tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-83712808539987097992024-02-21T09:56:30.096-08:00MyLMNOP reads to kidsWelcome to MyLMNOP__My teacher's lounge of sorts. A learning community for lovers of children's books and early childhood educators. So come on in! I've got girl scout cookies!Pamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11391527903431779238noreply@blogger.comBlogger13125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8371280853998709799.post-34023622354972711842014-10-31T19:04:00.000-07:002014-10-31T19:43:24.825-07:00It has been a while. Well actually, it's been a few years since I've dusted off the shelves of this blog of mine. But I could not pass up the opportunity to participate in the best contest for writers of kidlit. The wonderful Susanna Hill is doing it again. Her world famous<span style="color: #660000;"> </span><a href="http://susannahill.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: #990000;">Halloweensie Contest</span></b></a> is underway and this year I'm participating!! Yaay! Boy will she be surprised. She might just faint.<br />
<br />
So on to the rules of the game:<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange;">The Contest</span></b>: write a 100 word Halloween story appropriate for children (title not included in the 100 words), using the words <i>pumpkin</i>, <i>broomstick,</i> and <i>creak.</i>
Your story can be poetry or prose, scary, funny or anything in between,
but it will only count for the contest if it includes those 3 words and
is 100 words (you can go under, but not over!) Get it? Hallo<i>weensie</i> -
because it's not very long and it's for little people :) </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
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<div style="text-align: left;">
The challenge of writing a 100 word story for kiddies was quite frightening. Like vampire and ghost frightening. But I did come up with a rhyming story. Why rhyme? Well, it's weird. When I sit down to write, I always begin in rhyme. Does this make me a poet, a good rhymer? Cover your ears...NOOOOOOOOO, It does not! It's just the way I begin. I told you it was weird. So now, from the weird to the bizarre, my story...</div>
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<b>What a Ghost Likes Most</b></div>
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<b><br /></b></div>
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“Trick or Treat!” Is all I hear,</div>
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From my friends this time of year.</div>
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But for this particular ghost</div>
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Christmas is what I like most.<span style="mso-tab-count: 5;"> </span></div>
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<br /></div>
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Moans and cre-e-e-e-aks? I’ll pass on that.</div>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Lights out JackO’. Shoo,
Black cat.</div>
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I booo, I moan, shaking my chains.</div>
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I PREfer stripped candycanes.<span style="mso-tab-count: 6;"> </span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Wartlene planned this Brew HaHa,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-tab-count: 4;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Broomstick shouted__ “Fall Hurrah.”</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Candycorn draped on the door.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Pumpkins filled with gifts galore </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And then I saw him, Old St. Nick</div>
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What a treat. This did the trick!</div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Frien-n-n-nds!” I
say lifting to toast. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Yes, for this particular ghost</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Friendship is what I like most.</div>
Pamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11391527903431779238noreply@blogger.com24tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8371280853998709799.post-88075474737115174182012-12-24T03:00:00.000-08:002012-12-24T03:25:43.676-08:00Guardians of the Gift!<div style="text-align: right;">
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<i><span style="font-size: small;"><b><span style="line-height: normal;">If you have arrived in the middle of the adventure, you may start at the beginning by going <a href="http://susannahill.blogspot.com/">HERE</a> </span></b></span></i></div>
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<span style="color: #8c0095; font-size: small; line-height: normal;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;">Happy, Happy Birthday to our Erik of</span><span style="background-color: white;"> </span><a href="http://thiskidreviewsbooks.com/"><span style="color: purple;">This Kid Reviews Books</span>.</a> </span></span><span style="color: #8c0095; font-size: small; line-height: normal;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: #351c75;"><span style="color: black;"></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Erik Faces the Ogre:</b></span></div>
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“I think we need to keep on to the mountain,
Benton,” Erik said. Benton snorted. He would have skittered sideways as he eyed
the wolf-ogre in front of them, but the path was too narrow.</div>
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Erik flicked the reins, and nudged Benton with
his heels. “Come on, boy. The path goes past the ogre. We can do this. Just
gallop as fast as you can.” Another flick of the reins, and Benton flew along
the narrow trail. Erik fixed his eyes on the ground just ahead of him, not
daring to catch the monster’s eye.</div>
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A thunder of hooves, a whoosh of breath, and they
were past. Daring to look over his shoulder, Erik saw that the creature --
whatever it was -- had not moved. “How very odd,” Erik said to his pony. “Maybe
it wasn’t real at all.” They didn’t go back to take a second look, however.
That might be what the ogre was waiting for.</div>
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There was a single hoof mark on the ground. “I
don’t know how her horse only leaves one hoof mark, but at least we know we’re
on the right track,” Erik said aloud. It made him feel better to talk out loud.
This forest, so dank and dark, was a spooky place.</div>
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For a few moments they were able to trot along
easily, then Benton neighed and stopped in his tracks. Prickly brambles crossed
the path. There seemed to be no way through them, but there was no other path
but the one that disappeared under the thorny branches.</div>
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The wind -- or something -- made a sound as it
whistled past them. <i>Zzzzzigggg, </i>it seemed to say. “Did you hear that?”
Erik asked. As if in answer, Benton skittered to the left -- and they saw that
there was a way around the first brambles. Then the wind came again. <i>Zzzzzagggg.</i>
Benton skittered to the right. As the wind directed them, they zigged and
zagged their way through the bramble patch.</div>
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“Phew! I wondered if we’d ever get out of there,”
Erik said.</div>
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Benton shook his mane, and bent to crop some
grass from the side of the path. Erik held on tight this time, to make sure he
didn’t slide off as he had before.</div>
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“Okay, that’s enough grass. You’ll get your bit
all icky,” Erik said. “I may have to make you clean your own tack when we get
back.” Benton just snorted.</div>
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Again they were able to trot... for a very short
time. Again, wild growth across the path forced them to stop.</div>
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“Ewwwwwww!” Erik said, pinching his nose together
with his finger and thumb. “That smells awful.” Benton sneezed, a huge slobbery
horse-sneeze. “Ugh,” said Erik. “Why don’t horses use tissues?”</div>
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Strange fronds formed an impenetrable barrier
across the path. Oddly shaped pods hanging from the fronds seemed to be
creating the odor. The fronds undulated in the breeze, seeming almost to
ooze. </div>
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Erik shuddered. “This is disgusting.” He and
Benton stood waiting for the wind to tell them to zig or zag or whatever was
needed to get around, over, or past the barrier. Silence.</div>
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Benton nickered, and nodded his head to the right
of the path.</div>
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“A sign!” Erik exclaimed. “How come you saw it
