The Citizen Writer Challenge is ON!

New Writing Contest Emphasizes Civics, Citizenship, and Communities

Reading Rockets and AdLit.org are back with a new writing contest! Citizen Writer offers great writing prompts with connections to civics, citizenship, and our communities.  

This year's contest challenges students to think and learn more about America's people, places, and ideals as they write. To inspire maximum creativity, four very different kinds of writing prompts are being offered, each designed to match students' interests and stretch their creative skills. For kids who enjoy visualizing their ideas, the mapmaking challenge could be a perfect fit; or, if you have students gifted in music and poetry, they might want to try the songwriting and verse challenge. As always, each prompt includes links to helpful background resources.

There are four grade levels for entries:

Level I: K-grade 2

Level II: grades 3-5

Level III: grades 6-8

Level IV: grades 9-12

Prize winners will have their work published on ReadingRockets.org and AdLit.org and will receive a gift basket of age-appropriate books and a personalized certificate.

All contest entries must be received by April 30, 2011.

Begin Your Research with Our White House!
To get your young writers in the spirit for the contest, be sure to check out the excellent resources on civic education at OurWhiteHouse.org. This educational website is a companion to the remarkable book Our White House: Looking In, Looking Out, created by the National Children's Book and Literacy Alliance and published by Candlewick Press. 

Our White House is designed to encourage young people to read more about America’s rich history and culture; to think more about America’s future; to talk more about our nation’s leadership; and to act on their own beliefs and convictions, ensuring this great democratic experiment will survive and thrive. 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 available in both hardcover and paperback. The new paperback edition features a NEW poem by Nikki Grimes about President Obama’s inauguration!

Celebrate World Read Aloud Day March 9th

Share the Power of Words and Stories on World Read Aloud Day,
March 9, 2011

Nearly 1 billion people entered the 21st century unable to read a book or sign their name. What would you miss most if you could not read or write? Imagine your world without words.

To address the challenge of global illiteracy, the nonprofit literacy organization LitWorld invites people around the world to participate in World Read Aloud Day by reading aloud with loved ones and friends. For a list of reading activities, check out LitWorld's Activities for Children and Teens, which include poem and book activities for all age ranges.

World Read Aloud Day celebrates the power of words, especially those words that are shared from one person to another. The goal is to create a community of readers advocating for every child’s right to a safe education and access to books and technology. A highlight of LitWorld's World Read Aloud Day is a 24-hour read-aloud marathon in Times Square.

The National Children's Book and Literacy Alliance believes that every person has the right to read. In a free society, this includes the right to choose what one shall read. Learn more and discover additional resources and related links on our Right to Read page.

Conference for Teachers and Librarians to be Held at JFK Library

Crossing Borders Through Literature, Poetry, and Personal Stories Conference to be Held April 7, 2011

Crossing Borders is a conference for classroom teachers, grades 3-8, and school librarians, to be held April 8 at the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum in Boston.

President Kennedy’s stirring call to service at his inauguration and his launch of the Peace Corps shortly thereafter inspired a new sense of global citizenship on the part of many Americans, especially young people. As we mark the 50th anniversary of the Peace Corps in 2011, this conference focuses on how to connect today’s students with the world beyond our borders. 

Guest speakers include award-winning authors Alma Flor Ada, Naomi Shihab Nye, Linda Sue Park and James Rumford. Also featured on the program are educators from the Peace Corps’ World Wise Schools program, which provides a treasure trove of free classroom resources to help students learn about the people, geography and cultures of countries around the globe through the stories and experiences of Peace Corps volunteers. 

This conference is presented in cooperation with the John F. Kennedy National Historic Site.

Click the link below for more information:

www.jfklibrary.org/Education/Teachers/Professional-Development.aspx

Note: The deadline for conference registration has been extended to March 21.

Activist Alert!

National Survey Finds 69 Percent of Voters Oppose Congressional Elimination of Government Funding for Public Broadcasting

 

Americans across the political spectrum see PBS and Public Television stations as highly trusted and an excellent taxpayer value.

A national survey undertaken by the bipartisan polling firms of Hart Research and American Viewpoint indicates overwhelming public opposition (69% to 27%) to proposals to eliminate government funding of public broadcasting, with voters across the political spectrum opposed to such a cut, including 83% of Democrats, 69% of Independents, and 56% of Republicans. More than two-thirds (68%) of voters say that Congressional budget cutters should “find other places in the budget to save money.”

Read more about the survey results.

