Kirby Larson's Blog, page 44
October 18, 2012
Thursday's Thought
No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted.
Aesop
Aesop
October 16, 2012
Teacher Tuesday
I admit it. For the longest time, I treated Twitter like a date for a root canal. Then Colby Sharp got me connected. And am I glad he did! Otherwise, I would have missed out on knowing Katherine Sokolowski, fellow Nerdy Book Club member and teacher extraordinaire (follow her: @katsok). Katherine's from the Land of Lincoln and teaches in the same town in which she grew up. As someone who was the new kid nearly every year of her school life, I am so in awe of that kind of stay-puttedness. (note: I just invented a new word)
Not only do we get to chat with Katherine today, we also get to meet one of her awesome students, Matt. Let's dive in!
First, the getting to know you bits:
Katherine, where do you teach?
In Monticello, Illinois. It’s a tiny town in Central Illinois (5,000 people) and I grew up here as well.This is my third year in fifth grade, thirteenth year in this district. (I taught fourth grade for ten years.)Matt, what grade are you in?
Fifth Grade. I've been at this school for two years, but have been in this school district since Kindergarten. Here's the embarrassing part that I force all my interviewees to do-- A Peek at Your Past
Mrs. Sokolowski in 5th grade
Favorite school lunch as a kid: Katherine:PizzaMatt: Chicken Nuggets Best friend in grade school: Katherine: KaraMatt:Kyle Times you were the new kid in school: Katherine: onceMatt: neverTeacher who inspired you to stretch: Katherine: Jan Tuck – first gradeMatt:Mrs. Sokolowski (and this is not just because she's sitting right next to me now) The one thing you always wished you could do in grade school but never achieved: Katherine: Not care so much about what others thought of me.Matt: Get straight A’s
Katherine, as a teacher who’s passionate about books, it must kill you to hear kids say they don’t like to read. How often do you hear this? Why do you think you do?
Each year I’d say 1/3 of my students tell me they don’t like to read or they say they do, but I know they are just telling me what they think I want to hear. I think many students haven’t found their way to books they enjoy. When they have to force themselves to read what is assigned or what they cannot connect to, I think they have a hard time imagining that reading could be something they enjoy.
You shared with me that one of your students didn’t see himself as a reader, though he was devouring graphic novels right and left. Tell me about that.
In that instance I was talking about the student I have with me, Matt, but it would hold true for many kids. I think they often haven’t enjoyed reading before and immediately connect with graphic novels but don’t see it as “real reading” because it’s fun. There are pictures and they seem like comic books. I also think some parents get worried they aren’t “really reading” and try to help them get away from graphic novels. I always share the fact that my husband is brilliant, a successful engineer, and reads a steady diet of comic books. Reading, of any format, is encouraged in my classroom. Matt is a fabulous example. He rocks our reading class.
What roadblocks do you see placed between kids and books?
I think there are several roadblocks. Our kids are so busy, they are involved in much more than I was a kid. That limits their time to read.
At my students' age level, not as many parents read aloud to their children anymore; parents feel that since their students can read, read alouds aren't needed. I think the shared story as part of a family ritual is important. It helps children see their parents as a role model for reading.
Also, I think that having the choice to read is critical. When we use whole class novels we aren’t reaching all of our students. Not only do they not all at the same level, they have different interests. If there's a book we really want our students to experience, why not do it as a read aloud and encourage them to find what they love to read for independent reading?
What are the strategies parents and teachers can use to help kids recognize their innate desire to connect with story?
Great question. As a parent and a teacher, I feel it is my job to be a role model for my children and students. I talk about what I am reading a lot. I let them see me cry as I read. I tell them I am exhausted because I HAD to stay up late to find out what happened in my book. I let them see how I connect to reading. ( my emphasis: Kirby)
I think this helps them find a reason they should connect. I talk about my reasons for picking books – and abandoning them when I cannot. I let my reading life open up so my students and my boys can see it. I think this is something all parents and teachers can do. The more I share of myself with my students and kids, the more they open up too.
What would you love to say to the parents of your students about the importance of reading?
I think, as a parent and teacher, having my children consider themselves readers is absolutely critical. Reading correlates to success later in life. But I think Nancie Atwell said it best when she said: There's nothing better for you - not broccoli, not an apple a day, not aerobic exercise. In terms of the whole rest of your life, in terms of making you smart in all ways, there's nothing better. Top-ranking scientists and mathematicians are people who read a lot. Top-ranking historians and researchers are people who read a lot. It's like money in the bank in terms of the rest of your life, but it also helps you escape from the rest of your life and live experiences you can only dream of. Most important, along with writing, it's the best way I know to find out who you are, what you care about, and what kind of person you want to become.So I think reading is a gift that can help our students succeed. But reading also taught me who I was, just as Ms. Atwell said. I wouldn’t be the same person I am without books. Reading makes me a better person.
Matt – Mrs. S. said you described yourself as someone who didn’t like to read. What does that mean to you?
I really can’t read books that have a lot of pages or that have big words. When the print is small I have hard time. This made me feel like I wasn’t a reader.
How did it feel when you realized you’d read 18 books in the first two weeks of school? (I’m sure you’ve read lots more books by now!)
Good, because last year in the first two weeks I hadn’t read any books. Now I’m on my 34th book.
What could authors do to help you and kids like you enjoy reading more?
Make graphic novels because it is something I’m interested in. Also, anytime pictures could be in novels it helps. (Like Wonderstruck.)
What do you think gets in the way of kids reading books for fun?
Not knowing what books to read. Also, when I get to choose books to read it makes it more fun.
I’m going to leave space below for Mrs. S to interview you, Matt, and vice versa about what you both like about graphic novels.
Mrs. Sokolowski and uber reader, Matt!
Matt – what is your favorite book this year? Well, Earthling by Mark Fearing.
Why did you connect to that? It took me awhile and it is a graphic novel, but I understood it and it was funny. (I like long graphic novels like Ghostopolis.)
What do you think makes a good reading classroom and teacher?A nice teacher that doesn’t yell so much, I like teachers that are kind. Also it helps if teachers like to read.
Is there anything you want to ask me?
Could you get more graphic novels?
Anything else you want to say?A lot of graphic novels.
I really, really appreciate Mrs. Sokolowski and Matt for spending this time with us today. If I could say anything to Matt, I would say thank you. Because he has encouraged me to explore graphic novels more. Though I devoured comic books as a kid, as an adult, graphic novels have been a bit of a puzzle to me.
I know I am going to sleep better tonight knowing that yet another of our country's amazing teachers has made an indelible bond between kids and books. And I'll sleep better knowing thoughtful, curious and generous kids like Matt will soon be in charge of things.
Not only do we get to chat with Katherine today, we also get to meet one of her awesome students, Matt. Let's dive in!
First, the getting to know you bits:
Katherine, where do you teach?
In Monticello, Illinois. It’s a tiny town in Central Illinois (5,000 people) and I grew up here as well.This is my third year in fifth grade, thirteenth year in this district. (I taught fourth grade for ten years.)Matt, what grade are you in?
Fifth Grade. I've been at this school for two years, but have been in this school district since Kindergarten. Here's the embarrassing part that I force all my interviewees to do-- A Peek at Your Past
Mrs. Sokolowski in 5th gradeFavorite school lunch as a kid: Katherine:PizzaMatt: Chicken Nuggets Best friend in grade school: Katherine: KaraMatt:Kyle Times you were the new kid in school: Katherine: onceMatt: neverTeacher who inspired you to stretch: Katherine: Jan Tuck – first gradeMatt:Mrs. Sokolowski (and this is not just because she's sitting right next to me now) The one thing you always wished you could do in grade school but never achieved: Katherine: Not care so much about what others thought of me.Matt: Get straight A’s
Katherine, as a teacher who’s passionate about books, it must kill you to hear kids say they don’t like to read. How often do you hear this? Why do you think you do?
