Author Websites to Explore

OK kids, in case you hadn't noticed, it's officially August.  If you haven't started your summer reading, it's probably time to get started.  I thought I would share a list of author websites if you need a little inspiration to help you choose a book to read - many of these authors have titles on our summer reading lists.

These sites often contain information about the author and illustrator, and games that tie into the stories.  Check out the list below to see if your favorite author is represented - and let me know If I should include a few more!  Mrs. M

A few sample sites that are quite fun to explore...

1. Lemony Snicket


2. Blue Balliett



3. Jeanne Birdsall





http://www.sharoncreech.com/



http://www.wendymass.com/

http://www.jkrowling.com/en/index.cfm

http://www.mysteriousbenedictsociety.com/

http://www.pammunozryan.com/

Author Websites to Explore:


Avi
Laurie Halse Anderson
Blue Balliet
Jeanne Birdsall
Gary Blackwood
Judy Blume
Elise Broach
Patrick Carman
Andrew Clements
Sharon Creech
Christopher Paul Curtis
Kate DeCamillo
Suzanne Collins
Sharon Draper
Jeanne Duprau
Nancy Farmer
John Flanagan
Cornelia Funke
Kristiana Gregory
Shannon Hale
Mary Hoffman
Jennifer Holm
Anthony Horowitz
Erin Hunter
Eva Ibbotson (just interview)
Brian Jacques
Cynthia Kadonata
Rose Kent
Jeff Kinney
E. L. Konigsburg
Jane Kurtz
Lois Lowry
Mike Lupica
Ann Martin
Wendy Mass
Geraldine McCaughrean
Robert Muchamore
Christopher Paolini
Gary Paulsen
Phillip Pullman
Rick Riordan
J.K. Rowling
Louis Sachar
Angie Sage
Trenton Lee Stewart
Lemony Snicket
Spiderwick Chronicles
Jerry Spinelli
Jeff Stone
Jacqueline Woodson

Introducing Edheads - Activate Your Mind, Budding Scientists!

Edheads is a wonderful site that provides free, educational online games focused on science, math, and critical thinking.  Their motto is: "Activate Your Mind." (Which might come in handy if you feel it is turning to marshmallow creme at this point in the summer.)  At Holy Trinity, we use it in the 3rd grade to explore Simple Machines, but the Upper School students particularly love the medical adventures such as Virtual Knee Replacement or Virtual Hip Replacement. (Be warned, however, this is not a site for those who get queasy at the sight of blood!)

Students may choose from a long menu of options - to include designing a cell phone, and each game will have recommendations for grade level appropriateness.  Enjoy, future scientists!

http://www.edheads.org/

A few sample games are pictured below:

If it's too darn hot outside, try Cool Math 4 Kids inside!

Let's face it, with a heat index of 110 degrees, it's too hot to play outside this afternoon.  So, why don't you try your hand at the games and activities on Cool Math 4 Kids?

 

The site is supported by advertising, but the range of games are so amazing that I would recommend it highly.  There are choices for every age group - and even parents might find some of the games a bit addicting. Here is the link: http://www.coolmath-games.com/

A couple of my favorite games are Lemonade Stand and Coffee Shop:

And the favorite among the fourth and fifth graders this year was Meeblings or Meeblings 2:

 

There are dozens of great games to choose from, so grab a tall glass of lemonade, and explore the options!  Comment below if you'd like to share your family favorites:

PBS Kids - A great resource for kids - and parents

It is one of those too-hot to be outside for long kind of days, so I thought I'd introduce you to the PBS Kids Website, which has a tremendous range of games and activities for our younger students.

http://pbskids.org/

As you explore, you will see Sesame Street has a particularly strong site:
http://pbskids.org/sesame/

An Arthur has always been a huge favorite in the Morell home:
http://pbskids.org/arthur/

Be sure not to miss the Cyberchase site, which teaches strong math and problem-solving skills:
http://www.pbs.org/parents/cyberchase/index.html

And parents, if you have a moment, be sure to explore PBS Parents, which has resources on raising kids, education and planning activities :
http://www.pbs.org/parents/

Does your child have a favorite PBS Show?  Share it below! 

Writing Prompts and Games

I had a question yesterday about good sites for helping with writing skills...  The Scholastic Website came immediately to mind:

It has a great game called Story Starters, appropriate for grades K-6.  It generates a creative story starter:

Then your child can pick a format: notebook, letter, newspaper, or postcard.  Your child is then able to print out the masterpiece upon completion.  The link to story starter follows:
http://teacher.scholastic.com/activities/storystarters/storystarter1.htm

The site also has a game page, including writing games:

The link to the games page can be found here:
http://www.scholastic.com/kids/stacks/games/

Really, the whole Scholastic website is a treasure trove of learning ideas for teachers, parents and kids. Not surprisingly, the focus is primarily on reading and authors.  Parents might be interested in exploring the Parents home page:

http://www.scholastic.com/parents/resources/collection/fun-in-the-sun-activities/

If you are looking for a specific web-based activity, please let me know!  I'll see what I can find...

