Posts by Nisha T.

Blog Log: July 24, 2010

Jul24
2010 Written by Nisha T.

Mother Daughter Book Club is a great resource for parents and educators who are looking for parent recommendations of children’s books. This blog includes author interviews, reading lists and more.
First Book’s Post Pick: More News Linking Book Ownership and Literacy

Literacy, families and learning provides helpful support and advice for parents and educators. The blog features articles on literacy as well as useful websites and other resources.
First Book’s Post Pick: Visual Literacy

Treasuring Childhood is a fun, light-hearted blog that seeks to discuss literacy and children’s books in an exciting manner. Articles range from literacy tips, book recommendations and creative activities.
First Book’s Post Pick: Mainstream

Cass County Reading Railroad seeks to encourage parents to read with their children every day for at least 20 minutes. Articles include helpful information for encouraging your child to read and other tips.
First Book’s Post Pick: Don’t Forget to Eat Breakfast

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Odds and Bookends: July 23, 2010

Jul23
2010 Written by Nisha T.

The truth behind the Kindle craze
This article takes a hard look at the benefits to reading print books while making the case that the Kindle and other technology will never replace traditional books. Tell us what your opinion is by leaving a comment below!

Scholastic Summer Challenge Reading World Record heats up
Scholastic, Reading is Fundamental and the National Summer Learning Association have teamed up to bring kids a great incentive to read this summer. Kids from all over are attempting to break the current Scholastic World Record of minutes spent reading.

Children’s Book Movies
With the recent release of “Ramona and Beezus” as well as several other movies based on children’s books this year, many are taking a closer look at what attracts audiences. Take a look at this article which analyzes the appeal of these movies to all generations.

Youngster proves that it’s never too early to start writing
Seven-year-old I’deyah Ricketts wrote her first children’s book Where are the Animals when she was only four years old. Currently she spends time encouraging early literacy in her hometown area of Chicago. Ricketts has proven to be an inspiration to both young and old alike.

Finding solutions to the literacy gender gap
In schools, boys have traditionally lagged behind their female counterparts. Attempts to close this gender gap through traditional means have shown little progress. However, it is oftentimes not the act of reading that is objectionable to boys but rather the subject matter.

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Thank You Thursday

Jul22
2010 Written by Nisha T.

Today’s post is brought to you by a child receiving his first book, who writes:

Posted in Around the First Book Office, Books & Reading

Blog Log: July 17, 2010

Jul17
2010 Written by Nisha T.

Literacy Launchpad is written by a mom and literacy teacher who strives to keep children engaged in reading. Her blog includes helpful tips on early literacy as well as creative and inspiring ways to inspire excitement in reading.
First Book’s Post Pick: Why We Go to the Library

La Vida Biblioteca contains valuable insight into the world of libraries. Written by a librarian, this blog shares information on library-related issues through the blogger’s personal experiences with the professional library community.
First Book’s Post Pick: Espresso Book Machine

Teach Mama is written by a mom with a strong background in literacy and education. This blog shares literacy tips for parents so that learning is inspired both in the classroom and at home.
First Book’s Post Pick: Keeping summer reading fresh, fun, priority one

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Odds and Bookends: July 16, 2010

Jul16
2010 Written by Nisha T.

Summer Stock: Promoting Literacy in the Community
The Texas Woman’s University drama department is partnering with a local Girl Scout troop to promote literacy and the art of theater. This summer program engages kids through activities which are designed around beloved children’s book classics.

10 Weeks of Fun from RIF
Check out this great reading calendar from Reading Is Fundamental which includes fun learning activities for families to enjoy throughout the summer. This calendar incorporates creative learning ideas with everyday summer fun.

Book Reviews Delivered to Your iPhone
Kids Book Review is a new application for the iPhone which allows users to view book reviews on the go, helping shoppers make informed decisions about their book purchases. This also gives users the ability to post books to their Twitter or Facebook accounts to share reviews with friends.

125th Anniversary of “The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn”
Elmira, the city where Mark Twain penned his famous work, is celebrating the 125th Anniversary of the release of “The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn.” Excerpts from the book will be read aloud and the first 125 kids will receive a free copy of the book.

How Learning to Read Changes Your Brain
This article details findings of an ancient ability to recognize both an object and its mirror image as identical and how this affects learning to read. Confusing similar letters, an error once assumed to indicate dyslexia, turns out to be a common mistake of learning.

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Blog Log: June 19, 2010

Jun19
2010 Written by Nisha T.

Together Time 4 Families seeks to reinforce the importance of books and reading in the home. Activities shared on this blog are a great resource for parents looking to involve the entire family in literacy fun.
First Book’s Post Pick: Early Literacy Summer Activities

Early Ed Watch is a blog from New America’s Early Education Initiative which pays special attention to news and resources which promote early literacy in children up to age eight.
First Book’s Post Pick: Infants, Toddlers and Precursors to Literacy

Bookends is a blog created by two middle-school librarians who write well-structured and concise reviews on select books. Reviews are organized very well and the site itself is well navigable.
First Book’s Post Pick: Dinosaurs!