PBS Children's Programming Needs Your Support!

Take Action NOW!

 

The House recently passed a Continuing Resolution (H.R. 1), which eliminated federal funding for public broadcasting. Please contact your senators NOW and ask them to save federal funding for public broadcasting. 

 

Contacting your Congressmen and senators is easy!  Click here for a congressional directory that enables you to quickly find the congressmen and senators for your state and district. This page provides a direct email form, as well as phone and fax numbers. Please write, email, call, or fax your message today and let our leaders know the exceptional value of PBS programming for our nation's children. 

 

Learn more about how you can make your voice heard at  170 Million Americans for Public Broadcasting.

Let's Read America!

It's Read Across America Day!

In honor of Dr. Seuss' birthday, take a moment to pick up a book and share a story with the young people in your life! Why not make a trip to your local library, where you can check out books by Dr. Seuss and a treasure trove of other great authors for kids?

Parents and guardians, be sure to take a look at Reading Rockets' new printable  family literacy bag, which features Dr. Seuss' book The Lorax and Gail Gibbons' Tell Me, Tree. 

The Lorax tells the story of how the greedy Oncle-ler hacks down Truffula trees in order to make Thneeds, a rather frivolous item that he believes everyone needs. The Lorax disagrees and tries to reason with the Once-ler to get him to see the consequences of his actions on the environment, but is ignored and the Lorax himself must flee when all is destroyed. In Tell Me, Tree, we learn how to identify different kinds of trees as well as the parts of a tree, inside and out. The book also discusses the important roles trees play in our lives.

Also, you won't want to miss the extensive literacy articles and reading lists available on the website of the National Children's Book and Literacy Alliance. In this gold mine of resources are the Parent and Guardian Handbook, Teacher Handbook, and Mentor Handbook, which include ideas, suggestions, and activities for parents, guardians, teachers, and other adults who lives and work with young people to help children become lifelong readers and writers. Be sure to read "Parent and Guardian Literacy Basics," "Teachers! Set the Stage for Great Writing," and "Attention Coaches, Youth Conselors, and Mentors: Great Ideas Connecting Kids to Books."

The NEA's Read Across America Is Wednesday, March 2

On March 2, the National Education Association calls for every child to be reading in the company of a caring adult.

Grab Your Hat and Read with the Cat!
It's that time of year again, time to gear up for NEA's Read Across America Day and Dr. Seuss's birthday on March 2. Across the country, thousands of schools, libraries,  community centers, and families participate by celebrating the joys of reading with young people of all ages!

 All adults who live and work with children will want to take a look at the Random House Read Across America resources page featuring a teacher's guide, activities, games, and so much more. Head to Seussville for a Seussational reading adventure! 

 

Dr. Seuss Literacy Materials on ReadingRockets.org

Be sure to check out the extensive Read Across America resources available at ReadingRockets.org. Here you will find a video interview with Mrs. Seuss, e-cards and bookmarks, resources for reading Seuss at home, plus resources for teaching Seuss in the classroom!

Beyond Green Eggs and Ham: Reading Tips and Resources Created by the NCBLA
You won't want to miss the extensive literacy articles and reading lists available on the website of the National Children's Book and Literacy Alliance. In this treasure trove are the Parent and Guardian Handbook, Teacher Handbook, and Mentor Handbook, which include ideas, suggestions, and activities for parents, guardians, teachers, and other adults who lives and work with young people to help children become lifelong readers and writers. Be sure to read "Parent and Guardian Literacy Basics," "Teachers! Set the Stage for Great Writing," and "Attention Coaches, Youth Conselors, and Mentors: Great Ideas Connecting Kids to Books."

Reading Resources in Parenting Magazine
The March issue of Parenting Magazine features a spotlight on NEA's Read Across America and provides a host of reading resources for parents, including The Guide to Raising an Early Reader; The Best Books to Read with Your Kids; 5 Easy Ways to Make Reading Fun; 12 Reading Activities That Really Work, and The Best Books to Pass On to Your Kids. For new parents, Parenting offers tips on building your baby's first library, and books for preschoolers.

Happy Presidents' Day!

Use Today's Holiday to Learn More About Our Presidents 

Read, Research, Question, Learn!
Rich resources abound to help you share information about America's presidents with the young people in your life. Delve deeper into America's past in the NCBLA's art and literature anthology Our White House: Looking In, Looking Out. 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 available in both hardcover and paperback. The new paperback edition features a NEW poem by Nikki Grimes about President Obama’s inauguration!
 

