CSU_TLship

A recent study by University College London (UCL) has suggested that heavy use of social media can cause lower levels of literacy in children. The study was based on 11,000 children tracked from their births in 2000 and has found that time spent on social media could be distracting children from reading and homework, thus having an adverse effect on their literacy.

Through examining the different ways parents tell stories, we have pinpointed which elements of shared reading are most beneficial for children's cognitive development.

REviews of LGBQT fiction for all ages and in different formats. Includes more general titles on accepting difference

Graphic novel adaptations of prose works have been earning critical praise for some time. Now, with graphic novels firmly established on library shelves, publishers are turning to them as source material for novels and chapter books.

Discussion on the value of project based learning, why the library is ideal for running PBL projects and some suggested activities

Painted book rocks to encourage students to read - a great promotion idea that could be contained within the school or tap into a wider community.

A digital collection of historical children's literature titles that can be sorted by language, publisher, publication date ranges and various subject searches. The books have been digitised and can be read online.

Interview with Paul Bloom questioning the value of empathy and putting forward the need for compassion.

Many authors and illustrators now have their own websites. Here are just a few such sites where you will find all kinds of information about these special people.

Curated visual list of author and illustrator websites.

This page is intended as a resource for anyone looking for more information about a given author or illustrator. Many of these author/illustrator websites include activities, reviews and contact details (where relevant).

An interesting and balanced debate on coding and its place in education.

Since digital reading is still in its infancy, for many adults it's hard to know exactly what the issues are-what's happening to a young brain when reading online? Should kids be reading more paper books, and why? Do other digital activities, like video games and social media apps, affect kids' ability to reach deep understanding when reading longer content, like books? And how do today's kids learn to toggle between paper and the screen?

Most kids love to listen to audio books, but did you know that this practice is also extremely effective for improving reading comprehension and fluency? I discovered this well-kept secret a few years ago when I started using audio books with my struggling readers. I was using Classroom Book Clubs in my classroom on a regular basis, but I was experiencing a problem when it came to book selection.

Exposing all students to complicated storytelling, no matter their reading level, is just one benefit of using audiobooks in the classroom. But the research shows there are many other advantages too, including an increase in reading comprehension, motivation and self-confidence.

Productive classroom discussions-those that enable students to invent, create, imagine, take risks, and dig for deeper meanings-can only take place in a climate in which students feel safe to offer their ideas. Teachers can create such a climate by being mindful of the essential conditions of interactive teaching.

The way to engage students in classroom book discussions is to simply ask great questions. But that's easier said than done. Which questions will elicit one-word answers from students, and which will generate rich, meaningful conversation? Here are 23 tips to help you take book discussions to the next level.

Lots of images to support this historical overview

Vast collection of educational resources in numerous formats. Refined searching on via curriculum areas, age groups and formats.

an interesting opinion piece on the pluses and minuses of print books and audio books - with a clear message that both have something special to offer