Imagination Soup was created by author, parent and teacher Melissa Taylor who provides great links for all types of learning styles, topics and abilities.
First Book’s Post Pick: Early Readers Read the Pictures

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Odds and Bookends: June 18, 2010

Jun18
2010 Written by Nisha T.

Give the Gift of Reading this Father’s Day
Don’t forget to wish Dad a Happy Father’s Day this Sunday, June 20th. If you’re still stumped for a last-minute gift, consider making and online donation to First Book in honor of your dad or whomever you choose. After making a donation you can send him an e-card to remind Dad how special he is.

Big Universe: Read, Create and Share Children’s Books Online
This site is a great resource for reading, writing and learning. The site offers book suggestions, reading quizzes, and even the opportunity for kids to create their own children’s books. Parents and educators can even help kids share their creations with other students using the site’s virtual bookshelves.

Magic Tree House Series Goes Digital
Now fans of Mary Pope Osborne’s Magic Tree House Series can cherish them forever as e-books. All forty-three titles have been converted to digital versions. Random House is now proud to offer this classic children’s book series in print, audio and digital.

4th Cheerios New Author Contest
Have you ever dreamed of seeing your ideas in print? Through Cheerios’ Spoonfuls of Stories New Author Contest aspiring authors have the chance to submit their children’s books in the hopes of being selected as the winner. The winning story gets published and packaged in Cheerios boxes and released for purchase as well.

More Tips from Reading Rockets to Curb Summer Learning Loss
Keeping kids engaged in learning activities over the summer can be a challenge. Here are some more great ideas to keep kids interested and having fun while they learn. From planting a garden and neighborhood book clubs to interactive websites and writing activities, this list is sure to keep your child busy during the summer months.

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Blog Log: June 12, 2010

Jun12
2010 Written by Nisha T.

KidSpace Blog highlights the importance of reading by recommending fun titles for kids as well as literacy activities. Bloggers also draw attention to events for kids of all ages.
First Book’s Post Pick: Happy Children’s Book Week

Picture Book of the Day is filled with suggestions not only for engaging children’s books but also literacy activities to accompany them. Anastasia Suen offers excellent tips for a variety of different types of writing prompts.
First Book’s Post Pick: Once Upon a Baby Brother

Books & Stuff selects a range of books to review to make selections easier for parents and educators. These reviews together with the blog’s many early literacy tips make this an excellent balance between facts and fun.
First Book’s Post Pick: Early Literacy Tip: Best Books for Narrative Skills


Literacy Toolbox offers helpful advice for encouraging literacy through activities, book recommendations, and simple easy-to-implement daily tips. The blog also draws attention to literacy events and news to keep readers in the loop.
First Book’s Post Pick: Ways to Engage a Reluctant Reader

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Odds and Bookends: June 11, 2010

Jun11
2010 Written by Nisha T.

First Book-East Mississippi Kick-Off Event!
Come celebrate First Book-East Mississippi at the Meridian Art Museum on Friday, June 18 from 4:00pm to 7:00pm. Join this new Advisory Board for a fun evening of local storytellers, Kinder-music and spoken word.  Check out this event and find out how you can support First Book’s newest Advisory Board: media_alert_east_ms (3)

Love Football: Love Reading 2010
As the 2010 World Cup starts up, children can become more engaged in both reading and a love of soccer with these great activities. Resources range from visitors, classroom games, World Cup book groups, stories and even player profiles.

Rainforest Safe Summer Reading List
The Rainforest Action Network has released a summer reading list of 25 books which are all printed on recycled paper. In an effort to curb destruction of the world’s rainforests, these summer reading titles are not only environmentally-friendly but also teach kids the importance of conservation.

Where’s Spot? : 30th Anniversary
The classic story of our cute furry friend Spot is as popular today as it was when it was first published. Today the book has been translated into 60 different languages and has even inspired its own animated television series.

Summer Learning Day 2010
Get ready for the official start of summer by engaging your community through a Summer Learning Day event. June 21st is not only this year’s official first day of summer but also Summer Learning Day, a day dedicated to stressing the importance of summer learning.

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School’s Out but Learning’s Still In!

Jun07
2010 Written by Nisha T.

For many students summer is a time to rest, play with friends and simply be a kid. However, as fun as it is to simply sit back and relax the day away, last year’s learning has a tendency to slip away. Students can lose over two months of learning during the summertime. The Kids Count Data Center article, “Early Warning! Why Reading by the End of Third Grade Matters”  uncovers the realities of child development detailing the necessity for children to switch from learning to read from Kindergarten until third grade, to reading to learn once they begin fourth grade. Visit the Annie E. Casey Kids Count Data Center to learn more.

To help prevent the summer brain drain in your house, try mixing fun and learning in a way that makes parents, students and their teachers happy!

READ MORE »

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