and I didn’t? I didn’t know horses could read!”</div>
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Benton wondered if horses would ever be
recognized for the superior creatures that they are. He nickered again and
tossed his head, to explain what the sign said to him, but there was that pesky
language barrier again. All children should be taught Equine as a Second
Language from the time they were foaled, he thought.</div>
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Erik read the sign aloud, figuring Benton needed
to know what was on it. He was pretty sure Benton knew at least a few English
words. </div>
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“This way to speak with Greta, Greatest Gossip in
the Great Forest.”</div>
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Erik patted Benton’s side. “What do you think,
Benton? Try to get through this stinky mess, or go and talk with a gossip who
might know everything?”</div>
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Benton nodded his head up and down, vigorously,
but Erik didn’t know whether he was saying yes, go through the stinky mess, or
yes, go and talk with the gossip. Once again, Erik would have to make the
decision himself.</div>
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To attempt to pass the pods, go <a href="http://storypatch.wordpress.com/" style="color: purple;">HERE.</a></div>
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To seek information from Greta the Greatest
Gossip, click <a href="http://viviankirkfield.wordpress.com/" style="color: purple;">HERE.</a><a href="http://viviankirkfield.wordpress.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"></a></div>
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Pamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11391527903431779238noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8371280853998709799.post-45954765086058043952012-07-01T10:10:00.000-07:002012-12-23T19:19:44.878-08:00See You In September<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTOpUE93ZvWQmvvXMJ9gMitwFYxin7rA6gk5vgfCk2GqbcpLfW053dWGHX3_e-3Yf7sV1wZIhJmo2dlUvGXmYhtSso-gudYYeyPsxqzLKMUbGOvMDMO45B7HnyMV2HTtSREdKwhVzlzSzl/s1600/9883088-spaceship-cartoon-background-in-vector-format.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="186" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTOpUE93ZvWQmvvXMJ9gMitwFYxin7rA6gk5vgfCk2GqbcpLfW053dWGHX3_e-3Yf7sV1wZIhJmo2dlUvGXmYhtSso-gudYYeyPsxqzLKMUbGOvMDMO45B7HnyMV2HTtSREdKwhVzlzSzl/s320/9883088-spaceship-cartoon-background-in-vector-format.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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I'm off to explore the challenges of higher education. Yikes! It's been thirty years. So it really is like exploring the depths of a "final frontier." I'll be back with poetry, book reviews, and interviews.<br />
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Oh before I go, I wanted to share that two of my first classes were physics and chemistry. I've never really liked either of these subjects. Nevertheless, I found as an older learner I have such a new-found appreciation. So much so, that I've begun a pb draft. Yeah, I laughed, yawned, and even coughed a bit when the notion hit me. Yet, it began to appeal to me more and more with each exam that I barely passed. I'm excited to share this adventure with you. So, See you in September!Pamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11391527903431779238noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8371280853998709799.post-71654918731121000982012-05-06T22:15:00.001-07:002012-05-09T12:37:11.909-07:00MyLMNOP__the building blocks of literacy<span style="font-size: large;">S</span>andi Hershenson, the author of <a href="http://utales.com/books/annie-and-me" style="color: #990000;">Annie and Me</a>, is having MyLMNOP Reads to Kids, as a guest on her amazing blog, <a href="http://thewritestuff-sandi.blogspot.com/2012_04_01_archive.html" style="color: #990000;">The Write Stuff</a>! This site is filled with resourceful information that is so beneficial to writers of all levels. She recently interviewed author/illustrator <a href="http://www.frankasch.com/home.html" style="color: #990000;">Frank Asch</a><span style="color: #990000;">.</span> He is the author of the <a href="http://www.frankasch.com/home.html"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Moonbear picture book series</span>.</a> Please visit and read this great interview! I am excited to be a guest on Sandi's blog! I get a chance to discuss two of my favorite
subjects__children's books and my literacy program. I began MyLMNOP in
the fall of 2005 after being in the field of Early Childhood Education
for over twenty-five years. MyLMNOP is a language based music program designed to enhance literacy and expressive language through music. This program targets early learners in areas where access to quality literacy engagement is limited.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I</span> love children's books! More specifically, I love children's books that are rich with descriptive language and compelling illustrations. These illustrations can be as simple as Shel Silverstein's work or very detailed and complex as in the work of Christopher Canyon. Either way, illustrations are excellent provisions in connecting young listeners to visual, context clues. That is why I chose to join the writing community, <a href="http://www.juliehedlund.com/2011/11/30/12-x-12-in-2012-picture-book-writing-challenge/" style="color: #990000;">12 x 12 in 2012</a><span style="color: #990000;"> </span>hosted by <a href="http://www.juliehedlund.com/julies-blog/" style="color: #990000;">Julie Hedlund</a>, I knew that I would connect with writers producing the kind of books that would lend perfectly to my literacy program. You see, I choose books that take my early learners on journeys of wonderment and exploration. Add to this the backdrop of music, and a myriad of fantastical creatures come alive! I love providing an environment with this kind of stimulation and spontaneity! <br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">E</span>ach month in MyLMNOP literacy program, a thematic lesson plan is created. A minimum of two stories with similar themes are chosen. From the stories, vocabulary words that encourage descriptive narration from our early learners are employed during each weekly session. The low frequency vocabulary words are accompanied by theme related songs, and dramatic play exercises. Enhancing expressive
language through music and literature allows for emergent reading
comprehension development, and the expansion of descriptive vocabulary. These activities are excellent aids for students and their retention of abstract concepts. Additionally, phonemic awareness lessons are used to help children as they connect letters to sounds that make up the words to their favorite poem, story, or song. Here's an abbreviated example of a session with MyLMNOP. The few activities extracted from the lesson was for the Older Three's and Younger Four's program. The theme: <i>Time Keeps Passing... Life's Cycles.</i><br />
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In a recent session, Dinosaurs Go to School by Linda Martin, was introduced to visually illustrate the concept of the passage of time from morning to evening. Additionally clocks were used as tools to measure how time passes in the course of a day. Accompanying song, <i>When I Wake Up in the Morning."</i><br />
Vocabulary Word: Schedule, Routine, and Cycle.<br />
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The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle, helped to show how time is measured in the course of a week. The calendar was used as an additional prop for a measuring tool for time. Accompanying song, Greg and Steve, <i>Days of the Week</i>, and McMillan's Sing & Learn, <i>Butterfly Fly</i><br />
Vocabulary: Larvae, Cocoon, Flutter, Infant, Adult. Reviewed: Schedule, Routine, and Cycle. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhlD41IZklFnjGy6Xiuylz1AHt6yu5o6yNPb5EDzTlDTvwi7AvCjIv1wpSDw-Cr3q-Df9lleAOnfZvGrDMaG7Jzn-GUU4CVHWKA77YzzK1OaFH1mUsSXIF-sSkhVf0BsKhtM-Hm-Cf5z5R/s1600/theGivingTree.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhlD41IZklFnjGy6Xiuylz1AHt6yu5o6yNPb5EDzTlDTvwi7AvCjIv1wpSDw-Cr3q-Df9lleAOnfZvGrDMaG7Jzn-GUU4CVHWKA77YzzK1OaFH1mUsSXIF-sSkhVf0BsKhtM-Hm-Cf5z5R/s320/theGivingTree.jpg" width="257" /></a><br />
