Helping Your Child Use the Library. Details ways that parents can help their children learn to use the library.
From the site:
You don't have to have a house overflowing with books to give your children this kind of experience. Your local public library is home to an abundance of books, plus many other valuable resources.
One of the most exciting and innovative areas in the library today is the children's section. Most public libraries now offer a wide variety of children's books and magazines. Some even offer selected materials in foreign languages (most often Spanish, French, and some Asian languages). Usually there is a children's librarian specially trained to help find just the right book--whether it's Mother Goose or how to do a science project. In addition to printed materials, libraries often lend audio- and videocassettes of children's books and movies. They may sponsor special programs, including story hours for youngsters (from toddlers on up), summer reading programs, and homework help. Many libraries also provide valuable resources for teenagers, such as term paper "clinics" and information and referral services.
Keep in mind too that a visit to the library can help enrich your life as an adult. Whether you are seeking information or just a "good read,"" your local public library has a lot to offer.
Tuesday, March 30, 2004
Sunday, March 28, 2004
Using Microcomputers in Elementary Language Arts Instruction.
Using Microcomputers in Elementary Language Arts Instruction. Despite the age of this piece (it is from 1985) the concepts expressed are still good.
From the site:
The best way to integrate computers into the language arts curriculum is to focus on the student and the curriculum -- not on the computer. Of course, it is important to understand the capabilities that computer hardware and software offer for language instruction. However, the key to using the microcomputer wisely is to consider it in relation to teachers' and students' goals and needs.
WHAT ARE THE GOALS OF THE LANGUAGE ARTS CURRICULUM?
Elementary language arts instruction is usually devoted to helping children understand language critically and express themselves in speech and writing. But individual students' needs differ from the first years of school. Some children are able to write long pieces fluently, while others struggle with the mechanics of handwriting. Spelling is more difficult for some students than others. Some children like to write, and they write a great deal. Others don't like to write but are quite talented orally. Such diversity is a problem for elementary school teachers because meeting individual needs requires sensitivity to a variety of students, orchestration of the elements of the classroom environment (desks, books, visual aids, sounds), and ideas for stimulating all children to use language in many ways.
WHAT IS THE ROLE OF THE COMPUTER IN THE LANGUAGE ARTS CURRICULUM?
One of the main reasons some teachers find computers attractive is that computers can present and monitor "individualized" instruction to many students -- each at his or her own pace. Many computer programs provide spelling and grammar drills that students can work through, pursuing supplementary or "branched" lessons that are presented if they give incorrect answers. Such programs free teachers from having to repeat the same information many times.
From the site:
The best way to integrate computers into the language arts curriculum is to focus on the student and the curriculum -- not on the computer. Of course, it is important to understand the capabilities that computer hardware and software offer for language instruction. However, the key to using the microcomputer wisely is to consider it in relation to teachers' and students' goals and needs.
WHAT ARE THE GOALS OF THE LANGUAGE ARTS CURRICULUM?
Elementary language arts instruction is usually devoted to helping children understand language critically and express themselves in speech and writing. But individual students' needs differ from the first years of school. Some children are able to write long pieces fluently, while others struggle with the mechanics of handwriting. Spelling is more difficult for some students than others. Some children like to write, and they write a great deal. Others don't like to write but are quite talented orally. Such diversity is a problem for elementary school teachers because meeting individual needs requires sensitivity to a variety of students, orchestration of the elements of the classroom environment (desks, books, visual aids, sounds), and ideas for stimulating all children to use language in many ways.
WHAT IS THE ROLE OF THE COMPUTER IN THE LANGUAGE ARTS CURRICULUM?
One of the main reasons some teachers find computers attractive is that computers can present and monitor "individualized" instruction to many students -- each at his or her own pace. Many computer programs provide spelling and grammar drills that students can work through, pursuing supplementary or "branched" lessons that are presented if they give incorrect answers. Such programs free teachers from having to repeat the same information many times.
Friday, March 26, 2004
Children's Literature On-line Lectures
Children's Literature On-line Lectures. A set of lecture notes for an children's literature course by John Corbally. Notes provide insight into what makes a classic.
From the site:
On these pages, you will find lectures that go along with the readings. Please read them carefully; they should help focus your reading and give you some ideas for your writing and discussion; they may also raise some questions you might want to post to the message board.
From the site:
On these pages, you will find lectures that go along with the readings. Please read them carefully; they should help focus your reading and give you some ideas for your writing and discussion; they may also raise some questions you might want to post to the message board.
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