Children's Event Organizer
Lakeshores Library System and
Mid-Wisconsin Federated Library System
Youth Services Update
Issue 337; January 6, 2010
http://www.west-bendlibrary.org/mwflskids.htm
http://www.llsmwflschildrens.blogspot.com/
In this issue:
Ruhama’s Review
Make a Splash – READ!
Keeping Up with the Youth Media Awards on January 18
Katherine Paterson New National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature
Free Customizable PSA for NLW
Dates to Remember
Website Faves
And Finally……
Ruhama's Review
Escape the Mask by David Ward
http://tinyurl.com/86bq8d
Book One of The Grassland Trilogy
Corki and his cellmate Pippa have been held captive for years by the Spears. Corki remembers nothing of his past and relies on Pippa to tell him about things like trees. All he knows is that every day, as Diggers, they must collect shards, and if they don't meet their quota, they'll get sent belowcaves for a Cleansing. In fact, do anything wrong and you'll have to endure a rush of ocean water in a closed cell, which is where the story opens: Corki is in a barred cell deep in the mountain because he kept a work-cloth. This is where he meets Tia and Bran, who later help both he and Pippa understand the war that is approaching and plant the idea of escape.
This is a gripping tale that begs to be read in one or two sittings. Readers will want to know what happens to each of the characters as events unfold and will root for the Diggers to escape the Spears. Ward has set up a fascinating world with complicated relationships and an intriguing plotline that leaves you wishing the next book were published already. A lot of things are left unexplained (what exactly are the shards?) that could either be left to the imagination or will be explained in forthcoming books. My only gripe is the map at the start of the book is misleading; otherwise, this is a great adventure story that could be set in the past or the future.
MAKE A SPLASH - READ!
Our summer reading program workshop will be held on Friday, January 29th at the Country Springs Hotel and Waterpark in Waukesha. Marge Loch-Wouters will be our most excellent presenter and will share tips on how to Make a Splash with your summer programs. After lunch, Barb Huntington will share state updates, craft and display ideas. Then it’s YOUR turn to share, so bring along those fabulous craft ideas, bulletin board or display suggestions, and programming winners to share with your colleagues! We will have tables set up for displays and demonstrations. If you are participating, please let me know and send me your descriptions, samples, patterns, etc. by Friday the 22nd (which is also the last day to register!) so this information can be shared with all attendees.
Registration fee is $22. Refreshments and lunch are included. Registration forms went out late in December, if you need another form, please contact me.
The County Springs has reserved a block of rooms for anyone interested in arriving Thursday evening. Rates are $99.00 per room. Contact the hotel directly to reserve your room at 800-247-6640.
KEEPING UP WITH THE YOUTH MEDIA AWARDS ON JANUARY 18
The results of the American Library Association’s (ALA) Youth Media Awards, which present the best of the best in children’s and young adult literature and media, will be announced during the ALA’s Midwinter Meeting on Monday, Jan. 18 at the Boston Convention and Exhibition Center. You can obtain those results in a number of ways besides attending the ceremony:
Webcast: A free live Webcast of the presentation will be hosted by streaming content provider Unikron. To view the live Webcast the morning of the announcement, visit: http://alawebcast.unikron.com/. The number of available connections for the Webcast will be available on a first-come, first-served basis. The Webcast will also be archived on Google Video.
Twitter: Results will be available as they are announced during the ceremony via twitter at http://twitter.com/ALAyma. Users of Twitter can read and follow posts — referred to as 'tweets'—instantly, either through ALA's Twitter page, RSS or SMS Text Messaging (if enabled). There are currently more than 1,600 followers to the Youth Media Awards twitter page.
Facebook: Featuring the RSS feed from the Youth Media Awards Twitter site, the ALA Youth Media Awards Facebook page also offers videos, photos and information about the awards. Currently, the ALA Youth Media Awards page has more than six-hundred Facebook friends and can be found at: http://www.facebook.com/pages/ALA-Youth-Media-Awards/43002248757#.
The ALA Island in Second Life will also broadcast an encore presentation of the Youth Media Awards Webcast. Visitors can take advantage of in-world viewing later in the day on the ALA Island at the Main Stage. The ALA Island/ALA Main Stage is located at 128, 107, 29. In Second Life, teleport there directly: http://slurl.com/secondlife/ALA%20Island/128/107/29/ A press release announcing the winners will also be posted to the ALA home page at www.ala.org, prior to 10:30 a.m. EST the day of the announcement.
KATHERINE PATERSON NEW NATIONAL AMBASSADOR FOR YOUNG PEOPLE'S LITERATURE
Katherine Paterson, both a two-time Newbery medalist and National Book Award-winner, replaces Jon Scieszka as the National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature, a two-year position created to raise national awareness of the importance of lifelong literacy and education.
Paterson, who has chosen ―Read for Your Life‖ as the theme for her platform, was selected by a committee that represents those in the book community based on her contributions to young people’s literature and her ability to relate to children.
