Thanks to the KY librarian listserv I’ve become aware of an opportunity for those still in school. Discovery Education will be hosting a special FREE Webinar with Phillipe Cousteau on June 2 at 1:00 ET. This is an opportunity for students to move beyond the headlines and learn about this environmental disaster from someone on the front lines. To register for this event, go to: https://discoveryedevents.webex.com/
I’m steeped in media center work.
With some new testing and reading programs we’ve implemented, teachers are immediately aware of students low reading levels. Yes, there is that much discussed disconnected between reading at school and reading ‘in real life’, making one question the validity of these tests. Yet, when students have to read text books, books written at a challenging level for them where they need to apply skills and strategies to obtain information, we have to take into account those low reading levels. For me, that indicates a need to find low ability reading materials for 5th through 12 graders to support the curriculum AND for pleasure reading. What a task that has become! Need a job? I suggest you start creating informational texts at a 2nd and 3rd grade reading level for high school students! Be creative, be informative! Imbed new technologies!!
I’ve been following W.A.R. on Bowllan’s Blog. I have to put a ‘happily ever after twist on reading those posts. I just can dwell on the issue of racism. It burns too much. I continue some conversations with Zetta via email, most recently discussing what racism is like in Taiwan and Canada and Russia. I know how bad it gets in Russia, but I hadn’t realized the political leaders there refused to shake hands with the POTUS! And, the very next day after I discover this, US leaders are saying US children should not listen the POTUS because he might indoctrinate them. We’re worried about the person we’ve elected to the highest office in the land indoctrinating our children??
You know, these are two major examples of what Pres. Obama must face on a daily basis. Imagine if he wrote for Bowllans blog, just discussing things he’s faced since he began his campaign for president, things most of us aren’t even aware of. Does this disrespect for the president of the United States make you have any reconsideration for racism?? If not, read Bowllan’s Blog. Read about the experiences of Latinos, Native Americans, Muslims, European Americans, males and females. They’re good reads. Although racism is the topic, they don’t dwell in the darkness. Rather, they are stories of how individuals did what they wanted/needed or had to do anyway.
In school where students are meant to learn, students should listen to the speech. They should discuss it with teachers and parents to determine what the message really was. Nothing is learned by not listening, other than to put too much confidence in unsubstantiated rumors. That is the most dangerous thing we can do in a democracy.
In the 21st century, media literacy is a must and it is everyone’s job!
Final thought? Today I remember my own personal Labor Day Weekend: Evan James Campbell was born 4 September 1985.
A new teaching guide helps you learn how to use movies to teach important life lessons to children and youth.
“Teaching with Movies: A Guide for Parents and Educators,” provides insight, instruction and resources to help adults use any movie as a learning tool.
The guide is produced by F.I.L.M. (Finding Inspiration in Literature & Movies), which is a partnership between the National Collaboration for Youth and Truly Moving Pictures. F.I.L.M. provides study guides and community service ideas for numerous Hollywood movies.
For example, the most recent addition to F.I.L.M.’s collection is a study guide to use with the movie, “My Sister’s Keeper” starring Cameron Diaz.
More info: http://www.youthfilmproject.org/
D.C.-Area Independent Schools Invite Candidates of Color to Jan. 11 Event
Interested in a career teaching at an independent school?
Nine Washington area schools are holding a networking event for candidates of color on January 11 where you can:
• Learn about private independent schools
• Hear how to prepare for the upcoming recruitment season
• Get help with your resume and cover letter
• Discuss education as a vocation for candidates of color
• Walk away with next steps for the recruitment season
Where: National Cathedral School, 3609 Woodley Rd. NW, Washington, DC 20016
When: January 11, 2009, 3-5 pm
The event is free but help us by signing up by Jan. 7.
Please send an e-mail to NCScareerevent@cathedral.org with the following:
• Name
• Email address
• Mailing address
• Telephone number
• Specific teaching or work interest(s)
Please bring your cover letter and resume with you for workshopping.
No teacher certification or teacher preparation required.
Questions? Email us at NCScareerevent@cathedral.org
