CSU_TLship

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

Gateway on Scholastic's site to a series of book talks by Donalyn Miller including: cultivating wild readers, engaging dormant middle school readers, graphic novels, and intro focusing on books. There is also a booktalk on series fiction but this does not appear to be included on this page

For students who lack a plan for future reading, series fiction provides a plan. Reading series improves comprehension and motivation for reading, too. In this episode, Donalyn Miller examines the benefits of series fiction and previews exciting book series for all ages.

"Story is one of the most powerful ways we can find out about the world - and the best stories leave us with more questions than answers. " Suggested picture books and strategies to promote inquiry through literature

The Professor Garfield Foundation is a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) educational collaboration between Paws, Inc., the global headquarters for Garfield the Cat, and Ball State University, a nationally recognized leader in teacher training and digital education. Sections include: Home * Orson's Farm * Reading Ring * Art-Bot * Music-Bot * G-Cubed Knowledge Box * Infinite Learning Lab * Comics Lab. The site includes a comic book maker, teacher resources and Alice, a 3D programming environment and comic art lessons/

A range of questions kids might ask, added to regularly. A question followed by a detailed answer - questions provide a great springboard for independent inquiry and the answers provide a great model for information writing.

A concise history of children's literature and changes in purpose.j

An amazing Canadian work that combines a range of media options to track a bear and tell 'her' story of survival.

Excellent stopping place to find out about steampunk, new books, films and events. For a definition go to http://www.steampunk.com/what-is-steampunk/

"Collaboration with a teacher-librarian creates a rich inquiry practice for classroom teachers that can easily be implemented with students. If we develop the habit of accessing this great resource as a regular class routine throughout the year, we will see the kind of progress and success we are looking for."

"Research about educational trends and pedagogical models shows the significant difference effective school library services can make on student literacy and learning outcomes. The research findings illustrate the positive impact of dynamic, inclusive library services and environments - physical and virtual - that are aligned with the school's vision and learning goals."

"Concept mapping and mind mapping are used in the classroom in any number of ways. This page will provide the rationale for their use, links to samples and a list of tools to use to create them."

A range of engaging strategies to promote reading for pleasure and to build a love of reading with young learners"

Stories don't just help kids develop language literacy. They help them develop life literacy too. Morris Gleitzman, Australian Children's Laureate talks about the power of literature to help students deal with life's challenges.

Tips, strategies and examples of great book talks to promote great books.

"YALSA's Teen Book Finder is a free online database and app to help teens, parents, librarians and library staff, educators, and anyone who loves YA literature access nearly 4,000 titles recognized YALSA's awards and lists on their smartphone."

"The importance of infographics in literacy education is essential. Literacy is more than just reading and writing. Literate people can infer meaning, communicate with others, and capture ideas in many different ways. With infographics, I hope that educators can broaden our students' visual literacy."