Paterson’s fame around the globe comes from her hugely popular novels and her efforts to promote literacy in the United States and abroad. She won the Newbery Medal for Bridge to Terabithia (1977)--which was made into a feature film--and Jacob Have I Loved (1981, both Crowell). She also won the National Book Award for The Great Gilly Hopkins (1979) and The Master Puppeteer (1977). Other awards include the Hans Christian Andersen Medal, the Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award, and the Governor’s Award for Excellence in the Arts, given by her home state of Vermont. Paterson was also named a Living Legend by the Library of Congress in 2000.
Her most recent book, The Day of the Pelican (Clarion, 2009), tells the story of a refugee family’s flight from war-torn Kosovo to America. She and her husband, John, live in Barre, VT, and they have four children and seven grandchildren. The Library of Congress’s Center for the Book and the Children’s Book Council are the sponsors of the National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature. Scieszka, who was appointed in 2008, was the first person to hold the title.
FREE CUSTOMIZABLE PSA FOR NLW
To promote National Library Week 2010, a free customizable public service announcement (PSA) featuring award-winning author Neil Gaiman is now available. Gaiman, the 2009 Newberry Medal winner for "The Graveyard Book," will appear in both a print and a radio public service announcement (PSA). Gaiman’s love of libraries and librarians is no secret, as his many fans and Twitter followers know.
The PSA can be downloaded for free at www.ala.org/nlw. The PSA reminds library users of all the resources the library offer and how libraries are of key importance in tough economic times. To have the PSA customized with their library’s logo, librarians are asked to send a print quality logo file, their library name and URL to: ala@atigraphics.com. The PSA will be sent to the library in 1-2 weeks.
Other materials are currently available in both English and Spanish, focusing on the 2010 National Library Week theme ―Communities thrive @ your library.‖ They include a proclamation, sample press release and letter-to-the-editor, as well as scripts for use in radio public service announcements (PSAs). Libraries can download materials at www.ala.org/nlw.
Libraries planning to participate in ―Communities thrive @ your library‖-themed programming are encouraged to share their stories with the Campaign for America’s Libraries, by sending an e-mail to: atyourlibrary@ala.org.
DATES TO REMEMBER
January 11 CSLP Board conference call
January 14-19 ALA Midwinter, Boston
January 29 SLP Retreat/Workshop, Country Springs Hotel Water Park, Waukesha
January 30 Riverport Chorus, DivaQuest, Kenosha
February 15 WLA Board meeting, Madison
February 16 Library Legislative Day, Madison
WEBSITE FAVES
Newseum’s Today’s Front Pages
http://www.newseum.org/todaysfrontpages/default.asp
Each morning, a wide variety of international newspapers electronically submit their front pages to the Newseum to be part of Today's Front Pages. Each page is displayed in its original, unedited form, and links to the newspaper’s Web site and to a PDF file of the page are included. A magnifier tool allows users to zoom in on any part of the page. An archive chronicles events of historical significance such as the war in Iraq, the 2008 presidential election, President Obama’s first 100 days in office, and economic news. Additionally, teachers will find a lesson plan for grades 6-12. In this lesson plan, students can compare coverage of and attitudes/judgments toward national news, local news, weather, politics, and culture. They can also compare and contrast styles of layout, graphics, and photography. Students will find a fun, interactive trivia game on the site. (Education World Site Reviews, 1/5/10)
Gymnasium for the Brain
http://www.gymnasiumforbrain.com/
Give your brain a workout at the Gymnasium for the Brain. Children and adults can have fun solving these puzzles while exercising their brains. Visitors to the site can find more than one hundred and eighty logic puzzles that will keep them entertained for hours. Each puzzle includes hints and the solution. Teachers can use these logic puzzles as brain teasers to start the day or for rainy day activities. The site also provides math problems and alternative ways of solving them, and a section on designing using dots and patterns that students would find interesting. Additionally, try your hand at the upcoming puzzles for a little brain exercise with no hints or solutions available. (Education World Site Reviews, 1/5/10)
AND FINALLY.................
This week Lakeshores lost two very dear friends. Marleen Rogers was the retired director from the Barrett Memorial Library in Williams Bay, and Brenda Youra was the director at the Genoa City Public Library. We will miss you.
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
Children's Event Organizer, 12/21/09
Children’s Event Organizer
Lakeshores Library System and
Mid-Wisconsin Federated Library System
Youth Services Update
Issue 336; December 21, 2009
http://www.west-bendlibrary.org/mwflskids.htm
http://www.llsmwflschildrens.blogspot.com/
In this issue:
Ruhama’s Review
Make a Splash – READ!
