February 26, 2014

For #WRAD14, A Hangout with Matthew Winner & A Student Who Didn't Learn to Read Until She Was 10


We had two Firsts for our Google Rocks! Hawaii HOA last night -- an East Coast guest (who rocks the library world) and a student (who didn't learn to read until she was 10).

Matthew Winner, aka The Busy Librarian, agreed to hang out with us, midnight Maryland time. We were thrilled! Matthew's enthusiasm for the idea of reading aloud to children and for World Read Aloud Day on March 5 is infectious.

Rosie Sutherland, a King Kekaulike High School Junior, joined us too. Rosie describes a childhood full of read-alouds. She didn't learn to read until she was ten. Rosie's favorite childhood book? Bottersnakes and Gumbles, written by S. A. Wakefiled and illustrated by Desmond Digby.

See for yourself how Matthew and Rosie inspired us to join the World Read Aloud Day celebration, March 5, and to spread the good word throughout the year about reading aloud.




Be sure to check out the hangout's Show Notes for celebration ideas mentioned and additional resources.

http://litworld.org/worldreadaloudday

On behalf of fellow Google Rocks! Hawaii panelists +Michael Fricano II+Jody Brown, and +Michelle Carlson Colte


A big MAHALO to Matthew and Rosie for making a difference for children!

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Also posted on mauilibrarian2 in Olinda.

February 22, 2014

Blogging Challenge for World Read Aloud Day, Week #2 - Adult and Child

http://litworld.org/worldreadaloudday

What fun! This week's Raising Our Voices blogging challenge for World Read Aloud Day on March 5 is to answer questions with a child.

I chose to do this challenge with my student Hana, who reads to her little brother often, and whose bookshelf consists of three deep shelves overflowing with books. Her mom thinks she should have a garage sale, but Hana disagrees. Hana also has books piled on her bed that she can choose from for bedtime reading.

So, here goes:

1. I think everyone in the world should read:

H: The Hobbit. "It's the best fantasy ever." It's got goblins, magic, everything.

Me: I just discovered the book Two Many Mangos, written by Tammy Paikai and illustrated by Don Robinson. It's about sharing, and captures the lovely spirit of Hawaii.




2. If I could listen to anyone in the world read aloud to me it would be ...

H: J. R. R. Tolkien. He is amazing. The Hobbit was written for his children. Since I'm a child, I think that's really cool.

Me: I have to cop out on this question and not pick a particular person. However, I would say that listening to authors read their from own books in person is a very special experience for me. 


3. When I read aloud, my favorite character to impersonate is ...

H: Sadie Kane from the Kane Chronicles. She is so funny and her English accent is fun to impersonate.

Me: I have the most fun when I can impersonate with a British accent any professorial character in a book.


4. The genre or author that takes up the most room on my bookshelf (or e-reader) is ...

H: Fantasy!!!!!!!!!! Come on, people, it just rules!

Me: Children's books I treasure. They're part of my special cubby for reading knickknacks, and there are more in a covered wicker basket in my living room.


5. My favorite part about reading aloud or being read to is ...

H: Getting lost in the story. No explanation needed.

Me: Watching a child getting lost in the story. No explanation needed.

How would YOU answer these questions?


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Next week's challenge is sharing "A Snapshot of My Reading Life". 

Hmmm, I'm thinking that it's going to have to be a collage. :)

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Find out how you can participate in World Read Aloud Day at litworld.org/worldreadaloudday.

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On G+

February 15, 2014

Blogging Challenge for World Read Aloud Day - Week #1 - Thanks, Mom!



I'm happy to participate in the WRAD Blog Challenge described in Matthew C. Winner's blog post. This is my first WRAD celebration! 


Challenge for Week 1: February 10 - 16

What is your earliest or fondest memory in which someone read aloud to you?

This question has come up before


I learned to read with Animal Friends, a Golden Book by Jane Werner Watson. I loved this book so much, and my mother read it to me over and over again. On the upteenth time, I started to read the book to her

It took my mother a little while to realize that I was indeed reading each individual word with understanding. I'll never forget the astonished, pleased look on my mother's face, and recalling that magical moment has brought a smile to my face over the years.



I don't remember what became of the book. About ten years ago, I decided to hunt down a copy. I finally found Animal Friends on eBay, and I eagerly paid the asking price of $9.95.

The book now has a special spot in my We LUV Reading glass cubby. (Someday I'll do a post about my collection of reading what-nots.) 


How do you plan to celebrate WRAD on March 5?


High school social studies teacher and EdTech integrationist Darin Swenson invited me to read aloud to kindergarteners and first graders via Skype or Hangout (I'll be participating via Hangout). So exciting!

I've chosen to read Too Many Mangos by Tammy Paikai.



LitWorld has an Author Read Aloud planned. Check out Skype in the Classroom to schedule a time with an author.

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Find out how you can participate at litworld.org/worldreadaloudday.

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Next week's blog challenge involves answering a few reading questions with a child. It will be fun!

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On G+