Its Time to Buy the Cards!

Well, its time to start getting serious about the upcoming holiday season. I knew it was time when riding down the main street of my town (before Halloween) and saw the Christmas banners already posted on the streetlamps! But I am a step ahead because last year's one snow event furnished me with a great picture that I plan to use for this year's Christmas card. This will be a simple and stress free task by using Shutterfly's holiday cards. I will simply chose my favorite card design from their Christmas cards designs or Christmas photo cards . This year I have chosen the Gifted Tag Christmas 4 x 8 photo card for 1 to 2 photos. I will then upload my photo or photos directly from my computer. I can then add text and other finishing touches. After that I will decide how many cards I need, and order! Mark that job off the list!

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.