Scholastic Launches You Are What You Read

Scholastic has launched a new social networking site for those who love books and reading and to help promote the importance of reading. Users may list the five books that have had the biggest impact on their lives. They will also find the "bookprints" of many recognizable names from education, media, publishing, entertainment and more. Users will have the choice of several activities and have the opportunity to interact with others who share a love of reading and books. The site is a part of the celebration of Scholastic's 90th anniversary and is a part of their global literacy campaign, Read Every Day. Lead a Better Life. For further information visit:
http://youarewhatyouread.scholastic.com/adults/ .

Free Phonics All-in-One Reading Program

For parents, teachers, tutors, or anyone who wants to teach a child to read, Progressive Phonics is a free resource available on-line. Books and worksheets are available for downloading or can be viewed on-line. Free registration is required, but you can view sample books before registering. Check it out at this link:

http://www.progressivephonics.com/

Roald Dahl Day - September 13th

Today is officially Roald Dahl Day. You may recognize him as the author of James and The Giant Peach, Matilda, Charlie and The Chocolate Factory, Fantastic Mr. Fox and more. To help celebrate you can download a party pack which comes complete with activities, printables, instructions, historic facts and party or lesson ideas. Make your Roald Dahl Day a great one by visiting the following web site:

http://www.roalddahlday.info/Resources.aspx

Become a Revolting Reader by reading three Roald Dahl books. Check out the details at

http://www.roalddahlday.info/Competition.aspx

Tha Cat Tips His Hat to Science

On Labor Day PBS introduces "The Cat in the Hat Knows a Lot About That!" It is a new PBS series that will be introduced on Labor Day. Based on Random House's Learning Library series, it is a half-hour program with Martin Short as the voice of the Cat. The Cat leads his viewers to explore the natural science world, helping them learn through daily adventures.

This is a link to fun online games and activities.

http://pbskids.org/catinthehat/

Rooting For New Words

Helping children become familiar with common root words helps them figure out the meanings of unfamiliar words. Here is a game that teachers and parents can use to help from ReadWriteThink called Make-a-Word Card Game:
http://www.readwritethink.org/parent-afterschool-resources/printouts/make-word-card-game-30249.html

The Online Etymology Dictionary http://www.etymonline.com/index.php is a great resource for understanding what words meant and how they sounded in years past.

Inspire Reading with Ramona and Beezus

Take your children to see "Ramona and Beezus", but be prepared to read the books! You and your children will love Beverly Cleary's wonderful character and will want to follow all of Ramona's adventures. Get a preview of the fun at the following links. Go see the movie, then be ready to whip out the library card on the way home!

Have fun and happy reading!

(If the links won't work, copy and paste the address in your browser address bar).

http://www.ramonaandbeezus.com/


http://books.google.com/books?id=lw6K8J8-KRoC&dq=ramona+and+beezus&printsec=frontcover&source=bn&hl=en&ei=wPJKTICMMYL_8Ab8tYk1&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=7&ved=0CEQQ6AEwBg#v=onepage&q&f=false