YALSA’s 2010 Excellence in Nonfiction for Young Adults
Social Networking Sites Boost Kids’ Writing
Franklin Public Library’s Mock Discussion Results
Events This Week
Dates to Remember
Website Faves
And Finally……
RUHAMA’S REVIEW
The Maze Runner by James Dashner
http://tinyurl.com/yzrgrxv
Thomas doesn't remember anything except his name. He wakes up to find himself in what seems to be a giant courtyard, filled with boys of varying ages, none of whom will answer any of his questions. Instead, they promise to show him around the next day and find a place for him in the group. But Thomas wants answers now, especially when he learns there is a maze outside the walls, which close every evening. What's more, Thomas has a sudden desire to be one of the Runners, despite knowing nothing about the job or the Glade. Unfortunately, this means fighting Grievers: nasty, vicious creatures that roam the maze at night and are the reason for the rule that no one goes out in the maze at night. As days pass, Thomas keeps getting a nagging feeling that some of what he's experiencing is familiar, and when a girl is sent up in the Box, he can't help but think he knows her, too, but doesn't know how. She is the catalyst, though, and triggers the beginning of the end of the maze and life as they know it.
Think of this gripping thriller as Lord of the Flies, but with scientists controlling the experiment. A hierarchy is formed, words are developed and tasks are completed. Thomas is the main character, but the others are by no means static or two dimensional. Overall, everyone is pretty well developed, though there were times I got a little frustrated with Thomas, especially when he would do an about face in his thinking pattern. My biggest disappointment: though it stands well enough on its own, it does rely on the books coming after it (this is a planned trilogy), ending rather abruptly. It does grab you, though, and boys will enjoy the survivalist nature of this story, which is another plus in its favor.
MAKE A SPLASH – READ!
NOAA's Aquarius
http://www.uncw.edu/aquarius/
Off the shore of the Florida Keys sits the Aquarius, the world's only undersea research station. The station is administered by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and their research and education programs are quite impressive. On their website, visitors should check out the "About Aquarius" area to learn about the daily operations of the laboratory and its operating costs. In the "Mission Info" area, visitors can look over profiles of the aquanauts on duty aboard the Aquarius, read their blog, and ask these intrepid souls questions about their work. Educators should look over the "Lesson Plans", which include activities based around teaching students about buoyancy and pressure. Finally, visitors should look over the "Missions & Project Info". Here they will find information about recently completed projects, including scientific work on coral restoration and the role of sponges in coral-reef ecosystems. (From The Scout Report, Copyright Internet Scout Project 1994-2009. http://scout.wisc.edu/, 11/25/09)
Polar TREC Bering Sea Ecosystem Field Study
http://www.polartrec.com/bering-ecosystem-change
In March 2008, my brother Craig participated in a Polar TREC (Teachers & Researchers Exploring & Collaborating) Bering Sea ecosystem study onboard the ice boring ship USCGC Healy. While on board the Healy they documented late winter ocean conditions, studied biological communities found in sea ice, examined early spring plankton bloom, and investigated light penetration through open water and ice cover. Craig kept an online journal of his journey, posted photos, and responded to questions submitted by his classroom back in Anchorage and others interested in his trip.
YALSA’S 2010 EXCELLENCE IN NONFICTION FOR YOUNG ADULTS
YALSA chose five books as finalists for its brand-new 2010 Excellence in Nonfiction for Young Adults, which honors the best nonfiction books written for young adults between Nov. 1, 2008 and Oct. 31, 2009. YALSA will name the 2010 winner at the Youth Media Awards on Jan. 18, during the Midwinter Meeting.
The 2010 finalists are:
"Almost Astronauts: 13 Women Who Dared to Dream" by Tanya Lee Stone, published by Candlewick
"Charles and Emma: The Darwins' Leap of Faith" by Deborah Heiligman, published by Henry Holt Books for Young Readers, an imprint of Macmillan Children's Publishing Group
"Claudette Colvin: Twice toward Justice" by Phillip Hoose, published by Melanie Kroupa Books/ Farrar Straus Giroux, an imprint of Macmillan Children's Publishing Group
“The Great and Only Barnum: The Tremendous and Stupendous Life of the Showman P. T. Barnum" by Candace Fleming, published by Schwartz & Wade Books/Random House
"Written in Bone: Buried Lives of Jamestown and Colonial Maryland" by Sally M. Walker, published by Carolrhoda/Lerner
More information on the finalists and the award can be found at www.ala.org/yalsa/nonfiction.
SOCIAL NETWORKING SITES BOOST KIDS’ WRITING
Still on the fence about the value of social networking sites and blogging in the classroom? A new report from the UK’s National Literacy Trust finds that although nearly half of all students there think writing is boring, when that activity is tied to technology, kids become more confident about their skills.
Although the exchanges on social networking sites and by texting and instant messaging are often vilified in the media as dumbing down literacy for today’s kids, the new study, “Young people’s writing: Attitudes, behaviour and the role of technology” shows that technology offers different writing opportunities for students.
“Young people who write on a blog were much more likely than young people who do not write on a blog to enjoy writing in general (57 percent vs. 40 percent) and to enjoy writing for family/friends in particular (79 percent vs. 55 percent),” the report says. “Young people with a blog (61 percent) as well as young people with a profile on a social networking site (56 percent) also displayed greater confidence, believing themselves to be good writers.”
