Reading and Technology:
When I began as a reading specialist, it sometimes took me three to four weeks to complete individual reading inventories for one class of thirty students.
These tests helped reading teachers tremendously; they exposed specific deficiencies in the particular student’s reading skills. They pinpointed a child’s reading level to help determine which books he or she would find fun and easy as opposed to frustrating. I needed nearly one month to glean that information for one class. The test had to be done away from distractions in a one-on-one situation with the teacher. Each test required between thirty minutes to an hour…then an equal amount of time to interpret it.
Today’s technology is what is allowing our students to remain in school during this period of a horrific pandemic. It is what is allowing so many parents to work from home during this time, to shop for groceries, to consult with a doctor, or talk to Grandma. Whenever we think we are too involved with technology, we need to remember that twenty years ago our children would probably have no way to continue in school during this health crisis. Yesterday, I ordered a pizza for delivery and watched an interesting cable sitcom. Do I miss going to the theater or to a concert? Of course, we all do, but thankfully, we have technology to help us survive.
How much technology is too much? My answer is not the same as it would have been ten months ago. Then I would have discouraged technology in favor of time spent with friends or with classes or at the pool or the gym. Today our children are growing up in a frightening, strange world and technology might be the familiar anchor in our children’s education. I think we need to be as encouraging about our children’s education and well-being as possible. So…this old dog has learned new tricks. Rather than preaching the problems of kids and technology, I’m going turn on my audiobook or plug in my kindle with my impressive downloaded library and just chill. And if I have a technical issue, which I frequently do, I’ll call a grandkid. They know all about that tech stuff.
Happy Reading! Sylvia Hermosillo Director of Content
QUOTE OF THE MONTH:
“Let us remember: One book, one pen, one child, and one teacher can change the world.”
-Malala Yousafzai
BOOK RECOMMENDATONS:
Once upon a Time. Online: Happily Ever After Is Only a Click Away!
Written by David Bedford
Illustrated by Rosie Reeve
This book is appropriate for children in preschool through third grades. This funny book looks at what happens when a computer arrives in fairytale land. All the familiar characters from the big bad wolf to Cinderella engage in reckless behavior like online shopping and must be rescued by the fairy godmother. The artwork is delightful and lessons like responsibility, internet manners, and asking parental permission naturally flow from the story
The Technology Tail: A Digital Footprint Story
Written by Julia Cook
Illustrated by Anita DuFalla
This book will appeal to second through fifth graders. This clever book addresses a child’s digital footprint—how pictures, postings, and hurtful words remain long after the screen has been changed. The rhymed pattern of the writing helps enliven what could be a dry subject.
ASK A READING TEACHER:
Dear Reading Teacher,
This school year is so messed up. My daughter goes to school every Friday to review what she learned at home on the computer all week. She is in the fourth grade and I feel like she is just wasting her time. She doesn’t like the classes. She says they are boring. I think I should just take her out of school for a year and let her stay home. Besides, it is hard to get her to school every Friday.
Thanks for your advice, Amalia’s Mom
Dear Amalia’s Mom,
Currently, school and lessons just look different from what we are accustomed to. Try to be enthusiastic about the use of technology in Amalia’s lessons. Certainly, most students are not learning in an ideal environment, however, they are learning. Teachers are very flexible, and most have spent extra time revamping lessons to accommodate our new situation with COVID-19. Teachers are optimists and they know there are new ways to capture students’ attention and to make lessons relevant and understandable. When parents are supportive of teachers and lessons, it sends a message to the child that education is important.
Happy Reading! The Reading Teacher
UPCOMING PROGRAMS:
Global Give-A-Book is excited to announce that the GGAB young CHILDREN’S AUTHOR, ILLUSTRATOR and PHOTOGRAPHY SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM is live! Click here to enter!
THANKING OUR HOMETOWN HEROES:
Global Give-A-Book Director of Multimedia Content, Jordan Oliver, is the published author of Drafted.
GGAB has been partnering with Jordan's ministry in giving copies of Drafted to hometown heroes in the local community.
We would like to congratulate her on the official Drafted promo campaign which launched this week and will last throughout November.
To order your copy of Drafted, visit www.braidedcord.org.
NOVEMBER CHALLENGE:
News travels fast and technology helps!
Tag a friend on any GGAB post and invite him or her to
“like” our Global Give-A-Book page.
Both of you will be entered into a drawing to win
a $25 Barnes and Noble gift card!
STAFF SPOTLIGHT:
Emily, has been with GGAB for three years. In that time she has seen what is possible with a dedicated team and the power of technology! Emily said, "It is no secret that our lives revolve around the internet; it has been an honor using that same tool to get books in the hands of children."
NEWEST GGAB PARTNER:
Whether you are senior citizen looking to learn a new skill or have a young child that needs some extra help, Tutor Doctor of Albuquerque is the answer!
Meet The Owner of Tutor Doctor Albuquerque,
Byron Zahm
Educational Consultant
DECEMBER TEASER:
Join us next month when we’ll explore the world of music. Most school bands and orchestras are not very active now. At a time when we cannot easily take our children to concerts, festivals, or school performances, how do we foster a love of music in them? Or should we just put that on hold for now? We’ll answer your questions and provide some ideas in our December newsletter.