“There’s More to the Story”Celebrating National Library WeekApril 23-29, 2023 Why celebrate libraries? Not because I retired as a teacher-librarian at the end of last school year. Not because I love libraries. But maybe loving libraries is a great reason to celebrate. Overall, we can observe and recognize our libraries because they hold many stories…
This February, as we celebrate Black History Month, my school gave the African American Read-in another try, but with a different flavor for this event In the past, I would get approved for everyone to “Stop Everything and Read” at a specific day and time. Students and teachers, along with other staff were to read…
This month, let’s snuggle with the entire family and open a good book. Studies reflect that reading aloud with parents, grandparents, etc., is the most significant pastime when preparing children to read independently. Reading contributes in the increase of comprehension, vocabulary, writing skills, attention span, and retention. In addition, consider reading to your baby and…
Children’s Book Week is an annual celebration of reading and children’s books. It is the longest-running national literacy initiative in the country. Established in 1919, Children’s Book Week is celebrating its 101st anniversary. Schools, libraries, and bookstores participate in all 50 states. Motto for 2020: Read. Dream. Share. For Readers: Join in on the fun and…
As reported in an article, “How a North Carolina Summer Camp Started Christmas in July” written by Maria Carter (7/13/17), the legend of “Christmas in July” began in 1933 at the Keystone Summer Camp for girls, located at Brevard, N. C. Two days, July 24 and 25, were dedicated to this special celebration. Original decorations…
For Readers: When choosing literacy activities for the kids and for yourself this summer, most times you don’t have to go any further than your local public library. Activity events range from summer reading for kids and adults to photography, to computer coding, to arts and crafts, to movies. When speaking about “literacy,” in this…
There’s still time to celebrate Black History Month. This week, let’s applaud African-American authors, in which I am one! In 1990, the Black Caucus of the National Council of Teachers of English created the National African American Read-In. Their purpose for creating this event was to make literacy a significant part of Black History Month. It…
Do you have students or children who need a boost of confidence in reading? Readers Theater is a great idea to accomplish this task. I have never observed a child who did not enjoy participating in a Readers Theater performance. Readers Theater is a presentation in which children perform by reading speaking parts of literature…
As parents, teachers, and librarians, it takes a little creativity to encourage and motivate children to read. I would like to provide a few tips to inspire your young readers. Visit the National Day Calendar (http://www.nationaldaycalendar.com) for interesting themes to celebrate. You can locate themes by the day, week, and/or month. For example, yesterday, January…