Saturday, January 10, 2015

MzTeachuh: Educational Links 1/10/15

MzTeachuh: Educational Links 1/10/15: IDEA and Expectations Part I – The Problem of Low Expectations - See more at: http://www.makespecialeducationwork.com/idea-expectations-...

Educational Links 1/10/15

IDEA and Expectations Part I – The Problem of Low Expectations - See more at: http://www.makespecialeducationwork.com/idea-expectations-part-problem-expectations/#sthash.4YNnkBqU.dpuf

IDEA and Expectations Part 1: the problem of low expectations

http://www.makespecialeducationwork.com/idea-expectations-part-problem-expectations/#sthash.4YNnkBqU.dpbs

IDEA and Expectations Part 2: the importance and promise of high expectations

http://www.makespecialeducationwork.com/idea-expectations-part-ii-importance-promise-high-expectations/#sthash.j3Vy8yOf.dpbs

IDEA and Expectations Part I – The Problem of Low Expectations - See more at: http://www.makespecialeducationwork.com/idea-expectations-part-problem-expectations/#sthash.4YNnkBqU.dpuf

10 inexpensive ways to get children’s books for the classroom

http://thecornerstoneforteachers.com/2015/01/10-inexpensive-ways-to-get-childrens-books-for-the-classroom.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+TheCornerstone+%28The+Cornerstone+Blog%29

Update: Middle School Readers Need More Precise RTI Screenings, Study Finds

http://blogs.edweek.org/edweek/inside-school-research/2015/01/middle_school_readers_need_com.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+InsideSchoolResearch+%28Education+Week%3A+Inside+School+Research%29

Classroom Games Involving Math

http://www.teachhub.com/classroom-games-involving-math

Classroom Games that Incorporate Spelling

http://www.teachhub.com/classroom-games-incorporate-spelling

Caring for Teachers Supports SEL for Students

http://www.edutopia.org/blog/caring-teachers-supports-sel-students-maurice-elias

MzTeachuh: Letter from Birmingham Jail

MzTeachuh: Letter from Birmingham Jail: Published to celebrate the unveiling of the Martin Luther King, Jr. National Memorial on August 28, 2011 in Washington, DC. The...

Letter from Birmingham Jail

https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=1441644043303616609#editor/target=post;postID=2750937492371972587;onPublishedMenu=posts;onClosedMenu=posts;postNum=4;src=link


Published to celebrate the unveiling of the Martin Luther King, Jr. National Memorial on August 28, 2011 in Washington, DC. The silk screen comes with a 52 page book depicting why MLK wrote the "Letter from a Birmingham Jail" response in 1963.http://www.itsfreeart.com/serigraph-reproductions/letter-from-birmingham-jail

MLK's Letter from Birmingham Jail - "A Call for Unity" (1963)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S83jYXYTwHw

Letter from Birmingham Jail

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Letter_from_Birmingham_Jail

MzTeachuh: Some Good News for Education

MzTeachuh: Some Good News for Education: President weighs in with plan for free community college http://hechingerreport.org/content/president-weighs-plan-free-community-co...

President weighs in with plan for free community college

http://hechingerreport.org/content/president-weighs-plan-free-community-college_18706/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+HechingerReport+%28Hechinger+Report%29

CDC Stepping Up Autism Monitoring Efforts

http://www.disabilityscoop.com/2015/01/08/cdc-stepping-up-autism/19946/

How Educators in Rural New York got Creative with Common Core

http://blogs.kqed.org/mindshift/2015/01/how-educators-in-rural-new-york-got-creative-with-common-core/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+kqed%2FnHAK+%28MindShift%29

A Delectable and Academically Integrated School Lunch?

http://www.edutopia.org/blog/delectable-academically-integrated-school-lunch-adam-provost?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A%20EdutopiaNewContent%20%28Edutopia%29

The Question Game: A Playful Way To Teach Critical Thinking

http://www.edutopia.org/blog/delectable-academically-integrated-school-lunch-adam-provost?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A%20EdutopiaNewContent%20%28Edutopia%29

Handwriting and Music: The Strong Correlation

http://special-ism.com/handwriting-and-music-the-strong-correlation/

How to Constructively Leverage Mistakes as Part of Your Teaching Strategy

http://www.edudemic.com/how-to-constructively-leverage-mistakes-as-part-of-your-teaching-strategy/

Friday, January 9, 2015

MzTeachuh: MzTeachuh's Top Posts of the Week 1/9/15

MzTeachuh: MzTeachuh's Top Posts of the Week 1/9/15: Educational Links 1/3/15 http://mzteachuh.blogspot.com/2015/01/educational-links-1315.html Educational Videos for Teachers ...

