Literacy

Goodnight iPad

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I am a fan of children’s books. Maybe it was all of the years I took care of children, babysitting, working at a day care, and as a camp counselor. One of my favorite books is: Goodnight Moon. It is simple, children memorize it quickly, and it introduces bedtime. Ah the perfect pre-bed book, right?

So when I came across the iPad version of Goodnight Moon, a huge smile came over my face. No, I do not mean that it is the original version of Goodnight Moon for the iPad, it is a new version called: Goodnight iPad. I am not at all for product placement, or getting kids hooked on specific products, but the reality of it is that kids are getting hooked on technology devices earlier and earlier. Many know how to work apps on their parents iPhones and iPads before their parents understand how to truly use them. At 5 and 6 they can go onto the Redbox app and reserve a movie, while their parents drive to pick it up.

Since kids are so savvy these days, it does make sense that there would be a book that for the most part encapsulates what is in their surroundings. Instead of: “Goodnight brush” and “Goodnight mush” they most likely have a closer affinity to saying: “Goodnight iPhone” and “Goodnight iPad.” Their technology exposure is sad to an extent, yet we are not setting such great examples for them. See past blog post about never going to the bathroom without your iPhone.

Goodnight Moon - in Israel

So check out: “Goodnight iPad” I think even those of you who do not have little ones at home will enjoy it.

Dr. Seuss and Read Across America

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Whew! What a full week of creativity, exploration, and friendship. I just woke up from a 3 hour nap, so this blog post is just now coming out of my finger tips. I have LMFAO’s Party Rock Anthem on in the background, because I need something to wake me up. Today is the Annual “Read Across America” Day, sponsored by the National Education Association. It is a day to motivate and encourage children across America to celebrate reading. They chose March 2, as the day to celebrate each year in honor of Dr. Seuss’ birthday. You can read more about this special day at the NEA website link above.

What I have noticed this week (thank you Facebook) is how so many of my friends that are teachers have been doing activities and reading events to celebrate Dr. Seuss’ birthday. What a fun way to encourage reading and honor a man for the many books that he wrote that inspired us all. What individual has not read a Dr. Seuss book? Or who does not know what Green Eggs and Ham is? The Cat in the Hat is one of my favorites. Today The Lorax movie is also launching in theaters nationwide.

Oh the Places You'll Go

One of my more adult favorites (that a friend gave me before high school graduation) is “Oh, the Places You’ll Go.” I like:

“You have brains in your head.
You have feet in your shoes.
You can steer yourself 
any direction you choose.
You’re on your own. And you know what you know.
And YOU are the guy who’ll decide where to go.”

For more fun sites for those of you with kids, click here and here to enjoy. In honor of Read Across America and Dr. Seuss go read your favorite Dr. Seuss book today!

david baldacci // donate your books

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My life would not be the same without books.  As a young child, I remember participating in the summer reading club and hiding under the covers after my bedtime with a flashlight so I could finish whatever good book I was reading.  Was it Encyclopedia Brown or the Babysitters Club? Who knows.  We escape into the lives and adventures of others, learn new skills, and hear true stories through memoirs and biographies, and so much more.  Life without reading would be drab.

My mother-in-law told me I would enjoy reading David Baldacci’s book: One Summer.  David is known in Virginia and has a home on Smith Mountain Lake where my in-laws live.  In addition to writing a multitude of books, he also started the Wish You Well Foundation.  I love what they are trying to do and it made things start to spin in my head.  If I start a my own business, I want to set it up so that some of my profits/proceeds go to a foundation that supports literacy. Books have been one of the most important aspects of my life.  As a child, and now as an adult.

Smith Mountain Lake

I also love the trickle effect of a good idea.  I told my sister about this foundation and my earnest desire to support literacy.  Later I found out that David’s foundation sparked the idea for her company to do a book drive for children’s books over the Christmas holiday.  Within just a few weeks, they collected over 200 books for children to donate to the Children’s Book Bank.

For more details about what you can do nationally, you can contact the Wish You Well Foundation.

You can also do an Internet search for how you can donate new or used children’s books. Donations are usually tax deductible.

World Book Night 2012

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For those of you that know me, I am a voracious reader and have a passion for literacy.  I just learned about the 2nd Annual World Book Night.  This year it is on April 23, 2012.  You can find out more details about this event here: World Book Night.  Last year over 1 million books were given out.  The deadline to sign up is: February 1, 2012, so you have a few more weeks to decide.  My top three favorite books from this list are:

Glass Castle

Little Bee

Bel Canto

What are your top three?

I encourage you to participate and help those in your community gain access to some great books.

Happy Sharing!