Does Reading to Children from Birth Build Literacy?

     Meet Kirsten!  The year was 1991. I was a 
young mother. I was determined to raise: smart, loving, culturally aware children. I didn't have family support like other young mothers. My mom died unexpectedly when I was three months pregnant with Kirsten. My husband worked long, crazy hours. So, it was Kirsten and I on our own to navigate the world.  I'm not complaining, just explaining. I'm explaining how I was determined to do right or at least what I thought was right for my daughter. So...the trend back in 1991 was black and white nurseries for new babies. It was supposedly better for their eyes to adjust to promote early learning. I compromised with the latest trend and did Kirsten's nursery in primary colors instead of typical pastels.  Since one of my fondest childhood memories was of a circus mural in my own pediatrician's office, I chose a circus theme for Kirsten's nursery. She had a wallpaper border with bright lions, giraffe's, elephants, and clowns. Her mobile over her crib had bright clown's on it to swirl above her head. Part of the compromise was to buy her soft books in black, red, and white to read to her from birth. I faithfully read to her every day. She was a crier and not much of a sleeper. It was June, beautiful weather, but she despised riding in her carriage.  She would cry and turn beet red. She would do contortions in her carriage and onlookers would stare like I was torturing her! Maybe I was, maybe she didn't like all of this early learning! Her pediatrician said not to worry, that Kirsten had a type A personality and most type A people are very bright! So...on we went, reading, playing, and learning! This little girl was my whole world.
   Kirsten was not a big talker.  I had no one to compare her to so just accepted this as normal. Her first word was tree! She liked the leaves on the trees! Here is where the surprise comes in! Kirsten began talking and reading pretty much at the same time! She was only two!  We were walking in a parking lot one day, and Kirsten began pointing to each car while saying: Buick Century, Ford Taurus, Honda Prelude, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Pontiac Firebird...! Soon after we were in Philadelphia walking to the "Please Touch Children's Museum" when Kirsten pointed to a sign in a storefront and read "cappuccino." I was stunned! It didn't take long for me to realize that Kirsten was reading! I printed words on cards and Kirsten could pick them out. She soon had a file box full of cards. She loved reading them! She loved reading books too.  She especially loved animal books and books about the Presidents. She could name all of the Presidents and the Vice Presidents by the time she was three or four.  By the time she began kindergarten she was reading at a fifth grade level! She loved learning and asked so many questions. She asked so many questions that I had to buy books to keep up with her! Her hero by the way was Benjamin Franklin. Fortunately we lived near Philadelphia so we we were able to not only research Ben Franklin but also visit his ol' stomping grounds! The highlight of Kirsten's summer in second grade was sitting in the Franklin sedan! A chair invented and created by Benjamin Franklin in 1787 to carry him to and from the Federal Convention in Philadelphia. Franklin was 81 years old and in ailing health but he didn't let this stop him from participation in the Federal Convention. He was carried in the Franklin sedan, pictured below.

 Kirsten also loved the armonica, a musical instrument invented by Benjamin Franklin made from a series crystal bowls. We of course had to find one to hear it played. An armonica makes a mesmerizing sound which by the way is where the word "Mesmerize" came from. Dr. Franz Anton Mesmer and Mozart enjoyed the enchanting sound of the armonica. Mesmer was known to use an armonica in his hypnosis therapy.
    This leads me right back to where I began, "Meet Kirsten..." and the point of my blog tonight. Recently on Twitter I met an enthusiastic woman named Danielle Lowe who heads an organization called "Baby Steps to Literacy." I always wondered if reading to my daughters from birth is the reason why they were easy readers and are still voracious readers today. Danielle is working on a dissertation for her doctorate. She is looking for babies 28 months old or under to participate in a simple and convenient reading study. I don't know Danielle personally but can't wait to learn what her dissertation reveals. Below is an excerpt taken from her web page.
       "Research shows that children read to at home do better in school.

Sensory input from reading together builds stronger brain cells and engages cells to be protected through synaptic pruning.It teaches them about language, expands their vocabulary, builds oral language skills, and creates a stronger attachment bond between reader and child.It shows them ways to solve problems they might encounter in real life situations.Focusing on the pictures help to develop eye muscles.When reviewing global literacy studies, the most successful countries emphasize early childhood reading.Each time they hear a word it sticks in their memory to build a stronger prior knowledge base!"

http://babystepstoliteracy.com/dissertation_study_-_infant_reading_study

       I'd like to believe that Kirsten and her sister have a stronger knowledge base because they were read to early. I believe in the power of books not only for my own children but for my students too. I use books to supplement topics in science, history, and even in reading...books to supplement books! I use every avenue I can think of to glean a spark of knowledge. I try every day to build background knowledge in my students, so that I give them that "aha!" moment when I can say "remember when..." and they can make a connection saying, "I remember, now I get it!" I love the look in their eyes and the 
lilt in their voice when they really do get it!
   So to all of the young mothers who like me read to their babies from birth hoping to give them a better tomorrow, maybe Danielle Lowe's study will finally give us the redemption we need for reading to our babies who seemed too young to comprehend.