Each year I’d say 1/3 of my students tell me they don’t like to read or they say they do, but I know they are just telling me what they think I want to hear. I think many students haven’t found their way to books they enjoy. When they have to force themselves to read what is assigned or what they cannot connect to, I think they have a hard time imagining that reading could be something they enjoy.
You shared with me that one of your students didn’t see himself as a reader, though he was devouring graphic novels right and left. Tell me about that.
In that instance I was talking about the student I have with me, Matt, but it would hold true for many kids. I think they often haven’t enjoyed reading before and immediately connect with graphic novels but don’t see it as “real reading” because it’s fun. There are pictures and they seem like comic books. I also think some parents get worried they aren’t “really reading” and try to help them get away from graphic novels. I always share the fact that my husband is brilliant, a successful engineer, and reads a steady diet of comic books. Reading, of any format, is encouraged in my classroom. Matt is a fabulous example. He rocks our reading class.
What roadblocks do you see placed between kids and books?
I think there are several roadblocks. Our kids are so busy, they are involved in much more than I was a kid. That limits their time to read.
At my students' age level, not as many parents read aloud to their children anymore; parents feel that since their students can read, read alouds aren't needed. I think the shared story as part of a family ritual is important. It helps children see their parents as a role model for reading.
Also, I think that having the choice to read is critical. When we use whole class novels we aren’t reaching all of our students. Not only do they not all at the same level, they have different interests. If there's a book we really want our students to experience, why not do it as a read aloud and encourage them to find what they love to read for independent reading?
What are the strategies parents and teachers can use to help kids recognize their innate desire to connect with story?
Great question. As a parent and a teacher, I feel it is my job to be a role model for my children and students. I talk about what I am reading a lot. I let them see me cry as I read. I tell them I am exhausted because I HAD to stay up late to find out what happened in my book. I let them see how I connect to reading. ( my emphasis: Kirby)
I think this helps them find a reason they should connect. I talk about my reasons for picking books – and abandoning them when I cannot. I let my reading life open up so my students and my boys can see it. I think this is something all parents and teachers can do. The more I share of myself with my students and kids, the more they open up too.
What would you love to say to the parents of your students about the importance of reading?
I think, as a parent and teacher, having my children consider themselves readers is absolutely critical. Reading correlates to success later in life. But I think Nancie Atwell said it best when she said: There's nothing better for you - not broccoli, not an apple a day, not aerobic exercise. In terms of the whole rest of your life, in terms of making you smart in all ways, there's nothing better. Top-ranking scientists and mathematicians are people who read a lot. Top-ranking historians and researchers are people who read a lot. It's like money in the bank in terms of the rest of your life, but it also helps you escape from the rest of your life and live experiences you can only dream of. Most important, along with writing, it's the best way I know to find out who you are, what you care about, and what kind of person you want to become.So I think reading is a gift that can help our students succeed. But reading also taught me who I was, just as Ms. Atwell said. I wouldn’t be the same person I am without books. Reading makes me a better person.
Matt – Mrs. S. said you described yourself as someone who didn’t like to read. What does that mean to you?
I really can’t read books that have a lot of pages or that have big words. When the print is small I have hard time. This made me feel like I wasn’t a reader.
How did it feel when you realized you’d read 18 books in the first two weeks of school? (I’m sure you’ve read lots more books by now!)
Good, because last year in the first two weeks I hadn’t read any books. Now I’m on my 34th book.
What could authors do to help you and kids like you enjoy reading more?
Make graphic novels because it is something I’m interested in. Also, anytime pictures could be in novels it helps. (Like Wonderstruck.)
What do you think gets in the way of kids reading books for fun?
Not knowing what books to read. Also, when I get to choose books to read it makes it more fun.
I’m going to leave space below for Mrs. S to interview you, Matt, and vice versa about what you both like about graphic novels.
Mrs. Sokolowski and uber reader, Matt!Matt – what is your favorite book this year? Well, Earthling by Mark Fearing.
Why did you connect to that? It took me awhile and it is a graphic novel, but I understood it and it was funny. (I like long graphic novels like Ghostopolis.)
What do you think makes a good reading classroom and teacher?A nice teacher that doesn’t yell so much, I like teachers that are kind. Also it helps if teachers like to read.
Is there anything you want to ask me?
Could you get more graphic novels?
Anything else you want to say?A lot of graphic novels.
I really, really appreciate Mrs. Sokolowski and Matt for spending this time with us today. If I could say anything to Matt, I would say thank you. Because he has encouraged me to explore graphic novels more. Though I devoured comic books as a kid, as an adult, graphic novels have been a bit of a puzzle to me.
I know I am going to sleep better tonight knowing that yet another of our country's amazing teachers has made an indelible bond between kids and books. And I'll sleep better knowing thoughtful, curious and generous kids like Matt will soon be in charge of things.
October 12, 2012
Friend Friday
Okay, Joan Bauer isn't exactly a friend. I mean, she doesn't even know me! But I feel like I know her thanks to an inspiring and encouraging talk she gave at SCBWI several years back. What I remember most about it (besides the dead hamster; long story) was her comment that humor enables us to look at the hurts of life. And her books certainly tackle life's hurts, with large doses of humor.
I have not read her latest, Almost Home, but one look at the cover is enough to make me move it up the to-read pile.
Here's the book's description: When twelve-year-old Sugar's grandfather dies and her gambling father takes off yet again, Sugar and her mother lose their home in Missouri. They head to Chicago for a fresh start, only to discover that fresh starts aren't so easy to come by for the homeless. Nevertheless, Sugar's mother has taught her to be grateful no matter what, so Sugar does her best. With the help of a rescue dog, Shush; a foster family; a supportive teacher; a love of poetry; and her own grace and good humor, Sugar comes to understand that while she can't control the hand life deals her, she can control how she responds.
Cannot wait to read it!
I have not read her latest, Almost Home, but one look at the cover is enough to make me move it up the to-read pile.
Here's the book's description: When twelve-year-old Sugar's grandfather dies and her gambling father takes off yet again, Sugar and her mother lose their home in Missouri. They head to Chicago for a fresh start, only to discover that fresh starts aren't so easy to come by for the homeless. Nevertheless, Sugar's mother has taught her to be grateful no matter what, so Sugar does her best. With the help of a rescue dog, Shush; a foster family; a supportive teacher; a love of poetry; and her own grace and good humor, Sugar comes to understand that while she can't control the hand life deals her, she can control how she responds.
Cannot wait to read it!
October 11, 2012
Thursday's Thought
All truth is good.
Not all truth is good to say.
Anonymous
Not all truth is good to say.
Anonymous
October 9, 2012
Teacher Tuesday
There are nine milliion things that amaze me about the wonderful teachers and librarians of this great county. One of those is how great teachers mesh their own unique personalities with their work. Today's teacher-guest, Tony Keefer, provides a great example of that. His Great Books Poll is rooted in his own passion for sports. Slip into your favorite team jersey and then read on to see what I mean.
This doesn't look like Ohio anymore!
Where do you teach?
I am a 4th grade teacher at Scottish Corners Elementary in Dublin, Ohio. Dublin is a suburb of Columbus, Ohio. I get to teach all the subjects. It is sometimes difficult but I love having the same group of kids all days. We build a great community of learners and I get to see kids who may struggle in one area, succeed in others.
Tony, here's where we take a peek into your grade school past!
