Audiobooks, Biographies, and Copyright

As I was scrolling through my Twitter feed, I came across this article, 15 Great Audiobooks for Helping Kids Read Better .   I was reminded of my Masters project on the value of audiobooks in supporting literacy.  The article identifies several benefits including the "modeling of good interpretive reading" and helping to "teach critical listening".  Just a reminder that the Marshall Public School media centers have Playaways, Kindles, and there are also online resources such as Tumblebooks (available at Park Side School).  The article lists 15 audiobooks that come highly recommended by teachers for students in K-8.  If you're looking for more titles, YALSA (Young Adult Library Services Association) also posted a  list of 29 outstanding audiobooks for teens, Amazing Audiobooks for Young Adults 2014.

One of my favorite genres is the biography.  Biographies give the reader an intimate view of another life.  The reader may develop perspective and/or tolerance, learn empathy, recognize how persistence and hard work can allow a person to overcome obstacles, learn about history, be inspired, and much more.  While looking through biography trailers online, I came across the memoir Taking Flight:  From War Orphan to Ballerina - Book Trailer .  It tells the story of a young lady adopted from an orphanage in war-torn Sierra Leone, West Africa by an American family, and her rise to stardom in the ballet world.   This book was actually co-written by Michaela DePrince and her adoptive mother, Elaine DePrince.  

YALSA also publishes a list of recommended non-fiction titles for young adults that includes several biographical titles YALSA Non-fiction 2014 Finalists and Winner .

Copyright Morsel by Diane Konjura

30+ Websites to Download Free Photos is a great collection of websites that offer free photos. If you or students decide to use photos from these websites, be sure to read if credit needs to be given or if the rights by the creator are such that you can use the photos as you wish.  Consider this resource when asking students to include photos in a project.  

"I Love to Read Month" Coming Soon!

February is "I Love to Read Month", and it is fast approaching.  The staff at all Marshall Public Schools are hard at work organizing ways to celebrate the month ahead and promote literacy throughout the community.  The media center at each building will be having an M&M guessing jar for staff and students, reading trivia, and other activities throughout the month.  Watch for announcements in your building. 

If you are interested in resources for the event and for reading, in general, consider "liking" the Read Across America Facebook page linked here.

Although "I Love to Read Month" is a wonderful opportunity to focus on the importance of literacy, I also wish that this excitement about reading would exist every month. Developing and encouraging a life-long love for reading is a mission near and dear to my heart.  The Common Sense Media article How Can I Encourage a Reluctant Reader? shares simple ways to spark that reading desire.  

The Middle School media center makerspaces have attracted a number of young, innovative minds to start building and creating projects.  Please share the Middle School Media Center Makerspace Mania Schoology course code QBKNK-V9N99  with your students, and have them visit the makerspaces during flex times and after school on Mondays and Thursdays.  Photos to follow.

Copyright Morsel by Diane Konjura

Cyberbee: Student Copyright Q & A is a great resource for teachers introducing copyright in the classroom.  In addition to “What is copyright?” other questions include, “What is attribution?” and “Who’s going to know?”  It seems most appropriate for middle school students.  All questions do not need to be addressed or perhaps only questions pertinent for the project being assigned.  Check out Cyberbee: Student Copyright Q & A.

Martin Luther King Day, Reading Study, and Contest Opportunity

Martin Luther King Day will be observed on Monday, January 19th.  I have included two links that may help you recognize this day with students.  The first link, NEA MLK Day Resources  is organized by grade level, and includes several lessons for elementary age students.  History.com MLK Day Resources ,the second link, is an excellent resource for historical data in general, and provides several multimedia resources to use with middle and secondary age students. As well, please access the Follett Destiny catalog to locate books and other materials available throughout the Marshall Public School library system.

The main focus of the article, NYTimes Scholastic Reading Study Article linked here is the importance of continuing to read to children even as they grow older.  However, the study also noted factors that helped determine whether students read for fun or not.  In children aged 6-11, those who were read aloud to regularly, and had restricted online time were found to be heavier readers on their own time. For those in the 12-17 age category, the greatest influence was having time during the school day to read freely.  This speaks to the importance of working towards creating dedicated "reading time", and making it an integral part of every school day for all students.

While reading the latest issue of American Libraries, I noticed an opportunity for students to participate in making a PSA video on the dangers of distracted walking.  The grand prize winners receive $1000, and a trip to New York City to professionally film their video. Students in grades 6-12 are eligible to participate.  Read more on this opportunity here Scholastic Drive2Life Contest .  While at the site, have a look at the previous winning videos; the student creativity demonstrated is amazing.

Copyright Morsel (By Diane Konjura)

As I continue to share information regarding copyright, I include articles that I hope are helpful to clear some of the copyright confusion out there.  The following article: 12 Most Picture Perfect Ways You're Legally Using Online Photos shares some ideas about using photos legally.  Some that I would highlight is the difference between plagiarism and copyright, and there is a difference; the suggestion to use photos in the public domain or learn more about Creative Commons and the different options that are a part of this licensing; and most importantly assuming that every image you see is copyrighted.  Check out this article when using photos or asking students to include photos in their projects.

Welcome to a New Year! Follett Updates, Makerspaces, and More...

As we begin 2015, I am excited to begin blogging with you, and sharing the latest and greatest news in the media center world that will help support you, your classroom, and the students.

.

First, I am happy to announce that the newest version of Follett Destiny is now operational throughout the district.  Although you will not visually see much of a difference, our updated catalog is now cloud based.  Please access the new link titled MPS Follett Destiny located under the Recommended Websites tab at this blog, or by pasting https://isd413.follettdestiny.com in your browser.  You can also reach the new catalog through the Media Center Department section of the Marshall Public Schools website.  Please remember to save this new url address to your favorites, and share this information with your students.

Makerspaces are coming to the Marshall Middle School Media Center this month.  What is a makerspace?  A makerspace is a small station where learners are able to create, tinker, experiment and learn about varied interests.  The focus is on "student choice", and includes many projects with a STEM connection.  In the beginning, the Middle School Media Center will develop makerspaces on different topics, but as the concept develops the choices will be more student driven.  This month's stations will include origami, erector sets, and puzzles.  Stay tuned for updates through the blog. The links below offer more information on makerspaces in education.  

ELI 7 Things you should know about Makerspaces

ALA What is a makerspace? Creativity in the library.

YouTube What is a makerspace? 

New books purchased during the recent Scholastic Book Fairs in our district are being processed. Please be sure to check out the "new book" displays to learn about the latest "reads" in your library.

Copyright Morsel

As teachers move more and more toward teaching with and making videos, Copyright on YouTube offers excellent information to manage your rights as well as being considerate of the rights of others.  YouTube Copyright Basics is a good 5 minute video to help understand copyright and YouTube videos.  If you plan to use this video in your classroom be sure to preview it for language consideration.