Parent Links:

Twenty-two Last-Minute DIY Halloween Costumes

http://www.buzzfeed.com/alannaokun/22-last-minute-diy-halloween-costumes?
Simple Ways to Raise a reader from A to Z
http://staceyloscalzo.com/2014/10/raise-a-reader-from-a-to-z/?

Educator Links:

National Center for Case Study Teaching in Science

http://sciencecases.lib.buffalo.edu/cs/collection/

Geo-Educator Community Resources
http://www.goorulearning.org/#GeoEducators

Mitt Aubin's Book Review:  

     I Promise I'll Find You Written by: Heather Patricia Ward, is my pick for tonight's book.  The first time I read this book to my young daughters, I cried. The book is afterall dedicated with love to all missing children in the world and to the memory of Kelly Cook. I just can't imagine dealing with the loss of a child which is exactly why this book is so valuable. Everytime I read it to my children I was reiterating the fact that if they ever were lost, I'd search the world over until I found them. This message wasn't to scare them but instead was to give them the courage and confidence to venture out in to the world knowing that their parent would never, ever give up on them. The illustrations in this text are lovely. The illustrations were done by: Sheila McGraw. I highly recommend this picture book to strengthen the bond between the adult and child in your life. My own children are grown but still I would search the world over to find them.

Dear New Teachers

Dear New Teachers,
    Please take a tip from this experienced teacher:  Sometimes the best lessons of all are those that

epicly fail! Sadly, I was almost happy when our first attempt at making a  tornado in a bottle failed! You see, we are studying both weather and the scientific method. We had stated our question, done our research and hypothesized that "We can make a tornado in a bottle"!  WRONG!! Oh no!! This can't be, these students trust everything I do and yet we have, "NO TORNADO IN OUR BOTTLES!!  How Disappointing! We read the directions, we followed them exactly, or did we? This is the question! Who says my students don't listen?  Clearly they do! Sweet Skip suddenly said, "Mrs. Aubin, we forgot to tape the top of the bottle and poke a hole in it"!  I yelped with joy, "Yes Skip, you are exactly correct! What a great scientist you are!"  You see, we tested our hypothesis and then it failed. Skip analyzed our data just like a real scientist! I was so proud of him!  I couldn't have planned this lesson any better at all, failing was the best part! We carefully took our bottles apart, dried the tops off, fitted them with duck tape, poked holes in them, taped them back together, and voila we had tornadoes!!! Well to be honest, not exactly! We only kind of had tornadoes. We concluded that our mini-bottles were too flimsy! We let the wind out of our sails and went on to plan B.  My dear readers, you will probably hear about plan B quite often because giving up is never an option! So.... the next day.....

We tried again with big bottles!!  We filled one 3/4 the way full with water add a few drops of food coloring and glitter, taped them together with duck tape, poked a sizable hole between the two bottles stacked one atop the other, added more duck tape, swirled them furiously and....Voila!!!! we had the finest tornado in a bottle that any of us had ever seen!!  We


danced for joy!  We had success! We had success on making a tornado in a bottle!  I had success on teaching the scientific method just like real scientists do with trial and error finalized with over-all success!  Our hypothesis was correct we can make a tornado in a bottle!
    So new teachers, triumph everything the great lessons and the not so great lessons because in the end we learn something from them all!

Links for Educators:

What's the Weather
http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/WHATS-THE-WEATHER-A-UNIT-POURING-WITH-FUN-490805

Five Ways to get Connected
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-bHUC2oAgzs&feature=youtu.be

Links for Parents:

What is Oracy and Why Should Every Child Be Taught It?
http://schoolsimprovement.net/what-is-oracy-and-why-should-every-child-be-taught-it/

Parent -Child Opportunity:

Baby Steps to Literacy (BSTL) is a nonprofit organization that promotes literacy by giving babies their first book. Baby Steps to Literacy is currently looking for babies under 28 months and their caregivers to be part of a simple and convenient reading study. If interested, you may contact BSTL at:   http://babystepstoliteracy.com/dissertation_study_-_infant_reading_study

Mitt Aubin's Book Review: 

     This book is recommended for grades 4-7.  The stories included are a cross-curricular set for upper elementary and middle grades. Included are a variety of natural and human-created 
disasters.  The stories make use of society, the environment, English, science, mathematics, personal development, health, technology and enterprise. I will be using the informational text in the story titled, "Natural Disasters" to go with our weather unit. 

