These reflections appear as a regular column in Madison's
Allied-Dunns Marsh community newspaper, Voices.
Discussions about schools and the educational needs of
children are important. How do we deliver skills across
diverse learners? In many
ways, America is a very different place than it was even a
generation ago -- a good education in the 21st century may
require a very different set of skills than the previous
century. No, we don't have all the answers; which is why
we believe it is important to share ideas.
by Bill Breitsprecher
Every fall, I conduct a survey with my Kindergarten students to
determine how many bears are in the community. Participation is
voluntary – it’s a way to have fun with counting. Young children are
enthusiastic about learning numbers.
More than half the children choose to participate,
returning surveys, tallying all the different types of bears at home -
stuffed bears, ceramic bears, bear dolls, bear blankets, bear bedding,
and maybe even REAL bears.
These students, usually with the help of mom, dad, or
an older brother/sister, report that they have remarkable numbers of
bears at home. Of course, this isn’t about how many bears each student
has - its about having fun and sharing number skills.
Counting With Tallies
 A good way for
children to start learning number skills is with tallies - creating a
line to represent each item in a set. Tallies create groupings of 5.
This allows us to easily sum and compare counts.
It also introduces students to "skip counting" in this
case, by 5's:
5, 10, 15, 20…
Recognizing these patterns in numbers forms the basis of addition -
when we add 5 to 5, we get 10. Add another 5 to our total, and we get
15.
This prepares students to think about multiplication
and division. If we have 3 groups of 5, then 5 times 3 equals 15. If a
child isn't sure, they can always count each line in the tally.
Division is just the opposite - if we see 15 tallies in groups of 5,
we see that they are in 3 groups. 15 divided by 5 equals 3.
Helping children use a representational system to
think of numbers is important - later, they will see how we use
symbols to represent the same counts. For many young learners, the key
to mastering abstract concepts is to start with similar ideas in more
concrete formats.
Kids naturally like counting games and learning
numbers. Tallies are a fun way to help children count and get ready to
work with numbers. Show a child how to count with tallies and he or
she will find many things to count - when you're a kid, thinking about
numbers is FUN!
Let’s work together and continue finding ways to
nurture children’s natural love for numbers. Math is the “gateway to
higher education.” Let’s find ways to keep math exciting.
by Bill Breitsprecher
 An enduring,
traditional form of stuffed animal, Teddy Bears comfort children. The
name Teddy Bear comes from one of Theodore Roosevelt's hunting trips.
There were several other hunters competing, and most of them had
already shot something. A few friends of Roosevelt who were hunting
with hounds treed an American Black Bear after a long and exhausting
chase and suggested Roosevelt shoot it.
He refused to shoot it himself, deeming this
unsportsmanlike, but instructed that the treed bear be killed to put
it out of its misery, and it became the topic of a political cartoon.
A small town toy shop owner saw the cartoon, and asked the president
if she could manufacture stuffed bears named as "Teddy's Bears". He
approved, and the name has stuck ever since.
Commercially made, mass produced teddy bears are
predominantly made as toys for children. These bears have safety
joints for attaching arms legs and heads. They must have securely
fastened eyes that do not pose a choking hazard for small children and
must meet other rigid standard of construction in order to be marketed
to children in the United States and in the European Union.
The "fur" from which these charming creatures are made
is as varied and interesting as the Teddy Bears themselves. Today,
most have synthetic fur. Specialty or collector bears may have natural
fibers.
Mohair, the fur shorn or combed from a breed of
long-haired goats, is woven into cloth, dyed and trimmed, produces a
fascinating choice for any artist's palette. Alpaca Teddy Bears are
made from the pelt of an alpaca because the fiber is too soft to
weave. Children don't really care what type of fur a Teddy Bear has as
long as it is soft and cuddly.
The world's first Teddy Bear Museum was set up in
Petersfield, Hampshire (England) in 1984. In 1990 a similar foundation
was set up in Naples, Florida. This was closed in 2005, and the bears
sold by auction. Bear books are popular in children’s libraries. Ask
any librarian - children love their bears!
