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.
Monday, October 3, 2011
Sunday, April 10, 2011
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.
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.
Thursday, February 10, 2011
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.
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