Why are Some Children called "Exceptional"?

      While all children are exceptional for just being themselves, those identified as exceptional in terms of education are those who differ from the general population to such a degree that they need specialized services in the form of an individualized school program in special education or related services. Exceptional children includes a range of students who experience learning, behavioral, sensory, and physical difficulties as well as those who are gifted in a superior range of learning and require modifications in the school curriculum in order to achieve optimal performance.  I'd be remiss to not mention that while all children are more alike than different, those who are identified as "exceptional children" need to be identified in order to benefit fully from their education. The ultimate goal of all persons involved in a student's education is to give every child a chance to thrive by providing learning situations and environments suitable to the child's unique needs.

Educator Links:

Identify Narratives:  Inspiring Students to Take Control of Their Stories

http://www.edutopia.org/blog/identity-narratives-control-own-stories-amelia-clune

Encouraging Courage- What Courageous Educators Do
http://gazette.teachers.net/gazette/wordpress/alfie-kohn/encouraging-courage-what-courageous-educators-do/

Parent Link:

Ten Sanity savers for ADHD Parents

http://www.additudemag.com/slideshow/125/slide-1.html

Parent -Child Opportunity:

Baby Steps to Literacy (BSTL) is a nonprofit organization that promotes literacy by giving babies their first book. Baby Steps to Literacy is currently looking for babies under 28 months and their caregivers to be part of a simple and convenient reading study. If intersted, you may contact BSTL at:   http://babystepstoliteracy.com/dissertation_study_-_infant_reading_study 

Mitt Aubin's Book Review:

The Mystery at Jamestown: First Permanent English Colony in America! , is part of a series written by Carole Marsh. These books are historical fiction set in real places.  The novels are mysteries with living characters, Christina and Grant are Marsh's grandchildren. Other characters come from the Carole Marsh Fanclub where kids can apply to be a character in a future novel. There is also an on-line scavenger hunt and map for kids to track their adventures.  I will be using this novel to review an unit on Jamestown that my 7th/8th self-contained students did last year before moving forward in American History. I will also tie in an unit on archaeology since artifacts from Jamestown are discussed in this kid gripping novel. My students love our mini archaeological digs!

                                                                                                                           

Persistence is the Key

     Have you ever had a moment in teaching that has made you swell with pride? Today was that day for me. So often, kids who need special education services are thought of students who can't achieve. I can tell you that those who think that way are so wrong. Persistence, and never giving up despite setbacks are the keys to success. The key is letting kids know that you believe in them even when they don't believe in themselves.  This, coupled with building a positive self-image eventually allows kids to believe in themselves. Letting kids know that setbacks are normal for everybody and talking about the setbacks while making goals for change are key to future success.
       One year ago, my student who I will call: Paige, came back to our self-contained classroom in tears from a Technology 7 class because she felt that she would never understand how to measure with a ruler. Paige wanted to quit! After gentle encouragement and a new plan, Paige went back to "Tech class". Our plan included sending a teacher's aide with her to learn along side of her. This way, the aide could re-teach the skills needed in technology class over and over to Paige.  Paige passed technology class but still struggled with measurement.  This year, Paige began in a Technology 8 class. Again the aide was sent with her but this year, three other students from our 7th/8th self-contained classroom joined Paige. Back in my classroom we dedicated one class period during Life Skills to practicing using a ruler and tape measure for measurement. The aide was very patient with all nine students in our classroom and praised them for their great work. In all, nine out of ten of my students are taking Technology 7 or 8 this year. Paige had a new sense of confidence this year that wasn't present a year ago. It has been a pleasure watching her grow more confident.
     Paige took her test on measurement yesterday all by herself. This morning, I was greeted by Paige who had a big surprise for me...a 100% on her "Ruler Identification" test! I swear my heart skipped a beat! I definitely swelled with pride as I hugged Paige and danced around the classroom! Our aide actually teared up with happiness! We hung Paige's 100% on our whiteboard all day for everyone to see! I asked Paige if I could write about her in my blog because I'm just so proud of her! She said "yes"!! So tonight, here it is!
    Paige had it in herself all along to be successful, she just didn't know it yet! All kids can learn. Paige learned a valuable lesson that persistence and practice does pay off! Next time Paige faces a situation that seems insurmountable my guess is that she will face it head on and come up with a way to be successful. Paige earned more than a 100% in Technology 8 class, she also learned that she has what it takes to succeed.