MB

Addicted to Sporcle

If you love trivia, Sporcle is the website for you.  This website contains hundreds of trivia games on every possible topic - literature, history, sports, geography...  Virtually all the games that I've encountered are fine for kids,  but do be careful - some in the "Entertainment" category might be a little edgy for younger children.

Last summer, my own kids spent a couple of weeks obsessively trying to name every country of the world in 15 minutes.  They did accomplish their mission, but when I tried I failed miserably... I took some solace in the fact I could at least manage to name all the countries of Europe. 

http://www.sporcle.com/games/world.php 

 

 It's also great practice for kids to try to name all the United States in 10 minutes:

http://www.sporcle.com/games/states.php 

I'm a big fan of the literature trivia games - I've found my students love the  Harry Potter ones.

http://www.sporcle.com/games/tags/harrypotter

Explore, enjoy... but beware, it is completely addicting :)

The Washington Post asks the question: Which is better, the book or the movie?

Each summer, The Washington Post KidsPost hosts a Summer Book Club.  The final Harry Potter movie has inspired this year's theme: Books vs. Movies.  Personally, I tend to think the books are always better, with the possible exception of A Little Princess - which isn't part of this particular list, but never mind that. 

This really is a something-for-everyone kind of list, with a number of wonderful books.  I hope you and your children take part in at least one of the discussions.

This has reminded me that I need to dust off my copy of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows - I think I only have 16 days to re-read it before the movie comes out.  

Following is the link and the text from the KidsPost: 
http://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/kidspost/kidspost-summer-book-club-books/2011/05/26/AGaH2KjH_story.html

Here’s the list of books in the KidsPost Summer Book Club: Books vs. Movies. Starting Wednesday and continuing each Wednesday through August 10, we’ll feature a different book. We’ll also offer suggestions for other books-turned-into-movies that you might like. In keeping with the theme, we’ll also publish excerpts from a review of the movie, done by Jane Horwitz, who writes the Family Filmgoer column in the Weekend section each Friday.

We hope you’ll read the books, watch the movies and talk with your family about that age-old question: What’s better, the book or the movie? If you have strong opinions you’d like to share with us about any specific book-movie combinations, e-mail us at kidspost@washpost.com. Keep your comments to no more than 100 words, include your name, age, home town and phone number. Your parent must give permission in the e-mail as well.

June 29: “The Indian in the Cupboard” by Lynne Reid Banks. When Omri receives a three-inch-high plastic Indian from his best friend as a birthday present, he isn’t too impressed. After all, what can you do with a plastic Indian? Omri’s opinion changes when the Indian comes to life!
July 6: “Because of Winn-Dixie” by Kate DiCamillo. What can a lonely 10-year-old named India Opal Buloni and a dog named after a grocery store have in common? Find out in this beautiful book by the author of “The Tale of Desperaux.”
July 13: “The Fantastic Mr. Fox” by Roald Dahl. Can three mean-spirited farmers outwit the daring animal thief who has been robbing them blind?
July 20: “Beezus and Ramona” by Beverly Cleary. What will 4-year-old Ramona get into next? Ride her tricycle in the house? Parade around town like the Easter Bunny? Pretend she is walking her pet lizard? Whatever she’s up to, her big sister, Beezus, is there!
July 27: “Hoot” by Carl Hiaasen. Roy Eberhardt is the new kid in school — again. And he’s not liking Florida much compared with his last home in Montana. That is, until he discovers that the Sunshine State is home to potty-trained alligators, burrowing owls, poisonous snakes and mystery.
August 3: “Ella Enchanted” by Gail Carson Levine. While parents may think having a perfectly obedient child would be a blessing, Ella of Frell understands that it’s really a curse in a fairy tale filled with ogres, giants and princesses — and just a little bit of disobedience.
August 10: “Inkheart” by Cornelia Funke. Reading aloud is one of the most magical experiences in the world. That’s especially true in this story of the father-and-daughter team of Mo and Meggie, who bring characters to life when they read. Dare to read this one out loud!

Wild About Animals?

If you have a child who loves animals, here are two amazing sites:

First, welcome to Arkive.  Founded by Sir David Attenborough, it is a source for thousands of images and videos of wildlife around the world.  You can search by species, or geographic region.  Several classes used the site this year, and loved it.  If you navigate to the "Education" page, you can find a series of games designed for children beginning at 7 year old.  The reading level required to read the text accompanying each animal is quite high, though.

For younger kids who are eager to read about animals, National Geographic Kids Creature Features is another great option:

Kids love the photography on this site - and it is chuck-full of great information about animals.  The entire site is great for kids - and features dozens of games.

