Competency 2 Blog Link

I found an actual, bona fide blog that was very interesting and informative. This blog is written by a "Mom" from Charlottesville, VA. This blog is a fantastic source for all kinds of categories: books for boys, bilingual books, children's book reviews but what especially caught my eye were the literacy and reluctant reader archives!

One excerpt from her blog really made me think:

Reading or learning to read may be one of those things that causes great anxiety for our kids.* Parents, teachers, TV commercials all tell us how important it is to read ... and to do it NOW.* Their friends may already be reading books.* As parents, we fall into the trap of thinking our kids should be reading "just like their friends."* Kids may feel uncomfortable reading words aloud. They may be afraid someone will laugh if they mispronounce a word.You can think of other reasons, too. The bottom line is this: some kids find the idea more than a little bit overwhelming. Regardless of their reasoning, in their mind, learning to read seems "too hard." So our role is to encourage, not pressure!

I believe that as librarians, we need to be in tune with the reluctant reader. We need to encourage growth in their reading by sparking an interest within them.

You can find this blog at: http://thereadingtub.blogspot.com. I found it through my Yahoo web browser.

Web Link: Motivating Reluctant Readers

I found several librarians who have created blogs that cater to the students and parents who need information to motivate their reluctant readers in the classroom and at home. I particularly LOVED this "blog" (which under scrutiny, I don't believe that it qualifies as a "blog". I believe it is more of a website). Despite that, I would like it include it as a great example of what an elementary school library site should include! It is easy to maneuver, has wonderful links to community and school related activities and resources, and is colorful and pleasing to the eye! http://www.grandviewlibrary.org/default.aspx

Below you will see information from Mrs. Chauncey at the Grandview Elementary School in Monsey, NY. I loved how she is helping parents and students with the very basic idea of "Selecting A Book".


Select a Book... Your child may be reading simple text, but he can understand more complex stories. Read books that are more difficult than the ones your child can read. The stories that you share will challenge her with ideas and vocabulary that will build comprehension skills. Select books from a variety of genres, including: non-fiction, realistic fiction, science fiction, poetry, fantasy, and biography. Visit your local public library often and be sure to get your child his own library card! Ask the children's librarian if there are story time hours at the library. Please stop in and visit the Grandview Library -- visit the grade level links to find out what's happening! Find out what books we have in our library by visiting our online catalog page and entering a title, author, or keyword in the search box.

I found this site by http://blogsearch.google.com/