I just discovered The Literacy Toolbox blog. She’s got lots of great resources and strategies for enhancing this most important skill. Leaders are readers. Enjoy!
via Literacy Toolbox
Jan 302011
Oct 122010
What? If you asked “NaNo…HUH???” you’re not alone.
NaNoWriMo stands for National Novel Writing Month. It can be described as: a challenge to write a ‘lousy first draft’ of a 50,000 word novel in November, a virtual community for writers, an opportunity to practice discipline…. and a lot of fun.
Although I have participated (and won) for four consecutive years I do not consider myself one of the “truly obsessed.” There are participants who start at midnight (local time) on November 1st, attend “write ins” and rack up word counts far beyond the 50,000 it takes to win.
On the other hand, there is room for people like me: a participant, donor and fan who has changed her user name at least a once after having misplaced my log-in info. I don’t get intense about it. I write. I chat a little. I participate in the occasional “word war.” I have fun. And I tend to think that every time I “officially validate” my word count and win that it will be the last time.
Still, we’re not even two full weeks into October and I find myself wondering whether (and how) I might juggle my November schedule in order to give myself over to this particular form of insanity just… one… more… time….
I could use the “I’m busy” defense but I’ve told you how I feel about THAT. When faced with allocating resources, what matters?
I love to write. I love to support other people who want to write. My family doesn’t seem to mind.
What’s this got to do with kids? And parenting? Strong literacy skills build resilience. Communication enhances opportunity.
Parents and teachers please take a look at the Young Writer’s Program… a great way to fan the flames of literacy. Check it out at the NaNoWriMo site.
But be careful — you might just find yourself getting up early to keep your kiddo company AND get your own 1667 words in before you start each of your November days!
We like SHARING:
Apr 042010
By Esther Jantzen, guest poster
Singing songs with kids is magical! Making music in any way stimulates the brain, brings happiness, and creates a sense of belonging. How about making your house a singing house regardless of how well any of you stay on pitch. Babies, toddlers, preschool children, elementary students, middle-school kids, high-schoolers all love to sing together. When you have time with your kids and want to do something fun, make music in your home. Whenever you get a chance, sing! Here ís what you can do:
1) Almost everyone in our culture knows certain songs like Old MacDonald,Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star, Row, Row, Row Your Boat, and I’m a Little Teapot. Sing these and other common tunes to your kids. If you don’t know them, get a recording and play it for your children.
2) Make up your own songs to familiar tunes. Choose words that fit your family’s interests like, Dribble, dribble, dribble your ball… or Mom and Dad, they had a house, e-i-e-i-o….
3) Sing when you’re driving somewhere. Sing when you’re out on a walk. Sing every day. Singing conveys love. It touches us deeply.
4) Do you remember songs you learned as a child? Songs you learned at school, in your place of worship, or from radio or TV ads. Do you know lullabies? Have you passed them on to your children? It makes a great family tradition to pass songs on. Do you love opera or gospel or blues? Sing with your kids.
5) Moving with music activates parts of the brain that might not get exercise another way. Play a lively song and dance free-form . March to your own music. Strut to your own songs.
6) Have your kids teach you songs they’ve learned. If they have a favorite song and don’t know the words, look them up on the internet or in a song book.
Write the words down and carry them with you until the kids know them. * Family Music Month supports the English-Language Arts Content Standards related to listening and speaking strategies.
Esther Jantzen, Ed.D, is a mother, an educator and the author of Plus It! How to Easily Turn Everyday Activities into Learning Adventures for Kids available at www.plusitbook.com and the Way to Go! Family Learning Journal available through www.jantzenbooks.com