Thursday, December 9, 2010

In Case You Missed It!

A Sputnick Moment 
for Our Schools, Our Nation, Our Children? 

 "With China’s debut in international standardized testing, students in Shanghai have surprised experts by outscoring their counterparts in dozens of other countries, in reading as well as in math and science, according to the results of a respected exam. "


“Wow, I’m kind of stunned, I’m thinking Sputnik,” said Chester E. Finn Jr., who served in President Ronald Reagan’s Department of Education, referring to the groundbreaking Soviet satellite launching. Mr. Finn, who has visited schools all across China, said, “I’ve seen how relentless the Chinese are at accomplishing goals, and if they can do this in Shanghai in 2009, they can do it in 10 cities in 2019, and in 50 cities by 2029.” 

“We have to see this as a wake-up call,” Secretary of Education Arne Duncan said in an interview on Monday.“I know skeptics will want to argue with the results, but we consider them to be accurate and reliable, and we have to see them as a challenge to get better,” he added. “The United States came in 23rd or 24th in most subjects. We can quibble, or we can face the brutal truth that we’re being out-educated.” 


"In reading, Shanghai students scored 556, ahead of second-place Korea with 539. The United States scored 500 and came in 17th, putting it on par with students in the Netherlands, Belgium, Norway, Germany, France, the United Kingdom and several other countries." from "Top Test Scores From Shanhai Stun Educators" by Sam Dillon, in The New York Times.

The last time there was an orchestrated unified, national reading advocacy and education campaign was in the late 1950's in reaction to the "Space Race." And it was a successful campaign; literacy skill levels increased as well as leisure reading. Isn't it time for everyone interested in national literacy, in promoting and developing our kids' critical and creative thinking skills, to band together for a new national national education campaign that will give all adults who live with and work for children the skills they need to promote and teach literacy skills, and teach and expand our kids' critical and creative thinking in the arts, humanities and sciences? We all need to take collective responsible for all our children's education-- parents, family members, community leaders, youth leaders, educational professionals, politicians, government, business and corporate leaders, the media-- everyone!



 

"The cause of the racial gap in student achievement has nothing to do with the children, and everything to do with the values and priorities of the society in which we live." Pedro Noguera.

Read more at: 

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/12/07/education/07education.html?pagewanted=1&ref=general&src=me 

http://www.nytimes.com/imagepages/2010/12/07/education/07education_graph.html?ref=education

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/12/09/world/europe/09education.html?ref=education

Wednesday, December 8, 2010

Celebrating the Holidays at the White House

The official Christmas tree was delivered to the North Portico of the White House in a horse-drawn carriage and presented to First Lady Michelle Obama on November 26. And on December 2 President Obama, the First Lady, and Vice President Biden hosted a Hanukkah celebration in the East Room of the White House in which the President remarked, "Let us give thanks to the blessings that all of us enjoy. Let us be mindful of those who need our prayers. And let us draw strength from the words of a great philosopher, who said that a miracle is “a confirmation of what is possible."

Learn More About American Holiday Traditions and White House History
The December holidays provide a fabulous opportunity to help young people learn about their own history and heritage, as well as the history, heritage, and traditions of others.  Following are some resources you can share with young people to engage their natural curiosity and introduce them to holiday traditions at the White House:

Watch a video of the delivery of this year's douglas fir Christmas tree from Lehighton, Pennsylvania to the White House on November 26.

Watch a video of the lighting of the menorah and the Hanukkah celebration at the White House.

Discover how the Christmas tree became a White House tradition and how farmers across America compete to grow the “Grand Champion” selected to adorn the White House each year in "Grand Champions of the White House" by guest writer Renee Critcher Lyons on OurWhiteHouse.org. Read on for an excerpt:

A tree has not always graced the White House at Christmastime. In fact, Franklin Pierce (1856), our 14th president, became the first to embrace the 500-year old tradition of bringing a tree into the home to celebrate the hope of Christmas morn. And, the practice did not become a yearly event until the 1880’s. Only one president since has frowned upon the use of an official White House Christmas tree, Teddy Roosevelt. Our 26th president (1901-1909), at a time before Christmas tree farms were prevalent, believed the harvesting of Christmas trees might deplete our national forests, and thus banned the practice from the White House.

