confident that if you take any one of these on holiday, you are in for a huge treat." Includes links to related lists of the best new books (UK publishers) and celebrity book picks. From the British newspaper The Telegraph. (Copyright 2008 by Librarians' Internet Index, 7/17/08)
AND FINALLY…………..
Congratulations to the Burlington Public Library, celebrating their 100th anniversary tomorrow!
Thursday, July 17, 2008
CEO Newsletter, 6/25/08
Children’s Event Organizer
Lakeshores Library System and
Mid-Wisconsin Federated Library System
Youth Services Update
Issue 317, June 25, 2008
http://www.west-bendlibrary.org/mwflskids.htm
http://www.llsmwflschildrens.blogspot.com/
In this issue:
· Ruhama’s Reviews
· Storywagon Reminder
· Disney Minnie Grants 2008
· Seeds for Education Grant Program Invites Applications
· Events This Week and Next
· Dates to Remember
· Website Faves
· And Finally…….
RUHAMA’S REVIEWS
Ducks Don't Wear Socks by John Nedwidek
http://tinyurl.com/6kxaxw
"Emily was a serious girl." Though this is the only written description, we learn much about Emily through the illustrations: she takes cello lessons, her mom takes her to fancy cafés and she enjoys bird watching. And that's where her seriousness gets tried: one day she sees a duck wearing socks. Then he's wearing a tie. The last thing she sees him wearing is, of course, underwear, which makes her giggle. This fun story will make you laugh, and the pictures amplify the text beautifully: soft, clean and colorful, duck is wacky and Emily is cute. Pair this with a Pigeon book (Mo Willems) for a fun bird storytime.
Bear's Picture by Daniel Pinkwater
http://tinyurl.com/6nsvko
Bear decides to paint a picture--an abstract, much to the chagrin of two proper gentlemen. As Bear works, they try to decipher it, only to find their interpretations are nothing like Bear's intentions, and get sucked into the picture (as if being ignored). Only Bear's painting is in color, brilliantly standing out and drawing the eye to it, each page different as the paint is layered on the canvas. This would pair well with art books (The Dot or Why Is Blue Dog Blue?), as well as pooh-poohing adult books (Snow or Cows Can't Fly), and, of course, bear books.
STORYWAGON REMINDER
Just a gentle reminder to complete and return Storywagon evaluations after the performances at your libraries in Racine and Walworth Counties. You can submit evaluations three different ways: on the green paper form, as a Word document, or via Survey Monkey. Check the Blog for more information and the Survey Monkey link. Thanks in advance!
DISNEY MINNIE GRANTS 2008
Youth Service America and Disney are pleased to launch a second round of Disney Minnie Grants to engage children and youth, ages 5-14 as community volunteers. The selected applications will receive $500 to support their youth-led service projects. The deadline is August 30 and projects must take place October 15-November 15, 2008. Grantees from the first round of Disney awards of 2008 are eligible to apply. Visit http://bme1.net/link/redirect.asp?g=0&c=230719&l=212425712&e=rpuntney@lakeshores.lib.wi.us&url=http://www.YSA.org/awards for more information and application materials. You can review past award recipients from all over the world at: http://bme1.net/link/redirect.asp?g=0&c=230719&l=212425712&e=rpuntney@lakeshores.lib.wi.us&url=http://ysa.org/AwardsGrants/DisneyMinnieGrants/DisneyMinnieGrantees2008/tabid/292/Default.aspx
SEEDS FOR EDUCATION GRANT PROGRAM INVITES APPLICATIONS
Deadline: November 15, 2008
Wild Ones is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to the use of natural landscaping with native plant species as an ecologically better alternative to traditional landscaping practices. Wild Ones members and chapters work with schools and nature centers to plant and maintain natural landscapes in these centers of learning. In 1996, the Wild Ones board of directors started the Lorrie Otto Seeds for Education Fund to further foster such projects.
Schools, nature centers, and other nonprofit and not-for-profit places of learning with a site available for this stewardship project may apply for an SFE grant. Project goals should focus on the enhancement and development of an appreciation for nature using native plants. Projects must emphasize involvement of students and volunteers and increase the educational value of the site. Creativity in design is encouraged but must show complete and thoughtful planning. The use of and teaching about native plants and the native plant community is mandatory and must be appropriate to the local ecoregion and site conditions (soil, water, sunlight).
