Literacy

Introduction:

“We Don’t Talk About Bruno” is a catchy song from Disney’s animated film “Encanto”. The song narrates the story of Bruno Madrigal, a misunderstood family member with the power to see the future, and how the rest of his family deals with his ominous predictions. As entertaining as it is, this song offers several valuable lessons that can be applied to our lives. In this article, we will explore five teachable moments hidden in the lyrics of “We Don’t Talk About Bruno.”

1. The Importance of Open Communication:

The title and refrain in this song make it clear that Bruno is not discussed among the family members. This lack of open communication may have contributed to misunderstandings and fear around him. This serves as a reminder to always encourage open dialogue with family members, friends, and colleagues to foster healthy relationships and prevent misinformation from spreading.

2. The Power of Perception:

Throughout the song, various family members share their perceptions of Bruno. Some label him as dangerous or scary; others express curiosity or pity. This highlights how one person can be seen in vastly different ways by those around them based on individual experiences and biases. It teaches us the importance of keeping an open mind and not falling for rumors or gossip when forming opinions about others.

3. The Dangers of Isolation:

Bruno’s isolation isn’t explicitly stated as self-imposed or forced by his family, but it is evident that he lives a solitary life apart from the rest of his family members. This isolation could have made misunderstandings worse and left him feeling alienated. This moment in the song reminds us of the importance of reaching out to those who may feel isolated or alone, offering support and companionship.

4. Everyone has Struggles:

Although much focus is placed on Bruno’s struggles in this song, all Madrigal family members have their share of challenges that stem from their magical abilities. This teaches us not to judge others solely by their difficulties but recognize that we all face challenges in life. By empathizing with each other’s struggles, we can foster stronger connections and understanding.

5. The Need for Reconciliation:

The song “We Don’t Talk About Bruno” ends without a resolution to Bruno’s situation with his family. However, the musical number serves as a call-to-action for the characters and audience alike. Sometimes, it is necessary to confront and address difficult issues even when it may seem easier to avoid them altogether. If we can show empathy and be willing to move past our misunderstandings, reconciliation and forgiveness are possible.

Conclusion:

“We Don’t Talk About Bruno” not only captures the hearts of audiences with its catchy tune but also delivers essential life lessons. These teachable moments encourage open communication, challenge perceptions, highlight the dangers of isolation, remind us of everyone’s struggles, and underline the need for reconciliation. By reflecting on these lessons from “Encanto”, we can actively work towards improving our relationships with the people around us.

In a recent interview, renowned author and poet, Kwame Alexander, opened up about his passion for reading, the power of poetry, and how he deals with critics. He offered valuable insights into his creative process, his influences, and how he hopes to inspire young readers worldwide.

Believing that reading is more than just fundamental to enhancing literacy and academic achievement, Alexander emphasized that it also helps individuals better understand the world around them. By exposing ourselves to different voices and perspectives through literature, we expand our empathy, compassion, and horizon. This understanding has motivated him throughout his career as a writer.

As a strong advocate for poetry in education, Alexander highlighted the transformative power it holds. To him, poetry is more than just words on a page – it’s an art form that allows people to explore their thoughts and emotions in unique ways. It can lead young people to express themselves freely and creatively. Through his writing workshops in schools globally and community engagement programs like the vibrant Library Card Campaign, Alexander fosters an appreciation for poetry among both students and educators alike.

When discussing dealing with critics or so-called “haters,” Alexander revealed how he overcomes negativity by staying true to himself and focusing on his mission. Instead of allowing naysayers to take hold of his artistic endeavors or dictate his choices, he opts to concentrate on the impact of his stories and encouragement from admirers. He advised other artists to remember that their work is not for everyone but stressed the importance of trusting one’s instincts in creativity.

Kwame Alexander’s passion for literature is evident in every project he undertakes. His dedication inspires not only aspiring poets but anyone who wants to harness the power of words as agents of change. His work speaks volumes about embracing our inner artist despite adversity from critics or any self-doubt echoes in our minds.

