Archive for 2011
Some poems are meant to be shared, loved and remembered.
May 17, 2011
Eloise Greenfield was born May 17 1929 in Parmele, North Carolina at the beginning of the Depression. Early on her family moved to Washington, D.C. where she still lives today. Here is one of my favorite poems, from her collection, Honey I Love, an ALA Notable Children’s Book. Enjoy discovering on your own other of […]
“Oh my goodness, I was as giddy as a pig in the sunshine.” Patrick Lewis, upon hearing the news of being named Children’s Poet Laureate.
May 13, 2011
Our new Children’s Poet Laureate, Patrick Lewis said “ A lifelong love for poetry is most likely to result if cultivated early in childhood and reinforced thereafter” Patrick Lewis has certainly done his part and then some in cultivating a love of poetry for both adults and children. He says “poetry can transport children when […]
Diane, Keynote speaker at the annual PJLibrary® Conference
May 10, 2011
A few comments from attendees: Diane Frankenstein’s keynote at the PJ library conference was a highlight for me. It was very informative and the concept of “reading together” will resonate in San Antonio, a community very committed to reducing its severe literacy deficits. We already made bookmarks – “Reading Together Can be Fun” which we […]
Mothers hold their children’s hands for a short while, but their hearts forever.
May 8, 2011
Mother’s Day seems to be the perfect time to look at the perennial “nature versus nurture” debate. I see NO downside in hedging your bets. If hedging your bet is defined as protecting yourself against a possible loss, what parent wants to possibly lose the opportunity of doing whatever they can to nurture a child […]
School Standards that encourage deeper thought is a good thing
May 2, 2011
I am cautiously optimistic of the Common Core standards, which is the newest experiment in the arena of school curriculum standards. NYTimes “Trial Run for School Standards That Encourage Deeper Thought.” http://www.nytimes.com/2011/04/25/nyregion/100-new-york-schools-try-common-core-approach.html?partner=rss&emc=rss The stated goal is “to go beyond reading lists” (emphasizing reading for meaning) “and math formulas to try to raise the bar not […]