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  • Bermuda
    • Blog Posts
    • ILA Network

    Professional Development for Literacy Leaders in the Caribbean

     | Aug 15, 2013

    The International Reading Association has strong and growing affiliates in the Caribbean region, including three hosting conferences this fall.

    Bermuda

    The Bermuda Reading Association will host its annual conference on Sunday, September 7 at the Fairmont Southhampton Hotel in Southhampton. Featured speakers include International Reading Association (IRA) Board Member Rona Flippo presenting “Opportunities for Professional Membership: A Path to Professional Growth” and “Assessing Readers: Formative, Qualitative, and Meaningful Assessments for Classroom Teachers.” Flippo has taught public schools and is now a professor of Education at the University of Massachusetts, Boston.

    Michele Dufresne, author of Word Solvers: Making Sense of Letters and Sounds and other texts, will present “Making It Easy to Learn” and “Maximizing Learning Opportunities” at the conference. Now a literacy staff developer for Pioneer Valley Books, Dufresne has been a classroom teacher, language arts specialist, and a consultant in school districts.

    Literacy Consultant Pat Johnson will present “Catching Readers Before They Fall: Shifting Our Thinking to Better Support Readers Who Struggle” and “Supporting Classroom Teachers With Ongoing Assessment” in Bermuda. After a career spent in schools with diverse populations, Johnson provides staff development for school districts nationwide. She also is the author of One Child at a Time: Making the Most of Your Time With Struggling Readers, K-6.

    The Bermuda Reading Association Conference will be held from 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., and the $50 registration tickets can be purchased from www.bdatix.com. The conference is eligible for Bermuda Educator’s Council (BEC) endorsed professional development hours. Click here to view the flyer.

    In addition, the Caribbean community of literacy educators is planning a conference in Jamaica on November 7 and 8, and the Dominica Reading Association will hold their conference on December 11 to 13.

    View more conference opportunities on IRA’s online calendar, or contact the IRA Global Operations Unit to ask about literacy projects around the globe.

     

    The International Reading Association has strong and growing affiliates in the Caribbean region, including three hosting conferences this fall. The Bermuda Reading Association will host its annual conference on Sunday, September 7 at the...Read More
  • Rene Ponce
    • Blog Posts
    • ILA Network

    Mexico's Successful Seminar Leads to Council Growth and Conference Plans

    by Oscar J. Martinez-Alaniz
     | Aug 05, 2013

    As the members of the International Development Committee of Latin America (IDC-LA) prepare for the XIII Latin America Conference on September 14–16, 2013 in Puebla, Mexico, they can’t help but reflect on the success of last year’s Mexico City event.

    Rene Ponce
    Rene Ponce


    Yesly Contraras, Oscar J.
    Martinez-Alaniz, Alma Carrasco,
    and Sakil Malik  


    Among the 33 million people that live in Mexico City, the Puebla Reading Council added 200 more educators, writers, researchers, and reading and writing specialists on August 2–4, 2012 at the Instituto Tecnologico Autonomo de Mexico celebrating the III International Reading Seminar in the University and the II Writing Culture of Expressions at the National Convention. These events were organized by the Writing Culture Network of Discursive Community.

    “In Mexico, it is necessary to promote and contact authoritative voices on literacy topics that may provide elements for reflection on the fundamental tasks by institutions of higher education on these issues,” the 2012 seminar flyers stated. “National and international experts at this conference can be found regularly meeting to help build and strengthen networks to create a tradition of reading and writing in the country.”

    Puebla Reading Council Chair Alma Carrasco welcomed all the attendees, keynote speakers, and presenters. She explained the great efforts and hard work they have done to develop a professional and academic reading and writing network in Mexico.

    The International Reading Association was represented by Director of the Global Operations Unit Sakil Malik, Global Operations Unit Program Assistant Yesly Contreras, and International Development Coordinating Committee Chair (2012–2014) Dr. Oscar Martinez-Alaniz. They witnessed the great success of such an academic event and met with other educators who work in Mexican private universities that are interested in opening new Reading Councils in other Mexican states such as Michoacán, Monterrey, Sonora, Chihuahua, San Luis Potosi, and Tlaxcala.

    Seminar opening ceremony

     

    According to Rene Ponce, Puebla Reading Council Liaison to the IDC-LA, “it was definitely a big task and commitment and the results were more than what the team expected. Important networking was done, and various projects aimed to the development of literacy in the region were consolidated and/or further developed.”

    Puebla Reading Council staff and professional volunteers were so happy with the results. At this year’s event, they are planning to receive many international educators to share their reading and writing knowledge, practices, and experiences. The 2013 event will host the IDC-LA meeting where the 12 International Development Committee Chairs of Latin America will elect their new IDC-LA Chair for 2013–2015 and share the progression, achievements, and developments of their reading council projects.

    Oscar Martinez-AlanizOscar J. Martinez-Alaniz is the International Development Coordinating Committees Chair and teaches at the Cervantes College.

     

    This article was originally published in the April/May 2013 issue of Reading Today. IRA members can read the interactive digital version of the magazine here. Nonmembers: join today!