Babies Love It When You Read To
Them!
by Bill Breitsprecher
So when is it time to read to your child? IT IS NEVER
TOO EARLY! It’s a great way to bond with a baby - hold a child
on your lap, let them rest their head on your chest and feel the
warmth of your body and the vibrations as you talk to them - reading a
fun book.
It’s a wonderful way for fathers to develop a
nurturing relationship with their child and its fun for mothers,
grandparents, even siblings too. Holding a child and sharing a book is
a very special time for both of you.
Babies love to hear the sound of voices, especially
their caregivers. It is reassuring. They enjoy the attention. They
hear the rhythm and rhymes long before they can understand the words.
Sharing activities and providing stimulating fun for a
baby is important - it actually helps develop your baby’s growing
brain. Hearing language helps a baby learn the basic sounds that make
up our language. By the age of 1, a baby has heard all the sounds that
make up words - why not give your child a head start and some
enrichment? Hearing the spoken word imprints it in their brain.
Read with emotions - babies will pick up on that too.
It will help your child’s emotional development. Use different pitches
in your voice, varying it to match the story or characters in a book.
Make funny noises while you read and sing songs - create a joyful
atmosphere.
Your baby loves you and loves the time you share
together. Why not build that bond and use it to teach your child the
value of reading? Giving a child a love of books is a gift that will
last a lifetime. It doesn’t take much time - read for short periods of
time - perhaps a few minutes in a sitting, but do it often. You won’t
have to finish books, in fact, you can just focus on the pages and
pictures that grab your child’s attention.
Baby won’t know if you don’t read all the words, if
you skip some, or just make it up as you go along. You also don’t need
many different books - babies enjoy repetition. You can read the same
book over and over again. As your child gets older, let them handle
the book and the pages too.
To get started, choose books that have simple pictures
against simple backgrounds - remember, a baby’s eyesight is still
developing. As your child gets older, you will see her react and reach
out to pictures and pages. Then it is time to find books with brightly
colored pictures - especially ones that feature babies and objects
that your baby is familiar with.
Ask your local librarian for “board books” and books
with textures and mirrors too. Be sure to check out story times for
babies at your local library. These are usually held for different age
groups, pre-talkers, talkers, and preschool. It’s a great way to meet
other parents and baby gets to meet other babies too!
Helping a baby enjoy books is the best way to prepare
a foundation for lifelong learning. Reading with your child is the
best way to give them a head start when they start school. Please give
it a try - you will both love it when you read together!
Summer Reading is Fun &
Builds Lifelong Learning
by Bill Breitsprecher
Many educators talk about helping students build "lifelong learning"
habits. This is because today's youth live in an environment that
changes and evolves - especially as it relates to technology.
"Lifelong learning" means that a person is ready to adapt and has the
information and technology literacy skills to keep up.
Summer reading is an important part of developing
life-long learning. It builds literacy skills and promotes reading for
fun. Children that read over the summer start school in the fall ahead
of their classmates. Are YOU reading this summer.
The Madison Public Library offers a number of programs
for youth of all ages - why not stop by your local branch library and
pick up a calendar? When summer vacation comes, many students put
books away. Sure, there are great things to do outside like swimming,
biking, playing softball, rollerblading, and a variety of festivals
and fairs.
Reading, however, is important - please read a little
bit each day. What should kids read? Well, let's leave that to them.
Let’s support kids’ reading books that they like and are interested
in.
Getting the family involved with recreational reading
helps. Studies show that when parents are involved with helping their
kids with learning activities, those children do better in school and
have fewer problems out of school. Most parents understand the need to
encourage and help their kids with homework.
Do parents also appreciate the importance of
recreational reading? Do mom and dad feel that they can provide help
in that area? Do they feel that they can make meaningful reading
suggestions that their children may be interested in? What can we do
to encourage kids to read when it is not part of a school assignment?