Educator Links:
Common Core in Action Using Digital Storytelling Tools in the ELA Classroom.
http://www.edutopia.org/blog/ccia-digital-storytelling-tools-ela-monica-burns

How and Why Teachers Should Start using Twitter Right Now
http://t.co/gM4I3b1phI

21 Things Every 21st Century Teacher Should Do This Year (high-tech and low-tech)
pic.twitter.com/X6CVhpWgBd

Maslow's Needs for Students Using Technology for Learning.
http://clouducation.wordpress.com/2014/09/23/mazlows-needs-for-students-using-technology-for-learning/



Parent Links:
A Simple Way to add Activity to Your Life:The Cross Crawl: A Remarkable Movement
http://t.co/PrTjB2ndYJ

Kids Who Ignore Consequences: 10 Ways to make Them Stick
http://www.empoweringparents.com/Kids-Who-Ignore-Consequences-10-Ways-to-Make-Them-Stick.php?g


Mrs. Aubin's Book Review:
     Tonights pick for my book review is: Maps by: Aleksandra Mizielinska and Daniel Mizielinski. This Atlas is like no other. First, it's huge! The book measures 15" X 11" It is 109 pages of absolute artistic beauty, featuring 52 highly illustrated maps. These maps have everything including: interesting attractions, famous people, native animals and plants and cultural interests and more! Kids love pouring over the colorful maps with so many things to look at. These maps get kids talking and asking important questions. Kids and adults learn without even realizing it!  With this atlas, a picture really is worth a thousand words, so let me show you a few:
                                                                                            

                                               

End of the Day Jar

     The "End of the Day Jar," is a great way to culminate the end of each school day. Everyday approximately ten minutes before the final bell my students must return to their desks, straighten their area, and then a student is called upon to "teach the class." I hang a list of students and their assigned days to be the "end of the day teacher".  As the "End of the Day Teacher,"  the student randomly chooses a card from the End of the day Jar. The student then asks each student one at a time the question or prompt from the card pulled from the End of the Day Jar.  There is no less than thirty cards in the jar. Cards may be used again and again. Examples of cards are: 1)What is one thing you learned today?  2)Tell about something you read today. and  3) Did you do something kind for someone today?.
     The "End of the Day Jar" is a positive activity on so many levels. First, it gives the students a sense of completion on their school day. Secondly, it gives students a focus point to gather their thoughts, and straighten their school space to be prepared to start again in the morning. Thirdly, The "End of the Day Jar" allows students to relax for just a second forgetting that school is over before bustling out the door to go home.  Simply put, it's just a nice way to end the school day. It gives each student time to reflect on their school day. The students share their answers that may all be different from each others to give each child a different perspective on the same question or prompt. Best of all, there are no wrong responses! So, everyone gets positive reinforcement.  Lastly, it gives the "student of the day" a little public speaking practice in a non-threatening environment. It also gives the student his or her day in the spotlight to be momentarily the leader. I think we all like to be the leader once in a while even if it is only for a moment.
   I first learned of the "End of the Day Jar" from Aimee Vanmiddlesworth on "Teachers Pay Teachers." When I learn good ideas from other teachers I like to share them. The more each of us do to help each other and collaborate the more effectively we can teach our students. I can assure you that this is a great activity that quickly becomes part of the daily routine.  Best of all students love it and eagerly look forward to their day to be the end of the day teacher!


Daily Parent Link:
Family Rules Template
http://www.growingwireless.com/learn-engage/tips-for-safe-kids/family-rules-template



Daily Parent and Educator Link:
Great Apps for Children with Down's Syndrome
http://nosycrow.com/blog/the-best-apps-for-children-with-down-s-syndrome-special-needs


Daily Educator Link:
Google Chromebook in the Classroom!
http://www.livebinders.com/play/play?id=1443255
@GingerLewman


Daily Book Review:
     Tonight's pick is Cross-Country Cat, written by: Mary Calhoun.  This is an adorable story about Henry a siamese cat who is accidently left behind by his family at a ski lodge. Henry is a clever cat who talks to the animals in an attempt to get home! Though I'm personally not quite ready for snow yet, children will love this wintry tale!