Of those surveyed, 56 percent say they have a profile on a social networking site, such as Bebo or Facebook, and 24 percent say they have their own blog.
The research also shows some 12 percent of students said they don’t believe writing is an important skill, which is why it’s crucial that educators incorporate more multimedia activities into the curriculum, the report says.
When it comes to gender differences, boys lag behind girls in more than just writing proficiency. Boys don’t enjoy writing as much as girls (38 percent vs. 52 percent), regardless if it involves family and friends or for schoolwork. Boys are also more likely than girls to agree with statements that writing is boring (57 percent vs. 41 percent); however, boys are more likely than girls to believe that computers are beneficial to writing.
(Library Hotline, 12/14/09)
FRANKLIN PUBLIC LIBRARY’S MOCK DISCUSSION RESULTS
About a dozen of us met on Monday, December 7 at the Franklin library to discuss potential Caldecott and Newbery contenders. Thanks to Debbie Olguin at Franklin for hosting the event.
Here are the results of our vote:
Caldecott: 1) The Lion and the Mouse; 2) Coretta Scott; 3) All the World
Newbery: 1) When You Reach Me; 2) The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate; 3) Faith, Hope and Ivy June
The actual awards will be announced on Monday, January 18 at the ALA Midwinter conference in Boston. Stay tuned!
EVENTS THIS WEEK and a few more days….
Monday, December 21
Crossword Puzzle Day
Forefathers' Day
Humbug Day
National Haiku Poetry Day
Winter Begins
Tuesday, December 22
Capricorn begins
Wednesday, December 23
Festivus
Humanlight Celebration
Feast of the Radishes (Mexico)
Thursday, December 24
Christmas Eve
Friday, December 25
Christmas
A’phabet Day (No L)
Saturday, December 26
Kwanzaa Begins
National Thank You Note Day
National Whiner's Day
Saint Stephan's Day
Boxing Day
Day of the Wren
Sunday, December 27
Asarah B’Tevet
Ashura: Tenth Day
Saint John Feast Day
Monday, December 28
Childermas
Pledge of Allegiance Day
Tuesday, December 29
Tick Tock Day
Wednesday, December 30
Oh My! Day
Thursday, December 31
New Year’s Eve
Blue Moon
Lunar Eclipse
Make Up Your Mind Day
No Interruptions Day
Universal Hour of Peace
DATES TO REMEMBER
December 24-25 Lakeshores offices closed
December 31 Lakeshores offices closed
January 1 Lakeshores offices closed
January 11 CSLP Board conference call
January 14-19 ALA Midwinter, Boston
January 29 SLP Retreat, Country Springs Hotel Water Park, Waukesha
(more info to come, tomorrow most likely!)
January 30 Riverport Chorus, DivaQuest, Kenosha
February 15 WLA Board meeting, Madison
February 16 Library Legislative Day, Madison
WEBSITE FAVES
Storybook Corner
http://www.hfrp.org/family-involvement/storybook-corner
Storybook Corner contains free downloadable Web-based resources for educators and families. These materials show how storybooks that thematically emphasize family involvement can promote family involvement in real life. Many of the resources -- such as the original bilingual children's storybook "Tomasito's Mother Comes to School," illustrated by the award-winning children's book illustrator Joe Cepeda -- are especially useful for promoting involvement among culturally diverse families. Also included at the site are lesson plans and many other resources. (Education World Site Reviews, 11/24/09)
The Braille Bug
http://www.afb.org/braillebug/
On this site, students can learn about blindness and related topics and develop a better understanding of how disabled people adapt to meet their needs. The site also provides a good explanation of what Braille is and a brief biography of Louis Braille. A printable Braille alphabet key and a variety of games are available to help children learn how to recognize Braille letters and numbers. Another valuable section is the Helen Keller Kids Museum. It offers information -- in a timeline format complete with photos and videos -- on the life and achievements of this remarkable woman. Included in the section for teachers and parents is an instruction sheet on how to download the Braille files, classroom activities, and other resources. (Education World Site Reviews, 11/24/09)
Jazzed in Time
http://artsedge.kennedy-center.org/jazzintime/timeline.html
Developed for middle and high school audiences, Jazzed in Time follows the development of this great American art form. An interactive timeline, divided by decade, highlights events that helped shape jazz and illustrates the styles of each period (swing, bebop, fusion, etc.) through music and images. As they scroll through the decades, students learn about important moments and trends in U.S. history. By listening to music clips within this historical context, students can gain an in-depth understanding of a musical form that took root in American soil and made a global impact. (Big Deal Book Newsletter, 12/1/09)
AND FINALLY……….
Okay, so you all know I don’t cook and if it can be burned, I’ll burn it. Not intentionally, of course, it just works out that way! This is a recipe that makes an interesting side dish for your holiday get togethers, and one that even I can’t compromise. Happy Holidays!
