K.N. Smith's Blog, page 2

Research Link / Family Literacy

In their 2003 report titled “The Condition of Education”, the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) stated that according to survey results, literacy activities in the home contribute to early reading success. Since then, countless hours of research have been conducted that prove how important home-based literacy activities truly are. This article, written by John H. Holloway, further supports that family literacy programs indeed provide opportunities for educational success for parents and children.

Facts About Childhood Literacy

Reading is important for children. However, it is much more crucial for children to read frequently. The National Education Association states that having kids read a lot helps in developing stronger reading skills. In addition, young readers need to become practiced at recognizing letters and sounds. In this post, I’m sharing a couple of findings about children’s literacy, which were gathered by various government agencies. Remember, take just a few minutes to read to a child today!

Mensa for Kids Excellence in Reading Program

The Mensa Foundation is an international resource for information on giftedness and intelligence, as well as a source for international educational outreach programs. Established in 1971, this philanthropic, nonprofit organization recognizes, encourages, and communicates excellence in human intelligence globally through education, research, and recognition programs. To encourage the joy of reading, the foundation has developed the Mensa for Kids Excellence in Reading Program which is a year-round reading challenge to kids of all ages. Read the article and learn more.

Promoting Family Literacy: Raising Ready Readers

We know that promoting family literacy is important to children’s reading and school success. Learning to love to read starts at an early age and often starts at home. But did you know that aside from reading books, there are also other family literacy activities that can be conducted at home? Families can do various activities through picture books, songs, poetry, and storytelling. Read on and learn more on how you can encourage, support, and engage all aspects of literacy in your home.

PD James’s 10 Tips for Writing Novels

Although she didn’t publish her first novel until she was 42, Phyllis Dorothy James had been writing since childhood. The celebrated English crime writer has penned more than twenty books, including The Children Of Men, and the Adam Dalgliesh mystery series. Learn a thing or two from PD James’ top 10 tips for being an author.

Fun and Effective Ways to Read with Children

Various studies have established that children who are read to during their infancy and preschool years have better language skills when they start school. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) states that “parents who spend time reading to their children create nurturing relationships, which is important for a child’s cognitive, language, and social-emotional development.” There are multiple benefits to beginning a reading habit with your child no matter his/her age. This article from Colorín Colorado lists some ideas for using reading time to build your child’s literacy skills while keeping it fun for both of you.

Neil Gaiman: Why Our Future Depends on Libraries, Reading and Daydreaming

It can be said that English author Neil Gaiman is among the most prolific writers of his generation. Having various notable works in short fiction, novels, comic books, graphic novels, audio theatre, and films, he has absolutely influenced multitudes of people from all walks of life. Within one of his lectures for the Reading Agency, Gaiman, who is also a passionate advocate of reading, tells us why using our imaginations, and providing for others to use theirs, is an obligation for all citizens.

Read his lecture here.

 

Masquerade Crew Give 5 Stars to “The Urban Boys”

The Masquerade Crew recently reviewed “The Urban Boys” and the 5-star rating and positive comments are certainly appreciated! Please see a review excerpt below and visit their site for the full review. Cheers! K.N. Smith

Read the full review.

“This book was definitely hard to put down. I found it was packed with action, fun and problems you wanted to see through to the end, and make sure the boys kept going. It is a fab YA read, and is easily one that has the potential to be the next big thing in that reading community. I found that the book had the same feel as a lot of the most popular YA books. This was because the pace was excellent, the characters well developed, the plot wasn’t overly complicated and the story flowed very well. With all those bits thrown together, not to mention a purely exciting read, I did find myself staying up until the wee hours of the morning, trying to see what happened next, hoping the boys were successful and that they came out of their challenges unscathed.” Bri from the Masquerade Crew

Thanks Masquerade!!

 

The Revenant – The Movie Starring Leonardo DiCaprio

Film Commentary  – Revenant – a person who has returned, especially supposedly from the dead. Once you understand the definition of “revenant”, a term not readily used in today’s society, then you will get what this movie is all about. Certainly, you will need to enter the theater distraction free and ready to be taken to the depths of your soul. It’s safe to say that this could very well be the defining role of Mr. DiCaprio’s career. A totally raw performance aside numerous other actors giving the same depth to their characters, and if you combine that with stunning scenery and the truth, soul, and insight of Native Americans, now we’re talking about a truly captivating film that you will never forget. The description says that DiCaprio’s character is left for dead after a bear attack. How they filmed that particular scene I will never know, but the technical talent therein is simply stunning. This film drags your emotions back and forth so many times it is hard to believe that this was a true story. What folks went through back then is just hard to believe. But the triumph of the human spirit is at the center of this story and if it inspires you to persevere under rough conditions, then you’ll be better for it. A stellar movie that is both beautiful and memorable and one you will never forget. Go see it today!

K.N. Smith, Author

 

Concussion – The Movie Starring Will Smith

Film Commentary – There are times in an actor’s life when they simply must go over and above to deliver a performance that will stay with the audience for months and years to come. Will Smith’s performance in “Concussion” as the Nigerian Dr. Bennett Omalu was one such performance, and only an A-list actor such as Will Smith could pull it off. Little did we know that the universal delivery of the detail of Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE) would be through cinematic means, but that platform was obviously ripe for the undertaking. What I liked most about the movie was it’s raw delivery and the grinding of emotions seen in every character on both sides of the issue. Unfortunately, we saw the real truth of what happens when extreme contact sports delivers its blows. On the other side, we saw the uncovering of the actual medical truth being brought to light, which made us want to join the fight to protect those who entertain us weekly making us wish for a happy medium. The gigantic economic machine that sports is continues to churn, so hopefully somewhere along the way some resolve will settle. Until then, we have been graced by Will Smith’s stellar and transformative performance as Dr. Omalu, and I encourage you to see this movie as soon as possible.

K.N. Smith, Author