October 1, 2009 | Posted At: 04:37 PM | Author: Francie Alexander | Category:
Research
There’s a well-know adage, expect the best; plan for the worst. You can’t pick up a magazine or newspaper without reading predictions about this year’s flu season. I’ve always embraced bibliotherapy and the potential of reading to inform positive health habits.
As parents and teachers, we are in a position to prepare our kids for flu season without alarming them. When talking to kids, it is helpful to empower them with tools they can use to stay well. On this website you will find a chart that shows the new way to cover up when sneezing, reminds us all to wash our hands frequently (I still sing the ABC song while washing my hands), and encourages us all to stay home when we’re very sick.
How do you keep kids learning while they’re home sick? This website is your go to resource for helping kids keep up with school when they’re sick. Go to Stay Smart! Scholastic’s School Continuation Plan to find 20 days of school work, including special lessons for students in READ 180 and System 44. http://www.scholastic.com/staysmart. The focus is reading, writing and math for students in K-8. You will have free access for a book-a-week for children in K-3 from Scholastic’s award winning ebook program, Bookflix. Students in grades 4-12 will have free access for 30 days of Expert Space, a digital curriculum in science and social studies. All these great materials will keep kids learning and hopefully less miserable.
Take good care of yourself. And to keep up with flu season and children’s health issues, I recommend this special issue of Children’s Health Magazine.
September 15, 2009 | Posted At: 01:50 PM | Author: Francie Alexander | Category:
Resources
The Carnegie Corporation released a comprehensive set of adolescent literacy reports that can be used to help all of us respond more effectively to the reading needs of our students in grades four through high school. I'm glad this report came out early in the school year while, borrowing from the report, there's still Time to Act. http://www.carnegie.org/literacy/tta/
September 14, 2009 | Posted At: 11:05 AM | Author: Francie Alexander
Last week, I posted my last summer reading tip and now almost everybody’s back in school. This year about 60,000 kids participated in Scholastic’s Summer Reading Challenge.
Now, it’s time to meet the challenge of a new school year. I hope that www.Scholastic.com will be one of your go to resources and that you’ll also check-in on this blog when you visit the Web site. Look for Research Updates and Resources Recommendations for you and your students all with a literacy and book focus.
Happy School Year!
September 10, 2009 | Posted At: 08:26 AM | Author: Francie Alexander | Category:
Summer Reading Tips
Free Choice Reading
Even with assigned reading, homework and a slew of extra curricular activities, help kids find time at home and at school for self-selected reading. This helps to maximize engagement and develop the reading habit.
I hope you enjoy this summer reading tip! The 2009 Summer Challenge has come to an end…but don’t forget to keep reading for fun during the school year!
September 8, 2009 | Posted At: 03:30 PM | Author: Francie Alexander | Category:
Summer Reading Tips
Forward to School
Use books to ease the transition from Summer to Fall…from vacation to school. You will find back-to-school themed books for all ages and stages on www.scholastic.com
I hope you enjoy this summer reading tip! The 2009 Summer Challenge has come to an end…but don’t forget to keep reading for fun during the school year!
September 8, 2009 | Posted At: 09:08 AM | Author: Francie Alexander | Category:
Summer Reading Tips
Play a Board Game
Get a new board game for the family and have your child read the directions and teach it to everyone also.
I hope you enjoy this summer reading tip! The 2009 Summer Challenge has come to an end…but don’t forget to keep reading for fun during the school year!
September 3, 2009 | Posted At: 08:18 AM | Author: Francie Alexander | Category:
Summer Reading Tips
Act Green
Kids today have a real interest in conservation issues. Encourage them to read up on them and then visit Act Green at www.scholastic.com/actgreen and to find out how to take action in an earth-friendly way.
I hope you enjoy this summer reading tip! The Summer Challenge is in full swing, so encourage your child to participate and prevent the “summer slide.”
September 1, 2009 | Posted At: 09:49 AM | Author: Francie Alexander | Category:
Summer Reading Tips
Trading Books
One way to stretch your book budget and get your hands on more books is to swap books with other families and friends.
I hope you enjoy this summer reading tip! The Summer Challenge is in full swing, so encourage your child to participate and prevent the “summer slide.”
August 27, 2009 | Posted At: 08:28 AM | Author: Francie Alexander | Category:
Summer Reading Tips
Keeping Track
Have everyone in the family keep a log or read. Set a goal and then celebrate when the magic number of books has been achieved, celebrate.
I hope you enjoy this summer reading tip! The Summer Challenge is in full swing, so encourage your child to participate and prevent the “summer slide.”
August 25, 2009 | Posted At: 09:24 AM | Author: Francie Alexander | Category:
Summer Reading Tips
Books for Breakfast
With summer’s more leisurely pace, reading to your kids just doesn’t have to be a bedtime task. Experiment reading to them at breakfast or any time.
I hope you enjoy this summer reading tip! The Summer Challenge is in full swing, so encourage your child to participate and prevent the “summer slide.”
