Literacy My Way

When we were deciding on each day's focus for the Share a Story- Shape a Future 2010 blog tour, I decided that Day 2, hosted here at The Book Chook, would be called Literacy My Way/Literacy Your Way. Even though our theme was It Takes a Village to Raise a Reader, I wanted to make sure we also emphasized non-traditional forms of literacy. You see, I don't just equate literacy with reading. I believe it encompasses a range of activities and skills, all of which contribute to a child becoming literate. I hoped writers would send me articles about ebooks, storytelling, writing, multimedia, music, technology - as well as describe ways to adapt reading for individual children.


You'll see below that the contributions give a fascinating insight into ways people encourage literacy and learning in kids. These writers are passionate about literacy, and they have a wealth of creative ideas to share. You'll read articles about storytelling, digital books, and puzzles. You'll explore the connection between reading and writing, reading and music, and reading and art. You'll learn how to get sneaky with literacy, how to tell stories with multimedia, and I can guarantee you'll add to your own literacy toolbox with many more ideas.


So read on to discover different facets of literacy that are not traditional reading of children's literature, but which contribute to raising readers. Contributors are listed below, with a link you can click to transport you across the blogosphere for your reading pleasure.


The Book Chook presents: An Interview with Francie Dillon. US award winning children’s singer–storyteller and Professor of Children’s Literature at California State University at Sacramento, Francie Dillon speaks nationally on the topic of read aloud techniques and children’s literacy. The Book Chook asked her, "Why storytelling, and not just reading to kids?"


Kim Chatel, of Chatel Village and Blazing Trailers, presents: Storytelling in a Multimedia World. Follow author Kim Chatel in a video report as she creates a book trailer for YA novel “Rebel in Blue Jeans.” From writing the script, to story-boarding, and media selection. Learn about the importance of Royalty Free media and the Creative Commons license. Use the techniques discussed for book reports, science projects, journaling or storytelling.


Elizabeth Dulemba, of dulemba.com, presents: Beyond the Printed Page. In this digital revolution, what does the future of reading look like and is there still room for the printed page?


Danielle Smith, of There's A Book, presents: A Sticky Situation - Using Activity and Sticker Books. How and why would we want to incorporate activity and sticker books into our family reading rituals? Activity and sticker books are often used by parents as "babysitters", but when used appropriately they may help a beginning reader make connections between visual images and words on a page with reality. In fact, these valuable resources can be an excellent teaching tool when used in conjunction with reading daily, especially for children who may struggle with some form of learning disability


Franki Sibberson, of A Year of Reading, presents: Discovering the Possibilities of Stopmotion in Grades 2-5. Franki Sibberson writes about the excitement that was generated when she introduced FRAMES, software for creating stop motion animation, to students.


Farida Dowler, of Saints and Spinners, presents: Storytelling in the Bathtub; Practical Aspects of Family Storytelling. Storytelling isn't just for public performance. In all likelihood, you already have the basics you need to create stories with children and other adults. In my family, the tradition started in the bathtub.


Susan Stephenson, of The Book Chook, presents: Sharing Stories Using Online Editors. Join the Chook for a visit to wonderful online spaces where kids are encouraged to share their stories. Whether creating digital books, slideshows, posters or movies, kids get to have a whole lot of fun, while they practise literacy their way.


Dawn Morris, of Moms Inspire Learning, presents: Circles of Literacy (part 1). Life is not a line; it's a circle. In my eyes, the same is true for literacy. In Circles of Literacy, Part 1, I begin to explore what literacy really means to me. I'll give you a hint: it's not just about reading and writing!


Joyce Grant, of Getting Kids Reading, presents: Getting Active Kids Reading. Sitting still and reading a book is not the only way! Getting Kids Reading gives you alternative ways to help get your active kid reading.



Amy Mascott of teachmama presents: Getting a Little Sneaky with Literacy. Known for sneaking a little bit of learning into her children's every day, Getting A Little Sneaky With Literacy shares some of the ways Amy and her three children play around with literacy--in the car, on the beach, at the table, and in their back yard.



The Book Chook presents: The Magic of Storytelling. Wonderful Australian Storyteller and author, Helen Evans, gives tips on sharing the magic of storytelling, and incorporating it into family life.



Rebecca Taylor, of I'm Lost in Books, presents: Combining Art with Literacy in the Early Childhood Environment. Art is one way I bring more literacy-rich activities to my students.  Many think of art as just playing around with paint or maybe you even recognize the value of a young child using drawing as an introduction to writing.  Arts in the early years, if done purposefully, can be a treasure trove of literary experiences for the child.



Jen Funk Weber, of StitchingForLiteracy.com, presents: Literacy: Off the Beaten Path. The Share a Story, Shape a Future theme today is Literacy Your Way/ Literacy My Way. As the theme suggests, there is more than one path to literacy. Reading with kids may be the expressway, but there are scenic byways that offer fresh views and fun while still getting us there. 


Stacey Shubitz, of Two Writing Teachers, presents: Letter to the Author. Sending fan mail to authors takes on a new dimension when children contact an author after whose work they’ve mentored their own writing.


Valerie Baartz, of The Almost Librarian, presents: Simple Story Extensions for Preschoolers. Did you know that you can set the stage for your preschool children to make deeper, more meaningful connections with the stories they read? And did you know that you might already be doing this and not even know it? Join Valerie to find out more about Story Extensions for preschoolers and their impact on early literacy. You'll take away lots of simple, straightforward ideas on how you can naturally integrate Story Extensions into your day whether you are at home or at school. Explore ideas about songs, cooking activities, crafts and lots more.


Franki Sibberson, of a Year of Reading, presents Tricky Videos (Klutz). Reflecting on how creating video can be a key to students becoming critical readers and viewers, Franki Sibberson describes how she used the Klutz TRICKY VIDEO book with kids.


Catherine Oehlman, of Squiggle Mom, presents: Learn to Sing - Sing to Learn. As an educator Cath (aka SquiggleMum) has always had two loves: music and literacy.  As a mother it follows that there is much music in her kids' world.  Cath explores the way singing boosts early language development using examples from her own children who are aged 1 and 3.  


Melissa Taylor, of Imagination Soup, presents: Video Games and Learning. Video games can make kids better problem solvers. What's more, when used carefully and appropriately, video games can engage learners in meaningful topics from writing to history. Don't believe me? Read what the research says.


Rebecca Taylor, of I'm Lost in Books, presents: Family Stories Month. A family gathering is never quite complete until a story has been told about a family member. "Remember that time Uncle Stan..."  Yes, there are numerous family stories that you want to preserve. What better way to make sure that these are handed down for generations than to write a book about them? Whether your book is a memoir complete with a publisher, a scrapbook, or an audio-video recording of Grandpa rattling on while Grandma corrects him, your family stories and history deserve a place in the future. And they make great books for your kids to read.



(If you've noticed a bit of a cartoon theme going here at The Book Chook, check out Toon Doo, your kids will love it! You can read more about it in my Sharing Stories Using Online Editors post.)


That's it for Literacy My Way. How about Literacy Your Way? What aspect of literacy fascinates you the most? How about your kids? Or do you just love it all? We'd love to read your comment, and you're welcome to leave a link to your blog if you celebrate children's literacy too.