February 16, 2013

On Common Core | Talking about Nonfiction

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“Talking takes time” note the authors, but allowing students time for conversations about the texts they are reading is essential.

Deconstructing Nonfiction | On Common Core

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If students are not familiar with nonfiction texts, they may assume that every nonfiction book serves the same function.

‘Pathways to the Common Core’ | Professional Shelf

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“Pathways to the Common Core” offers solutions and directions for teachers looking for a way to understand and implement the Common Core State Standards into their lesson plans.

One Librarian’s Success Story | On Common Core

Christine Poser School Media Specialist

With one smart step at a time, Christine Poser, a middle-school librarian at Myra S. Barnes I.S. 24 on Staten Island, NY, is helping her school move on the new standards.

Humorist Bruce Coville Wins Empire State Award, Emphasizes the “Ripple Effect” of Reading

Bruce Coville accepting the Empire State Award for Excellence in Literature for Young People. Photo by Sara Kelly Johns.

Bruce Coville recently became the twenty-third recipient of the Empire State Award for Excellence in Literature for Young People. The author of many humorous middle-grade novels, Coville was celebrated at the New York Library Association annual conference earlier this month.

Common Core and Common Sense: Editorial | Series Made Simple Fall 2012

Series Made Simple Fall 2012
cover and illustration by Daniel Pelavin

Series Made Simple Fall 2012Cover and illustration by Daniel Pelavin

When I get interested in a topic, I become obsessed. I don’t really have hobbies; I have infatuations. I don’t have favorite movies or novels; I have look-but-don’t-touch collections. And when it comes to learning about a new subject, I can’t just read one book on it—I have to read everything I can get my hands on.

And that is why so much of the Common Core State Standards [...]

Packs, Pods, and Prides: Animals | Series Made Simple Fall 2012

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This season’s animal titles are thoughtfully designed to support Common Core State Standards with good use of nonfiction text features and subject-specific vocabulary. Whether students are requesting books for research or for recreational reading, the abundant photographs and conversational narratives ensure that they will be engaged and will come away with increased background knowledge. Several series explain classification and interaction within a species’ habitat, environment, or group. While many of the animals highlighted are old favorites, students [...]

Numbers Everywhere: Mathematics | Series Made Simple Fall 2012

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With the implementation of Common Core State Standards (CCSS), the need for informational books has increased; math volumes must satisfy both the language arts informational text standards and the mathematics standards.

Nonfiction Series and the Common Core State Standards: Back Page | Series Made Simple Fall 2012

Many education professionals are grappling with the process of implementing the Common Core State Standards (CCSS). It’s both exciting and daunting.