FBA--Fabulous Book Alert

How Much? Visiting Markets Around the World. Ted Lewin; Harper Collins, 2006.

I came across this book at an independent bookstore last summer and knew it would fit perfectly with a goods and services/market unit our second grade classes do in the spring. With illustrations of markets around the world, from the camel markets of Cairo to a market on the train tracks in Agua Calientes, Peru, the language is rich and poetic. When describing a night flower market in Madras, India, Ted Lewin writes

"The lamps reveal half a face here, a silhouetted hand, flashing white teeth there, half a body draped in a gorgeous silk sari."

Makes me want to hop on a plane and go now! For many kids in the international school system, there is a good chance they have been to some of these markets or at least dream of going at some point in their travels--for me, it's the camel market in Cairo that I hope to get to one day...

Poetry + Tech

My class is finishing the school year by wading waist-deep in a poetry unit that is just as much fun for me as it is for them, and I'm already thinking of ways to help teachers extend their poetry lessons as a librarian. I found a cool website that allows kids (and adults!) to use the "magnetic poetry on your refrigerator door" concept online, complete with a virtual refrigerator door. Something about having all those words for the choosing provides an opportunity to play with language that I love to see as a teacher. Check out the magnetic poetry online.

Miniature Earth Video

My fabulous friend Sharon sent me the link to this short video illustrating what the world would look like were there to be just 100 people on it. Stunning photography and valuable information are included regarding poverty, wealth and the people who make up this world. This video would be great to use as a combined math and social studies lesson, or, as Sharon says, everyone should keep it on their desktop as a reminder... http://www.miniature-earth.com

Chinese Librarian

Just had to share this gorgeous painting a local artist named Lu Yong Zhong made for me this week--it's a style called "peasant painting" that I absolutely love for its details and color. He has been at our school the last few weeks creating this exact painting as a mural outside our library, and so I asked him to paint me the same piece so I can take it with me around the world as a librarian. I just love it, especially the scrolls in the porcelain jars and the kids on the floor. Unfortunately, I can't seem to locate a single online source with information about the artist, but all of his work is simply stunning.

Step-by-Step Tech Training

Until I figure out how to upload video to this blog (my own tech challenge!) to demonstrate a few tech things I've tried recently, I will direct your attention to a very cool blog I found put out by PLCMC (Public Library of Charlotte and Mecklenburg County). The folks over there have presented a challenge to their employees to try 23 things related to Learning 2.0 technology. It's self-directed, very easy to navigate and walks you through things like Flickr, creating a blog and YouTube. A fabulous way to tackle some new tech!