Favorite school lunch as a kid: Peanut Butter and Jelly, applesauce and some sort of cookie. I didn’t eat the school lunch very often.Best friend in grade school: I had lots of really good friends it would be hard to pick a best friend, but Todd Keyser lived around the corner so we were together a lot.Times you were the new kid in school: I never had to be the new kid. I grew up in a small town and we were in the same house from elementary through my sophomore year in high school. It was a great place to grow up.Teacher who inspired you to stretch: I had a few who made me work hard. Mrs Murray in third grade was wonderful. Mrs. Farkosovsky in middle school pushed us really hard in history. But I think Mrs. Gedney and Mrs. Murphy, two of my high school math teachers really stretched me the most as a learner. They both loved math so much that it made me want to love it as well. I still love it today. I should send them a thank you letter or something. (note from Kirby: Yes, you should.)The one thing you always wished you could do in grade school but never achieved: Great question. Skip school? Seriously, I don’t know what I would have wished to achieve when I was in grade school. School back in the 70s was pretty fun and easy as I remember it. I do have memories of wanted to be a pro athlete, but what boy doesn’t wish that at some point. And now that I am 43, I think I am way past my prime to make the NBA.
Now, to the main reason we're chatting. You do something very lively in your classroom, something called the Great Books Poll. Tell us how the Great Poll works.
Love that my good friend Derek Munson's on this list
We have this sign outside our room that announces the top books in our room. Each week we all get 2 votes. I tally the votes and redo the sign. It is kind of like the college football polls that come out every week, only better because it is about books and kids are in charge. (ed: my emphasis) The only real rule we have is the book must be one we have read fully or have heard read aloud. It can’t be a book we are in the middle of reading or one we think will be awesome.
What motivated you to initiate this activity? How long have you been doing it?
Last year I started a March Book Madness (like the college basketball tournament) and it was a huge success. I will do that again this spring, but I thought it would be interesting if we did something that lasted all year. So far the response has been fun.
How do you find time to work this weekly Poll into your already full schedule?
It took me about 10 minutes to explain during the first week of school so that wasn’t hard to fit in. It takes about a minute for the kids to write book titles on index cards each Monday to vote. Then on Tuesday, when they see the new poll outside our room, we spend a few minutes before read aloud talking about the books on this week’s list.
How do kids respond to participating in the Poll?
So far they seem to like it. They really like the conversation about the new list, especially if a new book appears. This generates interest in new titles. As the year progresses it will be interesting if the votes become tougher. Right now most kids are still holding onto a favorite from third grade as one of their books. I think that it cool, but it will be interesting to see as they develop as readers if this will change.
What has most surprised you about this activity?
The fact that one of the picture books I read aloud the first week of school was on the poll for two straight weeks. It was Enemy Pie, a great story, but it was surprising to me that over half my class chose it the first week and about 6 chose it the second. Fourth graders often times don’t want to admit they like picture books.
What kinds of skills and abilities do you see this Great Books Poll fostering in your students?
I think two biggest things will be learning to be better evaluators the of books and learning how to better recommend great books to friends. I think they will learn if a book the love gets passed around the class that maybe other kids will love it as well. That is already starting to happen with the graphic novel series Bone.
Would you encourage other teachers to give this a try in their classrooms?
I would. It takes little time and it allows for kids to take some ownership in championing favorite books. Teachers do a great job of sharing great book titles with their students, but something like this that is owned by the kids may be even more powerful than what we do.
Tony, thank you so much for sharing this. One thing that occurs to me is that the Great Books Poll might be a fabulous tool to encourage kids to read outside their favorite genres. And I think it's so rewarding to see how empowering kids enhances their passion for reading.
This doesn't look like Ohio anymore!Where do you teach?
I am a 4th grade teacher at Scottish Corners Elementary in Dublin, Ohio. Dublin is a suburb of Columbus, Ohio. I get to teach all the subjects. It is sometimes difficult but I love having the same group of kids all days. We build a great community of learners and I get to see kids who may struggle in one area, succeed in others.
Tony, here's where we take a peek into your grade school past!
Favorite school lunch as a kid: Peanut Butter and Jelly, applesauce and some sort of cookie. I didn’t eat the school lunch very often.Best friend in grade school: I had lots of really good friends it would be hard to pick a best friend, but Todd Keyser lived around the corner so we were together a lot.Times you were the new kid in school: I never had to be the new kid. I grew up in a small town and we were in the same house from elementary through my sophomore year in high school. It was a great place to grow up.Teacher who inspired you to stretch: I had a few who made me work hard. Mrs Murray in third grade was wonderful. Mrs. Farkosovsky in middle school pushed us really hard in history. But I think Mrs. Gedney and Mrs. Murphy, two of my high school math teachers really stretched me the most as a learner. They both loved math so much that it made me want to love it as well. I still love it today. I should send them a thank you letter or something. (note from Kirby: Yes, you should.)The one thing you always wished you could do in grade school but never achieved: Great question. Skip school? Seriously, I don’t know what I would have wished to achieve when I was in grade school. School back in the 70s was pretty fun and easy as I remember it. I do have memories of wanted to be a pro athlete, but what boy doesn’t wish that at some point. And now that I am 43, I think I am way past my prime to make the NBA.
Now, to the main reason we're chatting. You do something very lively in your classroom, something called the Great Books Poll. Tell us how the Great Poll works.
Love that my good friend Derek Munson's on this listWe have this sign outside our room that announces the top books in our room. Each week we all get 2 votes. I tally the votes and redo the sign. It is kind of like the college football polls that come out every week, only better because it is about books and kids are in charge. (ed: my emphasis) The only real rule we have is the book must be one we have read fully or have heard read aloud. It can’t be a book we are in the middle of reading or one we think will be awesome.
What motivated you to initiate this activity? How long have you been doing it?
Last year I started a March Book Madness (like the college basketball tournament) and it was a huge success. I will do that again this spring, but I thought it would be interesting if we did something that lasted all year. So far the response has been fun.
How do you find time to work this weekly Poll into your already full schedule?
It took me about 10 minutes to explain during the first week of school so that wasn’t hard to fit in. It takes about a minute for the kids to write book titles on index cards each Monday to vote. Then on Tuesday, when they see the new poll outside our room, we spend a few minutes before read aloud talking about the books on this week’s list.
How do kids respond to participating in the Poll?
So far they seem to like it. They really like the conversation about the new list, especially if a new book appears. This generates interest in new titles. As the year progresses it will be interesting if the votes become tougher. Right now most kids are still holding onto a favorite from third grade as one of their books. I think that it cool, but it will be interesting to see as they develop as readers if this will change.
What has most surprised you about this activity?
The fact that one of the picture books I read aloud the first week of school was on the poll for two straight weeks. It was Enemy Pie, a great story, but it was surprising to me that over half my class chose it the first week and about 6 chose it the second. Fourth graders often times don’t want to admit they like picture books.
What kinds of skills and abilities do you see this Great Books Poll fostering in your students?
I think two biggest things will be learning to be better evaluators the of books and learning how to better recommend great books to friends. I think they will learn if a book the love gets passed around the class that maybe other kids will love it as well. That is already starting to happen with the graphic novel series Bone.
Would you encourage other teachers to give this a try in their classrooms?
I would. It takes little time and it allows for kids to take some ownership in championing favorite books. Teachers do a great job of sharing great book titles with their students, but something like this that is owned by the kids may be even more powerful than what we do.
Tony, thank you so much for sharing this. One thing that occurs to me is that the Great Books Poll might be a fabulous tool to encourage kids to read outside their favorite genres. And I think it's so rewarding to see how empowering kids enhances their passion for reading.
