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The Read Aloud Magic Newsletter"Improving children's lives through Read Aloud."
February 10, 2009
Hello, Read Aloud friends.
I can hardly believe that it's already February and Valentine's Day is rapidly approaching. The days, weeks, and months are passing by at a dizzying speed. There's so much to do, yet so little time to do it. Needless to say, child literacy development and Read Aloud are an important part of my life, and I know they're important in your life, too. Therefore, I'd like to provide a brief update about where we are with "Read Aloud Magic" and the progress we've made during the past few months. First of all, the website. For all practical purposes, Read-Aloud-Magic.com was first introduced to the public in September and October 2008. For me, it was a dream come true to see this website appear in cyberspace. And looking ahead, we'll continue to expand the website's content, features and functionality as quickly as possible. (We'll keep you informed about major developments through our ongoing newsletters.) Second, I finished editing my book, Read Aloud Magic, in November. This was later than I'd originally planned, but we all know about Murphy's Law and the need to be flexible with our expectations. And third, we have started to see website visitors, and book sales, from around Chattanooga, around the country, and around the world. We hope the website traffic will continue to grow, but we've already seen some interesting developments ranging from Italy in the east to Indonesia in the west, and many places in between. However, what's really important is the growing proof that child literacy development and Read Aloud play an important role in people's lives throughout the world. Parents everywhere want to help their children succeed. And, they're looking for high quality resources that will help them achieve their goals. God willing, Read Aloud Magic will make a difference in some unknown number of lives and play a role in helping parents and children everywhere achieve their dreams. For those of you who are new to Read Aloud Magic, "Welcome." And, to those of you who previously signed up for our Newsletter, "I appreciate your patience." We are alive and well and we are continuing to move forward towards our Read Aloud goals at an ever increasing pace. And to all of you, I am pleased you have chosen to join us on this journey. It is my sincere hope that you will be a part of our Read Aloud Magic community for a long time to come, sharing your insight, sharing your success stories, and contributing to the success of others. And, we hope to make a difference in your child's life, too. To Your Read Aloud Success,
Use Valentine's Day to Help Connect Your Child to Books February. It's the month celebrating love! On Valentine’s Day, begin a tradition of wrapping up a new book and leaving it either by your child’s bed or on the breakfast table for a great way to start the day with an, "I Love You." It’s inexpensive and long lasting. Don’t forget to sign the inside cover of the book with a note of love and the date. Here's a Great Website for Developing Reading Skills I love this website! It's a great teaching tool for beginner readers. This is for you to use WITH your child! We use it as reinforcement to phonics instruction. Go to www.starfall.com and check it out. My Current Read Alouds At Home: My 4 and 6 year old granddaughters have repeatedly been asking to read Winter’s Gift, by Jane Donovan. The illustrations are amazing and the story involves a grandpa who reminds us of their real life 'Grandpa Jim' (my dad). The story revolves around HOPE. A parent friend asked to come into my class and read this story to my students. It was a wonderful surprise when she finished reading and then gave me the book for future use. Parents, this is a great story for Read Aloud and it's also a great gift for a teacher, believe me. I will always remember this winter’s gift from that parent. In the Classroom: I am currently reading When Mack Came Back by Brad Strickland. It takes place during World War II. A young boy finds a dog which he believes belongs to Ben, his brother. Ben is off fighting in the war and had left his puppy with a friend many months ago. However, it seems like Daddy is too angry about his son fighting to take notice of a dog. It is a story of family, dogs, and forgiveness. My entire class loves it! In the Classroom: I am also currently reading Go Free or Die: A Story About Harriet Tubman, by Jeri Ferris and Karen Ritz. It is a story about the Underground Railroad, courage and perseverance. I am reading it aloud as a starter to both of my social studies classes and it has captured the attention of every student! A Family Read Aloud For those of you who participate in 'family' Read Aloud time, I've included a book that all ages will enjoy. After all, if you can not individually Read Aloud to each child daily, then read to the whole family at once. You'll be creating wonderful memories for everyone involved! Naya Nuki, by Kenneth Thomasma