Free Resources in OurWhiteHouse.org!

The companion educational website to Our White House (OurWhiteHouse.org) hosts a vast array of resources to make learning more about our presidents and history fun. Here are just a few:

"The Eloquence of Silent Cal," a profile of President Calvin Coolidge by Katherine Paterson.

"Presidential Menageries: George Washington, Hound Dogs, and Super Mules," a history of our first president's passion for animals by Mary Brigid Barrett.

"Presidents, the President’s House, and More: A Select List of Books (and a Few Web Sources) for Children and Young Adults," an extensive list of book and website recommendations by children's literature expert Maria Salvadore.

"Presidents Are People Too!" and "Lions and Tigers and Bears, Oh My" both by Heather Lang. 

"A Taste of the Past: White House Kitchens, Menus, and Recipes," a look at White House kitchens and menus by Mary Brigid Barrett.

"The Oval Office: The World's Most Famous Office" by Geri Zabela Eddins.

Additional Online Resources!
Keep in touch with the Obama presidency at WhiteHouse.org

Read about the meaning of Presidents' Day on Wonderopolis.org. 

Check out the vast resources available on the Smithsonian's History Explorer website! Featured today is the history of George Washington's uniform. 

Review classroom activities and resources in "Great Presidents" on Thinkfinity.org.

Activist Alert!

PBS Children's Programming Needs Your Support in Congress!!!!!!

Write, email, fax, and call Congress today and let them know you want funding for PBS's outstanding educational programming for children!

Tell Congress that you cherish not only the quality educational programming that PBS provides to all of our children, free, but that you also want continuing access to the online parent and teacher educational support materials that PBS makes available, so that you can enrich your child's experience at home and in classrooms!

Take action now!

Go to: 

http://www.170millionamericans.org/

and find out what you can do to support PBS's outstanding TV and online educational programming for children!

Celebrate Presidents’ Day Throughout February

Libraries, Websites, and Books Offer Fun Learning Opportunities During Presidents' Month

Presidents’ Day is February 21. How can we share stories of the American presidency with our children?  Check out the following resources for multiple ideas to help you and the young people in your life take a closer look at all our presidents. 

Visit a Presidential Historic Site or Library
More than twenty states boast presidential birthplaces, historic homes, libraries, and museums. The NCBLA's educational website ourwhitehouse.org offers a comprehensive guide to finding these fabulous places, listed by state in "Field Trip Guide! Presidential Birthplaces, Houses, and Libraries."

Check Out Special Activities at Local Museums
Many presidential libraries and museums are offering child-friendly and family-oriented activities to commemorate Presidents’ Day. The John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum in Boston is hosting a week-long celebration beginning Thursday, February 19, which will include "You Be the President" interactive activity, a live webcast of "The Presidency of JFK: A 50-Year Retrospective," "Tales from African Traditions," and other events. Click here to view the complete calendar.

Read, Research, Question, Learn!
Delve deeper into America's past in the NCBLA's art and literature anthology Our White House: Looking In, Looking Out, available at bookstores and libraries near you!

Check out children's literature expert Maria Salvadore’s extensive list of book and website recommendations online in "Presidents, the President’s House, and More: A Select List of Books (and a Few Web Sources) for Children and Young Adults."

Discover what you might have in common with American presidents and what unusual critters have resided in the White House with them in "Presidents Are People Too!" and "Lions and Tigers and Bears, Oh My" both by Heather Lang. 

Review classroom activities and resources in "Great Presidents" on Thinkfinity.org.

Play a Game of Presidential Trivia!
Do you know which president was the first to live in the White House? (Hint: It wasn’t George Washington!) Do you know which president served the shortest term? (Hint: He was president for 31 days in 1841.) Do you know which presidents have been awarded the Nobel Peace Prize?
 
Make up your own presidential trivia game by digging into amazing Presidential Facts. Find the answers to these questions and make up even more questions using the essays about presidential job requirements, campaigns, and PETS—all on the NCBLA's educational website ourwhitehouse.org!

In Case You Missed It!

NYT Commentary Traces History of Thought Regarding Extinction

"Species die. It has become a catastrophic fact of modern life. On our present course, by E.O. Wilson’s estimate, half of all plant and animal species could be extinct by 2100 — that is, within the lifetime of a child born today. Kenya stands to lose its lions within 20 years. India is finishing off its tigers. Deforestation everywhere means that thousands of species too small or obscure to be kept on life support in a zoo simply vanish each year."