As an advocate for literacy, poetry, and authentic self-expression, Alexander encourages all of us to pick up a book, experiment with verse, and most importantly – keep reading. Regardless of background or age, anyone can appreciate the beauty and intensity of the written word. In trusting our creative instincts and embracing the power of literature, we too can silence the doubters that may linger in our paths.

Introduction

Access to books is essential for a child’s educational and intellectual development. However, many communities face a serious problem known as “book deserts.” Book deserts are areas where access to books is scarce, limiting the opportunities children have to read and hindering their academic progress. Fortunately, schools are taking innovative steps to combat this issue. This article explores the concept of book deserts and highlights the efforts schools are making to overcome them.

Understanding Book Deserts

Book deserts are typically found in low-income, disadvantaged neighborhoods where resources such as public libraries or bookstores are lacking. Additionally, families facing financial constraints may be unable to purchase books for their children, further exacerbating the issue. These factors create an environment where children have limited exposure to books and reduced opportunities for reading.

The Impact of Book Deserts

A lack of access to books can lead to numerous negative consequences for children’s education and overall development. Studies show that children who grow up in homes with few books tend to have lower literacy rates than those from homes rich in reading materials. Moreover, limited access to books contributes to a gap in vocabulary acquisition and other essential skills needed for academic success.

How Schools Are Combating Book Deserts

Recognizing the impact of book deserts on students’ educational outcomes, many schools are implementing creative solutions:

1. Mobile Libraries: Some schools use converted school buses or other vehicles as mobile libraries that travel through disadvantaged neighborhoods and provide children with access to reading materials. These libraries often run on designated routes and schedules, ensuring consistent access.

2. Sharing Programs: Educators may establish “book swaps” or lending programs within schools or communities, allowing students to share their reading materials with one another. This approach not only improves book access but also fosters a sense of community among students.

3. Community Partnerships: Schools often collaborate with community partners such as local libraries, non-profit organizations, or businesses to increase the availability of books within the area. These partnerships can result in book drives, library branches within schools, or even community-wide literacy campaigns.

4. Digital Access: Incorporating digital books and e-reading resources into the education system can also help bridge the gap. Many schools offer students access to e-books and audiobooks through apps and various online platforms, allowing children to access thousands of titles.

5. In-School Libraries: Schools can create or expand their in-house libraries, ensuring that students have constant access to books during school hours. Some educators also encourage students to take books home by implementing flexible check-out policies.

Conclusion

Book deserts pose a significant challenge to children’s learning experiences and overall academic development. By recognizing this issue and taking proactive steps to mitigate its effects, schools play a vital role in fostering a love of reading and promoting academic success for all students. Efforts such as mobile libraries, sharing programs, community partnerships, digital access solutions, and expanding in-school libraries are just a few of the ways schools can help conquer book deserts and level the playing field for every child.

Introduction:

Phonics is the essential building block of language and literacy education. It helps young learners to develop strong reading and writing skills by understanding the relationships between sounds and letters. Students struggling with phonics may face difficulty in achieving academic success, making phonics intervention a crucial aspect of any teaching toolkit. In this article, we explore five simple yet effective intervention strategies that can help strengthen students’ phonics skills and set them on the path to becoming confident readers and writers.

1. Blending and Segmenting Games

Blending and segmenting are vital phonological skills that allow learners to understand how letters combine to form words. Teachers can facilitate this understanding with engaging game-based activities. For instance, use cards with individual letters and encourage students to blend them verbally or physically move the cards to create words. Alternatively, present a word and ask students to break it down into individual letter sounds.

2. Multisensory Teaching Techniques

Multisensory teaching techniques involve activating various senses to support learning, which caters to different learning styles and makes phonics more enjoyable. Teach letter sounds by incorporating visual (showing pictures), auditory (saying letter sounds), kinesthetic (forming letter shapes with hands), and tactile (tracing letters in sand) elements into your lessons.

