Posts tagged summer reading

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.

Posted in Books & Reading, Literacy Links and Articles - Tagged , , , , , , , ,

Write It! Film It!

Jul12
2010 Written by Rachael Walker

Guest Blogger Rachael Walker is the Outreach Consultant for Reading Rockets, a national multimedia initiative which aims to inform and inspire parents, teachers, childcare providers, and others who touch the life of a child by providing comprehensive, accessible information on how to teach kids to read and help those who struggle. Rachael began her career in children’s literacy at Reading Is Fundamental (RIF), has also served as a consultant to the NEA’s Read Across America campaign, and was most recently the Executive Director of Reach Out and Read of Metro DC.

‘Central casting’ at AdLit.org and Reading Rockets is looking for young, creative writers and filmmakers to star in the Exquisite Prompt Write It, Film It Video Contest.   Like the Exquisite Prompt Writing Challenge, prompts for the Exquisite Prompt Write It, Film It Video Contest are inspired by the authors and illustrators participating in the Exquisite Corpse Adventure, the rollicking online serial story sponsored by the Library of Congress and the National Children’s Book and Literacy Alliance.

To enter the contest, writers and film makers in grades 2-12 choose a prompt, create a narrative, then make a video of their story. In addition to a short video (no longer than 3 minutes) kids also submit original writing related to their video project, such as interview questions, storyboards, dialogues or scripts, in order to win fabulous prizes.

Entry deadline is August 13th. Visit www.readingrockets.org for resources and information on how to enter.

Posted in Books & Reading, General, Guest Blog Posts, Literacy, Literacy Links and Articles - Tagged , ,

First Book’s Night at the Spy Museum

Jul01
2010 Written by Melissa G.

As First Book interns, we learn the ins and outs of the behind the scenes work that allows First Book to reach so many children with so many books.  What we don’t always see, however, is the part where the books actually reach the hands of the kids who need them most.  That’s why on June 23rd we jumped at the opportunity to represent First Book at the International Spy Museum’s Community Night here in Washington, DC and experience the direct impact of all First Book’s efforts.

Community Night is a fantastic event hosted by the Spy Museum in which admission to the museum is free for groups from underserved communities.  The museum reaches out to local schools and programs to ensure that a wide range of DC’s students benefit from the fun, interactive exhibits as well as the local organizations who attend the event. This month, the museum asked First Book, The Reading Connection, and the National League of American READ MORE »

Posted in Around the First Book Office, Books & Reading, First Book Events, General, Literacy - Tagged ,

Happy Summer Learning Day!

Jun21
2010 Written by Bonnie J.

Today not only marks the first day of summer, but it’s also Summer Learning Day! Communities across the country are celebrating the importance of summer learning by hosting events that demonstrate the value of keeping the children in your community learning during the summer months. Even if your program is not hosting an event today, you can plan a program at any time or volunteer with the many events going on around the country.

First Book will be celebrating Summer Learning Day by distributing over 300,000 books thanks to a generous donation from Disney Publishing Worldwide! This distribution will benefit nearly 300 programs serving underprivileged children throughout the country. Additionally, we will be working with the International Spy Museum in Washington DC to help host Community Night, the Spy Museums monthly extravaganza designed for the DC Metropolitan community. The mission of Community Night is to spread goodwill and reach underserved communities. These free, fun-filled educational events are held the last Wednesday of every month from 4-8pm.

To get more ideas to keep minds active during summer keep reading the First Book blog, or visit the National Summer Learning Associations website.

Posted in Book Distributions, Book Recipients, Books & Reading, First Book Events, General, Literacy, Literacy Links and Articles - Tagged ,

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

Posted in Books & Reading, Literacy Links and Articles - Tagged , , , ,

First Book Marketplace Titles for Summer

Jun16
2010 Written by Matthew W.

Access the First Book Marketplace for brand new books at deeply discounted prices and avoid the summer learning slump! Experts agree that children who read during the summer gain reading skills, while those who do not often slide backward.