There are lots of things we can do and resources to
help. Many schools and teachers provide reading lists. Libraries offer
summer programs. There are many educational Webpages, including this
one, Madison VOICES' SCHOOL MATTERS, that explain the reading process,
provide reading suggestions, offer tips on selecting books, and
present suggestions for reading activities both parents and children
will enjoy. You can even ask your friendly local librarian.
Most educators and librarians see themselves as part
of a "team" - working together to support the intellectual growth of
children. The gift of reading is one of the most important things you
can give a child. It is a gift that will keep giving and giving.
Share Happy Birthday Picture Book!
by Bill Breitsprecher
When you're a kid, what day is more fun than your
BIRTHDAY! Sure, holidays like Halloween are Christmas are fun, but you
have to share them with everyone else. A birthday, however, is a
special celebration JUST FOR YOU!
In “Happy Birthday To You”, readers find out about a
wonderful place called Katroo, where a birthday is really a special
time for you. A Birthday Bird makes sure that the day is special and
memorable.
Written in the typical Dr. Seuss whimsical poetic
style, the vividness of the descriptions as well as his stylistic
drawings are sure to delight readers of all ages.
It starts with a blaring blast from a Birthday
Honk-Honker and meanders through lands filled with Funicular Goats and
Hippo-Heimers. And to think, we believe that we are doing something
special for someone when we buy him or her a birthday card.
A birthday is a celebration of oneself and in Katroo,
one proclaims to the world, "I AM I, ME, I AM I!" The over-riding
theme of Dr. Seuss's “Happy Birthday To You” is that we all have a
right to be and to belong.
This positive message rings throughout the verses and
illustrations. After re-reading this book (I enjoyed it as a child as
well), I have to wonder why so many of us start to downplay our
birthdays as we get older.
About Dr. Seuss
Born as Theodor Seuss Geisel in Springfield,
Massachusetts, he earned a doctorate in literature at Oxford
University in 1927. He started his writing career submitting cartoons
and humorous articles for Judge, which was at that time a leading
humor magazine.
Inspired by the rhythm of a ship's engine while
traveling to Europe, he wrote his first book, “And to Think That I Saw
It on Mulberry Street.” Forty-three publishers promptly rejected it
before a friend intervened and published it in 1937.
In 1954, a report about children's literacy, published
in Life, stated that many kids weren't learning to read. His publisher
sent a list of 400 words that were deemed important for children to
learn. Geisel pared it down to 250 (an amount it was believed that 1st
graders could master) and wrote a book with 220 of those words - “The
Cat in the Hat.”
Dr. Seuss's legacy includes a Pulitzer's Prize in
1984, three Academy Awards, and almost 50 children's books (which he
authored and illustrated). Perhaps the most enduring of these
accomplishments is the joy of reading that Dr. Seuss's books continue
to bring to new generations of children.
by Bill Breitsprecher
Like all new tools, the key to bringing technology
into schools is to find ways to effectively use it. Today's software
is so much more than an electronic "typewriter" or "slide projector."
Often overlooked, is the socialization and language opportunities
technology enables .
Computers can encourage students and teachers to
interact more. The full benefits of technology will be realized when
school computer labs are set up to allow two or more people to work
together with a computer.
Computers must do more than accommodate passive
students that follow prompts. Activities need to be structured so that
learners are making decisions and interacting. The emphasis should be
problem-solving and creating projects that extend learning.
Computers are tools, most people are not interested in
being "experts" on the technology itself. When integrating technology
into schools, it is important to consider how the technology:
-
Encourages exploration and use of imaginative problem
solving
-
Allows students to control the pace and path learning
-
Incorporates visuals, sound, music and voice to engage
students
-
Enables directions and activities to be interrupted
-
Provides feedback to keep students engaged and on-task
-
Children learn by manipulating their environment,
exploration and discovery. Our challenge is finding ways for
technology to create opportunities for learning.
Children are naturally motivated to use computers.