Read about the history of the National Christmas Tree, which graces the Ellipse between the White House and the Washington Monument, in "Our National Christmas Tree" by Cheli Mennella on OurWhiteHouse.org. Here is an excerpt:

The magnificent blue spruce towers above the Ellipse, the ground between the White House and the Washington Monument. Throughout the year it is a silent reminder of yuletide pleasures and joy. Then in December the tree takes on new significance. Dressed in strands of colorful lights and trimmed with ornaments, the tree, our National Christmas Tree, becomes a beacon of beauty and brilliance.

Special Note: This year's National Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony will be held Thursday, December 9 at 5:00 PM.  Nightly musical performances will take place each weeknight between 6:00 PM and 8:30 PM and each Saturday and Sunday between 1:00 PM and 8:30 PM. Read more on the National Park Service website.

Read Newbery-medal winning author Susan Cooper's contrasting memories of the White House--one at a time of sorrow and another at a time of Christmas splendor--in "Memory of the White House" on OurWhiteHouse.org.

Discover More About the White House and American History in Our White House: Looking In, Looking Out
For even more information and stories about White House holiday traditions, the presidents and first ladies, and American history, check out a copy of Our White House: Looking In, Looking Out from your local library and share the extensive fiction and nonfiction pieces and plethora of original art illustrations with the young people in your life.  To learn more about White House holidays, you might choose to read how the American hostage crisis in 1979 affected the lighting of the national Christmas tree during President Carter’s term in office in “From Christmas in Plains: Memories” by Jimmy Carter. 

Our White House: Looking In, Looking Out is sold in hardcover and paperback at bookstores everywhere. LEARN MORE about this anthology at OurWhiteHouse.org.

Monday, December 6, 2010

In Case You Missed It!

Children's Book Champion 
Anita Silvey 
Picks Top Ten Children's Books of 2010 for The Boston Globe!
 

"Although I admired many books for young readers in 2010, these 10 exemplified “the unique factor.’’ All combine the highest standards of art and writing; when introduced by an enthusiastic adult, they connect with young readers. Children’s books that adults admire but that children also find meaningful have always been the most difficult to create. The authors and artists of these works accomplish that feat in very different and original ways." from "Top Ten Children's Books of 2010" by Anita Silvey, The Boston Globe.

For a full listing of Anita's choices, got to: http://www.boston.com/ae/books/gallery/toptenforchildren2010/

AND... 





Anita has also created a delight-filled and vital new blog of interest to parents, teachers, librarians-- everyone  who wants kids reading great books that entertain, inform, and inspire!

While you have your morning coffee, check Anita's "Children's Book-A-Day Almanac!" It will rev you up to meet your kids with enthusiasm much more than any morning caffeine! Hip- hurrah!!



Find Anita's blog at: http://childrensbookalmanac.com/




Anita Silvey is a children's literature expert and the author of 100 Best Books for Children and 500 Great Books for Teens.  Silvey has devoted 35 years to promoting books that will turn the young -- and families -- into readers. To do this she has appeared frequently on NPR, "The Today Show," "60 Minutes," and radio programs in the United States and Canada to talk about books for children and teenagers. As Publisher's Weekly has said "It would be hard to find a more authoritative voice than Anita Silvey." To find out more about Anita and her incredible body of work, go to:  http://www.anitasilvey.com

Friday, December 3, 2010

Looking for a Holiday Gift? Try Your Local Bookstore!

