Improve Reading with these Bookmarks

I designed two bookmarks that are helpful for young readers. One highlights 25 words that make up 33% of the words that we read. Doesn't it make sense as teachers that we make sure our students can read these words?

A second bookmark allows a child to write down an unknown word as he is reading. Later it may be looked up and then the child has a record of new words. A small vocabulary has been a roadblock for many young readers. This bookmark can act as a review.

See the website Teachers Pay Teachers for these and more of my helps: www.teacherspayteachers.com
At this time all my teaching aids are listed at no cost to you. They are free.

T. A. Barron

Last week I attended and presented at the University of Southern Mississippi's Children's Book Festival. Each year the Conference honors an author with a Silver Madallion. The 2011 Award went to T.A. Barron for his contribution to Children's Literature. As I listened to him speak I was inspired by his thoughts. As he shared his desire to find a metaphor for the magic of story he offered these ideas: like an instrument playing beautiful music, or weaving a tapestry of colorful threads, or planting seeds. However, he decided that perhaps the best description is lighting a match where the flame burns brightly.

As encouragement to other children's writers, he recommended that you think about what you really love and also look to see what the world needs and put them together.

Barron spoke of how he thought young people are seen as a target market rather than our future. He feels strongly that we should let them know that they are more than consumers but creators of their lives, choices, and their own stories. This is one reason that he has created a Foundation called the Gloria Barron Prize for Young Heroes. Awards are given annually to young people who are making a difference.(www.barronprize.org) Heroes are different from celebrities. Heroes are those whose actions are based on character, compassion, and wonder rather than fame. Many are unsung heroes in our communities that are simply choosing to do the right thing.

Other than his book, The Heroes Trail, his books are fantasies. I encourage you to check one out from the library.

The Power of Story

Creating a word picture or telling a story are the best ways to get messages across to children. A parent may discuss the importance of truthfulness but when the child hears the story of The Boy Who Cried Wolf then consequences are easier to visualize. Many Folk Tales and Aesop Fables provide a background for teaching our children the importance of making right choices. Because of the child's limited experiences, it is hard for them to visualize the results of their actions. Stories provide open doors to see what could happen without the embarrassment of making a big mistake.

National Storytelling Festival

On September 30th I rode with two friends to Jonesborough, TN to attend my first National Storytelling Festival. I had wanted to go for many years but there had been conflicts of time available.

I enjoyed visiting the oldest town in Tennessee. We were fortunate to stay at the Febuary(yes, without the "r") Hill Bed and Breakfast. It was centrally located and easy to access all the events.

Each day events occurred in five large tents that probably seated 500 people each. Even though a 30 minute break was scheduled after each telling session, unless a person moved quickly, you could be sitting on the ground at the next session in another tent.

I recognized quickly that the tellers told mainly stories from their life experiences. Some stories were sad and others funny. The storyteller does have the privilege to embellish. Tragedies were mixed by point of view. The fact of the matter is rain will fall on all of us, deserved and undeserved, it all depends on learning to dance in the rain.

Story has the power to change our lives. Placing a mental picture in the mind and touching the heart strings with emotion far outweigh the words in and of themselves.
I see there is a story behind every face.

M.U.W. Discovery Camp

The M.U.W. Discovery Camp is a wonderful week of learning, exploring new things and loads of fun and that is just what last week was as my team teacher Shannon Ingram and I worked with Kindergarten at the 2010 camp. We chose two different themes to learn about- circus and pirates. I started the week at the Ring Master and talked about the history of the circus, people in the circus, animals in the circus, and clowning. Alternating half days Shannon introduced pirates of the past and their pirate gear. We made catapults and aimed and fired marshmellows down the hall. No one had to walk the plank and the week ended with all smiles!

M.U.W. Discovery Camp

MAC Performing Artist Roster

On July 1, 2010 the Mississippi Arts Commission announced those accepted for the new year. I was accepted for the Performing Artist Roster. This allows groups who would like to have a storyteller present for an event the opportunity to apply for a mini-grant. The application can be downloaded from their website. For more information see www.arts.state.ms.us or call 601-359-6030.

When the new online catalog is published, please note that all the artists selected are the cream of the crop. All applicants go through a lengthy application process and must be approved by a review panel.