This creates an opportunity to extend a child's attention span and
engage them more efficiently and for longer time periods. The key is
that teachers are also involved, offering instruction and guidance
while monitoring.
Computers cannot be "babysitters." Endless "drill and
practice" is not effective. Technology changes the teacher's role.
Actively engaging students requires teacher to lead and guide inquiry
and be willing to explore different learning modalities.
For all of these reasons, discussions about technology
and early learning need to start with the responsibilities of schools,
teachers, and parents. The adults must integrate technology so that it
enhances student learning.
When computers are used in schools as tools for
problem-solving, children gain valuable computer skill - the ability
to use computers as natural tools for learning. Today's accountability
movement demands that student achievement be documented. We need to be
careful, however, documenting the positive impact of technology on
learning starts with properly introducing the technology into the
curriculum in the first place.
by Bill Breitsprecher
 Some
may ask, “WHY ARE WE TALKING ABOUT ALCOHOL” in this month’s section
for and about youth?
April is Alcohol Awareness Month. Alcohol abuse
affects people of all ages - children, teens, adults, parents, and
even grandparents. It is important for families to talk about alcohol
abuse and drugs. These are important subjects to discuss with our
children.
The use of alcohol is deeply ingrained in our culture.
It is not possible to watch a major sporting event without seeing ads
for beer. Many publications intended for adults but frequently read by
teens contain ads for wine, beer, and hard liquor. Television shows
feature alcohol as part of their stories. Alcohol is an accepted drug
in our culture, for some, it is a part of holidays and celebrations.
For most, alcohol is no big deal - they can take it or
leave it. When they have a drink, they have ONE drink. Most people are
not interested in a second drink. If offered one, they will politely
decline or will sip it slowly, often not finishing it.
Binge drinking is defined as having 5 or more drinks
in one sitting - that’s a lot of alcohol. Most people do not binge
drink. For some, however, that is the way they drink - it may even
seem “normal,” but it is not.
When does alcohol use become abuse? When it creates
problems. We don’t want to identify who has a drinking problem, we
want to share information so that people can think about drinking and
decide for themselves.
When a person has a drinking problem, it can be
confusing - they know that alcohol use and abuse creates difficulties,
but they do it again and again. Sure, intoxication can lead to
negative behavior and adversely affect our lives. But for many problem
drinkers, the real issue is not what happens when they drink - the
real problem is when they are sober and pick up that first drink. When
one knows that they drink heavily, get intoxicated, and get in
trouble, why would they choose to do it again and again?
For many, the root of drinking problems is the way
they look at alcohol when they are TOTALLY SOBER! For many problem
binge drinkers - its not the last drink that is the problem, its the
first drink. If one knows that they binge drink and that it creates
problems, why would they pick up that first drink? If a person is
allergic to strawberries, break out in hives, and end up in the
hospital when they eat them, do they even think about having “that
first berry” again and again.
No - most of us learn to avoid consuming food and
beverages that harm us. It usually only takes one bad experience.
Learning about alcohol, its affects on the human body, the impact it
has on people’s life's, and the difficulties some have in controlling
their drinking is an important lesson for people of all ages.
We have created a Web page about
ALCOHOL AWARENESS, please stop by and check out the many
resources.
Celebrating Our Collective Heritage: Honoring
Hispanic Americans
by Bill Breitsprecher
 In
1968, Congress authorized President Lyndon Johnson to proclaim
National Hispanic Heritage Week. In 1988, this celebration was
extended to a month. Because of this, many American’s believe that the
influence of Hispanic Americans is recent. Longer than America has
been a nation, however, Hispanic settlers have greatly impacted the
culture and history of the “New World.”
The term “Hispanic” does not refer to a nationality or country, but
rather cultural or ethnic roots. More than 400 years ago, millions of
people have come to this land from Caribbean regions, Central America,
Cuba, Dominican Republic, Mexico, Puerto Rico, South America, and
Spain. The cultural heritage of Hispanic bloodlines includes Mayan,
Aztec, Spanish, Mexican, and more than 20 nations.