Tips for Finding the Perfect Gift Book

Finding the perfect book or two for the young people in your life can be a daunting experience. Bookstore shelves are overflowing with tall books and tiny books, books that tell tales of faraway princesses and books about animals both cute and exotic, even books that sing, talk, and sparkle! How does one choose?

In the article “A Holiday Gift Book Buying Guide for Your Family,” librarian Natacha Luzzi offers these tips:

  • Find out what the child or teen has read already. Ask them what authors they like to read.
  • Discover the subjects and topics that interest them.
  • Find out if they prefer fiction or nonfiction, fantasy or reality.
  • Don't be afraid to ask your neighborhood children's librarian or children's books seller for suggestions and advice.
  • Read your local newspaper's book section. Many newspapers and magazines feature book suggestions this time of year.
  • Be consumer savvy. The books with biggest marketing budgets are not necessarily the best books for you child or teen. And conversely, a book you've never heard of may contain the story that changes your child’s or teen's life. Natacha says, "Just because a book jacket may look promising does not mean the story is going to live up to it. We all fall victim at one time or another to 'judging a book by its cover.'"
  • Take into consideration the content and age recommendation. I think great care needs to be taken, especially if a young reader is at a higher reading level. Even though the child can read the material the content is not always appropriate.
  • No one is ever too old for a picture book!!
  • Consider all possibilities: great literature and fun, entertaining books. Says Natacha, "Think of books in terms of chocolate mousse and a Hershey kiss. There are moments for both!"
Read the complete article on the NCBLA website here.

Reading Rockets Buying Guide Makes Recommendations for Kids 4 Through 9
If you prefer to walk into the bookstore with a list in hand, be sure to check out Reading Rockets’ fabulous annual
Books as Gifts Buying Guide! This year’s buying guide includes a carefully selected collection of poetry, bedtime stories, biographies, tales about lizards and rabbits and horses, and much more — dozens of terrific titles.

Reading Lists for Older Kids
If you are looking for a book to treat an older child, be sure to check out the Young Adult Library Services Association's list of the 2010 Best Books for Young Adults, which includes dozens of fiction and nonfiction titles. You may also want to peruse AdLit.org's expert list of Great Books for Teens, which includes themed lists with categories such as Baseball Books, Fantasy, Multicultural Stories, Poetry, and Romance & Relationships.

One Additional Recommendation
C
onsider Our White House: Looking In, Looking Out, which was previously featured on an episode of the “Martha Stewart Show” as one of The New York Times “Eight Great Books for the Holidays!”
 
This award-winning anthology includes original poetry, historical fiction, nonfiction, and primary source materials about American history using the White House as a unifying theme. It's a perfect book for kids of all ages, families, teachers, classrooms--anyone who loves art and history and literature! 

Pulitzer Prize-winning historian David McCullough introduces this creative tour de force, in which 108 renowned authors and illustrators have donated their poetry, prose, and art to help advance the cause of young people’s literacy and historical literacy. The illustrations, essays, short stories, presidential letters, personal reflections, and historical accounts in Our White House inform and entertain, offering a window on more than 200 years of American history.

Our White House is now available in a paperback edition and includes a NEW poem by Nikki Grimes and coordinating illustration by A. G. Ford about President Obama's inauguration.  Look for the hardcover and paperback editions at a bookstore new you!

Monday, November 29, 2010

Fill Holiday Vacations with Family Field Trips

Art Exhibits Feature Picture Book Art at Museums Across the Country
The enchanting illustrations of a picture book are often a child’s very first glimpse into the art world. If you are traveling or taking time off to spend time with the young people in your life this holiday season, why not expand your child's world by sharing the magic of picture books, illustrated texts, and other works of art at traveling and ongoing exhibits in museums across the country.

At the Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art in Amherst, Massachusetts
Monsters and Miracles: A Journey through Jewish Picture Books
Through January 23, 2011
A collaboration with the Skirball Cultural Center in Los Angeles and the Yiddish Book Center, this ambitious exhibition showcases more than 100 illustrations and texts from time-honored classics and popular favorites, from the sixteenth century to the present.