Wild Rice Casserole
1 c. wild rice
1 small onion
6 slices of crisp bacon, crumbled
1 small can mushrooms
1 c. beef broth
1 can cream of mushroom soup
½ c. celery (optional, I never put it in but my mom does)
1 can beer
Soak wild rice in beer overnight, drain. Fry bacon. Chop onion and celery, saute in bacon drippings and drain. Mix mushrooms, soup, and broth to onion and celery mixture. Add crumbled bacon. Add wild rice. Bake 350 degree oven in covered 2 1/2 qt. casserole dish for 1.5 to 2 hours. (I’ll often double the recipe and put it in a slow cooker for 4-5 hours.)
Lakeshores Library System and
Mid-Wisconsin Federated Library System
Youth Services Update
Issue 336; December 21, 2009
http://www.west-bendlibrary.org/mwflskids.htm
http://www.llsmwflschildrens.blogspot.com/
In this issue:
Ruhama’s Review
Make a Splash – READ!
YALSA’s 2010 Excellence in Nonfiction for Young Adults
Social Networking Sites Boost Kids’ Writing
Franklin Public Library’s Mock Discussion Results
Events This Week
Dates to Remember
Website Faves
And Finally……
RUHAMA’S REVIEW
The Maze Runner by James Dashner
http://tinyurl.com/yzrgrxv
Thomas doesn't remember anything except his name. He wakes up to find himself in what seems to be a giant courtyard, filled with boys of varying ages, none of whom will answer any of his questions. Instead, they promise to show him around the next day and find a place for him in the group. But Thomas wants answers now, especially when he learns there is a maze outside the walls, which close every evening. What's more, Thomas has a sudden desire to be one of the Runners, despite knowing nothing about the job or the Glade. Unfortunately, this means fighting Grievers: nasty, vicious creatures that roam the maze at night and are the reason for the rule that no one goes out in the maze at night. As days pass, Thomas keeps getting a nagging feeling that some of what he's experiencing is familiar, and when a girl is sent up in the Box, he can't help but think he knows her, too, but doesn't know how. She is the catalyst, though, and triggers the beginning of the end of the maze and life as they know it.
Think of this gripping thriller as Lord of the Flies, but with scientists controlling the experiment. A hierarchy is formed, words are developed and tasks are completed. Thomas is the main character, but the others are by no means static or two dimensional. Overall, everyone is pretty well developed, though there were times I got a little frustrated with Thomas, especially when he would do an about face in his thinking pattern. My biggest disappointment: though it stands well enough on its own, it does rely on the books coming after it (this is a planned trilogy), ending rather abruptly. It does grab you, though, and boys will enjoy the survivalist nature of this story, which is another plus in its favor.
MAKE A SPLASH – READ!
NOAA's Aquarius
http://www.uncw.edu/aquarius/
Off the shore of the Florida Keys sits the Aquarius, the world's only undersea research station. The station is administered by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and their research and education programs are quite impressive. On their website, visitors should check out the "About Aquarius" area to learn about the daily operations of the laboratory and its operating costs. In the "Mission Info" area, visitors can look over profiles of the aquanauts on duty aboard the Aquarius, read their blog, and ask these intrepid souls questions about their work. Educators should look over the "Lesson Plans", which include activities based around teaching students about buoyancy and pressure. Finally, visitors should look over the "Missions & Project Info". Here they will find information about recently completed projects, including scientific work on coral restoration and the role of sponges in coral-reef ecosystems. (From The Scout Report, Copyright Internet Scout Project 1994-2009. http://scout.wisc.edu/, 11/25/09)
Polar TREC Bering Sea Ecosystem Field Study
http://www.polartrec.com/bering-ecosystem-change
In March 2008, my brother Craig participated in a Polar TREC (Teachers & Researchers Exploring & Collaborating) Bering Sea ecosystem study onboard the ice boring ship USCGC Healy. While on board the Healy they documented late winter ocean conditions, studied biological communities found in sea ice, examined early spring plankton bloom, and investigated light penetration through open water and ice cover. Craig kept an online journal of his journey, posted photos, and responded to questions submitted by his classroom back in Anchorage and others interested in his trip.
YALSA’S 2010 EXCELLENCE IN NONFICTION FOR YOUNG ADULTS
YALSA chose five books as finalists for its brand-new 2010 Excellence in Nonfiction for Young Adults, which honors the best nonfiction books written for young adults between Nov. 1, 2008 and Oct. 31, 2009. YALSA will name the 2010 winner at the Youth Media Awards on Jan. 18, during the Midwinter Meeting.