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The Giving Tree, by Shel Silverstein, showed a broader range of our theme. The accompanying songs were, Greg & Steve's <i>Months of the Year,</i> McMillan's Sing & Learn, <i>Sing a Song About the Seasons</i>, and <i>The Circle Game</i>, by Joni Mitchell (which was originally introduced to students as a poem). The children absolutely loved this song! I was pleased to see that some of the Fours understood the verse, "Then the boy moved ten time 'round the seasons." One of the children responded, <i>"He had a birthday ten times!"</i> Reviewing the vocabulary each week helped the students to understand that as time passes, how we measure repeats itself over and over again. Learning the songs: <i>The Days of the Week, The Months of the Year, and Sing a Song About the Seasons</i>, were useful tools in instructing this topic. Presenting this abstract concept of time measured in days, hours, and seasons, allowed this subject to become more concrete to these brilliant early learners. <br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">T</span>hese books have been used in various other themes, along with many other vocabulary words (especially with our older students). Their application in this topic was so engaging and so much fun. I hope to begin showing videos of my literacy engagements. As soon as I figure out the technical spokes of blogging, uploading music & video files. I am having fun learning. I enjoyed sharing a small part of my literacy program with you. <br />
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<br />Pamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11391527903431779238noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8371280853998709799.post-47927946178429831682012-04-30T13:25:00.000-07:002012-04-30T13:34:19.204-07:00Phyllis Goes to the Prom!Dear Susanna!<br />
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It's the last day of April and I am writing to you because I miss you, tons. However, I'm having fun with my friends in Atlanta!! I have so much to share with everyone. So I'm sending this letter with some pictures of me and my friends. It was a whirlwind of activities! I played soccer, went riding in an F150, and I even got to go to my very first prom. I'm so excited to share the details with you. Wait until you see my date. He's a cutie!<br />
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I had two school visits. First, meet my friends at Little Scholars Academy! <br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS4Pgtke2QHkJb7o2qw82V1eowgg0DRLn_vk7M4dQ6dvkGORBA0hMK5O1F194UDUB93Rt8aDb5FwcpGfLLp1Yqf34gqkGSeXNvM4lJ3xigUzomFniOVe3rH_OkKCB5xHNZhsJcePBYG8RO/s1600/Ms.+Burrell.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS4Pgtke2QHkJb7o2qw82V1eowgg0DRLn_vk7M4dQ6dvkGORBA0hMK5O1F194UDUB93Rt8aDb5FwcpGfLLp1Yqf34gqkGSeXNvM4lJ3xigUzomFniOVe3rH_OkKCB5xHNZhsJcePBYG8RO/s320/Ms.+Burrell.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
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This is Ms. Burrell. She is the Pre-Kindergarten teacher at Little Scholars Academy. Here we are at circle time. They read all about my adventures and how I made it through the snowstorm. "Hey, that's just like swirling, whirling snowstorm in our Bear Hunt book!" Brian exclaimed. They read my story of adventure several times that day, ...tee hee. <br />
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After circle time, some friends wanted me to sit for them, while they created these masterpieces of me. Makenziele said she loved me and drew hearts all around me. Cameron made me furry all over. I love the way he drew my paws.<br />
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Here I am, down in my burrow on one masterpiece. Nadia and Ashlyn wanted to show off my glasses. Aren't I cute?<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0y5TtZooe0OnVylF110TjDd749HIrbGOTwTfs3ug3mG6hGOH3gmGBiMvr6Pnf27KaYJlS8uugzPclhtKSCd-wCyw_znAZGY4TMNbfofC2uYmifDfVn29JSA2X2M7UsM58kwKFg0zo3-S3/s1600/lunchtime.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0y5TtZooe0OnVylF110TjDd749HIrbGOTwTfs3ug3mG6hGOH3gmGBiMvr6Pnf27KaYJlS8uugzPclhtKSCd-wCyw_znAZGY4TMNbfofC2uYmifDfVn29JSA2X2M7UsM58kwKFg0zo3-S3/s200/lunchtime.JPG" width="200" /></a><br />
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It's lunchtime. Boy, how I love corn on the cobb. I've got the perfect teeth for shaving the kernels, right?<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIA2DlaNPL37gFMZSA2qR8ZyYwmcSmr44hYv6Wvd5T6iNGTnfLC_z8077_8UH18lKT2u0iFtm_i90eLUDVQuzKHK4FS-sVWMPzE-X8qIXZ1Kng_TsdUwSjFQEkZYWknj3pSpljgg1ypADu/s1600/toddler's+egg+hunt.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIA2DlaNPL37gFMZSA2qR8ZyYwmcSmr44hYv6Wvd5T6iNGTnfLC_z8077_8UH18lKT2u0iFtm_i90eLUDVQuzKHK4FS-sVWMPzE-X8qIXZ1Kng_TsdUwSjFQEkZYWknj3pSpljgg1ypADu/s320/toddler's+egg+hunt.JPG" width="320" /></a>Later that day, we had an Easter Egg Hunt. I was so excited! I hope I get lots of eggs.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSWRnWiPERsRdk-n3bGT6vdPwCHAXVr5gKaTU3YUdeG6E0CqVCnE0nTxsdtBGewO1HlrOGNIiCcnUtbLEPfq2RIuovHLcOWbZ6sY4frEcapNY-0MX_wnuy7PxHtCXIXpbnRcCHDaxrJ50I/s1600/egg+hunt+III.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSWRnWiPERsRdk-n3bGT6vdPwCHAXVr5gKaTU3YUdeG6E0CqVCnE0nTxsdtBGewO1HlrOGNIiCcnUtbLEPfq2RIuovHLcOWbZ6sY4frEcapNY-0MX_wnuy7PxHtCXIXpbnRcCHDaxrJ50I/s320/egg+hunt+III.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
We made a great team. We hit the jackpot! Yummy!<br />
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<a href="http://www.lacampcreek.com/"><img border="0" height="76" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9d-fOGb0ilYDfzOnrLlTyF2S1FF10uCs3VHZcR16ufT0f-ixKOq4kKytj8_BfrA3JAE5qHrrioVvCjDaxTMC9cT-bCJb7sQkTa3vjox-ec-Rj03GdaaKAAjO_GTlpdA692coSQyPoMDxR/s320/legacy+academy.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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On to the next school visit! These are my friends at <a href="http://www.lacampcreek.com/">Legacy Academy.</a> We all decided to hang out on the playground. It was a beautiful spring day. <br />
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I did get a bit sweaty hanging out on the monkey bars.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe_9VOJSKRNdiF3PcIE8Y2hQ9psEFsNz8nhpUnzGaIbMehl_Wm7N_jkYbdbEeC3qPbLyCC3H6J0IdbAWemXtBdpqMP1jkXRGS1eOzJpr_W5yxDHsl9hJUtG_kpP2OCrv9DZOPRs7tXdEfk/s1600/Jason+&+barber.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe_9VOJSKRNdiF3PcIE8Y2hQ9psEFsNz8nhpUnzGaIbMehl_Wm7N_jkYbdbEeC3qPbLyCC3H6J0IdbAWemXtBdpqMP1jkXRGS1eOzJpr_W5yxDHsl9hJUtG_kpP2OCrv9DZOPRs7tXdEfk/s320/Jason+&+barber.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
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While I had great fun at both schools, it was the afterschool stuff that put a really big smile on my face. I got to pal around with my Legacy Academy school chums on the weekend. Here I am at the market with Jason. "Okay Phyllis, what do we get, bananas? Watermelon?" "Hmmmm, hard choice. Let's get both, Jason!"<br />
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Jason took me to the barbershop. He says it's just for the guys but I would be welcomed. Jason got a little off the top and sides. I got my fur trimmed. It's humid in Atlanta! Ahhhh, we look really nice! <br />
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Here we are at soccer practice. Jason's not to sure about me being the goalie.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAYQR23olf1fC-d1xugTOktrtb95a3QpRQEcIZohrcCrMCn1Mqk3cL9681wPdJfrTui_2LlKrMVc3hwCkzrXTnepIzwnXD79eDWHDrUVNAqNYRh5XKKEmTLPRTX5tW2XmIZqZohMnWD3uc/s1600/Jason+&+Phyllis+at+soccer.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAYQR23olf1fC-d1xugTOktrtb95a3QpRQEcIZohrcCrMCn1Mqk3cL9681wPdJfrTui_2LlKrMVc3hwCkzrXTnepIzwnXD79eDWHDrUVNAqNYRh5XKKEmTLPRTX5tW2XmIZqZohMnWD3uc/s320/Jason+&+Phyllis+at+soccer.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
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Wheeeee! I love riding in a convertible F150. Go faster, Jason!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgskYw9fuLdF6ovEbV2_9JNCmrx7P7zOJ9X9qDU7YbF6hKM1DGMI-Y8t2atoxJZRXzVtAzhThX_6FAvKVmLrObeqKzv19yqtOFMm82QNh8WjiEJH3Rmg5WdvDMHZNv7ALlnAM5jmFvEwVl2/s1600/riding+in+an+F150.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgskYw9fuLdF6ovEbV2_9JNCmrx7P7zOJ9X9qDU7YbF6hKM1DGMI-Y8t2atoxJZRXzVtAzhThX_6FAvKVmLrObeqKzv19yqtOFMm82QNh8WjiEJH3Rmg5WdvDMHZNv7ALlnAM5jmFvEwVl2/s200/riding+in+an+F150.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
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Jason reads how I save the day and he loves the part about the maple candy. "What's that, mom?" "Shucks, mom says no maple candy before bed."<br />
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<b><i><span style="font-size: x-large;">Prom Night at Little Scholar Academy!</span></i></b></div>
I know you're asking, "Who is this cutie?" Well he's my date for the prom. Yes, I was invited to the prom. Doesn't he look handsome. Even though it was a formal affair, everyone oooohed and ahhhhed over my green overalls. Don't we make a beautiful couple? It was a beautiful spring evening. Only 72 degrees. There was a beautiful breeze in the air and I knew this would be a special night for me.<br />
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Here are the King and Queen of the prom. The Queen is Tayla. Remember her from my tour of the King Center, in Atlanta? The royal couple wore coordinating royal colors...Lovely!<br />
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These three are trying to convince me to get out on the dance floor and er...shake my groove thang!