So writes Richard Conniff, nature writer and author of The Species Seekers: Heroes, Fools, and the Mad Pursuit of Life on Earth, in the recent article "Lost and Gone Forever" in the New York Times. 

With global warming and other devastating environmental trends making headlines on a daily basis, consider sharing this article with the young people in their lives. Discuss it. Engage them in a conversation. Scientific topics like evolution and extinction touch a broad spectrum of disciplines--religion, philosophy, history, politics, art. Ask young people questions:  Why might we be looking at an earth with no lions and no polar bears? Can kids imagine a time when the concept of extinction was "unthinkable?" Do kids consider evolution and extinction to be controversial or sound scientific concepts? How do kids think extinction affects them now and in the future? What does extinction have to do with religion? Why are--or why aren't--politicians interested in environmental issues? What other scientific concepts are currently deemed controversial? How can literary works (such as Tennyson's quoted poem) help us understand the concepts and consequences of  evolution and extinction?

Help Young People Dig Deeper!

Conniff notes in the article, "Ben Franklin, Thomas Jefferson and George Washington puzzled over [unusually large] teeth when they turned up again in the Hudson and Ohio River valleys."

Children's book author Barbara Kerley tells the story of Thomas Jefferson's passionate interest in fossils in "Jefferson's Monstrous Bones," an article in the art and literature anthology Our White House: Looking In, Looking Out. The article begins, "When Thomas Jefferson rode into Philadelphia in March 1797 to be sworn in as vice president, he hauled a strange load in his wagon. Bones. Monstrous bones." 

 

Be sure to read the entire article in Our White House: Looking In, Looking Out. And be sure to check out artist Brian Selznick's accompanying, "Bones on the Floor," pictured above.

 

Our White House is a project of The National Children's Book and Literacy Alliance designed to encourage young people to read more about America’s rich history and culture; to think more about America’s future; to talk more about our nation’s leadership; and to act on their own beliefs and convictions, ensuring this great democratic experiment will survive and thrive. 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 available in both hardcover and paperback. The new paperback edition features a NEW poem by Nikki Grimes about President Obama’s inauguration!

Helping Young People Understand Contemporary Events in Egypt

Book Recommendations for Kids About Contemporary Egypt

Topping our daily news cycle are reports of the protests and unrest in Egypt. How can you help the young people in your life make sense of what is happening and dig deeper into Egyptian life and culture? Although books about ancient Egypt abound, books about contemporary Egypt are more difficult to find. Here are a few recommendations from the NCBLA's children's literature expert Barbara Scotto:

The Day of Ahmed's Secret
This picture book was written by Florence Parry Heide and Judith Heide Gilliland and illustrated by Ted Lewin. Kirkus Reviews writes about this book, "As Ahmed delivers bottles of propane gas, he treasures a special secret he can't wait to share with his family. 'Skillfully, the authors use the secret to sustain suspense...and to highlight the significance of Ahmed's poignant joy in his accomplishment....A handsome, affectionate book.'" Published by HarperCollins in 1995.

Grandma Hekmatt Remembers: An Arab-American Family Story

Written by Ann Morris, with photographs and illustrations by Peter Linenthal, this book was published by Millbrook in 2003. Set in the United States, the grandmother, who grew up in Egypt, shares traditional activities with her grandchildren and tells them about growing up in Egypt.

We're Sailing Down the Nile

Written by Laurie Krebs and illustrated by Anne Wilson, this book tells a tale in simple verse about modern children sailing down the Nile and passing the important sites.  Published by Barefoot in 2007.

Egypt: The Land, Egypt: The Culture, and Egypt: The People
This non-fiction series was written by Arlene Moscovitch and published by Crabtree in 2008. School Library Journal recommends this series for students in grades 4 through 6 and further notes, "Each of these books touches on both ancient and modern life, but to different degrees determined by the subject matter. For example, Culture is dominated by ancient times and religious beliefs. A briefer section mentions modern religious practices, art, music, dance, and other forms of popular culture. By contrast, Land concentrates primarily on how the land is used today. It describes the importance of the Nile River in sustaining life and the growth of major cities, such as Cairo and Alexandria. It only briefly mentions some of the monuments left behind by ancient people. People is mostly devoted to the lives of modern Egyptians. It describes different lifestyles in villages, cities, and the desert, as well as the importance of Islam and Egyptian festivals. There are also sections on family customs, sports, schools, and food. Colorful photos on every page illustrate modern life and the relics of the past."