Bookstore is a Beachhead in Literacy Battle

A literacy advocacy project wants to share that love of reading through a new nonprofit bookstore in River North that is stocked with donated books that can be bought for as little as $1. The Open Books bookstore will look and operate like any other except that proceeds will fund literacy programs for children and adults in the same building. Their model is already bringing queries from literacy advocates in other cities who hope to raise awareness — and funds — in their communities.

Storywalk Helps Pave Path to School for Youngsters

The Storywalk event gets preschoolers involved in reading and excited about school before they walk through the doors on the first day of kindergarten. In each kindergarten classroom and outside, high school students read the preschoolers a story about an everyday hero, and an adult who holds that job was there to answer the children's questions.

Is Percy Jackson's Mythology Too Close to Harry Potter's Magic?

As part of coverage of Percy Jackson and the Olympians: The Lightning Thief's odyssey to become a Hollywood venture, Rachel Abramowitz has a report on the similarities between two magical youngsters, one named Percy and the other named Harry.

Alternative Test May Inflate Score Gains

Educators say the "portfolio" tests are valuable teaching tools and fairer and more meaningful than multiple-choice tests. With more time and flexibility, students have seen their passing rates soar.

Tips from Teachers

Ever wondered how you could help your child become a better reader? Here are few simple strategies from a local pre-service teacher that parents can use to build children's literacy skills.

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New Book - Nonfiction Mentor Text

Since I had to go into the city yesterday to work at an Early Childhood conference, I had the opportunity to read the newly released Nonfiction Mentor Texts by Lynne Dorfman and Rose Capelli. Riding the train and ferry gave me ample time to peruse the text. In the same fashion as their first book - Mentor Text, this book is chock full of great ideas, and titles of text to use. I love the resource at the end that listed every text mentioned throughout the book by chapter for ease in finding. This is a must have resource for all who are trying to incorporate more nonfiction reading and writing into their day. The On Your Own section at the end of each chapter gives you a nice starting point for implementing lessons. I can't wait to share the ideas with the teachers in my building. If you have read it let me know your thoughts.

Laura

Nonfiction Mentor Texts is available from Stenhouse publishing.

National Board Certification

Recently Barack Obama discussed the value of National Board Certified Teachers. I am happy to see that he is supporting excellence in teaching. Having gone through the process of National Board certification I can attest to the impact it had on me. National Board certification is an intense and personal journey that many teachers have decided to embark upon. Those that achieve it feel empowered to better meet the needs of their students. So, just what is National Board certification anyway? Here are two links I suggest you visit to get further information on National Board certification -

National Board Council of New York
http://www.teachercenter.org/nbcnys

National Board website
http://www.nbpts.org

I would like to offer support to you as you work toward your certification. I am available to answer questions you may have about the process. I also would love to network with other NBPTS teachers and candidates.

Bike Ride to Support Multiple Sclerosis

Every year my brother George rides with more than 1,000 other people to raise money to support the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. This year the society hope to raise $1.6M. George hopes to raise $1,000. He will ride on September 13th and 14th, 100 miles each day in support of those that can't. As you know all the resources available on my website are free of charge. If you find it a helpful resource I ask that you consider making a donation to this worthy cause. No donation is too small and all are tax deductables. This disease has impacted our family and close friends. Thank you so much for your continued support.

For information, and to make a donation using your debit or credit card go to -

http://main.nationalmssociety.org/goto/georgehess

Have a great day!

Laura

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