October 5, 2012
Friend Friday
True confession: not a huge fan of pigeons. Even those that drive buses. Maybe especially those that drive buses. But, thanks to Barbara O'Connor, I am a huge fan of Sherman, the one-legged pigeon, and his new friends, Stella and Gerald. And Mr. Mineo. Especially Mr. Mineo who, like me, didn't much care for pigeons until he took over his brother's flock. I adore Mr. Mineo!
Another true confession: I have not only read On the Road to Mr. Mineo's (three times!), I have blurbed it. But you would, too, if you were plunked down in Meadville, South Carolina where NOTHING ever happened. And then something did happen. Like a gosh-darned one-legged pigeon landed on the roof of Gerald's garage and even though all Stella has ever wanted was a dog, well, when a one-legged pigeon plops into your life, you run with it.
You will kick yourself if you do not run right out and buy Barbara O'Connor's latest masterpiece. And you will really kick yourself if you do not buy it from a wonderful independent bookstore.
Another true confession: I have not only read On the Road to Mr. Mineo's (three times!), I have blurbed it. But you would, too, if you were plunked down in Meadville, South Carolina where NOTHING ever happened. And then something did happen. Like a gosh-darned one-legged pigeon landed on the roof of Gerald's garage and even though all Stella has ever wanted was a dog, well, when a one-legged pigeon plops into your life, you run with it.
You will kick yourself if you do not run right out and buy Barbara O'Connor's latest masterpiece. And you will really kick yourself if you do not buy it from a wonderful independent bookstore.
October 4, 2012
Thursday's Thought
Somewhere on this great world, the sun is always shining and it will sometimes shine on you.
Myrtle Reed
Myrtle Reed
October 2, 2012
Teacher Tuesday
Thank you, Colby Sharp, for introducing me to wicked good librarian, Cathy Potter. I'm so hoping to meet Cathy in person at ALA midwinter (it's in my backyard, Seattle! If you're coming, let me know) but her passion for connecting kids and books is one that transcends the weary bonds of time and space. Cathy's the school librarian at Falmouth Elementary School, in Falmouth, Maine, serving 907 students in grades K-5. Sit back, sprinkle some blueberries on your oatmeal, pull on some L.L. Bean wool socks and get better acquainted with today's amazing featured librarian.
<!-- /* Font Definitions */ @font-face {font-family:Times; panose-1:2 0 5 0 0 0 0 0 0 0; mso-font-charset:0; mso-generic-font-family:auto; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:3 0 0 0 1 0;} @font-face {font-family:Cambria; panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4; mso-font-charset:0; mso-generic-font-family:auto; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:3 0 0 0 1 0;} @font-face {font-family:Georgia; panose-1:2 4 5 2 5 4 5 2 3 3; mso-font-charset:0; mso-generic-font-family:auto; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:3 0 0 0 1 0;} /* Style Definitions */ p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal {mso-style-parent:""; margin:0in; margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family:Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;} p {margin:0in; margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ascii-font-family:Times; mso-fareast-font-family:Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Times; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";} @page Section1 {size:8.5in 11.0in; margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in; mso-header-margin:.5in; mso-footer-margin:.5in; mso-paper-source:0;} div.Section1 {page:Section1;} </style> <br /><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Let's take a quick peek at Cathy's past:</span></span><br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-I06NBXFLenc..." imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-I06NBXFLenc..." width="138" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking forward to her first book talk</td></tr></tbody></table><style><!-- /* Font Definitions */ @font-face {font-family:Times; panose-1:2 0 5 0 0 0 0 0 0 0; mso-font-charset:0; mso-generic-font-family:auto; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:3 0 0 0 1 0;} @font-face {font-family:Cambria; panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4; mso-font-charset:0; mso-generic-font-family:auto; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:3 0 0 0 1 0;} @font-face {font-family:Georgia; panose-1:2 4 5 2 5 4 5 2 3 3; mso-font-charset:0; mso-generic-font-family:auto; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:3 0 0 0 1 0;} /* Style Definitions */ p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal {mso-style-parent:""; margin:0in; margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family:Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;} p {margin:0in; margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ascii-font-family:Times; mso-fareast-font-family:Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Times; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";} @page Section1 {size:8.5in 11.0in; margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in; mso-header-margin:.5in; mso-footer-margin:.5in; mso-paper-source:0;} div.Section1 {page:Section1;} /* List Definitions */ @list l0 {mso-list-id:1344361039; mso-list-template-ids:1467495114;} @list l0:level1 {mso-level-number-format:bullet; mso-level-text:; mso-level-tab-stop:.5in; mso-level-number-position:left; text-indent:-.25in; mso-ansi-font-size:10.0pt; font-family:Symbol;} ol {margin-bottom:0in;} ul {margin-bottom:0in;} </style> <br /><ul><li><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="position: relative; top: -1pt;"><i>Favorite school lunch as a kid</i>: Fried bologna cups with mashed potatoes in the middle (I’m not kidding. They’re really yummy.) </span></span></span></li><li><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="position: relative; top: -1pt;"><i>Best friend in grade school</i>: Kim (We stayed friends through high school, and we were college roommates. We still keep in touch.) </span></span></span></li><li><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="position: relative; top: -1pt;"><i>Times you were the new kid in school</i>: 0 (I grew up in a very small town and stayed with the same group of kids from Kindergarten through high school.) </span></span></span></li><li><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="position: relative; top: -1pt;"><i>Teacher that inspired you to stretch</i>: Mrs. Wentworth in fifth and sixth grades. She was so great, I stayed in her class for two years. She </span>allowed students to choose their own books and had us keep track of the number of books we read over the course of the year. In fifth grade I read 100 books and received a reading award from Mrs. Wentworth. I made a lot of visits to the school library that year! <i>A Wrinkle in Time</i>, <i>Tuck Everlasting</i>, and Bridge to Terabithia were some of the books I read that year. </span></span></li><li><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><i>The one thing you always wished you could do in grade school but never achieved</i>: I wish I could have made it into the advanced swimming level. I was a weak swimmer, and I didn’t pass my swim test one summer. I ended up being the oldest kid in the beginners’ class. I quit swimming lessons after that year. </span></span></li></ul><div style="background: white; margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt;"><br /></div><div style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% white; margin: 0.1pt 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><i>Cathy, you told me about your dual passions: a desire to help older readers feel good about reading picture books and sharing your love for graphic novels. Let's talk more about both of these topics!</i></span></span></div><div style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% white; margin: 0.1pt 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><i> <style><!-- /* Font Definitions */ @font-face {font-family:Times; panose-1:2 0 5 0 0 0 0 0 0 0; mso-font-charset:0; mso-generic-font-family:auto; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:3 0 0 0 1 0;} @font-face {font-family:Cambria; panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4; mso-font-charset:0; mso-generic-font-family:auto; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:3 0 0 0 1 0;} @font-face {font-family:Georgia; panose-1:2 4 5 2 5 4 5 2 3 3; mso-font-charset:0; mso-generic-font-family:auto; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:3 0 0 0 1 0;} /* Style Definitions */ p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal {mso-style-parent:""; margin:0in; margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family:Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;} p {margin:0in; margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ascii-font-family:Times; mso-fareast-font-family:Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Times; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";} @page Section1 {size:8.5in 11.0in; margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in; mso-header-margin:.5in; mso-footer-margin:.5in; mso-paper-source:0;} div.Section1 {page:Section1;} </style></i></span></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></span><br /><div style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% white; margin: 0.1pt 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><i>What brought you to the realization that some older readers avoid picture books?</i></span></span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b><br /></b>A number of the upper grade (gr. 3-5) teachers at my school ask students to read picture books as part of their literacy programs. The teacher and I sometimes hear students make comments about not wanting to read picture books because they think they’re for younger children. I occasionally have students tell me that their parents don’t want them bringing home picture books from the library because they’re not challenging enough. That’s when we realized we needed to do some education about the power of the picture book. </span></span></div><div style="background: white; margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt;"><br /></div><div style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% white; margin: 0.1pt 0in;"><i><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Why do you think there is a stigma about picture books? </span></span></i><br /><br /></div><div style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% white; margin: 0.1pt 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">There’s a false perception that a 32-48 page book doesn’t contain the substance that a 200 page chapter book does. Also, sometimes people assume that if a book has illustrations the book must be easy or that the kids are just looking at the pictures. </span></span></div><div style="background: white; margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt;"><br /></div><div style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% white; margin: 0.1pt 0in;"><i><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">What do you think older readers can gain from picture books? </span></span></i><br /><br /></div><div style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% white; margin: 0.1pt 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">When students read picture books, they employ visual thinking skills, learn new vocabulary words, improve their fluency, learn to appreciate art and learn about the world around them. </span></span></div><div style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% white; margin: 0.1pt 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% white; margin: 0.1pt 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><i>How have you encouraged your students to dive in to this genre?