Reading Victoria a 2018 Initiative

Initiatives come and go, but when I stumbled across the Reading Victoria collection of writing aimed at depicting Victoria I was intrigued. If you’re looking for a short piece of prose or verse for your classroom, this could be the link you need.

 

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Reading Book Challenge 2019 the update

So I posted here about developing a reading book challenge for myself. I’d like to post where I am up to with it, and see how far I’ve actually progressed…..

1. A Book Published in 2019 – Not yet accomplished
2. A Book You Own But Never Read – I’m in the process of reading a book I have owned for years on Urban Legends, but just never read…..Work in progress
3. A Classic – so I read My People by Oodgeroo Noonuccal –  an amazing collection of poetry. Completed. 
4. A Book Written by an Australian/New Zealand Author- Calypso Summer by Jared Thomas – awesome page turning YA romance featuring a rocking Nukunu lead character. Completed!
5. A Non-Fiction Book – Gluten Free and Vegan Pie by Jennifer Katzinger. Completed!
6. An LGBT+ Romance – oooh I will find one…..there are so many great ones to choose from.
7. A Book with the Protagonist that Shares Your Occupation – Anyone know a good book about a Librarian?
8. A Book That Has Been Made Into a Movie – do Graphic Novels count???
9. A Romance Novel With Diverse Lead Characters – I’ll be chasing up suggestions for this one too..
10. The Bestseller of Your Birth Year – hmm I’ll need to look this up.
11. A Translated Romance Novel – I’ll track something down…
12. A Historical Romance Set in Ancient Times – again I’ll need to look for this one….
13. A Book of Short Stories – oh gosh I think I might have something sitting on table that may be appropriate!
14. A Book Someone Gave You/Recommended – this one was easy Caliban’s War by James S.A. Corey – devoured it in a day. Completed! 
15. A Book You Chose Based on the Cover Alone – that would have to be Zenobia by Morten Durr. Completed!
16. A book of free verse or poetry – well I’m loving Oodgeroo so maybe some more of her work?
17. Banned Novel – ooh what to choose? Any suggestions?
18. A Book You Started and Never Finished – The Giant Book of New World SF edited by Issac Asimov – started a few years ago and haven’t finished it but it’s a WIP.
19. A Book You Can Read in One Sitting – a great book by Renee Fogorty called Fair Skin Black Fella – a great book with a great meaning. Should be in every school library. Completed!

So 6 completed, and I’m in February…..seriously if you have suggestions I would love to hear from you about them.

The Economics of Libraries

“Libraries build literate, productive and engaged communities and generate $4.30 in benefit for every dollar invested. ” Libraries Change Lives

So from my perspective Libraries are generating a high return on investment.

For more information and to get involved in the Libraries Change Lives campaign visit here.

Useful Resources from Mr M the Librarian

if you’re new to working in School Libraries, or just want to find out if you’re using all the resources you can Mr M the Librarian has pulled together this great list of truly Useful Resources.

 

From A to Zine: Building a Winning Zine Collection in Your Library by Julie Bartel — little lady librarian

I used to help make a Zine, way back in the late 1980’s. It was great fun, and a great way to connect to the slightly mad group of Trek Fans as we waited for the Next Generation to make it’s way to South Australia. I came across this great post, and wanted to share it with you. After all Zine are the ultimate form of publishing what you want to read….

Rating: ★★★★★ Genre: Nonfiction, library science Synopsis: Bartel and her team of zinester librarians helped to create Salt Lake City Public Library’s zine collection. In her book, she discusses what zines are, how to purchase them, and how to set up a zine collection (in terms of space and subject access) in your very own library! Review: From A […]

via From A to Zine: Building a Winning Zine Collection in Your Library by Julie Bartel — little lady librarian

My child loved to read, then stopped

I’ve been here, my child started to baulk at the idea of reading, I almost lost him, but I started on a campaign to woo him back. We started at graphic novels, we’d read them together, exploring both DC and Marvel, then we inched our way back into novels, short stories and non fiction. I read, modelled reading, and encouraged him to debate with me about the written words we were reading together.

I worked hard building reading stamina in myself, my partner and my child. Building up independent reading stamina. I take an actual book with me, I make it a priority to have one in the bag when I travel, so it’s there if I need it, or if my own child has forgotten theirs. If you sit down and read everyday for thirty days, you’ll have built up an example to your child that will make it easier for them to use these skills in the classroom, and then life. We’re building skills for a lifelong journey, to help them create communities of their own, in their own languages.

I think it’s easy to walk away from the challenge of electronic devices versus a book for our children’s attention. After all I see every day folks reading from their mobile devices when out and about with their children, setting the example that the electronic device is preferable to actual interaction with them. 

We need to build up reading skills away from the screen, the ability to seek out a book when they’re bored, or in need of exploring issues in a safe environment. It’s a hard, sometimes difficult journey helping your child develop into a lifelong reader, but it is worth it. Trust me, I know.

Teaching, when it hurts

I’m a partner to a teacher who each day gets up and teaches with vision and passion. I’m also there when they come through the door, and need a hug and a cup of tea as they explain some of the issues they have faced in the classroom of today.

I came across this awesome post on When Teaching Hurts by Kelsey LaMar which reminded me so much of the days we’ve had. When I was the sole front office person at a rural school, and the kids would come in and visit me a while because they were escaping from something and needed a kindness.

So when you drive past kids waiting at the bus stop, or see them on public transport, look past the façade and consider who they are going home to, or where they are escaping to, because like it or not, School can be their only safe place.