    As the members of the International Development Committee of Latin America (IDC-LA) prepare for the XIII Latin America Conference on September 14–16, 2013 in Puebla, Mexico, they can’t help but reflect on the success of last year’s Mexico City...Read More
  • NY summer camp
    • Blog Posts
    • ILA Network

    A Summer Camp for Young Readers: SUNY Potsdam Makes it Happen

    by Cindy Wells
     | Jul 29, 2013

    Hockey camp? Basketball camp? Soccer camp? Tech camp? How about investing in a camp that is going to inspire lifelong learning?

    NY summer camp

    NY summer camp

    NY summer camp

    NY summer camp

    The creation and implementation of a literacy camp was a long standing goal of the Sheard Literacy Center Director at SUNY Potsdam, Tina Wilson Bush. Working in collaboration with summer course instructor, Cindy Wells, Tina was able to see this dream realized. For the past three years SUNY Potsdam, a university in northern New York, has hosted a highly successful Summer Literacy Camp.

    What happens at Literacy Camp? Campers are immersed in literacy activities–from arts, writing, technology, to outdoor games. Graduate students from the Literacy Specialist/Educator Program create developmentally appropriate active learning centers for the approximately 30 campers in grades K-6 to rotate through over the three days of attendance. Enthusiasm is high as students explore literacy through various modalities, tapping into their multiple intelligences.

    Some of the “campers” would be considered struggling or striving readers and are encouraged to attend by teachers and parents. Others are there just for the fun of involvement in literacy. The college students follow the New York State Libraries’ Reading theme each summer via collaboration with the Potsdam Public Librarian, Sarah Sachs. They creatively coordinate ideas with the current summer’s theme. Time is also set aside to explore books and other interests during self-selected reading and “choice time.”

    It is delightful to see a child lounging on comfy pillows in a blow up pool totally immersed in a book, reading with a mentor/buddy or acting out a book with puppets and props. Campers end the experience with comments such as, “Three days is not long enough!” and “I am coming back next year and I hope camp will be Monday to Friday!” These comments are welcome feedback that help gauge the success of the camp.

    We are pleased to be assisted in this endeavor by the college administration, Corning, Inc., and students as well as the parents who support the camp by encouraging their children to attend. This camp offers a unique compliment to the many opportunities that summer brings. The Sheard Literacy Center Summer Camp strives to support lifelong learning through positive experiences for all attendees.

    Cindy WellsCindy Wells is an instructor at SUNY Potsdam, wellsck@potsdam.edu.

     


    This article was published in the April/May 2013 issue of Reading Today. IRA members can read the interactive digital version of the magazine here. Nonmembers: join today!

    Hockey camp? Basketball camp? Soccer camp? Tech camp? How about investing in a camp that is going to inspire lifelong learning? The creation and implementation of a literacy camp was a long standing goal of the Sheard Literacy...Read More
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  • inspire
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    Inspire: Revamped!

     | Jul 25, 2013

    by Mary Lynam

    inspireThe International Reading Association has always been committed to offering a quality members’ newsletter with Inspire, so naturally, we are pleased to introduce some changes that further this goal.

    To better achieve Inspire’s purpose of providing classroom tips and ideas, content will now be written by a team of experienced teachers. Their hands-on suggestions and inside perspectives on literacy instruction are sure to inform teachers at all levels of schooling. Meet Inspire’s fresh batch of contributors!

    Kathy Prater is a pre-kindergarten teacher and reading specialist versed in dyslexia. She lives in Starkville, Mississippi and also teaches as an adjunct professor at Mississippi University for Women.

    Justin Stygles is a sixth grade language arts teacher and IRA Advisory Committee of Teachers (ACT) committee member based in Norway, Maine. He also serves as the state’s Maine Reading Association coordinator. Visit his blog at www.mrstygleclass.blogspot.com.

    Mary Cotillo is an eighth grade English teacher living in Franklin, Massachusetts. She earned her National Board Certification in 2009.

    In addition to content adjustments, Inspire will now put its best foot forward with a snazzier, more streamlined look.

    IRA is also excited to give members more option in how they access Inspire. To remedy the way that e-mail messages are often skipped over, buried, or deleted without intent, members can now view or download the last 12 issues by logging into the members-only section of Reading.org.

    The first Inspire with the new format will hit in-boxes on August 4. IRA is confident that these improvements to the newsletter will satisfy the needs of its readers. Members can gain access to Inspire through the members-only section of Reading.org. If you’d like to become a member, sign up at /join. Other benefits of membership include access to Reading Today magazine, the ability to subscribe to all three IRA journals, and discounted prices on Annual Conference registration and a wealth of professional development materials.

    Mary Lynam is the strategic communications intern at the International Reading Association.

     

    by Mary Lynam The International Reading Association has always been committed to offering a quality members’ newsletter with Inspire, so naturally, we are pleased to introduce some changes that further this goal. To better achieve Inspire’s...Read More
    • Blog Posts
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    Build Your Own Venn Diagram With ReadWriteThink’s Creative New Interactive

     | Jul 23, 2013

    by Amanda Lister

    Just as modern technology has replaced paperback books with e-books, and checking out books from the library into surfing the web, ReadWriteThink.org has improved the traditional paper form of a Venn diagram to an online interactive tool.