3. Flashcards for Sight Words

Some high-frequency words cannot be deciphered through phonics rules, meaning they must be learned by sight. Creating flashcards with these sight words allows students to practice quick recognition outside of their regular reading sessions. Encourage repetition through regular review of the flashcards at home or in class.

4. Guided Reading With Phonetically-Decodable Texts

Ensure students have access to texts that reinforce emerging phonics skills through guided reading sessions. Utilize phonetically-decodable books that focus on letter sounds previously covered in your lessons, allowing the students to apply their new knowledge in a meaningful context. Gradually increase the complexity of the texts as students’ confidence and abilities grow.

5. Targeted Instruction for Individual Needs

Finally, it is crucial to tailor your intervention strategies to individual learners and their unique needs. Assess students’ phonics skills using diagnostic tools or informal observations to determine specific areas of difficulty. Implement targeted instruction, such as one-on-one tutoring or small group activities, that focuses on addressing these specific skill gaps.

Conclusion:

By incorporating these five simple intervention strategies into your teaching toolkit, you can help struggling readers overcome their phonics challenges and achieve success in reading and writing. Remember that consistency, patience, and encouragement are key motivators for learners as they progress on their literacy journey.

1. Title: The Man in the Red Bandanna

Author: Tom Rinaldi

2. Title: Fireboat: The Heroic Adventures of the John J. Harvey

Author: Maira Kalman

3. Title: America is Under Attack: September 11, 2001 – The Day the Towers Fell

Author: Don Brown

4. Title: The Survivor Tree: Inspired by a True Story

Author: Cheryl Somers Aubin

5. Title: 14 Cows for America

Author: Carmen Agra Deedy

6, Title: Seven and a Half Tons of Steel

Author: Janet Nolen

7. Title: Towers Falling

Author: Jewell Parker Rhodes

8. Title: The Little Chapel That Stood

Author: A.B. Curtiss

9. Title: Coming Together: A 9/11 Story of Friendship, Hope, and Resilience

Author: Ann Malaspina

10. Title: With Their Eyes – September 11th – The View from a High School at Ground Zero

Author: Annie Thoms

11. Title: A Place Called Ground Zero

Author: Bill Doyle

12. Title: Brave Dogs, Gentle Dogs – How They Guard Sheep

Author: Cat Urbigkit

13. Title: September Roses

Author; Jeanette Winter

14. Title; Always Remember

Author; Cece Meng

15. Title; Lucy’s Cave – A Story of Vicksburg, 1863

Author; Karen B.Winnick

16. Title; In That Moment – A Story of Loss, Hope, and Music

Author; Laura Winnie Feldmann

17. Title; Ground Zero Dogs – True Stories of Heroic Search and Rescue Dogs

Author; Mary Lou Lugo

18. Title; United We Stand – The Heroes of Flight 93

Author; Kevin Hirsch

19. Title; September Sky – A Poem in Remembrance of 9/11

Author; Charles Ghigna

20. Title; Messages to Ground Zero – Children Respond to September 11, 2001

Editor; Shelley Harwayne

These 20 picture books offer children age-appropriate insight and understanding of the tragic events that occurred on 9/11. Each book focuses on various aspects of the day, from heroic actions to the emotional aftermath, with an emphasis on hope and resilience. Parents and educators can utilize these books as a tool to teach children about this significant event in American history while fostering empathy and strength.

Introduction:

Monsters have captured the imaginations of children and adults alike for countless generations. These creatures offer a captivating blend of fright, wonder, and excitement that can spark a child’s creativity and encourage them to explore the world around them. Here, we’ve compiled a list of 28 inspiring and creative books about monsters for kids. From lovable creatures to those that go bump in the night, there’s something for every young reader to enjoy.