100 Picture Books Everyone Should Know

Parents of the rising first grade class were encouraged to read to their children at least 20 minutes a night during the summer - excellent advice for everyone.  Of course, the possibilities of picture books to read are seemingly limitless, but if you are a person who loves a book list, check out the lists from the New York City Public Library.  I am particularly intrigued by "100 Picture Books Everyone Should Know."  The list contains a number of classics - many that I read and loved as a child, and read to my own children - such as Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day and Where the Wild Things Are.   Some are more recent, like Olivia and Click, Clack, Moo: Cows That Type.  Enjoy:

http://www.ps9.org/Docs/supply2012/first-grade-reading-list-2012-13.pdf

I found the list has been updated to include more specific lists, such as strong princesses, trains, non-fiction and grade-by-grade recommendations... which can be found here:

http://kids.nypl.org/reading/recommended2.cfm?ListID=61



What's your favorite picture book that didn't make the list?  Comment below:

A Note to Rising First Grade Parents

The teachers want your child to have read “The Very Hungry Caterpillar” right before school starts August 30^th so they can start with a book discussion on that. They want you to read to/with your child 20 minutes a night all summer long...

Exploring News Websites

A handful of news organizations have created wonderful learning sites for kids.  These sites often mix current events and games.  Let's start with our local favorite, the Washington Post KidsPage - nice in print, but the interactive games are great online:

http://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/kidspost

I'm a big fan of the Newseum in DC.  Their website doesn't have a huge number of options for kids, but the interactive news trivia game is fun - probably for fourth graders and above:

http://www.newseum.org/newsmania/

The New York Times Learning Network is a comprehensive site for 7th and 8th graders - and high school students.  The site includes daily updates, including 6 Q's in the News, A Daily News Quiz, A Word of the Day, and This Day in History.

http://learning.blogs.nytimes.com/  

I am particularly fond of the student crossword puzzles, which are topic specific.  Think Life in Colonial America, The 50 States, or The Revolutionary War.  You can print them out to play during a roadtrip, or play online.

Time Magazine for Kids online also has a number of games for kids:

http://www.timeforkids.com/TFK/kids/games 

Sheppard Software - A Little Something for all Age Groups

Sheppard Software offers a huge range of free web-based educational software.  We have found the games to be particularly visually appealing - and very fun for our kids.

The link to the main page can be found here: http://www.sheppardsoftware.com/

We have used this site extensively with our Early Childhood students - The little people have enjoyed games that explore colors, shapes, animals, letters and numbers.

Our 3rd and 4th graders have enjoyed reviewing parts of speech with such games as "Verbs in Space" and "Adjective Adventure."

The selection of both  US Geography and World Geography games are fantastic.  The games are leveled for beginners to advanced, and are great for learning or reviewing States, Capitals, or Countries of the World.

Explore this site, and let me know what games your kids enjoy best!  Comment below:

Ideas for Summer Learning from Common Sense Media

Parents,  if you haven't had a chance to get to know the Common Sense Media website, you should.  It is a great resource to help determine what media is safe and appropriate for your children.

According to their website:
"Common Sense Media is dedicated to improving the lives of kids and families by providing the trustworthy information, education, and independent voice they need to thrive in a world of media and technology.

We exist because our nation's children spend more time with media and digital activities than they do with their families or in school, which profoundly impacts their social, emotional, and physical development . As a non-partisan, not-for-profit organization, we provide trustworthy information and tools, as well as an independent forum, so that families can have a choice and a voice about the media they consume."

I received this posting of their ideas for summer learning today.  I haven't had a chance to preview all your suggestions, but it might be interesting for your family to explore.  Comment below if you have found something amazing!

The link:

Common Sense Media Summer Learning Ideas

Practicing Math Facts

With all the wonderful distractions of the summer, it is really easy to forget those all-important multiplication facts.  And let's face it, flash cards aren't that much fun.   Fear not, we have a selection of sites to make learning - or drilling those facts fun.  I promise.

Multiplication.com - this site has a selection of wildly creative multiplication games.  Class favorites include:

Sketch's World - Help Sketch collect pencils as he walks through his neighborhood - but watch out for erasers!

Diaper Derby - Win the Diaper Derby by getting the times tables correct faster than the other babies!

Granny Grand Prix - Choose your granny, then help her race to victory in her wheelchair.  The faster you answer your multiplication facts correctly, the faster she goes!

Johnnie's Math Page - this site has a selection of great multiplication games - but also includes division, addition, subtraction, and much more.  Class favorites include Castle Multiply,  Ice Cream Multiply and Fashion Multiply.

BBC Fridge Magnet Game - This game tests your multiplication skills using fridge magnets.

National Gallery of Art for Kids: Hours of Creative Fun without Glue or Glitter

I have a long list of favorite websites, but this one is truly amazing.  If you're feeling creative, this is the place to go for hours of fun... Not only can you create your own masterpieces, but you can explore some of the artwork on display at the National Gallery - and perhaps be inspired to take a family field trip!

http://www.nga.gov/kids/




There are dozens of games to try, but here are three of the coolest options:

Tell me which creative tool is your favorite in the comments below...