I'm a bit nervous. They taught me how to do the Wobble. Oh yeah, girls
just wanna have fun!!<br />
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"C'mon Phyllis, let's do the Cupid Shuffle!" "Wow, I got it! I'm doing the Cupid Shuffle!" I had sooooo much fun. I could've danced, danced, danced all night."<br />
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The next day I visited Shanterria. It was much hotter. The temperature had reached 83 degrees! Shanterria's mom had some errands to run and she let us come along. "Mommy, turn on the air conditioner, please!" We went to the parts store. They had never had a weather predicting groundhog in their store before. Then Shanterria and I went to her grandma's house. We went riding on he bike. I held on tight to the handle bars. What fun I had in Atlanta, Ga. Thank you for my special trip to Georgia, Susanna! I'll be home soon with lots of pictures and autographs for you. <br />
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Vats of Maple Syrupy Love, Always,<br />
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Phyllis The Weather Predicting Groundhog!!<br />
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<span id="goog_412820042"><span id="goog_1741003427"></span><span id="goog_1741003428"></span></span><span id="goog_412820043"></span><span id="goog_1765536490"></span><span id="goog_1765536491"></span>Pamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11391527903431779238noreply@blogger.com22tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8371280853998709799.post-55134703034925964322012-04-25T15:52:00.000-07:002012-04-25T16:34:42.017-07:00Meet Danielle Holmes author of The Adventures of Cinnamon and Spice<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.justicepublishingworld.com/">Jasmine Benjamin displaying her first picture book First Day Blues </a></td></tr>
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MyLMNOP welcomes Danielle Benjamin to our Reads to Kids community! Like the other authors featured on MyLMNOP this week, Danielle is also from my hometown of Natchitoches, Louisiana. Yep, we've got some major talent in our small town! Danielle formed a publishing company, Justice Publishing which features her self-published works: <i>First Day Blues</i>, <i>Cinnamon Goes to the Zoo,</i> <i>Backyard Bash, The Adventures of Cinnamon & Spice, and Oh, So Boring Day!, </i> <i>Oh, So Boring day,</i> is a delightful story that shows how a little imagination creates a whole day of adventure for two school-agers who are sooooo bored! Let's take a listen as Danielle narrates, Oh, So Boring Day! Afterwards, click on the blogtalk widget to hear our fun conversation as we discussed Danielle's books, community activities and upcoming projects.<br />
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Oh and take a listen to this video. SO INSPIRING!<br />
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<span id="goog_847664096"></span><span id="goog_847664097"></span>Pamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11391527903431779238noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8371280853998709799.post-21694873116992692542012-04-23T23:43:00.000-07:002012-04-23T23:52:44.266-07:00Self-Published Author of Maddie, "Waaa!" Barbara Drawhorn<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Listen to the interview__click the blogtalk icon to the right</td></tr>
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As I thought about how I would participate in NAEYC's 2012 Week of the Young Child activities, two things came to mind: My hometown of Natchitoches and children's books! My hometown of <a href="http://www.natchitoches.net/">Natchitoches, Louisiana</a> is populated with many gifted, creative people. Among them__three picture book authors: Denise Lewis Patrick, Danielle Holmes, and Barbara Drawhorn. What a brilliant way to celebrate, The Week of the Young Child! I mean, why had I not thought of this before? Well, sometimes my brilliance arrives as slowly as the flow of Cane Syrup in winter. <i>Speaking of Cane Syrup Nat Town kinfolk, cane syrup, meat pies, boudin, and file' are all sold at a cute little store in Maaayretta</i>. Oops, <i>sorry! I'll post about that another time. I'm always losing my train of thought. Must...do...better!</i> </div>
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So as I was saying, Natchitoches has beau coup talent and I am so proud to have a chance to share these artists with you. Yesterday, I interviewed <a href="http://www.americangirl.com/play/historical-character/cecile-mariegrace/#page=home&popup=featurevideo">Denise Lewis Patrick, author of the American Girl_Meet Cecile series.</a> She discussed her historical collaboration with American Girl author, Sarah Masters Buckey of the Marie-Grace series. If you missed it, you can click on yesterday's blogtalk icon and listen in. Tomorrow I will talk with Danielle Holmes, author of the Cinnamon and Spice Adventures. I am so excited about interviewing her. Tune in tomorrow and find out why. </div>
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Pamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11391527903431779238noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8371280853998709799.post-31423278312519010982012-04-22T17:28:00.002-07:002012-04-23T08:15:08.546-07:00American Girl Author Helps MyLMNOP Celebrate Week of the Young Child<div style="text-align: left;">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i style="color: #990000;"><b>MyLMNOP interviews American Girl Author, Denise Lewis Patrick on Blogtalk Radio </b></i></span></td></tr>
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<a href="http://www.americangirl.com/play/historical-character/cecile-mariegrace/#page=home&popup=featurevideo">Click here & watch the video detailing the back story of this historical American Girl collaboration!! </a><br />
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Thank you visitors, for joining Denise Lewis Patrick & MyLMNOP in a week long celebration of, <a href="http://www.naeyc.org/woyc">NAEYC's Week of the Young Child</a>. The week of the young child was created by NAEYC (National Association for the Education of Young Children) to recognize quality early learning centers providing premium engagement in early childcare and in early childhood education.<br />
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Helping me to kick-start our week is renown author, <a href="http://www.deniselewispatrick.com/">Denise Lewis Patrick! </a> Denise has authored and published over thirty books, including her first picture book, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Dancing-Shoes-Denise-Lewis-Patrick/dp/0688158501"><i>Red Dancing Shoe</i>s</a>, her award winning<i> </i>book,<i> <a href="http://www.deniselewispatrick.com/the_adventures_of_midnight_son_95425.htm">Midnight Son</a>, </i>and the newest addition to the <a href="http://www.americangirl.com/play/historical-character/cecile-mariegrace/#page=home&popup=featurevideo">American Girl series, Meet Cecile.<i> (video)</i></a><br />
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Denise is from my hometown of <a href="http://www.christmasfestival.com/">Natchitoches, Louisiana </a>and graciously consented to share her journey in this history making project with the American Girl franchise. Enough from me. Let's hear all about it from Denise herself. Click on the blogtalkradio <i>play</i> arrow and let the learning
began!<br />
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<b style="color: #990000;"><i>Be sure to stay for the end, as Denise delivers a special
treat for you lovers of <a href="http://www.renajtraxelblog.com/2012/04/m-is-for-mother-goose.html">poetry</a>. </i></b><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> American Girl__Meet Cecile</td></tr>
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Here is how the rest of the week's celebration will line up:<br />
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4/24 Hometown Author: <br />
<a href="http://bookstore.authorhouse.com/Products/SKU-000265640/Maddie-Waaa.aspx"> Barbara Drawhorn</a> author of Maddie, "Waaa"!<br />
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4/25 <i>TBA</i><br />
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4/26 <a href="http://susannahill.blogspot.com/p/phylliss-world-tour.html">Phyllis, the Groundhog</a> is on the Move Again!<br />