If you know of a program that would benefit from First Book’s resources, get them registered with First Book and ordering new books for the children they serve (www.firstbook.org/rg). All orders completed by Tuesday will ship for free via FedEx or UPS Ground the following Wednesday.  READ MORE »

Posted in Books & Reading, Literacy, Marketplace - Tagged

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 »

Posted in Books & Reading, Literacy Links and Articles - Tagged , , ,

Blog Log: June 5, 2010

Jun05
2010 Written by Nisha T.

Wild Rose Reader encompasses a wide range of topics including but not limited to reading, writing, literacy, poetry and more. This blog is an excellent resource for those looking for title suggestions on different topics ranging from various types of poetry to writing resources to interesting children’s books.
First Book’s Post Pick: Children’s Books for Summer Reading 2010

Welcome to the Motherhood is a blog created by a young working mom who not only shares her motherhood experiences, but also provides resources and insight for other parents on a variety of topics. Her emphasis on reading and highlights of important literacy news make this blog handy for parents.
First Book’s Post Pick: Summer Reading

Planning with Kids is a great blog for parents looking to add a little more organization to their family life. This family provides useful ways to handle running family affairs with ease. Posts range from recipe suggestions, crafts and information on child development and book suggestions.
First Book’s Post Pick: Reading, Learning and Education

Scrub-a-Dub-Tub is a blog run by the nonprofit, The Reading Tub which encourages reading and family learning. Posts stress the importance of raising children to be readers and offer great ways to involve the whole family in literacy activities.
First Book’s Post Pick: Roundup of Resources for Literacy and Reading-June 2010

Posted in Books & Reading - Tagged , , , ,

Odds and Bookends: June 4, 2010

Jun04
2010 Written by Nisha T.

New Children’s Books Series Targets Childhood Obesity
Mason Crest Publishers has announced their new series of educational books called Kids & Obesity. The books aim to educate young readers about choosing the right foods and eating proper portions. This series is aimed at younger readers in an effort to prevent bad eating practices before they turn into health problems.

50th Anniversary of a Seuss classic gets special recognition on World Oceans Day
June 8th marks this year’s World Oceans Day, a time to celebrate our earth’s mighty oceans and recognize the dangers presented by climate change. To commemorate the 50th anniversary of Dr. Seuss’s One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish, Random House presents a special edition to accompany various activities and events for World Oceans Day.

Beloved children’s book character, Ramona Quimby hits the big screen
Ramona and Beezus is a much-anticipated summer movie based on Beverly Cleary’s children’s book character, Ramona Quimby. Be sure to check it out when it comes to theaters on July 23!

Summer Break Reading Challenge from Book It!
In an effort to prevent summer learning loss, Book It! announces a sweepstakes to motivate children keep reading during the summer. Visit their website to learn more about the challenge and to discover great summer reading tips, games and other fun activities.

Posted in Books & Reading, Literacy Links and Articles - Tagged , , , , , , , ,

Join the Cheerios 100,000 Book Giveaway!

Jun04
2010 Written by Mary Beth F.

As part of First Book’s ongoing partnership through the Spoonfuls of Stories® program, First Book and Cheerios have joined with author, Jon Scieszka, to launch this year’s  100,000 Book Giveaway!

For every trivia question you answer correctly now through August 31st, 2010, you can cast one vote for the state you want to receive new books. The more questions you answer correctly, the more votes you cast!

The trivia questions cover children’s books including Jon Scieszka’s Trucktown, other favorites such as Chicka Chicka Boom Boom, Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs, Guess How Much I Love You? and many others.  Plus, 100 brand new questions have just been added to the site from favorite authors such as Eric Carle and Doreen Cronin.

The five states receiving the highest number of votes will each receive 20,000 new books for local kids – and you can help decide where the books should be donated! Take a second to help the kids in your state by playing around on the 100,000 Book Giveaway site!

Feel free to forward this to friends and family, especially those who have children who can join in on the fun!

Posted in Authors & Illustrators, Book Distributions, Books & Reading, General, Literacy - Tagged , , ,
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