literacy+technology=motivation

literacy+technology=motivation
literacy 2.0

Tuesday, July 27, 2010

Are we writing and reading enough... books, ebooks,audiobooks...?

1) How to inspire a love of books and reading in today's adolescents?
2) As reading specialists are we well read?
3) Can we recommend suitable titles for students of any age, reading ability and
interests?

These are questions that we must ask ourselves as we reflect on our own reading experiences and how they have influenced what we consider to be a good read or good literature. Read and listen to this inspirational story here Librarian changes boy's life


The internet is a great resource that we can use as reading specialists to keep us abreast of the best reading material for students.
  1. Candlelightstories--Not for those who only think that the classics are worth reading
  2. Teenreads--One stop shop for books for teens
I signed up for NetLibrary at NALIS Port of Spain and I was able to subscribe to audio books ONLINE. I listened to Blubber by Judy Blume...great stuff that you can download to your computer or iPod to share with students and it is FREE!(nowhere near a kindle or ipad though).This is a GREAT resource so sign up now at a NALIS near you.

  1. Storyline Online--Offers readings of children's books by actors.
  2. Scholastic Stacks--Great site for great books for teens
We can create our own audio books using podcasts or design ebooks using powerpoint or free software:
  1. Myebook--Create your own ebook for free
  2. Storybird--This is a collaborative storytelling site.

There are social network sites such as Shelfari and Goodreads where you can participate in a community where members can share their interests about the books that matter to them. They are virtual book clubs. Check my book shelves on my blog, follow the links and leave comments. You can do this with students.

PS:Don't forget we need to create our own LOCAL CONTENT so that our children can have AUTHENTIC texts that REFLECT who WE ARE.

REMEMBER that WRITING is READING and READING is THINKING
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6 comments:

  1. ESTHERJuly 29, 2010 at 8:13 PM

    Hi Stacy,
    I was moved by the story "Librarian changes boy's life." We, as educators have children's lives in our hands. It is important that we educate them for the future in this technological world.I totally agree with you about having culturally appropriate literature for our students to read and appreciate. As a primary school teacher I need to read to them so they will be aware of local and Caribbean literature and be motivated to read them. Again I enjoy reading your blog. Continue to inform and enlighten.

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  2. iluv2readJuly 30, 2010 at 5:02 AM

    Thanks Esther for the kind words and your comments on my post. That story raised my pores especially as he was a boy who could have easily fell through the cracks.

    This librarian did not have access to the internet or technology but her seemingly simple actions saved one. If each one of us in this course can save just one student male or female from a life of literacy frustration think of the ripple effect in our communities,schools and the nation.

    As a reading specialist my two main thrusts will be boys and literacy and local content use in literacy instruction so I am open to working and collaborating with like minded persons

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  3. ghinamahadeoAugust 1, 2010 at 8:40 AM

    Great Stuff. Love these sites. I signed up for Myebook and built my own ebook using family photos. It was hilarious, displayed it at our annual family day and everyone had a good laugh. looking forward to building books for my class next term-these are not only educational but also a great momento. The Candlelight stories is a delight, loved the animation of Granny O' Grimm's sleeping...amusing. This site got much to share - games, movies, storybooks, poetry and more

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  4. iluv2readAugust 1, 2010 at 5:30 PM

    Glad you enjoyed the links remember to pass them on. We learn and experience so much more when we share and share.
    Looking forward to future posts on your blog ghina

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  5. jodymadhoAugust 4, 2010 at 12:56 AM

    Love the blogs, Stacey. I read "librarian changes boy's life" and it brought home to me how influential small things that teachers and educators do can change the lives of others forever.

    Candlelightstories are certainly not the classics, but entertaining all the same. I also listened to my favourite TV voice, that of James Earl Jones narrating " I am a drum" on storyline online. I bookmarked these sites on 'delicious' for future referencing.

    I believe this is what Aisha Wood Jackson had in mind when creating this blog assignment for us; that we share stuff like this that will enhance our work as Reading Specialists in the future. I trust that this practice will continue after the Masters program is over. Then we will not have our lecturers to run to for advice. We will have to lean on each other and these blogs will prove a great help. It's obvious a lot of work went into creating them. Well done, Stacey.

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  6. iluv2readAugust 6, 2010 at 8:52 PM

    thanks for the kind words, I am glad you enjoyed the links and again share and pass it on. Delicious is a great bookmarking site you can add me to your network I am bonnyasefue98. We learn by sharing and doing

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