photo engagement of Phyllis and the kids from<br />
Legacy Academy and Little Scholars Academy<br />
in Atlanta, Ga.<br />
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4/27 MyLMNOP's favorite children's poem from the<br />
April A to Z Poetry Challenge<br />
sponsored by <a href="http://www.renajtraxelblog.com/2012/04/d-is-for-doctor.html">Rena Traxel.</a><br />
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<br />Pamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11391527903431779238noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8371280853998709799.post-56753961150987545452012-04-01T16:04:00.000-07:002012-04-20T15:21:27.226-07:00Phyllis Does it Again! This Time in Georgia!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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"Boy, oh boy, Ms. Pam! I see why this city is called, HotLanta!" exclaimed Phyllis. It was a humid 80 degrees when the weather predicting groundhog arrived in Atlanta, Ga. <br />
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Author, <b><a href="http://susannahill.blogspot.com/p/phylliss-world-tour.html" style="color: #990000;">Susanna Leonard Hill</a></b><span style="color: #cc0000;">,</span> scheduled a world tour for her latest book, <b><i style="color: #990000;">April Fool, Phyllis!</i> </b> Due to (ahem) technical difficulties, (cell phone dropped in toilet during the class' potty time) many of our photo engagements did not survive. Phyllis tried to help in retrieving the pictures, but thought her talents were best suited for predicting snowstorms. However, the remaining photos show what an amazing time Phyllis had visiting the Peach State!<br />
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<tr style="color: #990000;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><i><a href="http://www.atlanta.net/">Phyllis is a Peach</a></i></b></td></tr>
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<i style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">You're Peachy Keen, Phyllis!</span></i><br />
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Phyllis arrived at Little Scholars Academy on Monday, March 26th at 10:30a.m. The children at Little Scholars were so excited! Phyllis read the enclosed message & riddle Susanna had written to them. There were giggles and squeals, and the children began hugging each other. Phyllis loved that particular spontaneous response from the children.<br />
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After a long day of fun everyone was tuckered out!<br />
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"I'm gonna be a really good rester for naptime." says Alayna. "Does
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<i><span style="font-size: x-large;">Tayla Takes Phyllis Site Seeing!</span></i><br />
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Hi, Susanna! My name is Tayla. I took Phyllis to visit the <a href="http://www.thekingcenter.org/" style="color: #990000;">Martin Luther King Center</a>. I've been before, but Phyllis said it was her first visit. We took this picture beneath a picture of Dr. King and his little girl. I told Phyllis that Dr. King was a civil rights leader. He spent his life working for fairness for everyone. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJexOyIycfXts_dP1jYNjIm4l_gd29VgZ957Q38e0poD64ba9aICG-lGjDNsMOScfbdbNeH_W5Z9Gp1KVGBC3HjiKYHwWKdxQNwi49STPqpGDidjPtnNSZVew4CAkgdXmVRjQnmSPr7k4J/s1600/Tayla+&++Ghandi.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJexOyIycfXts_dP1jYNjIm4l_gd29VgZ957Q38e0poD64ba9aICG-lGjDNsMOScfbdbNeH_W5Z9Gp1KVGBC3HjiKYHwWKdxQNwi49STPqpGDidjPtnNSZVew4CAkgdXmVRjQnmSPr7k4J/s320/Tayla+&++Ghandi.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
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Here we are in front of a statue of <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Gandhi-The-Father-Modern-India/dp/0199104425#reader_0199104425" style="color: #990000;">Gandhi</a>. Dr. King and Gandhi believed in non-violence to gain justice for everyone. Dr. King was given a special award called the Nobel Peace Prize. Dr. King called Gandhi his mentor. Many thought Gandhi should have received the <b><a href="http://nobelpeaceprizeforum.org/" style="color: #990000;">Nobel Peace Prize</a></b> but he never did. <br />
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This is called The Reflecting Pool. This is where Dr. Martin Luther King and his wife Coretta Scott King are buried. We have some books that have a <b><a href="http://aalbc.com/books/related.htm" style="color: #990000;">Coretta Scott King Award</a></b> in our Pre-K class.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigfJh8vlEuD0r4OGAzfzEw07C79kWxwT_cTek4ABtN6zSWMux32jVC7dQm_dbQZh4hZCToFvlIS9GtAF4okkVIow_r0OLBZPjSrpRPfzMbd7Lvbvw1H8onQRheNYtCjkKgDdFr9Oxze_j4/s1600/Tayla+and+Rosa.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigfJh8vlEuD0r4OGAzfzEw07C79kWxwT_cTek4ABtN6zSWMux32jVC7dQm_dbQZh4hZCToFvlIS9GtAF4okkVIow_r0OLBZPjSrpRPfzMbd7Lvbvw1H8onQRheNYtCjkKgDdFr9Oxze_j4/s320/Tayla+and+Rosa.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
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Susanna, here we are in front of a picture of <b><span style="color: #990000;">Rosa Parks</span></b>. She became a famous person in the Civil Rights Movement too. We read about her in class. She was very brave.<br />
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The next day, Mommy treated me and Phyllis to pancakes at IHOP. We had a HUGE breakfast. Mommy said she could never get her pancakes to come out that yummy looking. "How did you know I like pancakes?" asked Phyllis.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisgJKHWeCYbO5JwoLb8LRr3ZbBL-_WDmL5wqLWxPwaivTJa5clAm0I-N5myxZlEN59b4n_IxoOdtoyYdSHXloHcHAkB1LaAyDDcEB_HChqJSV5fawWaU-1SKO8GKZLzcsGJMTOaoiTv9hF/s1600/Tayla+II.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisgJKHWeCYbO5JwoLb8LRr3ZbBL-_WDmL5wqLWxPwaivTJa5clAm0I-N5myxZlEN59b4n_IxoOdtoyYdSHXloHcHAkB1LaAyDDcEB_HChqJSV5fawWaU-1SKO8GKZLzcsGJMTOaoiTv9hF/s200/Tayla+II.JPG" width="200" /></a> </div>
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We had such fun with Phyllis! I hope everyone enjoys reading about our time together. That's all for now. Susanna Leonard Hill, thank you for sharing your friend, Phyllis, with us!<br />
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<br />Pamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11391527903431779238noreply@blogger.com45tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8371280853998709799.post-28240220178877486472012-03-08T01:07:00.000-08:002012-03-08T12:30:10.236-08:00My Process__My Journey<div dir="ltr" id="internal-source-marker_0.2923103553440517" style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;">
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<a href="http://www.share-a-story-shape-a-future.net/" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilAdvuOEmfKD3dvbMho7qxqSKpAg-1MtFI6ILCOk0nqmNPobKAPAYbWLOKtRFEFjDOivxSf7J75EoBeKEc1n99Zrf9lMhiQZGpyfZLdhBBkfKxjzf4s1UrbycRaA1Xg1nRe8k8rIfWEQHX/s1600/share+a+story.png" /></a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: large; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">My Process</span><b style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: small; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"> <span style="font-size: large;">with</span> <span style="font-size: large;">My</span></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: small; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-size: large;">LMNOP</span>,</span></b><b><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: small; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"> </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: small; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: large;">must begin by unpacking</span><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: large;">My Journey</span><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"> </span><span style="font-size: large;">from its inception: </span></span></b></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">I’ve
always loved words. My earliest memory of this relationship can be traced back to a specific summer day. In rural Louisiana, the
front porch was the hub of family activity. We would gather round my mother’s feet while she read from the