Funds will be provided only for the purchase of native plants and seed. Cash awards range from $100 to $500 each. Successful grants are eligible for partnership with SFE native plant nursery partners for discounts on seed, plants, etc. Complete grant program information as well as resources on natural landscaping are available at the Wild Ones Web site at http://www.for-wild.org/sfecvr.html. Deadline to apply is November 15, 2008.
EVENTS THIS WEEK AND NEXT
Thursday, June 26
Bicycle patented in 1819
National Chocolate Pudding Day
Bar Code Birthday Day
Toothbrush Day
Friday, June 27
Sunglasses Day
Captain Kangaroo's birthday (Bob Keeshan)
Helen Keller's birthday
Special Recreation for Disabled Day
National Orange Blossom Day
National Columnists Day
Saturday, June 28
Paul Bunyan Day
Let It Go Day
Sunday, June 29
America's Kids Day
National Ducks & Wetlands Day
Camera Day
Monday, June 30
Chevy Corvette debuted in 1953
Meteor Day
Tuesday, July 1
American Zoo Day
Canada Day
International Joke Day
Build a Scarecrow Day
National Postal Workers Day
Creative Ice Cream Flavor Day
Frozen Yogurt Day
Early Bird Day
Wednesday, July 2
Halfway Point of the Year
I Forgot Day
Thursday, July 3
Compliment Your Mirror Day
Eat Beans Day
Dog Days Begin
Stay Out of the Sun Day
Friday, July 4
Independence Day
National Country Music Day
Sidewalk Egg Frying Day
Family Day
Yankee Doodle Dandy Day
Saturday, July 5
Graham Cracker Day
Caribbean Day
Workaholics Day
Sunday, July 6
National Fried Chicken Day
National Air Traffic Control Day
Monday, July 7
Macaroni Day
Father-Daughter Take a Walk Together Day
National Strawberry Sundae Day
Chocolate Day
Ice Cream Cone Day
Tuesday, July 8
Be a Kid Again Day
Video Games Day
Police Uniform Day
Don't Put All Your Eggs in One Omelet Day
Wednesday, July 9
National Sugar Cookie Day
National Air Conditioning Appreciation Day
Intern Appreciation Day
Recreation Day
DATES TO REMEMBER
June 27 First day of Summerfest!
June 26-July 2 2008 ALA Annual Conference, Anaheim, CA
July 29 Newbery Caldecott Banquet and I am at a table with Mo Willems!
July 2-3 Rhonda on vacation
July 4 Lakeshores offices closed
July 5 First day of Bristol Renaissance Faire
November 4-7 WLA Conference, Middleton
WEBSITE FAVES
Bird Talk, Bird Brains: Why Birds Talk
http://www.drsfostersmith.com/pic/article.cfm?aid=574
This site explains that a pet bird may learn "to mimic our voice primarily because the sound is interesting to him -- and it gets attention.” Includes tips on how to teach your bird to talk, triggers for bird vocalization, and the science of avian vocalization. From veterinarians who run a site that sells pet supplies. (Copyright 2008 by Librarians' Internet Index, LII This Week, 6/20/08)
BookWink
http://www.bookwink.com/
Bookwink seeks to get students excited about reading by providing video book talks online as well as booklists that are appropriate for grade levels three through eight. Book talks are categorized by theme or topic, with the books of the day featured on the main page. The archive includes two or three books in each of eight themes including witches, World War II, sharks, 19th Century, love, mythology, volcanoes, and mermaids. Sonja Cole, a middle school librarian and high school English teacher, is the host of the site and the book reviewer. Visitors to the site can subscribe to the Wink-list to receive news of upcoming videos or to the video podcast to automatically receive the latest videos. Additionally, there is an extensive list of books that are appropriate for grades 3-8 that can be perused by subject, grade level, author, or title. Book titles include a brief description and link to a site where they can be purchased. (Education World Site Reviews, 6/24/08)
Whyville
http://www.whyville.net/
Tweens will enjoy the activities and the interaction with other students in the Whyville community. Visitors to the page will want to begin by creating their own persona and joining the community (membership is free). Then they can participate in activities that range from science and math to art, civics, and economics. Examples include earning a salary by participating in educational activities, managing finances and shopping in the bazaar. Destinations within Whyville include the playground, pool party, room decorator, smartcars arena, spinlab, sportplatz, the Whyville Times, and much more. Whyville works with such institutions as NASA, the Getty Museum, the School Nutrition Association, and the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution to bring the educational content to its “citizens.” (Education World Site Reviews, 6/24/08)
AND FINALLY……………
My daughter Bethany passed her audition to join my Sweet Adelines chorus!
