Students and Election 2016, and More

Election 2016
The first presidential debate is Monday evening.  Voting for our next president is just six weeks away on Tuesday, November 8th.  As we get closer to voting day in the United States, students may have questions.  The following article from School Library Journal shares some fantastic resources to help students better understand the electoral process, how elections work, and political issues, such as immigration and education, that affect students and their families. 

Informing the Future Electorate shares videos, websites, apps, as well as resources to follow on Twitter.  It includes PebbleGo Vote! for grades K-2, Ben’s Guide for Kids—Elections for K Up, several other elementary, middle, and high school resources. PBS Election Central Classroom Resources is an excellent educational guide to our US Elections. 

Banned Book Week

This week is Banned Book Week as I posted last week.  I found the following interactive infographic from the 2012 Banned Book Week Celebration.  I continue to share ways to help students better understand why we celebrate Banned Book Week, as well as Banned Website Awareness Day (Wednesday).  Check out... I'm With the Banned Interactive Infographic 2012

Celebrate Banned Book Week Sept.25 - Oct. 1, 2016

Celebrate Banned Book Week Sept.25 - Oct. 1, 2016

The first Banned Book Week celebration was in 1982 in response to a growing number of attempts across our country to censor or challenge certain books.  In celebrating Banned Book Week, we celebrate and protect our freedom to read through the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution.  In raising the awareness with middle school students, many students find this to be "unfair," "unreasonable," and "incomprehensible."  Especially when I share some of the following facts related to books that have been banned or challenged:

1. From 2000-2009 the top banned/challenged book was the entire Harry Potter series.

2. One of the most challenged books is the children's title, Captain Underpants due to offensive language.

3. In 2014, The Absolute True Diary of a Part-Time Indian by Sherman Alexie was the most challenged book of that year.  It remains on the list yet for 2015-16. 

Many middle school students were surprised to see many favorite books they have read even as elementary students that have been banned or challenged.  To learn more check out some lists of frequently challenged books.

In the article "Dealing With a Materials Challenge" by Teen Services Underground, some interesting infographics explain where and why books are challenged as well as who typically challenges books. 

Password Protection, Books That Show Empathy, and Storynory

Password Protection as explained in this infographic helps us to remember a few simple ideas to protect your passwords.  In terms of our students, the second and third ideas are most appropriate for school related passwords. 

From Preschool Through High School: 24 Books That Show Empathy, Kindness illustrates books that show empathy and kindness, two character traits that we look for in our students throughout the school year.  If you are looking for ways to promote kindness in your classroom atmosphere, have ideas for students when selecting books or ideas that help new students feel welcome to the new school year and new school, consider some of these books. 

Storynory is a free audio story website.  Storynory has educational stories, fairy tales, classics, and many more free audio stories.  Check out Storynory as a classroom option or to share with families as a resource for long car rides or a bedtime activity.

Digital Citizenship

Digital Citizenship

What an exciting new school year!  Last Thursday and Friday 4th and 5th grade students in our district received Chromebooks, this week grades 6-9 will receive them.  With technology integration, digital citizenship is important. As shared in the Common Sense Media article, "Shaping My Classroom's Culture With Digital Citizenship," routines and expectations are important to help students feel comfortable and develop a culture in the classroom regarding technology responsibility.  This article also provides tips for teachers to strengthen digital citizenship in the classroom including the following resource tips:

- K-5 Family Tip sheet titled Common Sense on Digital Life  - This is great resource to send home to parents.  As I collaborate with classrooms regarding digital citizenship lessons, a Family Tip Sheet will be sent home to help parents know what their child is learning in school regarding digital citizenship.

- Parent Concerns Videos help address parental concerns including cyberbullying and screen time.

- Stand with Common Sense: Take the Digital Citizenship Pledge for All is also a great way for teachers to empower students to think critically, behave safely, and participate as a responsible digital citizen.

Please consider reviewing this information, sharing aspects of it with families, and collaborating with me to integrate digital citizenship in your classroom.