I have yet to teach a school year when Naya Nuki was not the very first Read Aloud I presented! I've had several former students tell me it was their favorite of all Read Alouds. It's an exciting story for roughly 4-year olds and up, including adults. Within the next few days I will have a special web page on Read-Aloud-Magic.com that honors honors this book. And, if you'd like, you'll be able to purchase the book right here. I'll also have a Naya Nuki CD available with the author reading it aloud. Ken Thomasma is a former teacher himself and he provides interesting background sounds while reading in the perfect Read Aloud voice. Each chapter takes no more than 15 minutes to read, which makes for a perfect family Read Aloud time. Give your family this story as a gift. Furthermore, if you have a child who is a reluctant reader, this book is the one for you! Specific Read Aloud Suggestions Tiny Ones: Babies, by Gyo Fujikawa, is this month’s suggestion for your baby, or for a new baby gift. Babies love to see other babies. This precious hard board book is perfect for little eyes to focus on. A close friend of mine just became a grandmother for the first time. I gave her this book and later found out it was the baby’s very first Read Aloud. And, the new parents video taped my friend reading to her new granddaughter. What a great idea! Video tape your child’s first Read Aloud experience. Preschoolers (about 2-4): Guess How Much I Love You, by Sam McBratney and Anita Jeram, provides a great way to once again tell your child how much you love him. Our granddaughters always have a big grin whenever we ask them, “Guess how much I love you.” Why? Because they know the right answer, “To the STARS and back!” Primary Children (K-3rd grade): All the Places to Love, by Patricia MacLachlan, is one of many fantastic books by this author! The pictures are amazing, and it does a great job of promoting quality discussion of a family’s favorite places. I think one of my favorite places to be is in a chair with my two granddaughters in my lap, listening to a good book! Intermediate Children (4th-6th grade): Number the Stars, by Lois Lowry, is another great story set in World War II. It will hold the attention of the most reluctant reader as well as provide a forum to discuss the kindnesses that families provided to each other during those trying times. It is set in Denmark and is based on a true story. I love this story because it is told in a child-sensitive way and provides a happy ending, despite the dark period of history that surrounds it. A Book Suggestion for Parents I have read most of Gary Chapman’s numerous Love Languages books. They are very enlightening and all provide information that strengthens families. The book for parents of soon to become teenagers is, The Five Love Languages of Teenagers. Any positive information you can learn to bring you and your teenager closer creates, in my opinion, a must-read situation. My husband and I read Gary Chapman's first book in this series titled, The Five Love Languages, How to Express Heartfelt Commitment to Your Mate, and we also saw Gary speak during a Valentine’s Day program at a local church. He has a simple way to help someone you love, feel loved, in their terms rather than in your terms. It's a powerful concept and is appropriate for virtually anyone. It's a must-read book. Get Read Aloud Magic for Only $6.95 (Limited Time Offer)) The "Instant Download Digital Edition" of Read Aloud Magic is currently on sale for for just $9.95. This price offers a substantial savings compared to the regular price of $17.95 and will be available through Valentine's Day, February 14th (possibly longer, but I can only promise that it will be available at this price until February 14th). Here's an additional discount for existing newsletter subscribers only: Take an ADDITIONAL $3.00 OFF the price of the instant download digital edition of Read Aloud Magic until February 14th. Your net price will be only $6.95 if you use this optional coupon code in combination with the current sale price. Simply enter the coupon code shown below into the coupon code box inside the shopping cart, press the 'Apply' button, and the discount will be applied to the purchase. Here's the Coupon Code: newsletter If you'd like to order a copy, go to the Read Aloud Magic web page and scroll down to the Instant Download Digital Edition order link near the bottom of the page. If you'd like additional information about the book, or information about instant download digital books in general, visit our Read Aloud Magic web page. What are Your Read Aloud Problems and Questions? Help me help you. What information do you need to become a better Read Aloud parent? What are your Read Aloud problems? What questions do you have about child literacy development? I believe we'll move ahead faster and farther if I have direct input regarding your needs. Please, send me your questions via e-mail or use this convenient Contact Form.
Copyright © 2008-2009 Read Aloud Magic LLC. All Rights Reserved.
Susan Frankenberg: Read Aloud Coach and Author of Read Aloud Magic.
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