Eric Carle: A Feast for the Eyes
Through March 20, 2011
Join us for a smorgasbord of picture book art that explores the unique role food plays throughout children’s literature. In collaboration with Museums 10 joint venture, A Table for Ten, The Carle brings you this recipe for good eating.

At the Morgan Library and Museum in New York City
November 30 through January 9, 2011
Greeted with universal acclaim at the time of publication, A Christmas Carol might rightfully be called an "instant masterpiece." When the manuscript was returned after printing, Dickens arranged for it to be finely bound in red morocco leather and presented it as a gift to his solicitor. It was purchased by Pierpont Morgan in the 1890s. The original manuscript by Dickens is on view in a special presentation in the museum's newly restored McKim Building.

At the African Art Museum in Washington, D.C.
Works of Art by Haitian Children After the Earthquake
Through January 16, 2011
Soon after the devastating January 12, 2010, earthquake, First Lady of Haiti Elisabeth D. Preval called on Haitian artist Philippe Dodard and his fellow artists, as well as psychologists, educators, and politicians, to create a safe place for children to express their feelings through art. Featured are nearly 100 paintings and drawings created by Haiti's young people at Plas Timoun (The Children's Place), arts centers housed in converted buses at two locations in Port-au-Prince.

At the National Center for Children's Illustrated Literature in Abilene, Texas
Through January 29, 2011
Caldecott Medalist Brian Selznick studied illustration at the Rhode Island School of Design, and while in school, he resisted the suggestions of many who thought he should write and illustrate children’s books. However, after completing undergraduate study and taking time to travel and explore, he knew that he wanted to create children’s books. Selznick received a 2002 Caldecott Honor for The Dinosaurs of Waterhouse Hawkins, written by Barbara Kerley. He won the 2008 Caldecott Medal for his innovative, cinematic The Invention of Hugo Cabret

At the Brandywine River Museum in Chadds Ford, Pennsylvania
The N.C. Wyeth Gallery features approximately 40 paintings and illustrations by N.C. Wyeth, including works for Treasure Island, Kidnapped, and The Last of the Mohicans.

Every Picture Tells a Story in Santa Monica, California
Every Picture Tells a Story is a gallery dedicated to the art of illustration and children's literature, a place where the original works from books are recognized as fine art and where one can appreciate a finished book as a work of art in itself. There's something for everyone: children's book art, fantasy art, cartoon art and editorial cartoons.

For even more suggestions of art museums with kid-friendly exhibits and events, read the NCBLA's article "A Literacy Field Trip" and check out Parents Magazine "Top Ten Best Art Museums for Kids."

Tuesday, November 23, 2010

Read About Eleanor Roosevelts's White House Kitchen at WWW.OURWHITEHOUSE.ORG and in this week's New Yorker

Cooking in the White House Kitchen 

Thanksgiving week is filled with food talk. Use that interest in food and kitchens as a segue to introducing your kids toWhite House history. Read Laura Shapiro's fascinating article about Eleanor Roosevelt's food philosophy in this week's New Yorker and also read A Taste of the Past: White House Kitchens, Menus, and Recipes by Mary Brigid Barrett on the companion education website, Our White House: Looking In, Looking Out   www.ourwhitehouse.org --- and informally share the information you find with the young people in your house and classroom. You might like to try out one of the many White House recipes as part of your Thanksgiving feast this year! (The painting at right was done by Irish artist P. J. Lynch to illustrate Patricia MacLachlan's charming short story "Hands," featured in the award winning NCBLA anthology, Our White House: Looking In, Looking Out, now out in paperback!






All proceeds from Our White House: Looking In, Looking Out go to supporting the work and projects of the National Children's Book and Literacy Alliance, a not-for-profit nonpartisan organizations that believes universal literacy is essential to keeping a democracy healthy and thriving.