    Online Venn Diagram Tool for Many Grade Levels

    The Venn Diagram interactive can be used by students in grades K–12, but is ideal for the elementary and middle school levels. This interactive tool is an excellent way to engage students in learning by integrating technology into the classroom. The tool allows students to create Venn diagrams that contain two or three overlapping circles while identifying and recording concepts learned in their lessons. Teachers can use this interactive tool across content areas, and students can demonstrate their comprehension of a topic and exhibit their ability to identify and compare information.

    Also, the mobile app version of the Venn Diagram interactive is available for iOS and Adroid.

    How to Use the Venn Diagram Interactive

    The Venn Diagram interactive is easy for students to use and understand.

    First, students are prompted to write their name in the first field. Underneath the name is a field for the project title, which allows up to 20 characters. If they’re unsure about what they want to title the project before they’ve created it, don’t worry; they can change the title at any time throughout the process.

    venn

    Once student have filled out their name and a title for their Venn diagram, the interactive tool automatically creates the diagram starting with two circles. The two circles default to being labeled as “Circle 1” and “Circle 2.” Students can change the circle labels to anything they would like relating to their topic by double-clicking on the title or any part of the circle. In this example, the Venn diagram represents a comparison of characters from the ever-popular book series, The Hunger Games.

    To start adding information inside of the Venn diagram, students can click the tab “+ New Item” in the top left corner of the screen. First they choose a label for their item, which can then be placed inside one or both of the circles, depending on how it applies to the two topics they are comparing. Underneath the label, students have the option of adding an item description. This additional text helps to provide a more explicit understanding of the item, and shows up as a footnote on a separate page of the completed diagram. On the bottom of this tab, they also have the option of choosing a size for the item, including small, medium, and large. Younger kids placing only a few items may choose large, while older students may choose medium or small to be able to fit more items on the diagram.

    Easily Adding a Third Circle

    Although some Venn diagrams may only need two circles to adequately represent their topic, more complex Venn diagrams may need three. Students can simply click the “+ New Circle” tab in the top left corner of the page to add another circle and use the same steps as listed above to customize it. Once the third circle is created, students may need to reposition or resize the two existing circles (by simply clicking on the circle and dragging it, or clicking the black tab with the arrows to resize) or repositioning or resizing items inside the circles. The interactivity of the tool makes all of these adjustments easy to do.

    Save for Later, Share, or Print

    Once they are satisfied with the diagram, students can click on the “Save” button in the top right corner of the page. If they are not finished or want to work on it in the future, one of the options is to save the file to a computer or storage device as a draft or “working version.” This functionality enables students to save their progress and reflect on their work, at times after discussing it with their teachers.

    Students can also print and e-mail their draft version if saving to a device is not possible.

    In addition, once students are finished working, they can similary save, print, or e-mail the final versions of their Venn Diagrams. The Venn diagram will print on page 1, with footnotes printing on page 2.

    Lesson Plan Ideas

    Venn Diagram is a highly customizable tool and can be as interactive as you want it to be. Students can work on their diagrams individually or in groups, and teachers can display the tool on their whiteboards for an in-class exercise. Students will not only learn from the Venn Diagram interactive, but they will have fun doing it.

    With this interactive, students learn to identify specific concepts while organizing their information logically. ReadWriteThink.org—a website produced by the International Reading Association and the National Council of Teachers of English, with support from the Verizon Foundation—has dozens of lesson plan ideas that feature Venn diagrams.

    For students in grades 3-4, try “Behind the Scenes with Cinderella” submitted byCarol L. Butterfield from Ellensburg, Washington. In her lesson plan, Students compare the classic tale of Cinderella with a version set in the pre-Civil War South, Moss Gown by William Hooks, noting the architecture, weather, time period, and culture as depicted in the text and illustrations.

    Grade 6-8 teachers can try “The Big Bad Wolf: Analyzing Point of View in Texts” created by Laurie A. Henry, Ph.D., from Lexington, Kentucky. Students look at the author's purpose, examine multiple viewpoints, and also recognize gaps in the text by comparing different versions of the Big Bad Wolf story.

    High school teachers can use “Critical Literacy: Women in 19th Century Literature” by Elizabeth Nolan Conners from Weston, Massachusetts. In this lesson, students compare authors’ purpose and voice from two types of literature from the mid-1800s depicting women.

    Share Your Thoughts, Submit Your Ideas

    We encourage teachers using ReadWriteThink’s Venn Diagram interactive to submit their feedback and lesson plan ideas to the ReadWriteThink staff.

    Amanda Lister is a strategic communications intern at the International Reading Association.

     

     

    by Amanda Lister Just as modern technology has replaced paperback books with e-books, and checking out books from the library into surfing the web, ReadWriteThink.org has improved the traditional paper form of a Venn diagram to an online...Read More
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