</i><b> </b></span></span><br /><br /></div><div style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% white; margin: 0.1pt 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">In our library, we don’t use the term “Easy” to describe the “E” (picture book) section. “E” stands for everybody, and picture books are for everybody. I use a lot of picture books in my library classes, and I point out to students when a picture book is aimed at an older audience. </span></span></div><div style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% white; margin: 0.1pt 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% white; margin: 0.1pt 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Last year our school took part in Picture Book Month which was founded by <a href="http://storyconnection.net/">... de Las Casas.</a> One of my third grade classes created a video about how picture books are for everyone, and we posted it on the library web site and Dianne posted it on the Picture Book Month site. </span></span></div><div style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% white; margin: 0.1pt 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% white; margin: 0.1pt 0in;"><i><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Can you share a few picture book titles that have worked well for older readers? </span></span></i></div><div style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% white; margin: 0.1pt 0in;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2Uigs-bAkJ4..." imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2Uigs-bAkJ4..." width="150" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dear Mrs. LaRue, Letters from Obedience School, by Mark Teague</td></tr></tbody></table><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-y3AOUuHefvk..." imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% white; margin: 0.1pt 0in;"><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-y3AOUuHefvk..." style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="160" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-y3AOUuHefvk..." width="200" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">David Wiesner's wordless picture book requires higher level thinking</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uK6Jd1LcfJ0..." imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uK6Jd1LcfJ0..." width="151" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Probuditi! by Chris Van Allsburg</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><br /><i><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"> </span></span></i><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qYl34-IUPR8..." imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qYl34-IUPR8..." width="199" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Small Beauties, by Elvira Woodruff</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Hjk3KgP-r5M..." imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="164" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Hjk3KgP-r5M..." width="200" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Irena's Jars of Secrets, by Marcia K. Vaughn</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2B0WZyKT7Xc..." imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2B0WZyKT7Xc..." width="159" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Boy Who Drew Birds, by Jaqueline Davis</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yswf8WOh8B4..." imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yswf8WOh8B4..." width="143" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jon Klassen's book is great for inferring, predicting and using visual cues</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><i><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">You also have a passion for graphic novels. Can you first define, in your own words, what a graphic novel is? </span></span></i><br /><br /></div><div style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% white; margin: 0.1pt 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">A graphic novel is a format for telling a story using comic book elements: illustrations, speech bubbles, thought bubbles, captions and panels. Graphic novels encompass all genres: fantasy, mystery, biography, realistic fiction, informational, etc... </span></span></div><div style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% white; margin: 0.1pt 0in;"><br /><style><!-- /* Font Definitions */ @font-face {font-family:Times; panose-1:2 0 5 0 0 0 0 0 0 0; mso-font-charset:0; mso-generic-font-family:auto; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:3 0 0 0 1 0;} @font-face {font-family:Cambria; panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4; mso-font-charset:0; mso-generic-font-family:auto; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:3 0 0 0 1 0;} @font-face {font-family:Georgia; panose-1:2 4 5 2 5 4 5 2 3 3; mso-font-charset:0; mso-generic-font-family:auto; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:3 0 0 0 1 0;} /* Style Definitions */ p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal {mso-style-parent:""; margin:0in; margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family:Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;} p {margin:0in; margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ascii-font-family:Times; mso-fareast-font-family:Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Times; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";} @page Section1 {size:8.5in 11.0in; margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in; mso-header-margin:.5in; mso-footer-margin:.5in; mso-paper-source:0;} div.Section1 {page:Section1;} </style></div><br /><div style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% white; margin: 0.1pt 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><i>Tell us what you enjoy about them and what you see your students enjoying about them. </i></span></span></div><div style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% white; margin: 0.1pt 0in;"><br /></div><div style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% white; margin: 0.1pt 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">I enjoy seeing stories represented in both visual and print ways. The text and pictures equally important, and the reader must rely on both to understand the story. Many of our students are visual learners, and having the visual elements helps them understand the story. Students are able to immerse themselves in the story and enjoy the book. The more they enjoy reading, the more they read! </span></span></div><div style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% white; margin: 0.1pt 0in;"><br /></div><div style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% white; margin: 0.1pt 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"></span></span></div><div style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% white; margin: 0.1pt 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"></span></span></div><div style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% white; margin: 0.1pt 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"></span></span></div><div style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% white; margin: 0.1pt 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"></span></span></div><div style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% white; margin: 0.1pt 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"></span></span></div><div style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% white; margin: 0.1pt 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><i> Can you recommend a few titles to add to the classroom/library? </i></span></span></div><div style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% white; margin: 0.1pt 0in;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-83gebKvKoiI..." imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-83gebKvKoiI..." /></a></div><div style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% white; margin: 0.1pt 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><i>Amulet </i>series by Kazu Kibuishi</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JBt73yk7MUc..." imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JBt73yk7MUc..." width="251" /></a></div><div style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% white; margin: 0.1pt 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /> </span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><i>Babymouse </i>series by Jennifer Holm and Matt Holm</span></span></div><div style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% white; margin: 0.1pt 0in;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PG_j5BviFo8..." imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PG_j5BviFo8..." width="251" /></a></div><div style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% white; margin: 0.1pt 0in;"><br /></div><div style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% white; margin: 0.1pt 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><i> Lunch Lady </i>by Jarrett J. Krosoczka</span></span></div><div style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% white; margin: 0.1pt 0in;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tLins5UCREM..." imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tLins5UCREM..." width="213" /></a></div><div style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% white; margin: 0.1pt 0in;"><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"> <i>Sidekicks </i>by Dan Santat</span></span></div><div style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% white; margin: 0.1pt 0in;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cVoqOFSq95o..." imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cVoqOFSq95o..." width="247" /></a></div><div style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% white; margin: 0.1pt 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /> <i>Binky the Space Cat </i>by Ashley Spires</span></span></div><div style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% white; margin: 0.1pt 0in;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wUBALkviy9w..." imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wUBALkviy9w..." width="240" /></a></div><div style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% white; margin: 0.1pt 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /> <i>The Olympians </i>series by George O’Connor </span></span></div><div style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% white; margin: 0.1pt 0in;"><br /></div><div style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% white; margin: 0.1pt 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><i>Tell us about what happened when you brought a comic book