The 2010 finalists are:
"Almost Astronauts: 13 Women Who Dared to Dream" by Tanya Lee Stone, published by Candlewick
"Charles and Emma: The Darwins' Leap of Faith" by Deborah Heiligman, published by Henry Holt Books for Young Readers, an imprint of Macmillan Children's Publishing Group
"Claudette Colvin: Twice toward Justice" by Phillip Hoose, published by Melanie Kroupa Books/ Farrar Straus Giroux, an imprint of Macmillan Children's Publishing Group
“The Great and Only Barnum: The Tremendous and Stupendous Life of the Showman P. T. Barnum" by Candace Fleming, published by Schwartz & Wade Books/Random House
"Written in Bone: Buried Lives of Jamestown and Colonial Maryland" by Sally M. Walker, published by Carolrhoda/Lerner
More information on the finalists and the award can be found at www.ala.org/yalsa/nonfiction.
SOCIAL NETWORKING SITES BOOST KIDS’ WRITING
Still on the fence about the value of social networking sites and blogging in the classroom? A new report from the UK’s National Literacy Trust finds that although nearly half of all students there think writing is boring, when that activity is tied to technology, kids become more confident about their skills.
Although the exchanges on social networking sites and by texting and instant messaging are often vilified in the media as dumbing down literacy for today’s kids, the new study, “Young people’s writing: Attitudes, behaviour and the role of technology” shows that technology offers different writing opportunities for students.
“Young people who write on a blog were much more likely than young people who do not write on a blog to enjoy writing in general (57 percent vs. 40 percent) and to enjoy writing for family/friends in particular (79 percent vs. 55 percent),” the report says. “Young people with a blog (61 percent) as well as young people with a profile on a social networking site (56 percent) also displayed greater confidence, believing themselves to be good writers.”
Of those surveyed, 56 percent say they have a profile on a social networking site, such as Bebo or Facebook, and 24 percent say they have their own blog.
The research also shows some 12 percent of students said they don’t believe writing is an important skill, which is why it’s crucial that educators incorporate more multimedia activities into the curriculum, the report says.
When it comes to gender differences, boys lag behind girls in more than just writing proficiency. Boys don’t enjoy writing as much as girls (38 percent vs. 52 percent), regardless if it involves family and friends or for schoolwork. Boys are also more likely than girls to agree with statements that writing is boring (57 percent vs. 41 percent); however, boys are more likely than girls to believe that computers are beneficial to writing.
(Library Hotline, 12/14/09)
FRANKLIN PUBLIC LIBRARY’S MOCK DISCUSSION RESULTS
About a dozen of us met on Monday, December 7 at the Franklin library to discuss potential Caldecott and Newbery contenders. Thanks to Debbie Olguin at Franklin for hosting the event.
Here are the results of our vote:
Caldecott: 1) The Lion and the Mouse; 2) Coretta Scott; 3) All the World
Newbery: 1) When You Reach Me; 2) The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate; 3) Faith, Hope and Ivy June
The actual awards will be announced on Monday, January 18 at the ALA Midwinter conference in Boston. Stay tuned!
EVENTS THIS WEEK and a few more days….
Monday, December 21
Crossword Puzzle Day
Forefathers' Day
Humbug Day
National Haiku Poetry Day
Winter Begins
Tuesday, December 22
Capricorn begins
Wednesday, December 23
Festivus
Humanlight Celebration
Feast of the Radishes (Mexico)
Thursday, December 24
Christmas Eve
Friday, December 25
Christmas
A’phabet Day (No L)
Saturday, December 26
Kwanzaa Begins
National Thank You Note Day
National Whiner's Day
Saint Stephan's Day
Boxing Day
Day of the Wren
Sunday, December 27
Asarah B’Tevet
Ashura: Tenth Day
Saint John Feast Day
Monday, December 28
Childermas
Pledge of Allegiance Day
Tuesday, December 29
Tick Tock Day
Wednesday, December 30
Oh My! Day
Thursday, December 31
New Year’s Eve
Blue Moon
Lunar Eclipse
Make Up Your Mind Day
No Interruptions Day
Universal Hour of Peace
DATES TO REMEMBER
December 24-25 Lakeshores offices closed
December 31 Lakeshores offices closed
January 1 Lakeshores offices closed
January 11 CSLP Board conference call
January 14-19 ALA Midwinter, Boston
January 29 SLP Retreat, Country Springs Hotel Water Park, Waukesha
(more info to come, tomorrow most likely!)