 


Wednesday, November 17, 2010

November Is National Literacy Month

Literacy Resources and Activities from the NCBLA and Beyond!

A great place to start looking for literacy resources is your local library. Almost every public library sponsors special programs, reading contests, book clubs, and family events to help make family reading and learning a life-long pleasure. Librarians are also a rich resource. They can suggest books and offer expert advice to parents, guardians, and other adults looking to create life-long readers. 

 Resources                                                                                         
Read  "Parent Tips for Encouraging Reading and Literacy Development.
  
Read and think about "Why Kids Need Books." 
  
Learn how you can tackle censorship in your community in the "NCBLA's Young People's Right to Read."  
  
Check out the vast literacy resources available at ReadingRockets.org and AdLit.org. You won't want to miss "Helping Struggling Readers" and "For Middle Schoolers: Activities to Build College-Level Reading Skills."

Discover tips and articles about motivating kids to read on RIF.org.


 Activities to Share                                                                             
Take turns reading each episode of The Exquisite Corpse Adventure on Read.Gov, and check out the coordinating education materials.

Learn about and play a progressive story game!

For another digital reading adventure, share the electronic pages of some fabulous Classic Books on Read.Gov, such as The Story of the Three Little Pigs, The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, and The Secret Garden, all of which feature the complete texts and illustrations of the originals.

Before you head to the theatre to watch another book transformed to the silver screen, read "Books to Movies: A Literacy Link" for tips on connecting the two media and enhancing the reading experience.

Go to the library  for "An Affordable Family Night Out." For book suggestions, check out the NCBLA's reading lists in "The Parent and Guardian Handbook."

Monday, November 8, 2010

White House on the Waterfront Event THIS Weekend, Nov. 13-14

 National Children's Museum
to Celebrate Children's Literature at

White House on the Waterfront Event
November 13-14
Advance Registration Is Required!
                 
The National Children's Museum will host A Celebration of Children's Literature: The White House on the Waterfront at the Launch Zone to promote literacy and education among children and families in the Washington, DC region. During this weekend-long event, children’s book authors will present readings from the anthology Our White House: Looking In, Looking Out and facilitate discussion and activities related to our government and the White House, past and present.

NCM is pleased to welcome three Our White House: Looking In, Looking Out contributors and National Children’s Book and Literacy Alliance (NCBLA) board members:

Steven Kellogg, Regina Medal recipient, author, and illustrator of over 100 children’s books.

Katherine Paterson, National Ambassador for Young People's Literature and Newbery Medal award winner for Bridge to Terabithia and Jacob Have I Loved.

Patricia MacLachlan, Newbery Medal award winner for Sarah, Plain and Tall.

Participating authors will engage families with an interactive discussion, a questions and answer session, and a book signing. The Launch Zone will further involve children by offering a make-and-take craft.

Paperback copies of Our White House: Looking In, Looking Out will be available for sale both days of the event. Hooray for Books (Alexandria, Va.) will facilitate book sales. NCM will also offer its Family Literacy Projects on a Budget® Trainers’ Toolkit for sale. This NCM publication provides educators, family childcare providers, and parents with affordable and creative techniques to engage adults and children in conversation and learning using children’s literature.

Advance registration is required. Families must register for individual authors’ sessions online through the Launch Zone online events calendar. More details and a full schedule of each author’s activities can be found  at www.ncm.museum/launch_zone/events. The White House on the Waterfront is free to attend and most appropriate for ages 6 to 12.

When?
Saturday, November 13
11 a.m. – 1 p.m. Steven Kellogg
2:30 – 4:30 p.m. Katherine Paterson
Sunday, November 14
1 – 3 p.m. Patricia MacLachlan

Where?
The NCM Launch Zone
112 Waterfront St.
National Harbor, MD 20745 

Wednesday, November 3, 2010

OurWhiteHouse.org Updated with NEW Web Exclusive Articles


Our White House Educational Website: Now Even Better! 