Lakeshores Library System and
Mid-Wisconsin Federated Library System
Youth Services Update
Issue 317, June 25, 2008
http://www.west-bendlibrary.org/mwflskids.htm
http://www.llsmwflschildrens.blogspot.com/
In this issue:
· Ruhama’s Reviews
· Storywagon Reminder
· Disney Minnie Grants 2008
· Seeds for Education Grant Program Invites Applications
· Events This Week and Next
· Dates to Remember
· Website Faves
· And Finally…….
RUHAMA’S REVIEWS
Ducks Don't Wear Socks by John Nedwidek
http://tinyurl.com/6kxaxw
"Emily was a serious girl." Though this is the only written description, we learn much about Emily through the illustrations: she takes cello lessons, her mom takes her to fancy cafés and she enjoys bird watching. And that's where her seriousness gets tried: one day she sees a duck wearing socks. Then he's wearing a tie. The last thing she sees him wearing is, of course, underwear, which makes her giggle. This fun story will make you laugh, and the pictures amplify the text beautifully: soft, clean and colorful, duck is wacky and Emily is cute. Pair this with a Pigeon book (Mo Willems) for a fun bird storytime.
Bear's Picture by Daniel Pinkwater
http://tinyurl.com/6nsvko
Bear decides to paint a picture--an abstract, much to the chagrin of two proper gentlemen. As Bear works, they try to decipher it, only to find their interpretations are nothing like Bear's intentions, and get sucked into the picture (as if being ignored). Only Bear's painting is in color, brilliantly standing out and drawing the eye to it, each page different as the paint is layered on the canvas. This would pair well with art books (The Dot or Why Is Blue Dog Blue?), as well as pooh-poohing adult books (Snow or Cows Can't Fly), and, of course, bear books.
STORYWAGON REMINDER
Just a gentle reminder to complete and return Storywagon evaluations after the performances at your libraries in Racine and Walworth Counties. You can submit evaluations three different ways: on the green paper form, as a Word document, or via Survey Monkey. Check the Blog for more information and the Survey Monkey link. Thanks in advance!
DISNEY MINNIE GRANTS 2008
Youth Service America and Disney are pleased to launch a second round of Disney Minnie Grants to engage children and youth, ages 5-14 as community volunteers. The selected applications will receive $500 to support their youth-led service projects. The deadline is August 30 and projects must take place October 15-November 15, 2008. Grantees from the first round of Disney awards of 2008 are eligible to apply. Visit http://bme1.net/link/redirect.asp?g=0&c=230719&l=212425712&e=rpuntney@lakeshores.lib.wi.us&url=http://www.YSA.org/awards for more information and application materials. You can review past award recipients from all over the world at: http://bme1.net/link/redirect.asp?g=0&c=230719&l=212425712&e=rpuntney@lakeshores.lib.wi.us&url=http://ysa.org/AwardsGrants/DisneyMinnieGrants/DisneyMinnieGrantees2008/tabid/292/Default.aspx
SEEDS FOR EDUCATION GRANT PROGRAM INVITES APPLICATIONS
Deadline: November 15, 2008
Wild Ones is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to the use of natural landscaping with native plant species as an ecologically better alternative to traditional landscaping practices. Wild Ones members and chapters work with schools and nature centers to plant and maintain natural landscapes in these centers of learning. In 1996, the Wild Ones board of directors started the Lorrie Otto Seeds for Education Fund to further foster such projects.
Schools, nature centers, and other nonprofit and not-for-profit places of learning with a site available for this stewardship project may apply for an SFE grant. Project goals should focus on the enhancement and development of an appreciation for nature using native plants. Projects must emphasize involvement of students and volunteers and increase the educational value of the site. Creativity in design is encouraged but must show complete and thoughtful planning. The use of and teaching about native plants and the native plant community is mandatory and must be appropriate to the local ecoregion and site conditions (soil, water, sunlight).
Funds will be provided only for the purchase of native plants and seed. Cash awards range from $100 to $500 each. Successful grants are eligible for partnership with SFE native plant nursery partners for discounts on seed, plants, etc. Complete grant program information as well as resources on natural landscaping are available at the Wild Ones Web site at http://www.for-wild.org/sfecvr.html. Deadline to apply is November 15, 2008.
