Children are learning to be more cyber savvy every day, see how traditional literacy and new technologies collide! An SFGate parent blogger recently wrote a piece about children's e-books and how interactive interfaces may impact reading experiences and expectations. For example, in the ipad version of Harold and the Purple Crayon, kids can swipe a finger across the screen and purple marks appear like magic; do paper pages seem boring after such fun?
Before you decide, play around with children's e-books using your local public library! Several library systems, including Alameda County Public Library and Contra Costa Library, have children's e-books you can "checkout" for your e-book reader.
Wednesday, September 14, 2011
Sunday, August 14, 2011
Be a Scholastic News Kid!
Scholastic is looking for a new batch of kid reporters aged 10-14 for their Kids Press Corps! If you are a curious kid who is always looking around for interesting things in your community, this could be a job for you! Kid reporters write about news, events, interviews and interesting goings-on in their communities. Articles are posted online as well as in the print run of Scholastic News, often read in classrooms all over the country.
The deadline for applications is October 11, 2011. The complete details and formal application can be found here: http://www2.scholastic.com/browse/article.jsp?id=3751699
The deadline for applications is October 11, 2011. The complete details and formal application can be found here: http://www2.scholastic.com/browse/article.jsp?id=3751699
Saturday, July 16, 2011
Diary of a Wimpy Kid Read-Alikes
With the next Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Cabin Fever due out in November 2011, we have a couple months before we get to read the next adventures, or miss-adventures, of Gred Heffley. What should we read in the meantime? School Library Journal just came out with a fabulous list of Diary of a Wimpy Kid read-alikes, including graphic novels! Some of these titles, like Smile and Spaceheadz are already favorites at Cragmont but there are several more on the list that are worth looking for at your local public library. And one extra one that didn't make the list but is sure to draw in readers: Squish, Super Amoeba by Jennifer Holm, author of the Babymouse series.
Check out the complete list of recommended reading here:
http://www.libraryjournal.com/slj/printissuecurrentissue/890413-427/middle_grade_tell-alls_wimpy_kid.html.csp
Check out the complete list of recommended reading here:
http://www.libraryjournal.com/slj/printissuecurrentissue/890413-427/middle_grade_tell-alls_wimpy_kid.html.csp
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
Have a Wonderful Summer!
School is out and as of June 21st, the summer has officially begun! I hope everyone has a fun and safe summer!
Don't forget to keep reading! Reading is just like any other skill and new readers need their practice! Berkeley Public Library is offering a fantastic summer reading program perfect for Cragmont kids! Check out the details at your local branch or online here. Remember, the North and Claremont Branches are closed for renovation but this gives you a great excuse to explore other locations like the South Branch on MLK and Russell where you can borrow a hammer with your book at the tool lending library!
There are also other library systems in the area doing similar summer events:
-Alameda County Library's Summer Reading Game: http://guides.aclibrary.org/summer
-Contra Costa County's Summer Reading Program: http://guides.ccclib.org/srf
-Oakland Public Library Summer Reading Program: http://www.oaklandlibrary.org
Here are some other things to keep you busy this summer:
-write postcards to family and friends, or even to the Berkeley Public Library Librarians!
-keep a journal or a travel log if you go on trips
-check out the website where Diary of a Wimpy Kid began: www.funbrain.com
-bookmark some new favorite websites: American Library Association's recommendations of Great Websites for Kids
It has been a wonderful year at Cragmont Library! I won't be there in the fall because I am expecting our first baby around September 2nd. I will miss everyone very much though and promise to send pictures!
Happy Reading!
-Mrs. Overlid
Don't forget to keep reading! Reading is just like any other skill and new readers need their practice! Berkeley Public Library is offering a fantastic summer reading program perfect for Cragmont kids! Check out the details at your local branch or online here. Remember, the North and Claremont Branches are closed for renovation but this gives you a great excuse to explore other locations like the South Branch on MLK and Russell where you can borrow a hammer with your book at the tool lending library!