Natchitoches Times. “Yall, listen to this word, </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 15px; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><a href="http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/antidisestablishmentarianism">Antidisestablishmentarianism</a>.</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">”
Honestly, I think we (including my mom) repeated that word the entire
summer. My grandmother would read aloud from the Farmer’s Almanac (</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 15px; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Do people read from the almanac, anymore? Do people even know what a Farmer’s Almanac is?) </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"> </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">I digress. </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 15px; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"> </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">There,
she found her daily bible verse and that too became a read aloud
session for us kids.</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"> </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">As
the oldest child, I entertained my younger siblings by reading to them. I’d sit
on our green, paisley chair and my siblings sat crossed leg on the shag
while I read, </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline;">The Raven</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">,
by Edgar Allen Poe. It was one of our favorites. We did not
understand many of the words. Yet, we were affected by the mood of the
poem. There was a sorrow being shared. Of what, we did not know. Not
at first. Some time back, our Tante’ Lula had warned us about ravens.
"They were a sign." Being from the rural south, signs or
superstitions are taken seriously. Tante’ called them </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 15px; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">isms</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">: <b>“Quote the Raven, Nevermore!”</b> Nevermore! So that was the sorrow being shared__</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 15px; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Death.</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"> This </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 15px; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">ism </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"> took
on a whole new meaning for us and we read that poem quite often. Holding up our cassette player to the television, we once taped the music of the soap opera, The Dark Shadows. The music from our cassette player lent itself perfectly. Now, we were a very musical group. So of course we even made up a song that we sang before reading. We couldn't go outside while our parents were at work, so we had a lot of time on our hands, yall: </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 15px; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">It was a cold dark night when the black bird came </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 15px; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">He was very very still on our picture frame. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 15px; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">We said go away bird, go away from my door. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 15px; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">And the bird said back Nevermore, Nevermore. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 15px; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">The bird just said back nevermore. </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"> </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"> Hey, we were in elementary school! </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Crude but effective__ for us (<i>smile</i>). </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"> </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: small; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Cut to me thirty years later. I still sit in front of a group of eager listeners, who all sit </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: small; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">criss cross apple sauce.</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: small; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">
I still look for music that will aid in expanding conscious thinking
in my early learners. I still make up songs and even use background
music to enhance a story. Just as it did for my siblings and I that special summer, music seems to fine tune the absorption of abstract concepts. For example, </span><span style="font-size: small;">I
used the music from <i>A Winter Solstice </i>as background </span>for the reading of, <span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: small; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><u>The Tree in the Ancient Forest</u>. </span><span style="font-size: small;">It lent a
sense of mystery to the reading. </span><span style="font-size: small;"> The children at <a href="http://www.lacampcreek.com/">Legacy Academy </a>
at Camp Creek in Atlanta, Ga., LOVED it! I love to hear
stories from the teachers about parents asking about this book and the
music Ms. Pam plays with it. Their children are demanding that their
parents read the story with Ms. Pam's music. I love it! This book proved to be a great home/school connection tool. </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: small; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/reader/1883220319/ref=sib_dp_pt/192-5038809-7347818#reader-link"><img alt="The Tree in the Ancient Forest" border="0" height="300" id="prodImage" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51SSMN1AP9L._BO2,204,203,200_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-click,TopRight,35,-76_AA300_SH20_OU01_.jpg" width="300" /></a> Additionally, Christopher Canyon's beautiful illustrations</span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;"> </span>allowed students to apply newly
introduced vocabulary (predator, prey, ancient, and although not
specifically mentioned in the book, dependent) in their discussions
during our literacy & music session. Enhancing expressive language through music and literacy is easily achieved. The use of complex, low frequency words become second nature to early learner if presented in a manner that engages effectively. Well written and illustrated picture books allows for just such an engagement. </span><span style="color: black;">Audrey and Dan Wood allowed us to examine synonyms in, <u>The Napping House</u>. <img class="sg_t" height="139" src="http://ts1.mm.bing.net/images/thumbnail.aspx?q=4538625585185852&id=f1aafe4d048834f48c20ed6c69fc84e8&index=newexp&url=http%3a%2f%2fi.infopls.com%2fimages%2ftv%2fNappingHouse_cover.gif" style="height: 139px; left: 18px; top: 9px; width: 128px;" width="128" /> The repetitive and lyrical lines in this book, allowed for the students' recall
of descriptive words used for the characters. This book's wording and brilliant
illustrations blend seamlessly. </span><span style="color: black;">This story was a great tool for sequencing as well. </span><span style="color: black;">My students had no idea they were learning about
synonyms and adjectives. There are many language activities that can be
extracted from this story. All of these examples show that picture books are amazing tools.</span><br />
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<a href="http://litworld.org/storage/wrad2012badge.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="190" src="http://litworld.org/storage/wrad2012badge.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
<span style="color: black;">For <a href="http://www.worldlit.org/">World Read Aloud Day </a>, The children at <a href="http://www.lacampcreek.com/">Legacy Academy </a>explored various habitats that allowed creatures to hide from predators and prey and "become part of what we see" in Phyllis Tildes', <u>Animals in </u></span><br />