EVENTS THIS WEEK AND NEXT
Thursday, June 26
Bicycle patented in 1819
National Chocolate Pudding Day
Bar Code Birthday Day
Toothbrush Day
Friday, June 27
Sunglasses Day
Captain Kangaroo's birthday (Bob Keeshan)
Helen Keller's birthday
Special Recreation for Disabled Day
National Orange Blossom Day
National Columnists Day
Saturday, June 28
Paul Bunyan Day
Let It Go Day
Sunday, June 29
America's Kids Day
National Ducks & Wetlands Day
Camera Day
Monday, June 30
Chevy Corvette debuted in 1953
Meteor Day
Tuesday, July 1
American Zoo Day
Canada Day
International Joke Day
Build a Scarecrow Day
National Postal Workers Day
Creative Ice Cream Flavor Day
Frozen Yogurt Day
Early Bird Day
Wednesday, July 2
Halfway Point of the Year
I Forgot Day
Thursday, July 3
Compliment Your Mirror Day
Eat Beans Day
Dog Days Begin
Stay Out of the Sun Day
Friday, July 4
Independence Day
National Country Music Day
Sidewalk Egg Frying Day
Family Day
Yankee Doodle Dandy Day
Saturday, July 5
Graham Cracker Day
Caribbean Day
Workaholics Day
Sunday, July 6
National Fried Chicken Day
National Air Traffic Control Day
Monday, July 7
Macaroni Day
Father-Daughter Take a Walk Together Day
National Strawberry Sundae Day
Chocolate Day
Ice Cream Cone Day
Tuesday, July 8
Be a Kid Again Day
Video Games Day
Police Uniform Day
Don't Put All Your Eggs in One Omelet Day
Wednesday, July 9
National Sugar Cookie Day
National Air Conditioning Appreciation Day
Intern Appreciation Day
Recreation Day
DATES TO REMEMBER
June 27 First day of Summerfest!
June 26-July 2 2008 ALA Annual Conference, Anaheim, CA
July 29 Newbery Caldecott Banquet and I am at a table with Mo Willems!
July 2-3 Rhonda on vacation
July 4 Lakeshores offices closed
July 5 First day of Bristol Renaissance Faire
November 4-7 WLA Conference, Middleton
WEBSITE FAVES
Bird Talk, Bird Brains: Why Birds Talk
http://www.drsfostersmith.com/pic/article.cfm?aid=574
This site explains that a pet bird may learn "to mimic our voice primarily because the sound is interesting to him -- and it gets attention.” Includes tips on how to teach your bird to talk, triggers for bird vocalization, and the science of avian vocalization. From veterinarians who run a site that sells pet supplies. (Copyright 2008 by Librarians' Internet Index, LII This Week, 6/20/08)
BookWink
http://www.bookwink.com/
Bookwink seeks to get students excited about reading by providing video book talks online as well as booklists that are appropriate for grade levels three through eight. Book talks are categorized by theme or topic, with the books of the day featured on the main page. The archive includes two or three books in each of eight themes including witches, World War II, sharks, 19th Century, love, mythology, volcanoes, and mermaids. Sonja Cole, a middle school librarian and high school English teacher, is the host of the site and the book reviewer. Visitors to the site can subscribe to the Wink-list to receive news of upcoming videos or to the video podcast to automatically receive the latest videos. Additionally, there is an extensive list of books that are appropriate for grades 3-8 that can be perused by subject, grade level, author, or title. Book titles include a brief description and link to a site where they can be purchased. (Education World Site Reviews, 6/24/08)
Whyville
http://www.whyville.net/
Tweens will enjoy the activities and the interaction with other students in the Whyville community. Visitors to the page will want to begin by creating their own persona and joining the community (membership is free). Then they can participate in activities that range from science and math to art, civics, and economics. Examples include earning a salary by participating in educational activities, managing finances and shopping in the bazaar. Destinations within Whyville include the playground, pool party, room decorator, smartcars arena, spinlab, sportplatz, the Whyville Times, and much more. Whyville works with such institutions as NASA, the Getty Museum, the School Nutrition Association, and the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution to bring the educational content to its “citizens.” (Education World Site Reviews, 6/24/08)
AND FINALLY……………
My daughter Bethany passed her audition to join my Sweet Adelines chorus!
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