There are also other library systems in the area doing similar summer events:
-Alameda County Library's Summer Reading Game: http://guides.aclibrary.org/summer
-Contra Costa County's Summer Reading Program: http://guides.ccclib.org/srf
-Oakland Public Library Summer Reading Program: http://www.oaklandlibrary.org
Here are some other things to keep you busy this summer:
-write postcards to family and friends, or even to the Berkeley Public Library Librarians!
-keep a journal or a travel log if you go on trips
-check out the website where Diary of a Wimpy Kid began: www.funbrain.com
-bookmark some new favorite websites: American Library Association's recommendations of Great Websites for Kids
It has been a wonderful year at Cragmont Library! I won't be there in the fall because I am expecting our first baby around September 2nd. I will miss everyone very much though and promise to send pictures!
Happy Reading!
-Mrs. Overlid
Sunday, June 12, 2011
End of Year at Cragmont Library
Only one more week of school, can you believe it? It has been a very successful year here at the Cragmont Library, we have read a ton of books, heard lots of stories and learned a lot about how the library works!
If you find any Cragmont Library books at home, please send them back to school as soon as possible because we are trying to inventory our collection to see what books we have and what books we will need for the future.
If your student has lost a book, here are the best options:
1) replace the exact same book
2) pay for the lost books (checks should be made out to "BPEF: Cragmont Library")
If these two options are financially not available, students can:
3) bring a nice book from home that is similar to the lost book (i.e. if you lost a Spanish chapter book, please bring in a nice Spanish chapter book)
4) come help me in the library for some of your recesses.
Thanks for helping to make it a great year for Cragmont Library!
If you find any Cragmont Library books at home, please send them back to school as soon as possible because we are trying to inventory our collection to see what books we have and what books we will need for the future.
If your student has lost a book, here are the best options:
1) replace the exact same book
2) pay for the lost books (checks should be made out to "BPEF: Cragmont Library")
If these two options are financially not available, students can:
3) bring a nice book from home that is similar to the lost book (i.e. if you lost a Spanish chapter book, please bring in a nice Spanish chapter book)
4) come help me in the library for some of your recesses.
Thanks for helping to make it a great year for Cragmont Library!
Sunday, June 5, 2011
Finding New Kids Books!
While classics never go out of style, new books are always fun, but how do you know what is good?
Finding reviews of new children's books can sometimes be overwhelming so here is a neat article outlining blogs, professional review site and other online resources for new children's books!
http://www.brimfulcuriosities.com/2011/05/parents-staying-current-how-to-find.html
I am personally a big fan of Fuse 8 (written by a NY Public Library Librarian) and anything on School Library Journal's review area.
Start your summer reading booklist today!
Finding reviews of new children's books can sometimes be overwhelming so here is a neat article outlining blogs, professional review site and other online resources for new children's books!
http://www.brimfulcuriosities.com/2011/05/parents-staying-current-how-to-find.html
I am personally a big fan of Fuse 8 (written by a NY Public Library Librarian) and anything on School Library Journal's review area.
Start your summer reading booklist today!
Sunday, May 29, 2011
Baseball books!
Baseball season is starting strong after a historical 2010 World Series win by the Giants last year! Why not bring the park home with some great baseball books? Baseball has a lot of history and lends itself to picture books and biographies. Here are some of Cragmont's favorites that we read last November and this past week:
Casey at the Bat: A Battle of the Republic Sung in 1888 by Ernest L. Thayer and Christopher Bing. Though there are several versions of this classic poem, this is definitely my favorite. It uses old-time newspaper clippings and shows classic players in their original garb (think fantastic mustaches and baggy uniforms). 4th and 5th graders heard this version last November and many made connections to baseball today (like a little league team named the Mudville Nine). When sharing, take the time to explain the lyrical language like "melancholy" and "leather-covered sphere." And one last tip, when you get to the final page, hide the picture until you read the last line and really relish the reaction!