MzTeachuh's Top Posts of the Week 1/9/15

Educational Links 1/3/15

http://mzteachuh.blogspot.com/2015/01/educational-links-1315.html

Educational Videos for Teachers (Theory and Practice)
http://mzteachuh.blogspot.com/2015/01/educational-videos-for-teachers-theory.html

Fresh Ed Tech STEM Links

http://mzteachuh.blogspot.com/2015/01/fresh-ed-tech-stem-links.html

"You are as good as anyone."

Teachable Moment: Book Review: Martin's Big Words

http://mzteachuh.blogspot.com/2015/01/teachable-moment-book-review-martins.html?spref=bl

Teachable Moment: Dr. Martin Luther King

http://mzteachuh.blogspot.com/2015/01/teachable-moment-dr-martin-luther-king.html

Special Needs Recent Links

http://mzteachuh.blogspot.com/2015/01/special-needs-recent-links.html

2015: Fate Knocking At The Door (Beethoven's Fifth)

http://mzteachuh.blogspot.com/2015/01/2015-fate-knocking-at-door-beethovens.html

Things Go Better With Bach

http://mzteachuh.blogspot.com/2015/01/things-go-better-with-bach.html

Teacher Resolution #1

http://mzteachuh.blogspot.com/2015/01/teacher-resolution-1.html?spref=bl

Indoor Classroom Activities for January http://mzteachuh.blogspot.com/2015/01/indoor-classroom-activities-for-january.html

Why not a classroom garden? You can get started now. How to bring green into the classroom http://www.treehugger.com/htgg/how-to-go-green-school-teachers.html

Thank you so much, international readers. It is a privilege to serve you. USA, France, Taiwan, Germany, China, Ukraine, Canada, Bulgaria, UK.

MzTeachuh: Subscribe to email or RSS feed for MzTeachuh's Blo...

MzTeachuh: Subscribe to email or RSS feed for MzTeachuh's Blo...: You can have new posts through cool email or RSS feed. See, it's on the right hand side, right under the Teach 100. Ah, brave ne...

Subscribe to email or RSS feed for MzTeachuh's Blogs!

You can have new posts through cool email or RSS feed.
See, it's on the right hand side, right under the Teach 100.

Ah, brave new world.

MzTeachuh: Speeches of MLK #1

MzTeachuh: Speeches of MLK #1: I've Been to the Mountaintop, Martin Luther King Delivered the day before his assassination. "And let u...

I've Been to the Mountaintop, Martin Luther King

Delivered the day before his assassination.

"And let us move on in these powerful days, these days of challenge to make America what it ought to be."

I've Been to the Mountaintop

delivered 3 April 1968, Mason Temple (Church of God in Christ Headquarters), Memphis, Tennessee

http://www.americanrhetoric.com/speeches/mlkivebeentothemountaintop.htm

http://www.americanrhetoric.com/

MzTeachuh: Taking Care of Teacher

MzTeachuh: Taking Care of Teacher: Here is some information and health strategies to stay well and effective. There has been a reappearance of whooping cough an...

Here is some information and health strategies to stay well and effective.

There has been a reappearance of whooping cough and measles, so be sure these immunizations, as well as the current flu shot, are updated for the new school year. I'm serious--better be safe than really sick for a long time!

Staying Healthy and Managing Stress While Teaching

http://www.advice-for-teachers.com/healthy.html

Taking care of teacher is not as much fun as taking care of your kids-- but we aren't superheroes, so get your shots.