Like most of those that risked the journey and uncertainty of
relocating to an emerging nation; freedom, peace, and economic
prosperity were the primary motivators. In a world with much more
limited technology and transportation options, no one made the
decision to uproot their lives and family lightly. The trip demanded
serious commitments, strong work ethics, dedication to family values,
and willingness to build community building. In many ways, these
attitudes and beliefs are the foundation of the American Dream.
After all, what sets America apart from the rest of the world are the
different cultural heritages of diverse people. Each group brings
unique perspectives and strengths to the fabric of this nation. Yes,
celebrating diversity does mean looking at how different groups make
us stronger. It also means recognizing the values we share. Today,
immigration issues dominate many political discussions. Today, when
politicians and pundits talk about “immigration,” they are usually
referring to Hispanics – often from Mexico.
This past spring in major cities all across America, hundreds of
thousands of Mexican Americans and recent immigrants took to the
street to show America the vibrant and dramatic impact they have in
our culture and economy. These are real people, not faceless, nameless
beings to be exploited for political purposes.
Like most people trying to find acceptance in a new land, the family
unit is important. Loyalty to the extended family is probably the most
powerful tool to survive and thrive. The family has to come first as
does the well-being of the community as a whole. American history is
full of rich stories of different ethnic groups taking their place in
our culture, but it all starts with family and community.
Each group brings its own traditions, celebrations, cuisine,
spirituality, and heritage. Clearly, most Americans enjoy watching and
participating in the assimilation of these attributes – just look at
how popular different styles of foods, fashion, and music creates
bridges between Americans.
Hispanic influence has had a profound effect on this nation in the
past two generations. Hispanic Americans represent the fastest growing
segment of our population, an increasing share of our economy, and an
important segment of the U.S. labor market. In the process, this
change in America’s structure will change American culture, politics,
economics, education systems, and government.
Let’s celebrate the diversity of each group of Americans and work
together to make sure that ALL Americans have the opportunities and
resources to raise their families in dignity. Let’s do what we can to
enable ALL Americans to make positive contributions to this nation.
Reflecting on the contributions of different groups of Americans and
celebrating that heritage unites us and makes us strong.
by Bill Breitsprecher
 Its Summertime. Students of all ages welcome a break from school.
Schoolwork may be done for now, but please don’t stop reading. Why not
use summertime to find some run reading?
For youngsters just learning to read, summertime is the best time to
have a caring person read to them, perhaps mom, dad, a grandparent,
aunt, uncle, brother, sister; or even a librarian or volunteer at the
local library.
Reading skills are important. Good readers do well in school, have
more options to continue their education, and have more choices when
they think about careers. Good readers are probably good writers too
-- these skills are related.
Is reading fun or “work”? With practice, reading is effortless. Good
readers learn to quickly skim through material, picking out important
information.
Practice is important, but developing reading skills also takes
enthusiasm. Read things you enjoy; it is fun. This enjoyment leads to
more reading. Develop a passion for reading about thing you are
interested in.
Make some time for yourself when you have breaks from school. Now’s
the time to read something for YOU!
10 Tips to Help a Child Read
-
Be a reading role model. Find things that you are interested in, it
can be fiction or nonfiction. It doesn't matter what you read -
show children that reading is a valuable part of your life.
-
Read aloud to a child every chance you get. The grocery store is full
of things. Read the signs that are all around us. Read road signs,
magazines, newspaper stories - everything you see.
-
Get a child a magazine subscription about an activity or hobby that
they enjoy -- any special interest, even comic books.
-
Watch what a child enjoys on TV or in the movies, then go to the
bookstore or library and find a book about it.
-
Keep fun books around the house, riddles, jokes, or even magic books
are all great choices.
-
Cook with a child, reading recipes, or work on projects together,
reading directions together.
-
Keep reading positive. Don't say, "Go to your room and read! No more
TV!"