Collaboration Team

 

         When creating a plan to serve a student with an IEP (Individual Education Plan) or 504 plan,it takes a team effort. The team can be called a collaboration

team. Have you ever heard the statement that it "takes a village" to raise a child?   This saying holds true for educating a child as well. The collaboration team consists of many people. It may include:  the special education teacher, a general education teacher, the parents, the student, the speech-language pathologist, a physical therapist, occupational therapist, a school psychologist, a guidance counselor, the special education director, possibly the school principal, a social worker, and a parent advocate. The collaboration team consists of anyone who is involved in the education of the child. The special education teacher who is also the student's case manager is the liaison for all persons involved in the child's education. The special educator must interact with all persons on the child's collaboration team frequently to ensure that the student's program is running smoothly. The case manager must make sure that every service stated on the IEP is being delivered. If their are glitches in the students program or if the student needs changes in the delivery of programming then the case manager must contact the Director of special education to meet as a collaborative team to makes changes to the IEP, 504 plan, or delivery of instruction to ensure that the students needs are being met. The collaboration team is a valuable component of the child's education.

 Educator Links:
10 APPs for Math Fluency-http://www.edutopia.org/blog/10-apps-for-math-fluency-monica-burns?

See What it is Like to be Autistic-http://mashable.com/2014/04/23/autism-simulations/#:eyJzIjoiZiIsImkiOiJfNnhnaGd6d3czdmhjb3g1ZCJ9


Parent Link:
Differences in Parenting?  How Your Child may be Using it Against You
http://www.empoweringparents.com/Parenting-Differences-How-Your-Child-May-Be-Using-it-Against-You.php?gui=5775

Book Review:
The Happy Hedgehog written by Marcus Pfister. It is a beautiful story about a grandfather hedgehog and his grandson, Mikko. Mikko learns through his travels that there is no place like home and the grandfather learns that Mikko is a wise grandson. 

Life Skills are Beneficial

   

      Way back in 1983, I had the privilege of  beginning my career in special education at the Devereux Foundation. The teens that I taught lived and learned in a residential setting. They were dually diagnosed as intellectually challenged and emotionally disturbed. My job was to teach them "functional academics". I taught them money, time, reading, community signs, letter writing, grocery shopping, how to use a laundromat and vending machines. My students learned how to read and order from a menu. They learned how to read a grocery circular and how to subtract coupons from their total bill. They learned how to write checks and balance a checkbook. My friend and co-worker, Miss Angie, taught them "home economics" which included reading recipes and cooking. Miss Angie's students learned how to measure with cups and spoons. The students learned how to do laundry and how to fold it. Miss Angie taught the students how to clean their home. She taught them personal hygiene too. Every Tuesday and Friday Miss Angie and I would take a small group of students out into the community to places like the post office, grocery store, laundromat, different types of restaurants, and different types of shopping establishments. We always worked on proper social skills and good manners. Miss Angie and I were preparing our students for adult life. In our small school , where our twenty-eight students switched classes, we also had a workshop teacher, woodworking teacher, an art teacher, and a physical education teacher. After leaving The Devereux Foundation, many of the students went on to live in group homes. They needed skills to live as independently as possible.
   I think that "Life skills are valuable skills for most students not just special needs students.  The first phone call that I received from my daughter at college was her worrying that she'd ruin her clothes in the public washing machine and dryer! With common core and higher stakes testing students don't have the time to learn all of these essential life skills during a rich academic school day. Families are busy and while most do teach their children essential skills and behaviors for life, students still may benefit from at least an elective course that prepares them for real world living.  I currently teach one life skills class every day. In many ways this is the most valuable course that I teach.

Daily Parent Links:
Life Lessons for Kids and Teens: 5 Skills Every Child Needs to Learn
http://www.empoweringparents.com/life-lessons-for-kids-five-skills-every-child-and-teen-needs-to-learn.php?gui=5753


Daily Educator Link:
Daily Living and Cooking Activities
http://home.centurytel.net/mrs_browns_classroom/


Children's Book Review:

     Tonight's book review pick, is:  The Girl Who Loved Caterpillars, adapted by: Jean Merrill.  When my oldest daughter, Kirsten, was young, she was the caterpillar girl! She loved nature and animals and anything to do with either of these! She was an early and voracious reader so I was always searching for books to sooth her precocious soul! 
      This Japanese tale was thought to have been written in the twelfth century during the Heian period.  The original author is unknown the original story was found on a scroll. It's a story of a young, Japanese girl who loved caterpillars. It's a rich story set in ancient Japan during the time of the Emperor's court in Kyoto. This is not a book for every child, but for those who enjoy a sense of culture combined with the depth of long ago, it is a nice story. It may also make a nice accompaniment to a world history or literature lesson.
    The illustrations painted by Floyd Cooper, are done in soft-oil. They give the book a more cultural sense of long ago.