RESOURCE CORNER
Recommendations from the Timberlane Professional Development Lending Library
FROM THE LANGUAGE ARTS SHELF
Teaching Reading K-2 Workshop: Creating a Literate Community. Annenberg/CPS, 2003. VHS
Presents three research-based principles for creating an effective literacy environment -- accessbile materials, purposeful room and wall displays of print materials, and classroom routines that promote reading and writing. Video begins with a lecture from Dr. Jeanne Paratore on creating a literate community in early literacy that is followed by classroom excerpts and small group discussion. A good idea source for teachers looking for literacy center activities for keep everyone reading during reading class!
Time for Non-fiction by Tony Stead. Stenhouse Publishers, 2004. VHS (4 tapes).
Australian educator Tony Stead explores many strategies to integrate nonfiction reading and writing into classroom communiites. The 4-part video set covers setting up the nonfiction classroom, mini lessons on helping readers select texts, whole-class mini lessons that highlight how to gather information and work with persuasive texts, and read-alouds, visual literacy, and responses. Each video tape includes background information, specific conversations, demonstrations, and management strategies, and questions to generate discussion. Nonfiction holds great appeal for reluctant readers and this video presentation offers some great strategies for harnessing that appeal and "reading" with it!
What's New in Young Adult Literature Grades 6-12 by Kathleen Odean. Bureau of Education and Research. Includes 6 audio-cassettes and a handbook.
Previews many young adult titles and includes innovative strategies for reaching and motivating all levels of readers. This is a handy reference to turn to whether you are trying to select books to reach reluctant readers, address multicultural issues, or find practical tips on sharing new literature with your students.
Language Arts Published bimonthly by the National Council of Teachers of English
This journal is great resource that shows how you can implement research based practices in the literacy instruction in your classroom. In the September issue, Linda Crafton, Mary Brennan, and Penny Silvers have written an article about using critical inquiry and multiliteracies in first-grade classrooms. In the article they include a list of trade books that support critical literacy and a list that supports visual literacy. Examples of student work are shown. The issue also profiles Don Brown, a children's biography writer. The Children's Literature Reviews column highlights the best poetry books for children from 2003-2006. The Professional Development Lending Library does not subscribe to this periodical, but check out your school library's magazine collection. You might just find Language Arts there! (And if you don't, Pollard School Library subscribes and will willingly loan it!)