1. “Where the Wild Things Are” by Maurice Sendak

2. “The Gruffalo” by Julia Donaldson

3. “My Monster Mama Loves Me So” by Laura Leuck

4. “There’s a Monster Under My Bed” by James Howe

5. “Not Now, Bernard” by David McKee

6. “Goodnight Goon: A Petrifying Parody” by Michael Rex

7. “There’s a Nighttime Monster Outside My Window” by Bill Robinson

8. “Monster Trouble!” by Lane Fredrickson

9. “My Teacher Is A Monster! (No, I Am Not.)” by Peter Brown

10. “The Monsters’ Monster” by Patrick McDonnell

11. “The Dark” by Lemony Snicket & Jon Klassen

12. “I Need My Monster” by Amanda Noll & Howard McWilliam

13. “Dear Vampa” by Ross Collins

14. “That Monster on the Block” by Sue Ganz-Schmitt & Luke Flowers

15. “Frankenstein Makes A Sandwich” by Adam Rex

16. “Go Away, Big Green Monster!” By Ed Emberley

17. “Monsters Eat Whiny Children” by Bruce Eric Kaplan

18. “There Was an Old Monster!” By Rebecca Emberley & Adrian Emberly

19. “Creepy Pair of Underwear!” By Aaron Reynolds & Peter Brown

20. “Leonardo, the Terrible Monster” by Mo Willems

21. “The Color Monster: A Pop-Up Book of Feelings” by Anna Llenas

22. “Nighty Night, Little Green Monster” by Ed Emberley

23. “Dr. Seuss’s The Shape of Me and Other Stuff” by Dr. Seuss

24. “How to Catch a Monster” by Adam Wallace & Andy Elkerton

25. “Monster’s New Undies” by Samantha Berger & Tad Carpenter

26. “Under the Bed: A Pop-Up Monster” by Nicolas Fructus

27. “Sometimes I Feel Like a Fox” by Danielle Daniel

28. “My Best Friend Is Invisible (Goosebumps Series)” by R.L. Stine

Conclusion:

Filled with enchanting stories, whimsical illustrations, and valuable life lessons, these 28 inspiring and creative books about monsters for kids provide young readers with hours of entertainment and foster a love of reading early on in life. Whether read alone or shared during a family read-aloud, these titles are sure to become cherished additions to any child’s library and spark their own monster-filled dreams and adventures.

If you’re a fan of Ernest Cline’s bestselling novel, Ready Player One, and craving more thrilling adventures in virtual reality and gaming, then this list of 30 suspenseful books is perfect for you. These novels are packed with action, intrigue, and immersive gaming experiences that will keep you hooked from start to finish.

1. Snow Crash by Neal Stephenson

2. Neuromancer by William Gibson

3. Ender’s Game by Orson Scott Card

4. The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

5. Warcross by Marie Lu

6. Reamde by Neal Stephenson

7. Otherland Series by Tad Williams

8. Epic by Conor Kostick

9. Insignia Trilogy by S.J. Kincaid

10. The Maze Runner by James Dashner

11. Play to Live series by D. Rus

12. Redshirts by John Scalzi

13. The Eye of Minds by James Dashner

14. Sufficiently Advanced Magic by Andrew Rowe

15. Sword Art Online Series by Reki Kawahara

16. The Slime Dungeon Chronicles by Jeffrey Falcon Logue

17. Daemon by Daniel Suarez

18. Codex Alera Series by Jim Butcher

19. Divergent Series by Veronica Roth

20. Armada by Ernest Cline

21. Ready Player Two by Ernest Cline (sequel to Ready Player One)

22. Awaken Online series by Travis Bagwell

23. AlterWorld series by D.Rus

24. Cryptonomicon by Neal Stephenson

25. The Kings Avatar Series By Hu Dielan

26.The Game is Life series By Terry Schott

27. The Science of Discworld series By Terry Pratchett, Sir Ian Stewart and Jack Cohen

28.Heir Apparent By Vivian Vande Velde

29. Only You Can Save Mankind By Sir Terry Pratchett

30. Infinity Lost by S. Harrison

These 30 suspenseful books offer a range of dystopian and virtual reality settings, strong character development, and immersive storylines that evoke the excitement and adventure found in Ready Player One. Dive into these novels to get lost in captivating tales that will keep you turning the pages until the very end. Happy reading!