Adult Immunizations: What You Need

http://www.webmd.com/vaccines/adult-immunizations-what-you-need

Information for Schools & Childcare Providers

http://www.cdc.gov/flu/school/

Why air purifiers are important in schools

http://www.slideshare.net/simonbajaykrishnan/why-air-purifiers-are-important-to-schools

Teaching takes an inordinate amount of mental focus and emotional output. But what happens when teachers are stressed or deal with emotional or mental issues?

Being There for Students When You're Emotionally Unavailable

http://www.bamradionetwork.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2113:being-there-for-students-when-youre-emotionally-unavailable&catid=105:teachers-aide&Itemid=299

When the Teacher Is Depressed

http://anniemurphypaul.com/blog/

Are you in shape? What's that you say, its none of my business? Well, its your business--and your future. So get up out of that computer chair and get moving! You'll be very glad you did.

Benefits of Being Fit & Eating Well - The President's Challenge

https://www.google.com/search?q=teachers+being+physically+fit&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8&aq=t&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&client=firefox-a&channel=sb#channel=sb&q=benefits+of+being+physically+fit&revid=1883628429&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official

Exercise: 7 benefits of regular physical activity

http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-living/fitness/in-depth/exercise/art-20048389

That's what I'm talking about!

MzTeachuh: Educational Links 1/9/15

MzTeachuh: Educational Links 1/9/15: 20 Ways To Get A Noisy Classroom’s Attention http://www.teachthought.com/teaching/20-ways-quiet-noisy-students/ Are Principals an...

Educational Links 1/9/15

20 Ways To Get A Noisy Classroom’s Attention

http://www.teachthought.com/teaching/20-ways-quiet-noisy-students/

Are Principals and Vice Principals Unsure What CompSci Courses Offer?

https://www.edsurge.com/n/2015-01-08-are-principals-and-vice-principals-unsure-what-compsci-courses-offer

Grolier Club's "Famous 100" Children's Books Named: Many Are Available in Alternative Formats

http://www.readingrockets.org/blog/grolier-clubs-famous-100-childrens-books-named-many-are-available-alternative-formats?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+ReadingRockets_StrugglingReaders+%28Reading+Rockets%3A+Struggling+Reader+Resources%29

Open Educational Resources Meet Instructional Design

http://www.edutopia.org/blog/open-educational-resources-instructional-design-andrew-marcinek?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A%20EdutopiaNewContent%20%28Edutopia%29

Questions for Eric London: Alternative Diagnoses for Autism

http://www.specialneedsdigest.com/2015/01/questions-for-eric-london-alternative.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+blogspot%2FLUdSt+%28Special+Needs+Digest%29

An IEP Refresher: Everything You Need to Know About an IEP

http://www.friendshipcircle.org/blog/2015/01/06/an-iep-refresher-everything-you-need-to-know-about-an-iep/?utm_source=Friendship+Circle+Blog&utm_campaign=5590a7f27e-RSS_EMAIL_CAMPAIGN&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_3ec270b4ae-5590a7f27e-199111629

[Infographic] How a Flipped Classroom Model Works

http://edtechreview.in/trends-insights/insights/1732-infographic-how-a-flipped-classroom-model-works

Thursday, January 8, 2015

MzTeachuh: Educational Links 1/8/15

MzTeachuh: Educational Links 1/8/15: Why Reading Strategies Usually Don't Help the Better Readers http://www.shanahanonliteracy.com/2014/12/why-reading-strategies-usu...

Educational Links 1/8/15

Why Reading Strategies Usually Don't Help the Better Readers

http://www.shanahanonliteracy.com/2014/12/why-reading-strategies-usually-dont.html

What Schools Could Use Instead Of Standardized Tests

http://www.npr.org/blogs/ed/2015/01/06/371659141/what-schools-could-use-instead-of-standardized-tests?utm_source=facebook.com&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=npr&utm_term=nprnews&utm_content=20150106

IEP FAQs Pop-Up Developing Yur Child's IEP

http://www.wrightslaw.com/info/iep.develop.popup.htm

Kill Creativity

http://www.ted.com/talks/ken_robinson_says_schools_kill_creativity?language=en

Animated Filmmaker Kirsten Lepore

http://www.pbslearningmedia.org/resource/aa4c6679-d7ca-409f-aa1e-e101f5153ce6/kirsten-lepore-animation/?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=mktg2015

5 Math Games Every Classroom Needs to Play

http://corkboardconnections.blogspot.com/2015/01/5-math-games-every-classroom-needs-to.html

New Apps for Kids With Learning and Attention Issues

https://www.understood.org/en/school-learning/assistive-technology/finding-an-assistive-technology/new-apps-for-kids-with-learning-and-attention-issues?cm_ven=ExactTarget&cm_cat=01.06.2015+Start+the+new+year+right&cm_pla=Salesforce.com+Managed+Subscribers&cm_ite=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.understood.org%2Fen%2Fschool-learning%2Fassistive-technology%2Ffinding-an-assistive-technology%2Fnew-apps-for-kids-with-learning-and-attention-issues-this-holiday-season&cm_ainfo&utm_campaign=newsletter&utm_source=generalnews&utm_medium=email&utm_content=1%2F6%2F2015

Developing Your Child's IEP

MzTeachuh: MLK Quotes: #5

MLK Quotes: #5

MzTeachuh: Fresh Ed Tech STEM Links

MzTeachuh: Fresh Ed Tech STEM Links: Popular Video Lessons and Tutorials Websites Which Can Add Value to Your Classroom Resources Pool http://edtechreview.in/news/1742-popu...

Fresh Ed Tech STEM Links

http://edtechreview.in/news/1742-popular-video-lessons-and-tutorials-websites-which-can-add-value-to-your-classroom-resources-pool

PBL Science Empowered by Discussion Forums

http://www.edutopia.org/blog/learning-science-pbl-discussion-forums-fatima-terrazas-arellanes

Lessons Learned from Technology in the Classroom

http://www.teachhub.com/lessons-learned-technology-classroom

How using technology can keep parents in the loop

http://www.eschoolnews.com/2015/01/07/parents-technology-741/

Top 10 Ways iPads Are Key to Teaching Kids With Learning Disabilities

http://www.edudemic.com/top-10-ways-ipads-are-key-to-teaching-kids-with-learning-disabilities/

Why Programming Teaches So Much More Than Technical Skills

http://blogs.kqed.org/mindshift/2013/05/why-programming-teaches-so-much-more-than-technical-skills/

Wednesday, January 7, 2015

MzTeachuh: Special Needs Recent Links

MzTeachuh: Special Needs Recent Links: Pets Bring Kids with Autism Out of Their Shells http://www.specialneedsdigest.com/2015/01/pets-bring-kids-with-autism-out-of.html ...

Special Needs Recent Links

Pets Bring Kids with Autism Out of Their Shells

http://www.specialneedsdigest.com/2015/01/pets-bring-kids-with-autism-out-of.html

Strategies for Getting and Keeping the Brain’s Attention

http://www.edutopia.org/blog/strategies-getting-keeping-brains-attention-donna-wilson-marcus-conyers

New Apps for Kids With Learning and Attention Issues

https://www.understood.org/en/school-learning/assistive-technology/finding-an-assistive-technology/new-apps-for-kids-with-learning-and-attention-issues?cm_ven=ExactTarget&cm_cat=01.06.2015+Start+the+new+year+right&cm_pla=Salesforce.com+Managed+Subscribers&cm_ite=https%3a%2f%2fwww.understood.org%2fen%2fschool-learning%2fassistive-technology%2ffinding-an-assistive-technology%2fnew-apps-for-kids-with-learning-and-attention-issues-this-holiday-season&cm_ainfo=&utm_campaign=newsletter&utm_source=generalnews&utm_medium=email&utm_content=1/6/2015&&&&#slide-2

Students Design Calming Chairs For Those On The Spectrum

http://www.disabilityscoop.com/2015/01/07/students-calming-chairs/19944/

New Prenatal Tests Called Into Question

http://www.disabilityscoop.com/2014/12/16/new-prenatal-question/19922/

Third Grade: Reading Challenges Rear their Ugly Head

http://special-ism.com/third-grade-reading-challenges-rear-their-ugly-head/

Molecular network identified underlying autism spectrum disorders

http://www.psypost.org/2014/12/molecular-network-identified-underlying-autism-spectrum-disorders-30502

Special Education Groups Urge Continued Testing in NCLB Reauthorization

http://blogs.edweek.org/edweek/speced/2015/01/special_education_advocates_ur.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+OnSpecialEducation+%28Education+Week+Blog%3A+On+Special+Education%29

MzTeachuh: Teachable Moment: Book Review: Martin's Big Words

MzTeachuh: Teachable Moment: Book Review: Martin's Big Words: Martin's Big Words This is a picture book by Doreen Rappaport and profoundly illustrated by Bryan Collier. The quotations...

Teachable Moment: Book Review: Martin's Big Words

Martin's Big Words

This is a picture book by Doreen Rappaport and profoundly illustrated by Bryan Collier. The quotations arise from Dr. King's childhood up to his last speech. The thoughts and words insert themselves into all open minds, and really encourage all kids to feel empowered.

If kids want to know more about Dr. King's early years, that he loved to play baseball and really missed his grandma when she passed, here are some links:
http://www.biography.com/people/martin-luther-king-jr-9365086
http://gardenofpraise.com/ibdking.htm
http://kids.nationalgeographic.com/kids/photos/gallery/martin-luther-king-jr

"You are as good as anyone."

Dr. King relied on his knowledge of the Bible, and also leaders such as Ghandi to encourage the non-violent movement. Why was there a need for a civil rights movement? Segregation of the races in the USA. "You are as good as anyone." resonates in kids and adults for all reasons of suggested inferiority.

Here are some links to enhance a kid's self image.:
http://sheilaaronbooks.com/?gclid=CJ35p_DGzq4CFQrCtgodpVt5Cg
http://kidshealth.org/parent/positive/talk/self_esteem.html

"When I grow up, I'm going to get big words, too.

Infusing confidence in kids is vital "When I grow up, I'm going to get big words, too." Even a little boy or girl can have a vision of a future where they are empowered, valued, and important.

http://www.askdrsears.com/topics/child-rearing-and-development/12-ways-help-your-child-build-self-confidence

Dr. King included everyone in his philosophy. When he stated, "Everyone can be great." that included all people of all races, ages, nationalities, genders, and religions. Everyone.

Everyone can be great.

http://wiki.ask.com/African-American_Civil_Rights_Movement_%281955%E2%80%931968%29

Comments from President Obama.
http://www.whitehouse.gov/issues/civil-rights

"Hate cannot drive out hate. Only love can do that."

Kids need strength to overcome negativity just like adults do. Moms, dads, families, schools, churches all coordinate to grow strength of character and develop focus for positive emotions in the young.

http://www.edutopia.org/emotional-intelligence-education

http://www.edutopia.org/blog/whole-child-education-social-emotional-learning-maurice-elias

http://www.aboutourkids.org/articles /social_emotional_learning_what_it_how_can_we_use_it_help_our_children


"I have a dream..."

Now we can all have a dream.

There is more to this book.

This is a must-have book for all teachers' library, no matter the age of the students. Read it aloud even to seniors in high school.

There is a wonderful site called 'Frame-a-Quote' with thousands of quotations listed by topic and author; kids can also create their own quotes and frame them. It is very empowering. Please check it out. I used it with high school sophomores, and it was excellent. We pretty much wall-papered the classroom with their original quotes, their 'big words.'

http://www.initforlife.com/home/frames.asp

Looking forward to visiting Washington, D.C., and the new monument with Martin's Big Words on a granite wall. Dr. King used his brilliant mind to help us all. He influenced civil rights, women's rights, special education, gender equality, opportunities for all workers. I recently read a comment about the Occupy Movement (which I think Dr. King would have supported) that racial equality was a settled question and now the question was economic. I'm guessing the writer was sitting in the penthouse of his ivory tower when he posted that. We need all equality all the time. Every human born needs to be educated in equality. Ongoing. Every new baby.

MzTeachuh: Martin Luther King Day Reading Resources (Reading ...

MzTeachuh: Martin Luther King Day Reading Resources (Reading ...: Books by Theme http://www.readingrockets....

Martin Luther King Day Reading Resources (Reading Rockets)

Books by Theme

http://www.readingrockets.org/articles/books/c1226

Books for Martin Luther King, Jr. Day

Martin Luther King, Jr. Day celebrates the life and civil rights work of Dr. King. In 1994, the holiday was officially recognized as a National Day of Service where volunteers across the country work together to make a difference in their communities. The titles below include children's books about Dr. King, fiction and nonfiction books about ordinary people who stand up for what's right, and stories about helping others and giving back.

Child of the Civil Rights Movement

By: Paula Young Shelton

Illustrated by: Raul Colón

Age Level: 6-9

Reading Level: Independent Reader

The youngest daughter of civil rights leader Andrew Young shares a time when she and her two older sisters moved from New York to Atlanta to protest and ultimately change unfair laws. The narration is innocent and child-like — effectively describing what Jim Crow was and giving glimpse of the leaders of the period (including Martin Luther King, Jr.). Soft lined, textured illustrations evoke the time and its tenor while portraying people in a recognizable way. An end note provides additional information about the people depicted.

City Green

By: DyAnne DiSalvo-Ryan

Age Level: 6-9

Reading Level: Independent Reader

There is a garbage-filled, vacant lot on the street where Marcy lives. Instead of growing flowers in coffee cans like they usually do each spring, she and her friend Miss Rosa decide to plant a garden there. Their enthusiasm and energy spread and everyone in the neighborhood joins together to create an urban oasis. (From School Library Journal)

Dear Mr. Rosenwald

By: Carole Boston Weatherford

Age Level: 6-9

Reading Level: Beginning Reader

A 10 year old girl narrates this fictionalized story, based on real events and people, of how her rural southern town builds a new school for African American children with the help of Julius Rosenwald (then president of Sears Roebuck).

Feliz Cumpleaños, Martin Luther King

By: Jean Marzollo

Illustrated by: Brian Pinkney

Age Level: 3-6

Reading Level: Beginning Reader

En un paquete atractivo se presenta la importancia e influencia del Dr King y por qué se celebra su cumpleaños. Un texto fluido combinado con maravillosas ilustraciones hechas en esgrafiado y pintura para presentar a los niños un tema que a veces resulta difícil.

Freedom on the Menu: The Greensboro Sit-Ins

By: Carole Boston Weatherford

Age Level: 6-9

Reading Level: Beginning Reader

A girl and her mom want to have a sweet treat on a hot day but cannot sit at the soda fountain simply because they are "colored." Impressionistic paintings soften the harshness of the story of segregation in the South during a turbulent time.

Freedom Summer

By: Deborah Wiles, Jerome Lagarrigue

Illustrated by: Jerome Lagarrigue

Age Level: 6-9

Reading Level: Independent Reader

Joe and John Henry are friends who have many interests in common, including swimming. But because John Henry has brown skin and Joe's is the "color of pale moths," they cannot swim together in the town’s pool. Told by Joe and eloquently illustrated, the emotions and power of friends trying to understand an unfriendly world are timeless.

Happy Birthday, Martin Luther King

By: Jean Marzollo

Illustrated by: Brian Pinkney

Age Level: 3-6

Reading Level: Beginning Reader

The significance and impact of Dr. King and why his birthday is celebrated is presented in a handsome package. Fluid text combines with stunning illustrations done in scratchboard and paint, to make a sometimes difficult subject accessible to younger children. Also available in Spanish.

I Am Rosa Parks

By: Rosa Parks, James Haskins

Illustrated by: Wil Clay

Age Level: 6-9

Reading Level: Independent Reader

The famous civil rights activist Rosa Parks has simplified her autobiography for young readers in this Puffin Easy to Read book. She describes how she was arrested for not giving up her bus seat and shows that her personal role was part of a wider political struggle.

March On! The Day My Brother Martin Changed the World

By: Christine King Farris

Illustrated by: London Ladd

Age Level: 6-9

Reading Level: Independent Reader

Martin Luther King, Jr. prepared diligently for his now famous "I have a dream" speech given on August 28, 1963 during the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom. It was King's unshakable belief in nonviolence and the power of words that galvanized the country. This informal account is both personal and satisfying as revealed by Martin's older sister who watched it on television with their parents in Atlanta. Full-color illustrations and expressive typography highlight words and enhance the tone.

Martin's Big Words: The Life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

By: Doreen Rappaport

Illustrated by: Bryan Collier

Age Level: 6-9

Reading Level: Beginning Reader

Martin Luther King Jr. grew up fascinated by big words. He would later go on to use these words to inspire a nation and call people to action. In this award-winning book, powerful portraits of King show how he used words, not weapons, to fight injustice.

Miss Rumphius

By: Barbara Cooney

Age Level: 6-9

Reading Level: Independent Reader

Miss Rumphius leaves the world more beautiful with an unusual legacy. This gentle story can relate to not only the language arts, but to dreams, legacies, and the environment.

Mrs. Katz and Tush

By: Patricia Polacco

Age Level: 6-9

Reading Level: Independent Reader

In this special Passover story, Larnel Moore, a young African-American boy, and Mrs. Katz, an elderly Jewish woman, develop an unusual friendship through their mutual concern for an abandoned cat named Tush. Together they explore the common themes of suffering and triumph in each of their cultures.

Rosa

By: Nikki Giovanni

Illustrated by: Bryan Collier

Age Level: 6-9

Reading Level: Independent Reader

Rosa Parks was an ordinary woman who became a hero because she "was not going to give in to that which was wrong." A catalyst for the famous Montgomery Bus boycott in Alabama, she turned the nation's attention to a glaring injustice in our society. Powerful illustrations evoke a time before the Civil Rights era and give the reader a glimpse at a person, her impact, and a period in American history.

Show Way

By: Jacqueline Woodson, Hudson Talbott

Illustrated by: Hudson Talbott

Age Level: 6-9

Reading Level: Independent Reader

Soonie's great grandmother was only seven-years-old when sold to the big plantation. A quilt that showed the way to freedom and chronicled the family's history connects the generations, and continues to do so. Idealized illustrations and the poetic text provide an unusual family story.

Sit-In: How Four Friends Stood Up by Sitting Down

By: Andrea Pinkney

Illustrated by: Brian Pinkney

Age Level: 6-9

Reading Level: Independent Reader

The words of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., inspired four students to protest in a way that ultimately changed the United States. Their peaceful dissent at the segregated lunch counter in Greensboro, North Carolina, would "combine black with white to make sweet justice." The "Greensboro Four" began their sit-in on February 1, 1960 and contributed to the passage of the 1964 Civil Rights Act. The text suggests storytelling and is accompanied by light-lined but evocative illustrations; back matter completes this compelling portrait.

The Quiltmaker's Gift

By: Jeff Brumbeau, Gail de Marcken

Illustrated by: Gail de Marcken

Age Level: 6-9

Reading Level: Independent Reader

A beautifully illustrated, sentimental tale about a king who only takes and a master quiltmaker who only gives. The story tells of the true benefits that come from both giving and receiving.

The Story of Ruby Bridges

By: Robert Coles

Illustrated by: George Ford

Age Level: 3-6

Reading Level: Beginning Reader

This is the true story of a brave six-year-old child who found the strength to walk through protesters and enter a whites-only school in New Orleans in 1960. The sepia watercolors capture the warmth of Ruby's family and community.

Through My Eyes

By: Ruby Bridges

Age Level: 9-12

Reading Level: Independent Reader

Six-year-old Ruby Bridges became the first African American to integrate an elementary school. Her memories of that year, when so much hatred was directed at her, makes for a powerful memoir. A 1999 Parents' Choice Gold Award Winner.

Wilfrid Gordon McDonald Partridge

By: Mem Fox, Julie Vivas

Illustrated by: Julie Vivas

Age Level: 3-6

Reading Level: Beginning Reader

Wilfrid helps an elderly friend, Miss Nancy, regain lost memories by bringing her some of her favorite things to remind her of them. This is a tender story of a friendship between two very different people, both of whom have four names, and the nature of memories.