Take Me Out to the Ball Game by Jack Norworth and Jim Burke Again, though there are many picture book versions of this song, this is the best because it includes the whole song, starting with "Katie Casey was baseball mad, had the fever and had it bad..." and gives tons of history. Did you know that Jack Norworth wrote the famous tune on his way to a New York Giants Game? While reading/singing, take a moment to define some of the antiquated language, like "sou" and "beau." Here is an online version of the original to get you ready for the 7th inning stretch: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q4-gsdLSSQ0 (caution: this is a youtube link so be careful where you link after listening)
Hey Batta Batta Swing! by Sally Cook Chalk full of history that makes you say "no way!" this book is a fantastic look at the history of baseball's rules and practices. It uses old-timey slang and stories to explain the origins of the game in an approachable way. Also great for adults or the coffee table!
Roberto Clemente Pride of the Pittsburgh Pirates by Jonah Winter I shared this picture book biography with most grades this week. It tells the incredible true story of Roberto Clemente, the amazing baseball player and man who was the first Latino ever inducted in the Baseball Hall of Fame. From Puerto Rico, Roberto Clemente broke records and played with a fire that was undeniable. He died tragically in 1972 while delivery supplies to Nicaragua after a devastating earthquake and was voted into the Hall of Fame only a year later due to his great spirit and baseball legacy.
Mighty Jackie The Strikeout Queen by Marissa Moss This is a wonderful picture book biography of Jackie Mitchell, the female picture who struck out Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig in an exhibition game in 1931. Cragmont first graders heard this story during Women's History Month in March and we talked a little about Title IX and the history of women in sports. Whether or not you are looking for academic connections, the action and illustrations in this title are great fun to share.
We Are the Ship: The Story of Negro League Baseball by Kadir Nelson Best for older readers due to the amount of text, this oversized picture book tells the rich history of the Negro League. Nelson's realistic illustrations look so much like photographs that you will have to look twice. This is another book that is fantastic for young and old readers alike.
Casey at the Bat: A Battle of the Republic Sung in 1888 by Ernest L. Thayer and Christopher Bing. Though there are several versions of this classic poem, this is definitely my favorite. It uses old-time newspaper clippings and shows classic players in their original garb (think fantastic mustaches and baggy uniforms). 4th and 5th graders heard this version last November and many made connections to baseball today (like a little league team named the Mudville Nine). When sharing, take the time to explain the lyrical language like "melancholy" and "leather-covered sphere." And one last tip, when you get to the final page, hide the picture until you read the last line and really relish the reaction!
Take Me Out to the Ball Game by Jack Norworth and Jim Burke Again, though there are many picture book versions of this song, this is the best because it includes the whole song, starting with "Katie Casey was baseball mad, had the fever and had it bad..." and gives tons of history. Did you know that Jack Norworth wrote the famous tune on his way to a New York Giants Game? While reading/singing, take a moment to define some of the antiquated language, like "sou" and "beau." Here is an online version of the original to get you ready for the 7th inning stretch: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q4-gsdLSSQ0 (caution: this is a youtube link so be careful where you link after listening)
Hey Batta Batta Swing! by Sally Cook Chalk full of history that makes you say "no way!" this book is a fantastic look at the history of baseball's rules and practices. It uses old-timey slang and stories to explain the origins of the game in an approachable way. Also great for adults or the coffee table!
Roberto Clemente Pride of the Pittsburgh Pirates by Jonah Winter I shared this picture book biography with most grades this week. It tells the incredible true story of Roberto Clemente, the amazing baseball player and man who was the first Latino ever inducted in the Baseball Hall of Fame. From Puerto Rico, Roberto Clemente broke records and played with a fire that was undeniable. He died tragically in 1972 while delivery supplies to Nicaragua after a devastating earthquake and was voted into the Hall of Fame only a year later due to his great spirit and baseball legacy.
Mighty Jackie The Strikeout Queen by Marissa Moss This is a wonderful picture book biography of Jackie Mitchell, the female picture who struck out Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig in an exhibition game in 1931. Cragmont first graders heard this story during Women's History Month in March and we talked a little about Title IX and the history of women in sports. Whether or not you are looking for academic connections, the action and illustrations in this title are great fun to share.
We Are the Ship: The Story of Negro League Baseball by Kadir Nelson Best for older readers due to the amount of text, this oversized picture book tells the rich history of the Negro League. Nelson's realistic illustrations look so much like photographs that you will have to look twice. This is another book that is fantastic for young and old readers alike.
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