Children’s Literacy and Reading News Roundup – January in review
Y gad! I need a proofreader. Thanks Susan Stephenson …
The end-of-October JANUARY! edition of the Children’s Literacy and Reading News Roundup brought to you by Jen Robinson’s Book Page, Family Bookshelf, and Quietly is now available at Carol’s blog Quietly.
“January as always has been a month of
great anticipation and excitement…”
That just about sums up the month, don’t you think? From the just-announced ALA Youth Media Awards to the yet-to-come School Library Journal’s Battle of the Kids’ Books and CYBILS, the joy of all things reading just keeps on keeping on.
Literacy and Reading News
In the Literacy & Reading Programs and Research section, Carol highlights several articles about reading with children. The idea of adding “Omega 3” supplements was interesting, and I’m sure will be open to debate. BUT if it gets the conversation going and reminds people of the importance of “sit[ting] down with your toddler and a good book for some interactive reading” then its all good!
Along a similar lines, a January 2013 article in The Guardian (Canada) notes that almost 50 percent of the residents of Prince Edward Island struggle with literacy. Brian McInnis’ article did not specify whether this is adult or children’s literacy, but you get the sense that it is inclusive of both, and goes beyond just reading: “She explained that literacy does not just involve reading and writing which are considered the hard skills, but also the soft skills that involve thinking and communicating to be able to express ideas.”
Children’s Literacy Events
It seems however, the Holy Grail of literature that is diverse and reflective of all young readers eludes us. Clearly it is on many of our minds. Carol points to two posts. One by Mitali Perkins at Mitali’s Fire Escape and one by Elizabeth Bird at Fuse #8.
Ironically, in January I posted an excerpt from my 2011 round-table with Mitali, Hannah Ehrlich, and Tanita S. Davis on this same topic. Check out Books as Windows and Mirrors; a Look Ahead at Black History Month on the Big Universe blog.
St. Valentine’s Day will be a busy one in the children’s literacy world! In addition to announcing the winners of the 2012-2013 Children’s and Young Adult Bloggers’ Literary Awards, there is another event that gives you a chance to spread some book love: International Book Giving Day. Visit We’re Giving Books to see where in the world people will be leaving books in lobbies, donating books, or giving books as gifts!
Not to jump t-o-o-o far ahead, but Read Across America Day is just around the corner! The Lorax cast are the co-chairs this year. “Zac Efron and Danny Devito join the PS22 chorus and NEA President Dennis Van Roekel in the New York City for a Seussational Read Across America Celebration!”
Mazda is “driving” into action, too. The company has pledged to help raise $1 million dollars for public school libraries with a test drive campaign from February 20 to March 31, 2013. Learn more here.
On the heels of Read Across America Day is Share a Story – Shape a Future. To mark our FIFTH! annual event, the theme is literacy and reading in the first five years. We have several hosts already and welcome bloggers and literacy passionistas who don’t blog (but do email) to join us for the week!
In neighboring Richmond, VA, last week, the South Anna Elementary celebrated a big book event! Teachers dressed up in their “finest” motorcycle gear to kick off the One School, One Book reading program. The Richmond Times-Dispatch was on hand and shot this cute video of the assembly … complete with a Wheel-of-Fortune like game to figure out what book the school would read together. You can read more about the South Anna event here. One School, One Book, sponsored by the nonprofit Read to Them, is in 450 schools across the country.
Last but not least, you HAVE to check out the reading lamp that Carol found. To answer her question, yest I DEFINITELY need one of those on my desk! Nope. I’m not sharing here … gotta visit Carol to see it.
Be on the lookout for Jen’s roundup, too. I’m sure she’ll have some additional children’s literacy tidbits that we’ve missed!
Thanks for your interest in our ongoing efforts to share children’s literacy and reading news and for so generously sharing it on social media. We appreciate all you do to spread the word!
Images:
Cat in the Hat for Read Across America Day – Read Across America Day website.
28 Days Later – The Brown Bookshelf blog