As an Internet companion to the award-winning anthology Our White House: Looking In, Looking Out, the NCBLA's educational website OurWhiteHouse.org seeks to provide informative and exclusive articles that expand the rich content of the book. Also included on OurWhiteHouse.org are activities for the home and classroom, research resources, and discussion questions to help parents, teachers, and librarians excite and engage young people about American history, politics, and civic life.

Four New Articles Added!
The NCBLA is thrilled to announce the publication of the following four new articles on OurWhiteHouse.org. Each article comes complete with activities, discussion questions, and suggestions for further reading.

Presidents Are People Too!
In this article written for young people in grades 4 through 6, writer Heather Lang provides descriptive anecdotes of the quirks and flaws of many of America's presidents, providing crisp snapshots of our chief executives' humanity. Discover what you and the young people in your life might have in common with our presidents!

Lions and Tigers and Bears, Oh My!
Wild Animals at the White House

The White House isn’t just the home of our president and his family. Going all the way back to George Washington, the White House has been the home for many animals too. Guest writer Heather Lang invites you to read about some of our presidents' favorite pets, as well as a few that "earned their keep."

Discover how the Christmas tree became a White House tradition and how farmers across America compete to grow the “Grand Champion” selected to adorn the White House each year in this informative article by guest writer Renee’ Critcher Lyons.
Written by staff writer Helen Kampion, this comprehensive classroom kit provides everything teachers, librarians, and parents need to discuss and help young people learn about the steps involved in becoming an American citizen---from the application process to the test and Oath of Allegiance ceremony. The classroom kit also includes several classroom activities, two sample citizenship tests (with answer keys), the complete text of the Oath of Allegiance, and resources for additional information.

What Other Resources Are Available on OurWhiteHouse.org?
You won't want to miss the American history resource and literacy center, a guide to presidential field trip destinations, an extensive young people’s bibliography, and information and resources dedicated to civic education. This substantive educational website has been named one of the American Library Association's Great Web Sites for Kids.

Our White House Now Available in Paperback
Our White House: Looking In, Looking Out---an outstanding collection of essays, personal accounts, historical fiction, poetry, and a stunning array of original art---is now available in paperback at a teacher and family friendly price. This new edition features a NEW poem by Nikki Grimes about President Obama's Inauguration, as well as a coordinating illustration by A. G. Ford.

Our White House: Looking In, Looking Out continues to be sold in hardcover and is also available in libraries across the country.

Sunday, October 31, 2010

ELECTION 2010!

Vote for 
Our Children 
and Their Future!


This Tuesday, November 2, 
Show Your Kids by Example 
How a Democracy Works.

Take Your Kids and Teens With Your When Your Vote Tuesday!


  • Be informed.
  • Take Your Kids and Teens With You When You Vote.
  • Let Your Kids Know That Every Vote Counts.
  • Teach Them How to Participate in Our Democracy by Being a Role Model!


Find More Information for Kids about Elections and 
Civic Engagement 
at the NCBLA's 
Our White House.org Website! 

 

Monday, October 25, 2010

Watch the Exquisite Corpse Adventure Readers' Theatre Video

Now LIVE on LOC.Gov!
Video of The Exquisite Corpse Adventure 
Readers Theatre Presentation

At this year's National Book Festival held on the Mall in Washington D.C., five members of The Exquisite Corpse Adventure's exceptionally talented crew of authors and illustrators joined NCBLA President and Executive Director Mary Brigid Barrett for a dramatic Readers' Theatre production of the final episode of The Exquisite Corpse Adventure. Written and directed by our National Ambassador for Young People's Literature, Katherine Paterson, the production featured the dramatic personalities of:

M. T. Anderson
Timothy Basil Ering
Linda Sue Park
Katherine Paterson


What Is The Exquisite Corpse Adventure?
The Exquisite Corpse Adventure is a national reading and writing outreach project created by the NCBLA and the Library of Congress.  The Exquisite Corpse Adventure is a progressive story game just like the one many families play on road trips, at camps, at parties, at home when there is a power outage. It is a game where one person begins a story, stops at a cliffhanging moment, and the next person picks it up, continuing on until everyone in the group has the opportunity to contribute. And just like in those games, in The Exquisite Corpse, characters spontaneously erupt out of our authors’ imaginations; plots lines tumble forth, some realized, some lost; and we are often poised at the edge of a cliff with no logical solution in sight!
All 27 episodes are available free on Read.Gov!
Read it now!
Coordinating Educational Materials Available 
Teachers, librarians, parents, and guardians, discover the coordinating educational enrichment activities on the NCBLA Educational Resource Center for annotated booklists, classroom activities, art appreciation activities, discussion questions, and more!
Just for fun! Here are a few episode teasers for Exquisite Corpse novices:
Episode 1: Will our heroes Nancy and Joe prevent a deadly explosion?
Episode 2: Will Nancy and Joe find the lost clue?
Episode 3: Can the twins outwit a narcoleptic clown?
Episode 4: Can a roller-skating baby help our heroes find their parents?
Episode 5: What intimate secrets are revealed to Nancy and Joe?
Episode 6: Can a talking pig explain everything before Boppo wakes up?
Episode 7: Will Nancy, Joe, Genius Kelly, and Baby Max escape death?
Episode 8: What does the misfortune teller learn from her crystal ball?
Episode 9: What vital clue is illuminated when lightning strikes? 
Episode 10: Can the twins solve the riddle posed by the disembodied voice?
Episode 11: What challenge awaits Joe in the bottom of the sea?
Episode 12: Will the twins solve the mystery of the Cradle of Time?
Episode 13: What mysterious object is discovered in Joe and Nancy’s past?
Episode 14: Can Nancy and Joe escape the Monster Wolf’s jaws?
Episode 15: Will the twins ignore their hunger to search for Roberta’s parts?
Episode 16: Do Boppo’s meatballs poison Nancy?
Episode 17: How do Roberta’s new brain and heart transform her?    
Episode 18: What do our heroes learn by eavesdropping on the aliens?
Episode 19: Can Nancy keep Monster Wolf from ripping Roberta into pieces?
Episode 20: Will an elephant, pig, and misfortune teller stall an alien attack?
Episode 21: When will our famished heroes finally get something to eat?!
Episode 22: Will Pirandello’s life be transformed by a bag of gummy bears?
Episode 23: Can the twins find Roberta’s head before all her circuits blow?
Episode 24: What do the twins discover in a store in the woods?
Episode 25: Will Joe and Nancy save themselves . . . or their parents?
Episode 26: Will the Sloppy family ever be reunited?
Episode 27: Will the Sick and Tired Circus combust in a train crash?  

Sunday, October 17, 2010

White House on the Waterfront Event to Feature Steven Kellogg, Patricia MacLachlan, and Katherine Paterson

National Children's Museum to Celebrate Children's Literature with The White House on the Waterfront Event
                 
The National Children's Museum will host A Celebration of Children's Literature: The White House on the Waterfront at the Launch Zone to promote literacy and education among children and families in the Washington, DC region. During this weekend-long event, children’s book authors will present readings from the anthology Our White House: Looking In, Looking Out and facilitate discussion and activities related to our government and the White House, past and present.

NCM is pleased to welcome three Our White House: Looking In, Looking Out contributors and National Children’s Book and Literacy Alliance (NCBLA) board members:

Steven Kellogg, Regina Medal recipient, author, and illustrator of over 100 children’s books.

Katherine Paterson, National Ambassador for Young People's Literature and Newbery Medal award winner for Bridge to Terabithia and Jacob Have I Loved.

Patricia MacLachlan, Newbery Medal award winner for Sarah, Plain and Tall.

Participating authors will engage families with an interactive discussion, a Q&A session, and a book signing. The Launch Zone will further involve children by offering a make-and-take craft.