January 30 Riverport Chorus, DivaQuest, Kenosha
February 15 WLA Board meeting, Madison
February 16 Library Legislative Day, Madison
WEBSITE FAVES
Storybook Corner
http://www.hfrp.org/family-involvement/storybook-corner
Storybook Corner contains free downloadable Web-based resources for educators and families. These materials show how storybooks that thematically emphasize family involvement can promote family involvement in real life. Many of the resources -- such as the original bilingual children's storybook "Tomasito's Mother Comes to School," illustrated by the award-winning children's book illustrator Joe Cepeda -- are especially useful for promoting involvement among culturally diverse families. Also included at the site are lesson plans and many other resources. (Education World Site Reviews, 11/24/09)
The Braille Bug
http://www.afb.org/braillebug/
On this site, students can learn about blindness and related topics and develop a better understanding of how disabled people adapt to meet their needs. The site also provides a good explanation of what Braille is and a brief biography of Louis Braille. A printable Braille alphabet key and a variety of games are available to help children learn how to recognize Braille letters and numbers. Another valuable section is the Helen Keller Kids Museum. It offers information -- in a timeline format complete with photos and videos -- on the life and achievements of this remarkable woman. Included in the section for teachers and parents is an instruction sheet on how to download the Braille files, classroom activities, and other resources. (Education World Site Reviews, 11/24/09)
Jazzed in Time
http://artsedge.kennedy-center.org/jazzintime/timeline.html
Developed for middle and high school audiences, Jazzed in Time follows the development of this great American art form. An interactive timeline, divided by decade, highlights events that helped shape jazz and illustrates the styles of each period (swing, bebop, fusion, etc.) through music and images. As they scroll through the decades, students learn about important moments and trends in U.S. history. By listening to music clips within this historical context, students can gain an in-depth understanding of a musical form that took root in American soil and made a global impact. (Big Deal Book Newsletter, 12/1/09)
AND FINALLY……….
Okay, so you all know I don’t cook and if it can be burned, I’ll burn it. Not intentionally, of course, it just works out that way! This is a recipe that makes an interesting side dish for your holiday get togethers, and one that even I can’t compromise. Happy Holidays!
Wild Rice Casserole
1 c. wild rice
1 small onion
6 slices of crisp bacon, crumbled
1 small can mushrooms
1 c. beef broth
1 can cream of mushroom soup
½ c. celery (optional, I never put it in but my mom does)
1 can beer
Soak wild rice in beer overnight, drain. Fry bacon. Chop onion and celery, saute in bacon drippings and drain. Mix mushrooms, soup, and broth to onion and celery mixture. Add crumbled bacon. Add wild rice. Bake 350 degree oven in covered 2 1/2 qt. casserole dish for 1.5 to 2 hours. (I’ll often double the recipe and put it in a slow cooker for 4-5 hours.)
Winter/Spring Elkhorn Program Schedule
Programs for Children, Tweens and Teens
at the Matheson Memorial Library
Winter/Spring 2010
Welcome to the library! More information about upcoming programs, new materials, and news is available on the youth services blog, www.mmlcheckitout.blogspot.com, or call 262-723-2678
Storytimes January 11 through May 28
Toddler storytime with Miss Pattie. Half an hour of stories, rhymes, music, and discoveries for children 18 months to three years and their caregivers with Pattie Woods from the EASD. Older and younger siblings welcome!
Tuesdays or Fridays at 9:30.
Preschool storytime. Half an hour of stories, rhymes, music, and art for children three to five years and their caregivers. Older and younger siblings welcome!
Tuesdays or Fridays at 11:00.
Books ‘n’ Babies with Miss Pattie. Half an hour of stories, rhymes, music, and discoveries for children 0 to 18 months and their caregivers with Pattie Woods from the EASD. Older and younger siblings welcome!
Wednesdays at 9:30.
Family storytime. Half an hour of reading, music, and crafts for children of all ages and their caregivers.
Thursdays at 3:30
Tiny Tots with Miss Pattie. Half an hour of stories, rhymes, music, and discoveries for children 0 to 3 years and their caregivers with Pattie Woods from the EASD. Older and younger siblings welcome!
2nd & 4th Mondays at 6:30. (Jan. 11, Jan. 25, Feb. 8, Feb. 22, March 8, March 22, April 12, April 26, May 10, May 24)
Special Programs for Children and All Ages
Three-year-old birthday party. 3 year olds, their caregivers, and siblings join us for a fun Olivia-themed birthday party! We’ll have crafts, snacks, and community information.
March 20, Saturday at 10:30am in the Community Room
Spring Break Programs There will be no regular storytimes or programs during Spring Break. We will have four all ages programs:
• Family Storytime at 10:30am, March 29 and 30.
• Beading on March 29, at 3:30 in the Community Room
• T-Shirt Decorating on March 30, at 3:30 in the Community Room
Please register for the beading and t-shirt decorating; stop by the Circulation Desk or call 723-2678.
Four-year-old birthday party. 4 year olds, their caregivers, and siblings join us for a fun Thomas the Tank Engine-themed birthday party! We’ll have crafts, snacks, and community information.
April 17, Saturday at 10:30am in the Community Room.
Celebrate Children’s Book Week! Fancy Nancy meets the Monkey With a Toolbelt! All ages join us for fancy crafts and building fun!
May 15, Saturday, 10:30am in the Community Room
Tween and Teen Programs
Tween Favorites – Book Club
Ages 8-12 bring your favorite book, anything you’re reading, or just drop by to listen! We’ll be chatting about books, taking a sneak peek at new books, sharing snacks, and working on some fun projects!