illustrator to your school and what you saw your students gain from that experience. </i></span></span></div><div style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% white; margin: 0.1pt 0in;"><br /></div><div style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% white; margin: 0.1pt 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">A couple of years ago I worked with the art teacher at school, and we brought a comic artist into third and fourth grade art classes for a month. The artist taught students about the elements of graphic novels, and he worked with students to create their own graphic novels. Many teachers embraced this project and continued the work in their classrooms. </span></span></div><div style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% white; margin: 0.1pt 0in;"><br /></div><div style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% white; margin: 0.1pt 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">During the art residency, the art teacher, comic artist, and I offered a workshop for parents about graphic novels. We also encouraged families to attend the Maine Comic Arts Festival. That year, I noticed that students and teachers read more graphic novels than ever before. Out shelves were empty because all of the comics were checked out. It was a turning point in our school. Many teachers and parents began to embrace graphic novels as a valid form of reading. </span></span></div><div style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% white; margin: 0.1pt 0in;"><br /></div><div style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% white; margin: 0.1pt 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><i>It’s interesting to note that you see a high value in the visual component of books, whether picture books or graphic novels. What skills and abilities do you think these visual genres promote in your students? </i></span></span></div><div style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% white; margin: 0.1pt 0in;"><br /></div><div style="margin: 0.1pt 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Even though there are illustrations, graphic novels do not spell out everything for readers. Readers must infer as they read. Terry Thompson (<i>Adventures in Graphica</i>) explains that readers are must infer what happens in the gutters or spaces between the panels. Students also learn to use their visual thinking skills to notice details from the illustrations in picture books and graphic novels. Last year I read <i>Grandpa Green </i>by Lane Smith to third and fourth grade classes. Smith’s illustrations are quite detailed and include a lot of symbolism. It was interesting to see each class pick up on different details from the illustrations. </span></span></div><div style="margin: 0.1pt 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"> <style><!-- /* Font Definitions */ @font-face {font-family:Times; panose-1:2 0 5 0 0 0 0 0 0 0; mso-font-charset:0; mso-generic-font-family:auto; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:3 0 0 0 1 0;} @font-face {font-family:Cambria; panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4; mso-font-charset:0; mso-generic-font-family:auto; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:3 0 0 0 1 0;} @font-face {font-family:Georgia; panose-1:2 4 5 2 5 4 5 2 3 3; mso-font-charset:0; mso-generic-font-family:auto; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:3 0 0 0 1 0;} /* Style Definitions */ p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal {mso-style-parent:""; margin:0in; margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family:Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;} p {margin:0in; margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ascii-font-family:Times; mso-fareast-font-family:Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Times; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";} @page Section1 {size:8.5in 11.0in; margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in; mso-header-margin:.5in; mso-footer-margin:.5in; mso-paper-source:0;} div.Section1 {page:Section1;} </style></span></span></div>--> <br /><div style="margin: 0.1pt 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><i>What else would you like to share on this topic? </i></span></span></div><div style="margin: 0.1pt 0in;"><br /></div><div style="margin: 0.1pt 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Support your local comic book store. I shop for the school library at an independent comic book store in the area, and I’m always amazed at the selection of books available. The owners of our local shop are really knowledgeable about comics. I always leave with a smile on my face and a bag full of books! </span></span></div><div style="margin: 0.1pt 0in;"><br /></div><div style="margin: 0.1pt 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"></span></span></div><div style="background: white; margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><i>Thank you, thank you, </i>Cathy. I think I'll let Winston the Wonder Dog have the last word here!</span></span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KGOJX1TwFdo..." imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="289" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KGOJX1TwFdo..." width="320" /></a></div><br /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com...' alt='' /></div>
<!-- /* Font Definitions */ @font-face {font-family:Times; panose-1:2 0 5 0 0 0 0 0 0 0; mso-font-charset:0; mso-generic-font-family:auto; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:3 0 0 0 1 0;} @font-face {font-family:Cambria; panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4; mso-font-charset:0; mso-generic-font-family:auto; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:3 0 0 0 1 0;} @font-face {font-family:Georgia; panose-1:2 4 5 2 5 4 5 2 3 3; mso-font-charset:0; mso-generic-font-family:auto; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:3 0 0 0 1 0;} /* Style Definitions */ p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal {mso-style-parent:""; margin:0in; margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family:Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;} p {margin:0in; margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ascii-font-family:Times; mso-fareast-font-family:Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Times; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";} @page Section1 {size:8.5in 11.0in; margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in; mso-header-margin:.5in; mso-footer-margin:.5in; mso-paper-source:0;} div.Section1 {page:Section1;} </style> <br /><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Let's take a quick peek at Cathy's past:</span></span><br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-I06NBXFLenc..." imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-I06NBXFLenc..." width="138" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking forward to her first book talk</td></tr></tbody></table><style><!-- /* Font Definitions */ @font-face {font-family:Times; panose-1:2 0 5 0 0 0 0 0 0 0; mso-font-charset:0; mso-generic-font-family:auto; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:3 0 0 0 1 0;} @font-face {font-family:Cambria; panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4; mso-font-charset:0; mso-generic-font-family:auto; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:3 0 0 0 1 0;} @font-face {font-family:Georgia; panose-1:2 4 5 2 5 4 5 2 3 3; mso-font-charset:0; mso-generic-font-family:auto; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:3 0 0 0 1 0;} /* Style Definitions */ p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal {mso-style-parent:""; margin:0in; margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family:Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;} p {margin:0in; margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ascii-font-family:Times; mso-fareast-font-family:Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Times; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";} @page Section1 {size:8.5in 11.0in; margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in; mso-header-margin:.5in; mso-footer-margin:.5in; mso-paper-source:0;} div.Section1 {page:Section1;} /* List Definitions */ @list l0 {mso-list-id:1344361039; mso-list-template-ids:1467495114;} @list l0:level1 {mso-level-number-format:bullet; mso-level-text:; mso-level-tab-stop:.5in; mso-level-number-position:left; text-indent:-.25in; mso-ansi-font-size:10.0pt; font-family:Symbol;} ol {margin-bottom:0in;} ul {margin-bottom:0in;} </style> <br /><ul><li><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="position: relative; top: -1pt;"><i>Favorite school lunch as a kid</i>: Fried bologna cups with mashed potatoes in the middle (I’m not kidding. They’re really yummy.) </span></span></span></li><li><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="position: relative; top: -1pt;"><i>Best friend in grade school</i>: Kim (We stayed friends through high school, and we were college roommates. We still keep in touch.) </span></span></span></li><li><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="position: relative; top: -1pt;"><i>Times you were the new kid in school</i>: 0 (I grew up in a very small town and stayed with the same group of kids from Kindergarten through high school.) </span></span></span></li><li><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="position: relative; top: -1pt;"><i>Teacher that inspired you to stretch</i>: Mrs. Wentworth in fifth and sixth grades. She was so great, I stayed in her class for two years. She </span>allowed students to choose their own books and had us keep track of the number of books we read over the course of the year. In fifth grade I read 100 books and received a reading award from Mrs. Wentworth. I made a lot of visits to the school library that year! <i>A Wrinkle in Time</i>, <i>Tuck Everlasting</i>, and Bridge to Terabithia were some of the books I read that year. </span></span></li><li><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><i>The one thing you always wished you could do in grade school but never achieved</i>: I wish I could have made it into the advanced swimming level. I was a weak swimmer, and I didn’t pass my swim test one summer. I ended up being the oldest kid in the beginners’ class. I quit swimming lessons after that year. </span></span></li></ul><div style="background: white; margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt;"><br /></div><div style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% white; margin: 0.1pt 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><i>Cathy, you told me about your dual passions: a desire to help older readers feel good about reading picture books and sharing your love for graphic novels. Let's talk more about both of these topics!</i></span></span></div><div style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% white; margin: 0.1pt 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><i> <style><!