-
Have everyone at home read or look at a book or magazine for a short
period of time at least once a day. Remember, when we find fun things
to read, we will actually want to read more.
-
Ask a child to help you find information. This is a great way to help
a child that likes computers, look things up online. Reading on the
Internet counts too! You can also look things up in books,
dictionaries, or at the library.
-
Write a book together. If you and a child write together, even just a
few sentences each day, you will have a book by the end of the summer.
 Asian
Pacific American Heritage
by Bill Breitsprecher
I once spent some time in a community with a large Asian American
population. There seemed to be a great deal of resentment toward these
new Americans. I was told that there were protests, some with
violence, when this new ethnic group arrived. This seemed hard to
believe; it disturbed me.
As I spent time there, it was obvious that prejudice and racism
towards different nationalities was real, sometimes direct, more often
subtle, always based on ignorance. There was little appreciation for
the rich culture, contributions, or sacrifices Asians Americans made
to legally relocate in the U.S.
In 1976, as America prepared to celebrate its bicentennial, Jeanie
Jew, president of the Organization of Chinese American Women, was
concerned that Asian Pacific Americans were not being included. Jew's
grandfather had come to America to find a better life and worked with
thousands of other Chinese immigrants building the nation's first
transcontinental railroad.
Later, he became a successful business person and community leader. In
the late 1800's, Chinese were being blamed for America's economic
problems. Asian Pacific Americans were beaten and killed. Jeanie Jew's
grandfather was murdered when he spoke out on behalf of his people.
To celebrate Asian Pacific American heritage, the first ten days of
May were chosen because Japanese immigrants first arrived on U.S.
shores on May 7, 1843, and the completion of the transcontinental
railroad was marked by Golden Spike Day on May 10, 1869. Honoring
Asian Pacific American history in May allowed activities and events to
be included in schools.
Eventually, this celebration became an annual event lasting the entire
month of May. To Jeanie Jew, the granddaughter of an Asian American
murdered because of public ignorance, the creation of an annual
tribute was important. It did not, however, erase the pain of her
personal loss.
Spending some time each year acknowledging and honoring the talents,
intellect, and determination of diverse Americans is important. It is
part of our national heritage. It is also the best way to create an
America that will not commit acts of violence against any ethnic group
out of ignorance and intolerance.
We have created a Web page to celebrate Asian American Pacific
heritage. Please check it out at:
www.madisonvoices.com/apahistory
 Math "Prime Time"
By: Bill Breitsprecher
Math is important - the "young and young at heart" can often use a
"quick refresher." Mom and dad can share math with kids. Students of
ALL ages need math skills. Seeing when a number is divisible by
another is important. We need it to work with fractions. It is also
the starting point for factoring - writing numbers as multiplication.
We need to "reverse" multiplication to do higher-level math. That
process is called factoring. We know that 2 times 3 equals six. When
factoring, we need to see that 6 equals 3 times 2.
Divisibility rules let us quickly see when a number can be divided by
another. With practice, we can do this without a calculator or without
actually performing the division.
Some numbers are only divisible by themselves and 1 - these are called
"prime numbers." Seeing numbers as factors of prime numbers is called
"prime factorization." Many important algebra concepts are build on
this - it is also the key to adding, subtracting, or simplifying
fractions. Here are some prime numbers starting with 2:
2, 3, 5, 7, 11, 13, 17, 19, 23, 29, 31, 37, 41, 43, 47, 53, 59, 61,
67, 71, 73, 79, 83, 89, 97, 101, 103, 107, 109, 113, 127, 131, 137,
139, 149, 151, 157, 163, 167, 173, 179, 181, 191, 193, 197, 199, 211
Here are some divisibility rules:
- Dividing by 2. All even numbers are divisible by 2. E.g., all
numbers ending in 0,2,4,6 or 8.
- Dividing by 3. Add up all the digits in the number. Find out
what the sum is. If the sum is divisible by 3, so is the number. For
example: 12123 (1+2+1+2+3=9) 9 is divisible by 3, therefore 12123 is
too!
