Ty and I are about to go on the road again. This time we’re headed across Missouri to our final sf convention of 2018, Archon 42 in Collinsville, IL. After this the holidays start, and so does the “iffy” weather. It’s been a long time since we’ve been to Archon. For many years there were scheduling conflicts, but those problems are behind us now. I’m looking forward to heading back. I’ll be busy, that’s for sure. I’m on four panels (moderating three), plus I have a…
The Artdog Images of Interest My Images of Interest this month spotlight creative and unconventional approaches to teaching that have been gaining traction in schools, libraries, and other places devoted to teaching–including our own homes, if we share them with children. Literacy dogs: By now, the science is pretty well settled: reading to a calm, accepting dog (or other animal) really does help children learn to read better. Here’s a video that covers most of the important things about kids reading to dogs. My first…
A few weeks ago, I posted an article, Canine reading tutors, about the growing popularity of using therapy dogs to boost children’s literacy. Kids who read aloud to dogs never get corrected when they say a word wrong or spend time puzzling over it, and they never get hurried up if they read slowly. Instead, the dog lies next to them, warm and reassuring, and always seems to like being read to. It’s a great confidence-builder. But could it also benefit…
This week’s Artdog Image of Interest Unfortunately, they don’t seem to make these big-people-sized . . . These “reading pods” are part of a nature-inspired reading area at the Madison Children’s Museum (Madison, WI). But the awesome coolness doesn’t stop there. Designed by The Kubala Washatko Architects, Inc. to repurpose an old office building, this museum is vibrant with creative enrichment. Learning through play is the guiding theme for areas such as the Art Studio, Log Cabin, Possible-opolis, Wildernest, and many…
Or maybe it’s your idea of a “treasure island”? If you’re like most of my friends, reading is one of life’s best joys–or, at least, I hope that for you! I can’t imagine a creative summer for anyone of any age without chances to voyage to the far shores of the imagination, via books. Summer reading is one of the best ways a child can stay fluent and avoid the dreaded summer slump. My friend Veda Jairrels has made a…