<span style="color: black;"><u>Camouflage.</u> To expand our learning, </span><span style="color: black;">McMillan's Sing and Learn, "Animals that Camouflage" was a perfect partner for our dramatic play activity. The children would peek out from their hiding and whisper "I'm hiding, I'm hiding, you can't see me, you can't see me." I use McMillan Sing and Learn as my go to music library. There's a song for every theme. Again, vocabulary and expressive language development were at the forefront of planning. The dramatic play activity encouraged active conversation as we learned the meaning of: Camouflage, habitat, arctic, grassland, and rainforest. We revisited the terms predator and prey in this session as well. </span><span style="color: black;"></span></div>
<span style="color: black;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 64px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">“Q</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">uote the Raven, Nevermore!”</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"> These four words from my childhood became part of a series of events that set me on my current path to create MyLMNOP__the building blocks of Literacy. The building blocks used in my program are: Literature - Music - Naming - Oral Language - Phonemic Awareness and Picture Imaging. These building blocks are used to assess what the students already know and knowledge gained during the literacy session. Promoting skills of comprehension with early learners increases vocabulary, a sense of self-regard, and confidence. Children that begin the session shy and withdrawn become fully engaged. Their enthusiasm and excitement gives them an "I Can" sensibility. I've seen it time and time again. Good books opens up more than a world of wonder. Good books build a foundation for strong language skills that is empowering. That is why I love what I do.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">I've only recently created my blog and am still learning the process. However, my intent is to use this blog as a teacher's lounge for early childhood educators. Here, I'll share my literacy lesson plans accompanied by photos, videos, suggested and reading material. The feedback from my early learners continue to motivate and inspire me to bring them the best in children's literature and I am having a ball! </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">I'd like to thank </span><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://family-bookshelf.org/">Terry Doherty</a><span style="color: black;"> of</span></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"> </span><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.share-a-story-shape-a-future.net/">Share A Story/ Shape A Future</a></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"> for allowing me to share my story on this year's literacy blog tour. </span><span style="font-size: small;"></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">I've learned so much and the posts have been a tremendous resource. Thank you very much. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"></span>Pamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11391527903431779238noreply@blogger.com24tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8371280853998709799.post-55957465642928403542012-03-05T13:46:00.001-08:002012-03-08T04:50:51.219-08:00Here's To Sharing<br />
<a href="http://www.share-a-story-shape-a-future.net/"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilAdvuOEmfKD3dvbMho7qxqSKpAg-1MtFI6ILCOk0nqmNPobKAPAYbWLOKtRFEFjDOivxSf7J75EoBeKEc1n99Zrf9lMhiQZGpyfZLdhBBkfKxjzf4s1UrbycRaA1Xg1nRe8k8rIfWEQHX/s1600/share+a+story.png" /></a> <span style="color: burlywood;"> </span><br />
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<span style="color: burlywood; font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;">My love and excitement for children's literature has brought MyLMNOP to the attention of </span></span><span style="font-size: small;"> <a href="http://family-bookshelf.org/">Terry Doherty</a>. Terry is a collaborator on the blog, <a href="http://www.share-a-story-shape-a-future.net/">Share A Story/ Shape A Future</a>. SaS has asked MyLMNOP to participate in their annual literacy blog tour! <span style="font-size: small;"><b>EXCITED!! </b> </span>For four years, these kindreds of children's literature have used the power of the web to promote and display the talents, skills, and knowledge of kidlit enthusiasts. This venue brings together creative thinkers who share ideas, opinions, and strategies on how to effectively create an environment that inspire wonder, promote questioning, and encourage exploration in readers! This year's theme focuses on <a href="http://www.share-a-story-shape-a-future.net/"><i>The Culture of Reading</i></a>. The tour runs March 5 - 9. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">Here's what other participants are sharing. </span><i>Please drop by each of these blogs and immerse yourself in the excitement of this event!</i><span style="font-size: small;"> </span><span style="font-size: small;"> </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 180%;"><span style="font-family: lucida grande; font-style: italic;">The Culture of Reading</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">Mon, 5 Mar: </span><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">Creating a reading culture</span><br />
host: Donalyn Miller @<a href="http://blogs.edweek.org/teachers/book_whisperer/"> The Book Whisperer</a><br />
<span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;"><br />Tue, 6 Mar: Reading as a passport to other worlds / cultures</span><br />
host: Carol Rasco @ <a href="http://rascofromrif.org/">Rasco from RIF</a><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;"><br />Wed, 7 Mar: Understanding Readers</span><br />
host: Terry Doherty @ <a href="http://family-bookshelf.org/">Family Bookshelf</a><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;"><br /><br />Thu, 8 Mar: A Reading Universe </span><br />
host: Terry Doherty @ <a href="http://share-a-story-shape-a-future.net/">Share a Story</a><br />
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<span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">Fri, 9 Mar: Dear Reader ...</span><br />
host: <a href="http://share-a-story-shape-a-future.net/">Share a Story</a> blog<br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">This annual lit tour has proven an
amazing vehicle in bringing together those working to build a
generation of avid readers. </span><span style="font-size: small;"> I am proud to be asked to join in spreading the good news about children and their energetic engagement in literature. <b>Again, on Thursday, March 8th, look for my post</b> on </span><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.share-a-story-shape-a-future.net/">Share A Story/ Shape A Future</a></span><span style="font-size: small;"> entitled </span><a href="http://mylmnopreadstokids.blogspot.com/"><span style="font-size: small;">MyLMNOP__My Process My Journey.</span></a></div>
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This lit tour coincides with another great event of which the students at <a href="http://www.lacampcreek.com/">Legacy Academy </a>(one of my ECE__Early Childhood Education facilities) will participate:</div>
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<a href="http://litworld.org/storage/wrad2012badge.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="190" src="http://litworld.org/storage/wrad2012badge.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>World Read Aloud Day</b></span> is only two days away! If you'd like to participate, go <a href="http://www.litworld.org/">here</a><br />
for fun activities and other fun downloadables. Wait, is downloadable a word? I have shared with my early learners at <a href="http://www.lacampcreek.com/">Legacy Academy</a> about being a guest on <a href="http://www.share-a-story-shape-a-future.net/">Share A Story/ Shape A Future</a>
as well as our participation in . They are
excited and even want to start their own blog! How wonderful is
that! <a href="http://www.lacampcreek.com/">Legacy Academy</a> and MyLMNOP are excited and eager to share a look into how <b><i>our</i></b> enthusiasts engage in this literacy program. My blog post will be featured <a href="http://mylmnopreadstokids.blogspot.com/">here</a> and on <a href="http://www.share-a-story-shape-a-future.net/">Share A Story/ Shape A Future</a>. Additionally, I'll post photos of our World Read Aloud activities. I hope to have you come by and take a look.
