Monday, January 25, 2010

Read Baby Read!

How did you learn to read?

Some of us memorized sight words, and others used configuration or context cues. However, one thing is for sure…if you learned to read in a California public school in the late 80’s or early 90’s– you weren’t taught phonics. California dropped phonics from its reading curricula in 1987–when I was five!

I don’t remember learning to read, but I do remember reading. Like many young children, I memorized the words in picture books and convinced others that I was literate by the age of three! My book of choice was Goodnight Moon, the pop-up version.

While it’s possible to argue that I wasn’t really “reading," there is evidence to support that memorizing words is a behavior that precedes and eventually develops into conventional literacy. This idea is rooted in the concept of “emergent literacy." Sulzby and Teale (1996) state, "Emergent literacy is concerned with the earliest phases of literacy development, the period between birth and the time when children read and write conventionally. The term emergent literacy signals a belief that, in a literate society, young children–even 1- and 2-year-olds–are in the process of becoming literate."

Many kids who don’t remember learning to read remember one thing–being read to by their parents, caretakers, and private SAT tutors. The idea of emergent literacy validates the significance of reading to children regularly. When we read to children, even as young as one and two years old, we help them build the foundation from which literacy develops. Since young children respond well to vivid images and word repetition, parents and caretakers often select to read picture books. In a good picture book, the images tell the story, and the words merely contribute to the flow of the story. It’s no coincidence that Goodnight Moon, with its pop-up pictures, word repetition, and embedded nightly ritual was at the top of my list!

If you need help selecting a good picture book or other reading material to share with your kid(s), consider award winners. The following honors are given to top-quality books and should become the basic criterion for any search for grade K-8 literature.

Caldecott Medal: This medal is awarded annually to the artist of the most distinguished American picture book for children by the Association for Library Service to Children. The 2010 Caldecott Medal winner is The Lion & the Mouse, illustrated and written by Jerry Pinkney. For a full list of Caldecott Medal winners from 1938-Present, click here: Caldecott Medal Winners 1938-2009.

Newbery Medal: The Newbery Medal is awarded annually by the Association for Library Services to Children to the author of the most distinguished contribution to American Literature for children. The 2010 Newbery Medal winner is When you Reach Me by Rebecca Stead. For a list of Newbery Medal winners and Honor Books from 1922-Present, click here: Newbery Medal Winners 1922-2009.

Young Reader Medal: Members of the California Young Reader Medal Committee nominate books to be read by students in four categories: Primary (Grades K-2), Intermediate (Grades 3-6), Middle School / Junior High (Grades 6-9), and Young Adult (Grades 9-12). Students read all of the books in a given category and vote for their favorite. The authors of the winning books are awarded the California Young Reader Medal award annually. For a list of books that have one the votes of California readers, click here: California Young Reader Medal Winners.

Happy reading!

Friday, January 15, 2010

A Collegiate Athlete's Guide to The Game of School

The college community offers a variety of activities, and as someone who likes to take advantage of every opportunity, it would be a shame if I let anything get in my way. As a collegiate athlete, it is often assumed that I don't have time to do anything except go to school, practice, eat, sleep, and play basketball. However, early on I learned that this did not have to be the case.

Looking back, effective time management has been one of the most important factors to my ability to participate in school, SAT tutoring, sports, work, and other activities in a successful manner. At first, the idea of balancing numerous obligations seemed overwhelming, and often appeared unachievable. However, I have come to realize that even the most hectic schedule can be simplified, just so long as one sticks to the pledge: "Be where you need to be when you need to be there."

In terms of school, sports, work, and other activities - here is what it's all about:

1. SHOW UP
Knowing where you need to be and when you need to be there is half the battle. Staying organized is key. Whether you use a planner, agenda, or calendar, find a system that works best for you and stick with it!

2. BE PREPARED
In order to be prepared, you need to know what is expected of you. Be aware of assignments and deadlines and plan your approach in advance. I can’t compete on the basketball court if I haven't practiced my jump-shot, and a student can't succeed in the classroom if he/she hasn't studied for the test.

3. DO THE WORK
If you are showing up and you are prepared, you might as well do the work! Don't fail simply because you didn’t try. When I am in a basketball game, I play defense as best I can; likewise, when I am in study hall, I put all my effort into completing my homework.

Not only has effective time management enabled me to tame a hectic schedule, but it has given me the freedom to take advantage of opportunities that I may not have deemed feasible otherwise. Luckily, it works two-fold: not only am I available to do other things, but I am also set up for success ... and something tells me that this is a great tool that I will be able to use for the rest of my life.

By: Lisa Helmers, Office Manager, Launch Education

Wednesday, January 6, 2010

New Beginnings

What happens when your computer breaks?
First and foremost, you attempt to repair it.

How does this relate to school?

Take a moment to imagine a broken student who is trapped in a never ending cycle -- a student who has entered into a downward spiral in which the student feels defeated after receiving a bad grade on an assignment, will lose motivation and put less effort into the next assignment. The outcome is no surprise -- the student earns another bad grade and the cycle continues.

How does one stop the cycle?
Repair and reboot.

As students venture into second semester, they should be inspired by the opportunity each new semester brings to start over – it is never too late to re-brand oneself as a good student who is motivated to succeed in school, especially when there are many private SAT tutors who can assist with all aspects of schooling. A new semester brings a new opportunity to repair what may have fallen apart during the previous semester. With effort, patience, and focus, a failing student can choose to start over again and make the necessary changes to succeed. By repairing one's attitude and looking at the factors that contributed to one’s fall in the previous semester, a student can make a plan and seek out the necessary support to turn over a new leaf in the New Year!

Who’s up for the challenge?