Introduction

Family plays a key role in our lives, providing support, love, and understanding. One of the ways to nurture the bond between family members and foster an appreciation for the diverse families around us is to introduce young readers to books that focus on familial relationships. Here, we’ve compiled a list of 28 wonderful picture books that celebrate family in all its forms.

1. “Guess How Much I Love You” by Sam McBratney

2. “The Relatives Came” by Cynthia Rylant

3. “The Family Book” by Todd Parr

4. “The Great Big Book of Families” by Mary Hoffman

5. “All Kinds of Families!” by Mary Ann Hoberman

6. “And Tango Makes Three” by Justin Richardson and Peter Parnell

7. “Daddy, Papa, and Me” by Lesléa Newman

8. “Knuffle Bunny: A Cautionary Tale” by Mo Willems

9. “Corduroy” by Don Freeman

10. “Five Minutes’ Peace” by Jill Murphy

11. “All Are Welcome” by Alexandra Penfold

12. “I Love My Hair!” by Natasha Anastasia Tarpley

13. “My Family Plays Music” by Judy Cox and Elbrite Brown

14. “Me and My Family Tree” by Joan Sweeney

15. “Who’s In My Family?: All About Our Families” by Robie H. Harris

16. “Heather Has Two Mommies” by Lesléa Newman

17. “The Keeping Quilt” by Patricia Polacco

18. “In Our Mothers’ House” by Patricia Polacco

19. “One Family” by George Shannon

20. “Daddy’s Little Girl: A Father / Daughter Keepsake Storybook” by Danielle Steel

21. “The Patchwork Path: A Quilt Map to Freedom” by Bettye Stroud

22. “When Twilight Comes: The Dancing Grandma Story” by Judy Sierra

23. “Llama Llama Red Pajama” by Anna Dewdney

24. “My Apron: A Story From My Childhood” by Eric Carle

25. “The Day I Swapped My Dad for Two Goldfish” by Neil Gaiman

26. “Everywhere Babies” by Susan Meyers

27. “Read-Aloud Family: Making Meaningful and Lasting Connections with Your Kids” by Sarah Mackenzie

28. “The Invisible String” by Patrice Karst

Conclusion

These picture books offer wonderful lessons, heartwarming stories, and beautiful illustrations that are perfect for connecting with your loved ones through shared reading experiences. By immersing young readers in these diverse and loving stories, we not only encourage an appreciation for the beauty of our own families but also foster empathy and understanding for the many forms that families can take in our ever-changing world. Happy reading!

Introduction:

Blends are the building blocks to reading, and incorporating fun blend activities into your literacy center helps children effectively develop their phonics skills. To make learning engaging and enjoyable, try these 20 fun blend activities in your classroom or at home.

1. Blend Bingo: Create bingo cards with various blends, and have students listen and recognize blends as you call them out.

2. Blends Swat: Write blends on sticky notes and stick them on a wall or whiteboard. Kids can “swat” the correct blend with a fly swatter as you say it aloud.

3. Blends Puzzles: Cut up pictures or word cards into two or three pieces that fit together to form words containing blends.

4. Flip-and-Read Blends: Make flipbooks with blends on one side and consonants on the other, allowing kids to create words using different combinations.

5. Memory Match: Create pairs of matching blend cards for students to find and match up.

6. Blend Scavenger Hunt: Hide blend flashcards around the room for students to find and read aloud.

7. Silly Sentences: Provide sentence strips and word cards with various blends so that students can create imaginative sentences.

8. Beanbag Blend Toss: Write different blends on paper plates and space them apart on the floor; have kids toss beanbags onto the blends while they say the sound it makes.

9. Blend Sound Jump Rope: While jumping rope, kids can recite blends as they jump.

10. Slap Jack-style Game: Use a set of cards featuring blends for a fun, competitive card game that highlights blend recognition.