We'll have a video, pictures, and testimonials from <a href="http://www.lacampcreek.com/">Legacy Academy</a> and share how MyLMNOPers have fun with reading!Pamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11391527903431779238noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8371280853998709799.post-53958294984902681322012-02-07T14:44:00.001-08:002012-03-03T10:52:28.133-08:00You Like Me! You Really Like Me!<div style="text-align: left;">
February 6th, was my blog's inaugural. I wasn't expecting company on my site. Not right away. So I clicked "publish" and at first, all was quiet. Then, about a half hour later...I had visitors! I was elated! I had three comments, and one, count 'em, one follower already! A big thank you to my first follower, <a href="http://cherylvelasquez.blogspot.com/">Cheryl Velasquez</a>. Cheryl is a second grade teacher and loves children's literature. For Black History month, Cheryl shared with her students an amazing, true story about The Underground Railroad. The book is entitled, Henry's Freedom Box. A story about a runaway slave, who mails himself from Virgina to Pennsylvania in a wooden box. Visit this site: <a href="http://cherylvelasquez.blogspot.com/">Cheryl Velasquez</a> and view the exciting trailer.<br />
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Having my first visitor so soon wasn't all that happened on February 6th. When what to my wondering eyes did appear; twas the Liebster Award from Margaret! Yaaay! Cheer! You like me! <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5jez9P3wgwOIusRHXt52DBxYOosNhYiwjWO8XdL5dHz5hyphenhyphenIQVQg65jeuS1N2vbifnBqUZELygPhljnWd3FLBW7rP9L1okjf0oj0eMP2aC7krA9CHEBKUpeFFenSlcg89sh1QF-FyNUVPg/s1600/liebster-blog.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5jez9P3wgwOIusRHXt52DBxYOosNhYiwjWO8XdL5dHz5hyphenhyphenIQVQg65jeuS1N2vbifnBqUZELygPhljnWd3FLBW7rP9L1okjf0oj0eMP2aC7krA9CHEBKUpeFFenSlcg89sh1QF-FyNUVPg/s1600/liebster-blog.jpeg" /></a>It was my honor to
receive this award from <a href="http://pentoprint.blogspot.com/">Margaret G</a>. Margaret aspires to be a children's author and is a self-proclaimed Left Brainer with strong, creative sensibilities (I love that word, sensibilities) as evident by her blog. Take a look at her blog: <a href="http://pentoprint.blogspot.com/">Margaret G</a>. I visited Margaret's blog, and copied a quote she posted:<br />
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<b><i style="color: black; font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">“The pages are still
blank, but there is a miraculous feeling of the words all being there, written
in invisible ink and clamoring to become visible.”</i> </b><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><b>– </b><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">Vladimir Nabokov, </span><i style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">Lectures on Literature</i><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">, 1980</span></span></div>
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How lovely is that? Margaret also started a great post on 12x12 entitled : <i><b>Which children's book inspired you to be a picture book writer?</b> </i>There were lots of familiar stories listed. I thought I'd share a childhood experience that I'm pretty sure set me on my present course.<br />
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Alberta Johnson, our school librarian, spoke as all
educated, colored women spoke in our part of rural Louisiana. Every
syllable claiming a legato melody. "He-ah you awhr Pamelahh.," Her voice rose as if asking a question. She did not ask anything, but placed
a new book with amazing illustrations in my hands. It was Margaret Brown's, <i>Wait Til the Moon is Full</i>.
It creaked as I immediately opened it to its middle part. I ooohed and ahhhed over every page. Mrs. Johnson sat beside me smiling a peculiar almost knowing smile. I couldn't wait to share this book with
my brother and sisters. We read this book almost everyday. I'd sit
crossed leg in the big <span class="commentBody" data-jsid="text">vinyl chair (with paisley design), while my
siblings sat on the matching shag carpet.</span> <span class="commentBody" data-jsid="text">
I'd read a page, then
show the pictures. Much as I do now in my literacy program. We gave a
twist to the line, "Wait til the moon is full." </span><span class="commentBody" data-jsid="text">In our rural dialect</span><span class="commentBody" data-jsid="text"> we chimed in chorus, </span><span class="commentBody" data-jsid="text">"Wait
chile, Wait! Wait til the moon is full chile!" It's still a family
joke. Yes, they really liked my reading to them!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b>Here's more about the award and how it works:</b> </span></span><br />
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<i style="color: #333333; font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; line-height: 20px;"><span style="background-color: white;">“Liebster
is a German word, meaning dearest or beloved, but it can also mean
favorite. The idea behind the Liebster Blog Award is that it is given to
bloggers who have less than 200 followers in order to create new
connections and bring attention to these wonderful blogs!”</span></i><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; line-height: 20px;"></span><br />
Thank you again, <a href="http://pentoprint.blogspot.com/">Margaret G</a>.</div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
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Now I'm looking for five great sites that will receive the Liebster Award next. I really like this paying it forward community of <a href="http://writeupmylife.com/.../12-x-12-in-2012-picture-book-writing-challen">12x12in12</a> . It is such a network of support, resources, and inspiration. I'm having such fun reading all the blogs on <a href="http://www.linkedin.com/in/gicklaw">LinkedIn</a> and I'm learning a great deal too. Inspired to enter other contests I was rewarded with a shot out! You really like me! Okay, enough.</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>If you receive the award, you should:</b></span><br />
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<li>1. Thank the giver and link back to the blogger who gave it to you.</li>
</ul>
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<li>2. Reveal your top five picks and let them know by leaving a comment on their blog.</li>
</ul>
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<li>3. Copy and paste the award on your blog.</li>
</ul>
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<li>4. Hope that the people you’ve sent the award to forward it to their five favorite bloggers and keep it going!</li>
</ul>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Now on to five random things about me:</b></span><br />
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<ul>
<li>I love fried taters uhmm hmmm (in my Sling Blade voice)</li>
<li>I think Fareed Zakaria and Charlie Rose are really sexy!</li>
<li>My television is almost always set on the Turner Classic Movie channel.</li>
<li>I like Gerber Daisies.</li>
<li> Here's one of my best days Ever! Picture a beautiful fall day. NPR is
playing <a href="http://youtu.be/eErM3Hl5Sds">Mozart's Piano Concerto No. 22</a> . Just as the piece reaches its most
exquisite note, a flashing red neon sign screams, "Hot Doughnuts!" Mozart and Krispy Kreme! Ahhhhhh, Loverly!</li>
</ul>
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<br />Pamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11391527903431779238noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8371280853998709799.post-46316472426705133182012-01-17T18:08:00.001-08:002012-03-08T04:55:19.179-08:00SQUASHING "FEARS"<blockquote class="tr_bq">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgifpG5b8ekauZLvpRVEQcidbEuKp7Pu9Kg8rTapq7IldoyIPrpw6M09Q-8kUC8_zh7ciMdj6i__427BByVmOTZ2XUaSsuLSZqPizjXcRMxUZqMyTcUo2CpI8jkb3JHF2GqeOYZzkPzHMI8/s1600/scared-face.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgifpG5b8ekauZLvpRVEQcidbEuKp7Pu9Kg8rTapq7IldoyIPrpw6M09Q-8kUC8_zh7ciMdj6i__427BByVmOTZ2XUaSsuLSZqPizjXcRMxUZqMyTcUo2CpI8jkb3JHF2GqeOYZzkPzHMI8/s320/scared-face.jpg" width="225" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span><b><i>Oh the HORROR!!</i><span style="font-weight: bold;"> </span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: small;">Deciding to create and start a blog was, IS scary! I felt, feel Naked.</span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>Who am I? What do I have to offer?</i> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: small;">My thoughts ran a muck. </span></span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>What will I say? How do I begin? Will anyone visit?</i> Just asking myself those questions gave me butterflies (maybe it was low blood sugar). My nose ran, and my skin began to sag (oh wait, the sagging was already going on). Anyway, I didn't want to look, well__stupid. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: small;">You know what? </span></span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: small;">If allowed</span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: small;">,</span></span></span><i style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: small;"> Fear can be an abusive captor! </span></span><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></b></i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: small;">Being held hostage by fear IS, well__stupid! As the kids say, "Squash It!" So I dove into the deep end. </span></span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: small;">I used those piles of excuses, that were rolled up in procrastination and wrapped in fear to stand on. </span></span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: small;">I courageously returned to the surface. Before I had a chance to dry, I created a twitter page, joined LinkedIn, participated in webinars, and found support in places I never knew existed. <i>My cup runneth over.</i> </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: small;">So come in! Grab a handful of thin mints, or somoas, scroll down to my bookshelf, and read how I used some of my favorite books to engage early learners in </span></span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: small;">my literacy program</span></span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: small;">. I'll soon have videos to give you a peek into MyLMNOP of Literacy. I'm still figuring this stuff out. It took me a month to add the 12x12in12 badge but I did it! Yay me! I'll be patting myself (and you too) on the back frequently. </span></span><br />
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<br /></div>Pamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11391527903431779238noreply@blogger.com17