Marvelous Cornelius

Marvelous Cornelius by Phil Bidner and John Parra is a marvelous retelling itself of the Katrina disaster through the eyes of a trash collector. Drawings are delightful. All leaves much to discussion between adult and child.


                                         

Using Photography To Graph Climate Change

    James Balog, in this video, tells us how his photo-capture of how climate change is effecting the ice shelves, and his tale is riveting.


                                           


  Remember, to just let a young person watch a video is only the beginning of enhancing his/her reading skills. Discussion must occur afterwards (if not during), and follow-up -- either by searching for additional articles on the web or books in the library -- is what makes reading to the child a natural process.

NOVA and Reading #2

NOVA videos (always wonderful) that will spark further reading and research. These are on black holes, memory, space archeology, schools of the future:

NOVA

The Woman Who Planted Millions of Trees

A woman Johnny Appleseed!

In the land of Kenya, Wangari Maathai changed her world - she planted trees. And it was not the simple task that Jonny Appleseed had, simply traveling the country and planting. She had to fight the developers, the government, some citizens. For her efforts, she received the Nobel Peace Prize. (Johnny never did!)  Illustrations are vivd and powerful.


                                                   

A Classic (Already!): Invention of Hugo Cabret

Written a decade ago, Brian Selznick's The Invention of Hugo Cabret is part traditional novel, part graphic novel. Set in Paris in the 1930s, Brian lives in the walls of a train station. The story just grows bigger and bigger from here, including a girl, a shopkeeper, secrets, clocks, and, and...The story easily captivates mid-level readers (strong upper elementary through middle school and beyond). Black and white drawings, too, add to the drama.  Book has 500 pages (much of it illustrations) so some students love the power of its size while others are intimidated.


                                                   

Intriguing Science and Reading #1

Videos that get more advanced students a quick look into five science areas, those interested should be running for books or other websites to read answer questions they will have. And that will spark even more questions and more reading and more...


How Bacteria Grows

DNA Replication

Microbiology

Mitosis

DNA Repair

Note: Given skill level of student, these videos would work for upper elementary through high schoolers.




                                            

Monster Truck -- Just A Fun, Silly Book

Cross monsters with trucks and what do you have? Of course, Monster Trucks by Anika Denise and Nate Wragg. Written for the 3-7 (or so) -year old fun-loving, active little ones, this book will have its listeners laughing, then racing after each other at the end of the read. Enjoy!