11. Chain Link Words: Encourage students to link together word cards containing similar blends using paper clips or yarn.

12. Play-Doh Mash-up: Combine Play-Doh colors to form different blended words.

13. Blend Charades: Act out words that include blends, and let students take turns guessing the word being mimed.

14. Blend Sorting: Provide word cards and have students sort them into piles based on their blend sounds.

15. Blend Pyramids: Create pyramid-shaped game pieces with various blends and challenge students to build words by stacking them properly.

16. Blends Race: Design a racetrack with blend words in different spots; students must read each word as they move along the track.

17. Hopscotch Blends: Play traditional hopscotch, replacing the numbers with blend words.

18. Blends Fishing Game: Place magnets on blend flashcards, and attach a magnet to a toy fishing rod. Students can “fish” for blends and read them aloud once caught.

19. Blends Tree: Create a tree with branches representing different blends; students can add leaves or fruits featuring words that match the blend on each branch.

20. Mystery Box: Fill a box with objects corresponding to blend words – let kids guess the objects inside using only their sense of touch while incorporating the related blend word.

Conclusion:

With these 20 fun activities, your literacy center will be buzzing with excitement, laughter, and learning! Try these innovative ideas to enhance your students’ understanding of blends and improve their overall reading skills.

Introduction

Greek mythology has fascinated children and adults alike for centuries. The timeless stories of heroes, gods, and fantastical creatures provide a perfect way to introduce young readers to the world of mythology. To help spark their interest, we have compiled a list of 22 Greek mythology books for kids. These books cater to various age groups and reading levels, ensuring that there’s something for everyone.

1. “D’Aulaires’ Book of Greek Myths” by Ingri d’Aulaire and Edgar Parin d’Aulaire

2. “Treasury of Greek Mythology” by Donna Jo Napoli and Christina Balit

3. “The Heroes of Olympus” series by Rick Riordan

4. “Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief” by Rick Riordan

5. “Usborne Illustrated Stories from the Greek Myths” by Various Authors

6. “Mythology: Timeless Tales of Gods and Heroes” by Edith Hamilton

7. “The Iliad for Boys and Girls” by Alfred J. Church

8. “Gods and Heroes: Mythology Around the World” by Korwin Briggs

9. “The Children’s Homer: The Adventures of Odysseus and the Tale of Troy” by Padraic Colum

10. “Greek Myths and Legends” by Cheryl Evans

11. “Mythologica: An Encyclopedia of Gods, Monsters and Mortals from Ancient Greece” by Stephen P. Kershaw and Victoria Topping

12. “Classic Starts: The Odyssey” by Homer (adapted by Tania Zamorsky)

13. “Little Book of Greek Myths” by Heather Amery

14. “The Gods And Goddesses Of Olympus” By Aliki

15. “Oh My Gods!: A Look-It-Up Guide to the Gods of Mythology” By Megan E. Bryant

16. “Young Zeus” by Brian Karas

17. “Gifts from the Gods: Ancient Words & Wisdom from Greek & Roman Mythology” By Lise Lunge-Larsen

18. “Greek Myths – Stories of Sun, Stone and Sea” by Sally Pomme Clayton and Jane Ray

19. “The McElderry Book of Greek Myths” by Eric A. Kimmel and Pep Montserrat

20. “Heroes, Gods and Monsters of the Greek Myths” by Bernard Evslin

21. “The Library of Greek Mythology” by Apollodorus, translated by Robin Hard

22. “Norse Mythology: Tales of Nordic Gods, Heroes, Yggdrasil, Norse Magic &Vikings” by Carmen Astrologicus

Conclusion

Introducing kids to Greek mythology opens up a world of adventure, heroism, and imagination. The books on this list offer a diverse range of stories featuring captivating illustrations and engaging narratives to keep children immersed in the fascinating tales of ancient Greece. So, pick up one (or more) of these books and watch your child’s interest in mythology come alive!