2nd Monday, 3:30pm in the Storyroom (Jan. 11, Feb. 8, March 8, April 12, May 10)
Make it and Take it – Crafts
Ages 8-12 are invited for a series of craft programs, themes to be announced on the blog www.mmlcheckitout.blogspot.com
1st and 3rd Mondays, 3:30 in the Storyroom (Jan. 18, Feb. 1, Feb. 15, March 1, March 15, April 19, May 3, May 17)
Wednesday Gaming
Ages 8 and up are invited to any or all of our Wednesday Gaming programs, held from 3-5pm in the Storyroom!
Wii Mariokart
Up to four players at a time compete in this fast and fun Wii game.
1st Wednesday (Feb. 3, March 3, April 7, May 5)
Strategy Games
Test your wits with games of strategy from Risk to Monopoly!
2nd Wednesday (Jan. 13, Feb. 10, March 10, April 14, May 12)
Open Wii Gaming
Use the library’s games or bring your own to share!
3rd Wednesday (Jan. 20, Feb. 17, March 17, April 21, May 19)
Cards Extravaganza
Join us for card games from classic to the new! Use the library’s games or bring your own favorites to share.
4th Wednesday (Jan. 27, Feb. 24, March 24, April 28, May 26)
at the Matheson Memorial Library
Winter/Spring 2010
Welcome to the library! More information about upcoming programs, new materials, and news is available on the youth services blog, www.mmlcheckitout.blogspot.com, or call 262-723-2678
Storytimes January 11 through May 28
Toddler storytime with Miss Pattie. Half an hour of stories, rhymes, music, and discoveries for children 18 months to three years and their caregivers with Pattie Woods from the EASD. Older and younger siblings welcome!
Tuesdays or Fridays at 9:30.
Preschool storytime. Half an hour of stories, rhymes, music, and art for children three to five years and their caregivers. Older and younger siblings welcome!
Tuesdays or Fridays at 11:00.
Books ‘n’ Babies with Miss Pattie. Half an hour of stories, rhymes, music, and discoveries for children 0 to 18 months and their caregivers with Pattie Woods from the EASD. Older and younger siblings welcome!
Wednesdays at 9:30.
Family storytime. Half an hour of reading, music, and crafts for children of all ages and their caregivers.
Thursdays at 3:30
Tiny Tots with Miss Pattie. Half an hour of stories, rhymes, music, and discoveries for children 0 to 3 years and their caregivers with Pattie Woods from the EASD. Older and younger siblings welcome!
2nd & 4th Mondays at 6:30. (Jan. 11, Jan. 25, Feb. 8, Feb. 22, March 8, March 22, April 12, April 26, May 10, May 24)
Special Programs for Children and All Ages
Three-year-old birthday party. 3 year olds, their caregivers, and siblings join us for a fun Olivia-themed birthday party! We’ll have crafts, snacks, and community information.
March 20, Saturday at 10:30am in the Community Room
Spring Break Programs There will be no regular storytimes or programs during Spring Break. We will have four all ages programs:
• Family Storytime at 10:30am, March 29 and 30.
• Beading on March 29, at 3:30 in the Community Room
• T-Shirt Decorating on March 30, at 3:30 in the Community Room
Please register for the beading and t-shirt decorating; stop by the Circulation Desk or call 723-2678.
Four-year-old birthday party. 4 year olds, their caregivers, and siblings join us for a fun Thomas the Tank Engine-themed birthday party! We’ll have crafts, snacks, and community information.
April 17, Saturday at 10:30am in the Community Room.
Celebrate Children’s Book Week! Fancy Nancy meets the Monkey With a Toolbelt! All ages join us for fancy crafts and building fun!
May 15, Saturday, 10:30am in the Community Room
Tween and Teen Programs
Tween Favorites – Book Club
Ages 8-12 bring your favorite book, anything you’re reading, or just drop by to listen! We’ll be chatting about books, taking a sneak peek at new books, sharing snacks, and working on some fun projects!
2nd Monday, 3:30pm in the Storyroom (Jan. 11, Feb. 8, March 8, April 12, May 10)
Make it and Take it – Crafts
Ages 8-12 are invited for a series of craft programs, themes to be announced on the blog www.mmlcheckitout.blogspot.com
1st and 3rd Mondays, 3:30 in the Storyroom (Jan. 18, Feb. 1, Feb. 15, March 1, March 15, April 19, May 3, May 17)
Wednesday Gaming
Ages 8 and up are invited to any or all of our Wednesday Gaming programs, held from 3-5pm in the Storyroom!
Wii Mariokart
Up to four players at a time compete in this fast and fun Wii game.
1st Wednesday (Feb. 3, March 3, April 7, May 5)
Strategy Games
Test your wits with games of strategy from Risk to Monopoly!
2nd Wednesday (Jan. 13, Feb. 10, March 10, April 14, May 12)
Open Wii Gaming
Use the library’s games or bring your own to share!
3rd Wednesday (Jan. 20, Feb. 17, March 17, April 21, May 19)
Cards Extravaganza
Join us for card games from classic to the new! Use the library’s games or bring your own favorites to share.
4th Wednesday (Jan. 27, Feb. 24, March 24, April 28, May 26)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