- Dividing by 5. Numbers ending in 5 or 0 are always divisible by
5.
- Dividing by 7. There are rules here, but they are more complex.
Are you a football fan? If so, you see that the Packers gets 7 points
with a touchdown, another is 14. If Brett Favre get's "hot," they
score: 21, then 28, 35, 42, 49, 56, 63, 70, 77, 84, 91, 98, 105…
When working with fractions or Algebra, seeing divisibility of 7 up to
84 is often good enough. Remember, for larger numbers, you can find
factors of "7" when you see the divisibility of other numbers or
factors. When doing prime factors, it is OK to get to your final
products of primes in steps. Most of us will use fewer steps the more
we practice.
There are more divisibility rules, but these are a good start. When
working with fractions or doing algebra, seeing these patterns of
divisibility and recognizing prime numbers will be useful. Best of
all, we didn't need a calculator
 Please
Remember the Children
by Bill Breitsprecher
Imagine segregation. African Americans couldn’t go to most schools,
restaurants, parks, hotels, swimming pools, or amusement parks. There
were separate drinking fountains and bathrooms.
The situation looked overwhelming. Like many of his followers, Dr.
Martin Luther King, Jr. was discouraged. One night when Dr. King asked
who would demonstrate with him, ready to go to jail, the children
stood up. Dr. King was grateful for their offer and thanked them. He
did not want to see children suffer fighting discrimination.
Reverend James Bevel, another civil rights activist, encouraged King
to accept the children’s support. Reverend Bevel asked, “Are they too
young to go to segregated schools? Are they too young to be kept out
of amusement parks? Are they too young to be refused a hamburger in a
restaurant?”
Dr. King and the assembled crowd answered, “NO!”
Reverend Bevel responded, “Then they are not too young to want their
freedom.”
Reverend Bevel understood that adults might be reluctant to march.
They were afraid of going to jail, of losing their jobs, of hurting
their families. Children were not bound by these fears. When adults
saw the dignified and brave manner of the children, they would join
the action.
Perhaps even more important, Reverend Bevel knew that the sight of
children being hauled to jail would dramatically stir the nation’s
conscience.
Birmingham’s Sheriff “Bull” Conner ordered police dogs be used on the
children. He ordered the fire department to use fire hoses strong
enough to strip the bark off trees on the children.
Local, national and international news organizations covered this
abuse. People saw that Sheriff Connor was not a law enforcer. He was
a bigot and an abusive thug.
The Children’s March demonstrated that peaceful action would show the
ugly nature of racism. Filling the jails in Alabama with children
whose only crime was to advocate for a normal childhood was a gross
injustice that few could stomach or justify.
What would America be like today had the children of Birmingham not
accepted Dr. King and Reverend Bevel’s challenge? When else in history
have children been such a powerful, positive force for change?
When we celebrate the life of Dr. King, the Civil Rights Movement, and
African American history; let’s remember the children.
 Every
Picture Book Tells a Story
By: Bill Breitsprecher
Picture books bring to mind the colorful books that
children enjoy. Some picture books merely feature illustrations of a
story that is mainly presented as text. Others carefully present each
picture so that the next illustration is put in context – the pictures
actually tell the story.
Of course, not all “picture books” are meant for young
children. Comic books and graphic novels are enjoyed by older readers.
Coffee table books, large format books with beautiful color
photographs, are considered “sophisticated.” Publishers report that
they are increasingly popular.
No, picture books are not just for children – they are
an art form that transcends age. Many adults appreciate the picture
books they read to children as much or more so than the kids.
Librarians and educators may draw distinctions between books that
feature illustrations and picture storybooks. Most of us are just
concerned with how we enjoy a book or how well it serves our purpose.
Some technical matters are best presented visually –
we want to see what we are learning about. Often, a book about social
or historical events needs pictures to help the reader identify with
the content. Some stories “stretch” our understanding and
illustrations help us imagine the mood and context of the story.