-- /* Font Definitions */ @font-face {font-family:Times; panose-1:2 0 5 0 0 0 0 0 0 0; mso-font-charset:0; mso-generic-font-family:auto; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:3 0 0 0 1 0;} @font-face {font-family:Cambria; panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4; mso-font-charset:0; mso-generic-font-family:auto; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:3 0 0 0 1 0;} @font-face {font-family:Georgia; panose-1:2 4 5 2 5 4 5 2 3 3; mso-font-charset:0; mso-generic-font-family:auto; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:3 0 0 0 1 0;} /* Style Definitions */ p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal {mso-style-parent:""; margin:0in; margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family:Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;} p {margin:0in; margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ascii-font-family:Times; mso-fareast-font-family:Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Times; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";} @page Section1 {size:8.5in 11.0in; margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in; mso-header-margin:.5in; mso-footer-margin:.5in; mso-paper-source:0;} div.Section1 {page:Section1;} </style></i></span></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></span><br /><div style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% white; margin: 0.1pt 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><i>What brought you to the realization that some older readers avoid picture books?</i></span></span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b><br /></b>A number of the upper grade (gr. 3-5) teachers at my school ask students to read picture books as part of their literacy programs. The teacher and I sometimes hear students make comments about not wanting to read picture books because they think they’re for younger children. I occasionally have students tell me that their parents don’t want them bringing home picture books from the library because they’re not challenging enough. That’s when we realized we needed to do some education about the power of the picture book. </span></span></div><div style="background: white; margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt;"><br /></div><div style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% white; margin: 0.1pt 0in;"><i><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Why do you think there is a stigma about picture books? </span></span></i><br /><br /></div><div style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% white; margin: 0.1pt 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">There’s a false perception that a 32-48 page book doesn’t contain the substance that a 200 page chapter book does. Also, sometimes people assume that if a book has illustrations the book must be easy or that the kids are just looking at the pictures. </span></span></div><div style="background: white; margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt;"><br /></div><div style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% white; margin: 0.1pt 0in;"><i><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">What do you think older readers can gain from picture books? </span></span></i><br /><br /></div><div style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% white; margin: 0.1pt 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">When students read picture books, they employ visual thinking skills, learn new vocabulary words, improve their fluency, learn to appreciate art and learn about the world around them. </span></span></div><div style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% white; margin: 0.1pt 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% white; margin: 0.1pt 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><i>How have you encouraged your students to dive in to this genre?</i><b> </b></span></span><br /><br /></div><div style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% white; margin: 0.1pt 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">In our library, we don’t use the term “Easy” to describe the “E” (picture book) section. “E” stands for everybody, and picture books are for everybody. I use a lot of picture books in my library classes, and I point out to students when a picture book is aimed at an older audience. </span></span></div><div style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% white; margin: 0.1pt 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% white; margin: 0.1pt 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Last year our school took part in Picture Book Month which was founded by <a href="http://storyconnection.net/">... de Las Casas.</a> One of my third grade classes created a video about how picture books are for everyone, and we posted it on the library web site and Dianne posted it on the Picture Book Month site. </span></span></div><div style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% white; margin: 0.1pt 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% white; margin: 0.1pt 0in;"><i><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Can you share a few picture book titles that have worked well for older readers? </span></span></i></div><div style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% white; margin: 0.1pt 0in;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2Uigs-bAkJ4..." imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2Uigs-bAkJ4..." width="150" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dear Mrs. LaRue, Letters from Obedience School, by Mark Teague</td></tr></tbody></table><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-y3AOUuHefvk..." imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% white; margin: 0.1pt 0in;"><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-y3AOUuHefvk..." style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="160" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-y3AOUuHefvk..." width="200" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">David Wiesner's wordless picture book requires higher level thinking</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uK6Jd1LcfJ0..." imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uK6Jd1LcfJ0..." width="151" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Probuditi! by Chris Van Allsburg</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><br /><i><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"> </span></span></i><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qYl34-IUPR8..." imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qYl34-IUPR8..." width="199" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Small Beauties, by Elvira Woodruff</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Hjk3KgP-r5M..." imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="164" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Hjk3KgP-r5M..." width="200" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Irena's Jars of Secrets, by Marcia K. Vaughn</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2B0WZyKT7Xc..." imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2B0WZyKT7Xc..." width="159" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Boy Who Drew Birds, by Jaqueline Davis</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yswf8WOh8B4..." imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yswf8WOh8B4..." width="143" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jon Klassen's book is great for inferring, predicting and using visual cues</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><i><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">You also have a passion for graphic novels. Can you first define, in your own words, what a graphic novel is? </span></span></i><br /><br /></div><div style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% white; margin: 0.1pt 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">A graphic novel is a format for telling a story using comic book elements: illustrations, speech bubbles, thought bubbles, captions and panels. Graphic novels encompass all genres: fantasy, mystery, biography, realistic fiction, informational, etc... </span></span></div><div style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% white; margin: 0.1pt 0in;"><br /><style><!-- /* Font Definitions */ @font-face {font-family:Times; panose-1:2 0 5 0 0 0 0 0 0 0; mso-font-charset:0; mso-generic-font-family:auto; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:3 0 0 0 1 0;} @font-face {font-family:Cambria; panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4; mso-font-charset:0; mso-generic-font-family:auto; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:3 0 0 0 1 0;} @font-face {font-family:Georgia; panose-1:2 4 5 2 5 4 5 2 3 3; mso-font-charset:0; mso-generic-font-family:auto; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:3 0 0 0 1 0;} /* Style Definitions */ p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal {mso-style-parent:""; margin:0in; margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family:Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;} p {margin:0in; margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ascii-font-family:Times; mso-fareast-font-family:Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Times; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";} @page Section1 {size:8.5in 11.0in; margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in; mso-header-margin:.5in; mso-footer-margin:.5in; mso-paper-source:0;} div.Section1 {page:Section1;} </style></div><br /><div style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% white; margin: 0.1pt 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><i>Tell us what you enjoy about them and what you see your students enjoying about them. </i></span></span></div><div style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% white; margin: 0.1pt 0in;"><br /></div><div style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% white; margin: 0.1pt 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">I enjoy seeing stories represented in both visual and print ways. The text and pictures equally important, and the reader must rely on both to understand the story. Many of our students are visual learners, and having the visual elements helps them understand the story. Students are able to immerse themselves in the story and enjoy the book. The more they enjoy reading, the more they read! </span></span></div><div style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% white; margin: 0.1pt 0in;"><br /></div><div style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% white; margin: 0.1pt 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"></span></span></div><div style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% white; margin: 0.1pt 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"></span></span></div><div style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% white; margin: 0.1pt 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"></span></span></div><div style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% white; margin: 0.1pt 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"></span></span></div><div style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% white; margin: 0.1pt 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"></span></span></div><div style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% white; margin: 0.1pt 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><i> Can you recommend a few titles to add to the classroom/library? </i></span></span></div><div style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% white; margin: 0.1pt 