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Wednesday 26 June 2013

Pew Study: Teens Still Love Print Media, ‘Traditional’ Library Services

Tech-savvy American young adults are more likely than older adults to have read printed books in the past year, are more likely to appreciate reading in libraries, and are just as strong supporters of traditional library services as older adults, a new national report from the Pew Research Center shows. According to the survey of Americans ages 16–29, a majority of young adults believe it is "very important" for libraries to have librarians and books for borrowing, while relatively few think that libraries should automate most library services or move most services online.
The report, "Younger Americans' Library Habits and Expectations," also finds that younger Americans—despite being heavy technology users overall—still believe, as do older adults, that print books should have a central place at libraries.

When queried about what library services and resources are “very important” to offer:
• 80 percent of young Americans name librarians to help people find information they need
• 76 percent name research resources such as free databases
• 75 percent name free access to computers and the Internet
• 75 percent name books for people to borrow
• 72 percent name quiet study spaces
• 72 percent name programs and classes for children and teens
• 71 percent name job or career resources

 
 

Tuesday 25 June 2013

Children’s on-screen reading overtakes reading in print

16 May 2013

For the first time children are reading more on computers and other electronic devices than they are reading books, magazines, newspapers and comics. This is potentially detrimental to children's reading levels as those who read daily only on-screen are much less likely to be good readers than those who read in print. We are calling for a healthier reading balance using both books and technological devices.

 Our new research with 34,910 young people aged eight to 16 reveals:

  • 39% of children and young people read daily using electronic devices including tablets and eReaders, but  only 28% read printed materials daily. The number of children reading eBooks has doubled in the last two years (from 6% to 12%).
  • Children say they prefer to read on screen. Over half (52%) said they would rather read on electronic devices but only a third (32%) would rather read in print.

http://www.literacytrust.org.uk/news/5372_children_s_on-screen_reading_overtakes_reading_in_print

Monday 24 June 2013

Author of 14 children's books offers FREE school or library visits


Author of 14 children's books offers FREE School or Library visits, anywhere there is a SKYPE connection. Happy to tailor presentation to your class needs. Loves HOOKING Kids on Reading - and writing.

I read from my latest books, chat about how books are written and where my inspiration comes from. Short writing lesson if desired for older grades. Fun Q and A is always a highlight. Grades one through middle school.

Video of me chatting about how Skype Makes it Happen:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g-LLo_eWdxk

I would love to chat with teachers or librarians about a FREE Author visit with Skype:

Books for Kids - Manuscript Critiques
http://www.margotfinke.com

Wednesday 19 June 2013

Program helps aboriginal students graduate

A graduation coach at Edmonton's St. Joseph High School is having a big impact on the graduation rate of aboriginal students. Grad coach Anita Lafferty is modest when she speaks about the special room created at St. Joe's for First Nations, Metis and Inuit students.

"It's just a gathering place for students to be comfortable," she said. "They have a place where they can come and relax or study or ask questions."

Program manager Pamela Sparklingeyes calls it a breakthrough.

Three years ago, only 14 per cent of aboriginal students at St Joe's graduated.

Now, 60 per cent graduate.

"All the research tells us that having a caring adult in the life of an at-risk student makes all the difference in the world," said Sparklingeyes. "Having that caring adult who can coach them along through making decisions and any sort of hardship they might face … has a high impact on the decisions that they're making."  Sparklingeyes says the grad coach model is now spreading to other schools.  

http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/edmonton/story/2013/06/18/edmonton-aboriginal-graduation-rates.html



Sunday 9 June 2013

Chicago To Add New School Libraries—Even As It Closes Schools

Chicago To Add New School Libraries—Even As It Closes Schools

By on June 6, 2013 Leave a Comment

SLJ ChicagoStory 6 6 13 300x208 Chicago To Add New School Libraries—Even As It Closes Schools

As Chicago prepares to permanently shutter 49 K–12 schools and one 9–11 school program for the coming school year, Chicago Public Schools (CPS) is planning to open four new stand-alone school libraries for the 2013–2014 school year—and spend more than $2 million for the facilities.

http://www.slj.com/2013/06/schools/chicago-to-add-new-school-libraries-even-as-it-closes-schools/#_

Thursday 6 June 2013

Elders in Schools Pilot

Mr. Speaker, Elders play a vital role in integrating languages and culture into school programming and provide valuable skills and knowledge to our children and youth.I am happy to announce that beginning in the coming 2013/14 school year we will be launching the NWT Elders in Schools pilot program to strengthen and increase Elder involvement in our schools.

 
 

Indigenous approach towards providing library service

Indigenous approach towards providing library service

·         Thinking of the library in terms of a circle/circular flow of energy: Collection of resources, services and programs, space, and relationships

·         Pathfinders and research guides use circular communication style and are descriptive and includes content

·          Virtual Child Project teaching the use of online databases used the skeleton approach used in tipis for oral knowledge transfer

·          Expanding library services to include grant writing such as program development for Culture Days, New Horizons, Diabetes Program Development, and Community Library Practitioners  based on local community issues

·         Nehiyawak Warriors Men's Literacy providing books with Cree cultural content. Guided reading and discussion by using Northern lights and the leading to use of compound words such as highlight

·         Events:  March's Celebration of Colors involved writing Cree words on circles, May's birdhouses and word houses involved creation story about birds and learning the Cree names of birds in our environment, June is Elders awareness month and the launch of human library; the poster includes a story. We created 2 versions of the poster for native and non-native.  Our communication materials such as handouts, invitations, posters, etc reflects indigenous ways.

·         Summer Reading program which has stickers we promote looking at the picture and saying the Cree word.  Example:  Look at the sticker of bear and say Maskwa, look at the picture of goose and say Niska

·         iCOP project involves setting up Indigenous Communities of Practice.  Plus looking at comfort level of working and connecting with other cultures.

Learn: Think 4 ways of saying or explaining an issue or a concept or a practice