Next time you read or share a picture book, ask
yourself:
- How do the illustrations help create meaning?
- Would you be able to fully understand and enjoy the
book without the illustrations?
- Do the pictures match the text as you understand or
imagine it?
Illustrations in books are carefully chosen by professional artists or
photographers. Properly chosen, they appear “seamlessly;” like they
“belong.” Casual readers get information about a book without being
distracted by the pictures.
Next time you read a book that features illustrations, try asking
yourself:
- How does the angle of the picture affect its effectiveness?
- What are at the edges of the picture; can you image what might be
outside of your view?
- What element or parts of the picture catch your eye?
- How does the picture add to the mood or your feelings about the
book?
Pictures tell stories. Readers of all ages enjoy a well-illustrated
book.
 Do
YOU like To Read?
By: Bill Breitsprecher
Some studies seem to suggest that teenagers report
they are reading less for fun. Is this true? Is it important?
Today we have many choices for entertainment.
Information is available in more formats: text, audio, video,
multi-media, and more. Scientists are developing an understanding of
how the brain works and how we learn. Information that we hear or
directly see is processed differently than the written word.
Like it or not, we live in a technical society. Being
comfortable with information in different formats, including text, is
important. While the format of information is changing, can I really
count on what I need to know being presented to me in my preferred
format when I am interested in receiving it? Probably not.
Why is recreational reading important? Because
motivated readers not only enjoy reading, they read more. They become
comfortable with complex language and develop more effective reading
and comprehension skills. Building these skills when we are young pays
rewards later. It will give us more choices.
Usually, when educators ask students about reading
preferences, they ask about novels, short stories, plays, or poetry
that are read in leisure time, not for work or school. NO WONDER MANY
REPORT THAT THEY ARE NONREADERS!
Reading for enjoyment can encompass Web pages,
newspapers (like this), blogs, technical instructions, gaming tips and
tricks, nonfiction, personal writing, and more. What do YOU enjoy
reading?
Many that see themselves as "nonreaders"
actually read a great deal. They don't think of it as
"reading" if what they read isn't considered "great
literature."
ALL reading is good. It is fun. It is a great way to
expand our mind - read anything you enjoy. Reading helps us grow.
Please give yourself credit - anything you choose to read and think
about is good for you.
 GREAT
NEWS!
School Will Be Starting Soon!
By: Bill Breitsprecher
Are ya ready? It’s almost that time of year
– SCHOOL STARTS! I hope everyone had a great summer. I
also pray that students will enter the new school year refreshed, with
open-minds and positive attitudes.
Sure - having summer off is fun. School is structured.
Teachers tell us what to do. Yes, it is work. Why is the start of the
school year is something to celebrate?
For starters, school is where we get back together
with friends and meet new ones. It is an opportunity to learn more
about ourselves. Understanding our feelings; abilities, both strengths
and weaknesses; and interests is important. I can learn to use my
strengths to build on my weaknesses? This self-understanding is what
gives us choices.
Will every moment in school be fun? No, but how I
accept and deal with the challenges are up to me. Please don't let
anyone take that from you. The question is, "Can I make the most
of the moment?"
Accepting things does not mean agreeing that they are
right. Acceptance gives us peace of mind and clarity of thought. It
lets us find something positive in most everything. Is there a teacher
that you don't like? A subject area that you struggle with? Other
students that you would rather not see?
Would you agree that I learn more about myself and can
make positive changes in my life when I work through these situations?
Can I give others a chance and let them share their experience,
strength and hope? Can I agree to work with others even if I am not in
total agreement?
All of these things help me better understand who I
am, what I need, and where I want to go.
YEAH!!!! SCHOOL IS STARTING! This year, can I promise to give my best
and accept what happens? If so, will I be honest with myself? If I see
something that looks wrong or unfair, will I still allow myself to
grow so that in the future I can work for positive change.
Bill Breitsprecher is a school library media
specialist and the Media Specialist & Webmaster for Club TNT
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