0in;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-83gebKvKoiI..." imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-83gebKvKoiI..." /></a></div><div style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% white; margin: 0.1pt 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><i>Amulet </i>series by Kazu Kibuishi</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JBt73yk7MUc..." imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JBt73yk7MUc..." width="251" /></a></div><div style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% white; margin: 0.1pt 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /> </span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><i>Babymouse </i>series by Jennifer Holm and Matt Holm</span></span></div><div style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% white; margin: 0.1pt 0in;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PG_j5BviFo8..." imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PG_j5BviFo8..." width="251" /></a></div><div style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% white; margin: 0.1pt 0in;"><br /></div><div style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% white; margin: 0.1pt 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><i> Lunch Lady </i>by Jarrett J. Krosoczka</span></span></div><div style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% white; margin: 0.1pt 0in;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tLins5UCREM..." imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tLins5UCREM..." width="213" /></a></div><div style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% white; margin: 0.1pt 0in;"><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"> <i>Sidekicks </i>by Dan Santat</span></span></div><div style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% white; margin: 0.1pt 0in;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cVoqOFSq95o..." imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cVoqOFSq95o..." width="247" /></a></div><div style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% white; margin: 0.1pt 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /> <i>Binky the Space Cat </i>by Ashley Spires</span></span></div><div style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% white; margin: 0.1pt 0in;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wUBALkviy9w..." imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wUBALkviy9w..." width="240" /></a></div><div style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% white; margin: 0.1pt 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /> <i>The Olympians </i>series by George O’Connor </span></span></div><div style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% white; margin: 0.1pt 0in;"><br /></div><div style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% white; margin: 0.1pt 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><i>Tell us about what happened when you brought a comic book illustrator to your school and what you saw your students gain from that experience. </i></span></span></div><div style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% white; margin: 0.1pt 0in;"><br /></div><div style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% white; margin: 0.1pt 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">A couple of years ago I worked with the art teacher at school, and we brought a comic artist into third and fourth grade art classes for a month. The artist taught students about the elements of graphic novels, and he worked with students to create their own graphic novels. Many teachers embraced this project and continued the work in their classrooms. </span></span></div><div style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% white; margin: 0.1pt 0in;"><br /></div><div style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% white; margin: 0.1pt 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">During the art residency, the art teacher, comic artist, and I offered a workshop for parents about graphic novels. We also encouraged families to attend the Maine Comic Arts Festival. That year, I noticed that students and teachers read more graphic novels than ever before. Out shelves were empty because all of the comics were checked out. It was a turning point in our school. Many teachers and parents began to embrace graphic novels as a valid form of reading. </span></span></div><div style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% white; margin: 0.1pt 0in;"><br /></div><div style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% white; margin: 0.1pt 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><i>It’s interesting to note that you see a high value in the visual component of books, whether picture books or graphic novels. What skills and abilities do you think these visual genres promote in your students? </i></span></span></div><div style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% white; margin: 0.1pt 0in;"><br /></div><div style="margin: 0.1pt 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Even though there are illustrations, graphic novels do not spell out everything for readers. Readers must infer as they read. Terry Thompson (<i>Adventures in Graphica</i>) explains that readers are must infer what happens in the gutters or spaces between the panels. Students also learn to use their visual thinking skills to notice details from the illustrations in picture books and graphic novels. Last year I read <i>Grandpa Green </i>by Lane Smith to third and fourth grade classes. Smith’s illustrations are quite detailed and include a lot of symbolism. It was interesting to see each class pick up on different details from the illustrations. </span></span></div><div style="margin: 0.1pt 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"> <style><!-- /* Font Definitions */ @font-face {font-family:Times; panose-1:2 0 5 0 0 0 0 0 0 0; mso-font-charset:0; mso-generic-font-family:auto; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:3 0 0 0 1 0;} @font-face {font-family:Cambria; panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4; mso-font-charset:0; mso-generic-font-family:auto; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:3 0 0 0 1 0;} @font-face {font-family:Georgia; panose-1:2 4 5 2 5 4 5 2 3 3; mso-font-charset:0; mso-generic-font-family:auto; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:3 0 0 0 1 0;} /* Style Definitions */ p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal {mso-style-parent:""; margin:0in; margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family:Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;} p {margin:0in; margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ascii-font-family:Times; mso-fareast-font-family:Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Times; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";} @page Section1 {size:8.5in 11.0in; margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in; mso-header-margin:.5in; mso-footer-margin:.5in; mso-paper-source:0;} div.Section1 {page:Section1;} </style></span></span></div>--> <br /><div style="margin: 0.1pt 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><i>What else would you like to share on this topic? </i></span></span></div><div style="margin: 0.1pt 0in;"><br /></div><div style="margin: 0.1pt 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Support your local comic book store. I shop for the school library at an independent comic book store in the area, and I’m always amazed at the selection of books available. The owners of our local shop are really knowledgeable about comics. I always leave with a smile on my face and a bag full of books! </span></span></div><div style="margin: 0.1pt 0in;"><br /></div><div style="margin: 0.1pt 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"></span></span></div><div style="background: white; margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><i>Thank you, thank you, </i>Cathy. I think I'll let Winston the Wonder Dog have the last word here!</span></span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KGOJX1TwFdo..." imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="289" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KGOJX1TwFdo..." width="320" /></a></div><br /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com...' alt='' /></div>
September 30, 2012
Simply Sunday
I don't generally post on Sundays but I have two simple and simply wonderful things to share.
First, a tasty and quick dinner from Kevin and Amanda's blog:
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite sized piece
1/2 cup fresh sage leaves
1.5-2 T butter (yes, butter!)
S & P
Salt and pepper the chicken pieces, tossing to coat. (I used salted butter so would skip the salt next time).
Heat butter over med/med-hi heat until browned and fragrant.
Add chicken in one layer. Top with sage.
Cook for 2-1/2 minutes, then flip and cook 2+ minutes more.
Serve with pasta or by itself. Yum! And I'm not even that fond of sage.
(no photo because we ate it up so quickly!)
Second, if you are an iPad user like me and get frustrated because your big fingers keep hitting the wrong thing on the screen, buy one of these:
![SPIGEN SGP iPhone 5 Stylus Pen Kuel H10 for iPhone 4 / 4S and iPad 2, The new iPad, Samsung Galaxy S3 [Reventon Yellow]](https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/hostedimages/1407413427i/10716335.jpg)
My son-in-law got one (in black) and once I used it, I had to have one, too. Mine is yellow, which goes very nicely with my orange iPad case. And it plugs into the earbud port so it's always right there and handy.
You're welcome.
First, a tasty and quick dinner from Kevin and Amanda's blog:
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite sized piece
1/2 cup fresh sage leaves
1.5-2 T butter (yes, butter!)
S & P
Salt and pepper the chicken pieces, tossing to coat. (I used salted butter so would skip the salt next time).
Heat butter over med/med-hi heat until browned and fragrant.
Add chicken in one layer. Top with sage.
Cook for 2-1/2 minutes, then flip and cook 2+ minutes more.
Serve with pasta or by itself. Yum! And I'm not even that fond of sage.
(no photo because we ate it up so quickly!)
Second, if you are an iPad user like me and get frustrated because your big fingers keep hitting the wrong thing on the screen, buy one of these:
My son-in-law got one (in black) and once I used it, I had to have one, too. Mine is yellow, which goes very nicely with my orange iPad case. And it plugs into the earbud port so it's always right there and handy.
You're welcome.
September 28, 2012
Friend Friday
It's hard to believe that such a sweet-looking person as Stephanie Bodeen (S.A. Bodeen) could write such scary, creepy books as The Gardener and The Compound. Now she sets her main character adrift in The Raft.
Congrats, Stephanie, for another fast-paced read, which has received praise like this: "This book will satisfy anyone who likes a good survival story.”—School Library Journal
"A compelling survival adventure.”—Kirkus
Kirby's word of warning: don't read this on a plane!
Congrats, Stephanie, for another fast-paced read, which has received praise like this: "This book will satisfy anyone who likes a good survival story.”—School Library Journal
"A compelling survival adventure.”—Kirkus
Kirby's word of warning: don't read this on a plane!
