Reading Rockets: Building World Knowledge: Motivating Children to Read and Enjoy Informational Text

Hello and Happy New Year! I will do a proper New Year/Australia Day post soon. I the meantime, I wanted to share this article which has some good ideas for tackling non-fiction texts in the early years. It contains some very simple strategies for helping students to get the most out of a text, and to support comprehension and thinking skills.
Reading Rockets: Building World Knowledge: Motivating Children to Read and Enjoy Informational Text

A soundtrack to Christmas

Looking for a soundtrack to Christmas? I would like to give a plug to transit jazz , a really talented group of musicians who take their inspirations from traditional Christian music, and well- and not so well-known Bible verses.



Their music is easy to hear and to listen to (ie it's nice to have playing at dinner, and stimulating to actually listen to), with vaguely familiar refrains which infuse a sense of the sacred with the profane (in the old sense of the word...).

Whether you hold strong Christian beliefs or not; if you like jazz, or if you would like to like jazz, have a look and a listen!

The sum of innumerable privileges

It is coming to that busy Christmas end of year season here.  In Australia, the weather really heats up, the temperature rising in tandem with the excitement of children anticipating a period of surprises and treats.  For me, Christmas is always a period of reflection and evaluation, as the year draws to a close replete with images of new life welcomed in surprising and unconventional circumstances, ancient promises made and kept, and the tenuous vulnerability of life and relationships.  At this time of year, above all others, I am acutely aware of being the sum of innumerable privileges.

"Of those to whom much is given, much will be expected."  I don't know the origins of this expression, but it has been a theme in my family for as long as I can remember; the implication being that those with talent or intellectual or material wealth have an obligation to give of themselves, and to make the most of their opportunities to unselfish ends.  And this is something I strive for.  And yet how can I hope to give in accordance with the abundance of privilege I have? Privilege I did nothing to earn or achieve.

I was born in a time of peace in a stable democracy.  I am a part of the dominant culture, speaking the dominant language.  I grew up in a loving and supportive family with many excellent role-models.  I received easily, willingly and happily an outstanding education.  I was blessed to have outstanding teachers.  I attended university with a minimum of fuss, and at a reasonable cost.  My gender is, to all intents and purposes, irrelevant.  I have excellent health.  My children are healthy, happy and amazing.  My husband grows more impressive - in thoughtfulness, character and integrity.  The debt I owe to life, or humanity, or the future is humbling.

http://www.parentingideas.com.au/newsletter/pdf/HK2_ebook.pdf

I know that in the quest for an easy pun I was a bit of a meanie about Michael Grose in an earlier post. In fact, I opened my first can of blogging worms....but 'tis the season of good will, and he has a lot of practical, straightforward, and positive ideas.

Please enjoy this "Best Of" compilation which I received via email today. Also, if your appetite is whetted, he's now on Facebook (for those of us who indulge in that guilty pleasure....)

http://www.mnwd-hosting.com/emanager/members/link.php?M=2264334&N=14962&L=11448&F=H

35 Gifts Your Children Will Never Forget | Becoming Minimalist

A nice reminder that the best and most important gifts are not given just once a year!
35 Gifts Your Children Will Never Forget Becoming Minimalist

Reading and families with pre-school children. Survey No 2, 2010. ::

The State Library of Victoria is running a survey of parents with children under school age. I've done it - it's very straight forward, unintrusive and only took about 5 min to complete. Participants will be entered in a draw for $500 worth of books. Sounded good to me!Reading and families with pre-school children. Survey No 2, 2010. ::  (This survey is now closed - Antonia)

Reading Rockets: What teachers say, what parents hear

This link goes to the heart of Parent Teacher Kinight's initial purpose. I wonder if we can think of some more "What teachers say - What parents hear" scenarios? What have been your experiences of parent teacher interviews? I've now had the opportunity of sitting on both sides of the table, and trust me both seats can be very uncomfortable!
Reading Rockets: What teachers say, what parents hear