Paperback copies of Our White House: Looking In, Looking Out will be available for sale both days of the event. Hooray for Books (Alexandria, Va.) will facilitate book sales. NCM will also offer its Family Literacy Projects on a Budget® Trainers’ Toolkit for sale. This NCM publication provides educators, family childcare providers, and parents with affordable and creative techniques to engage adults and children in conversation and learning using children’s literature.

Advance registration is required. Families must register for individual authors’ sessions online through the Launch Zone online events calendar. More details and a full schedule of each author’s activities can be found  at www.ncm.museum/launch_zone/events. The White House on the Waterfront is free to attend and most appropriate for ages 6 to 12.

When?
Saturday, November 13
11 a.m. – 1 p.m. Steven Kellogg
2:30 – 4:30 p.m. Katherine Paterson

Sunday, November 14
1 – 3 p.m. Patricia MacLachlan

Where?
The NCM Launch Zone
112 Waterfront St.
National Harbor, MD 20745 

Tuesday, October 12, 2010

Family Historical Literacy Field Trip!


Visit the Homes of Two Presidents!
Founding Father John Adams 
and his son 
John Quincy Adams in Quincy, Massachusetts!


Adams National Historical Park tells the story of four generations of the Adams family (from 1720 to 1927). The park has two main sites: the Birthplaces of 2nd U.S. President John Adams and 6th U.S. President John Quincy Adams, and Peacefield including the “Old House,” home to four generations of the Adams family, and the Stone Library which contains more than 14,000 historic volumes. 

Taking your kids to a presidential birthplace, home, library, or museum will make history real and tangible.  In the home of presidents John Adams and his son, President John Quincy Adams, your hands and your children's hands will run along the same banister that both presidents and their wives, General LaFayette, George Washington, John Hancock-- and all who came to visit the Adams family in Massachusetts--grasped as they walked up the steps to their bedrooms and President Adams' study.  They will hear the the same tick-tock of the grandfather clock that Abigail Adams listened to waiting for her husband to return home from his many journeys serving the new nation.  They will smell the same lilac and rose bushes that Abigail planted in her garden and walk the same garden paths that the presidents walked.  They will begin to understand that our nations leaders were real, imperfect, totally  human beings who believed in the values of democracy and public service. And they may be inspired to give service to their country themselves.

The National Children's Book and Literacy Alliance believes there is a direct growing link between literacy, historical literacy,  and civic engagement. Acting on that belief, in partnership with 108 award-winning young people's book authors and illustrators, the NCBLA has created an multiple award winning book, Our White House: Looking In, Looking Out (now in a new family affordable paperback edition) that promotes historical literacy.  This amazing anthology of American and presidential history is full of stunning art, poetry, nonfiction, historical fiction, and historical primary source information. We have created Our White House for adults to share with the young people in their lives-- truly a book for the whole family. And all proceeds from the book go toward future NCBLA programs and projects. 

The NCBLA has also created,with a grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities, a companion educational website for Our White House-www.ourwhitehouse.org -- where you will find a plethora of vital information that will help you plan a family outing to a presidential historical site, including the White House!

If you would like to plan a presidetial family field trip but do not know what presidetial historical site is closest to you, you can discover those great places near your home state at:

To prepare your kids for the field, check out our guide to taking your family on a historical field trip at: http://www.ourwhitehouse.org/fieldguidefam.html

and discover other helpful parent resources, including president and first lady facts, important web links, and great suggestions for family reading  at: 

If you would like to take your kids to the White House, go here to find the information you will need to plan your trip:  http://www.ourwhitehouse.org/fieldguidewhouse.html

And the get a copy of Our White House: Looking In, Looking Out at your favorite bookstore or neighborhood library and read about your favorite president before you and your family embark on a visit to a presidential historical site!

Find all the information you need to visit the Adams National Presidential Park at: