tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-49760856064037961192024-03-16T07:08:46.437+00:00Getting ReadingReading Matters BlogRichard Hankshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05678835184619409649noreply@blogger.comBlogger223125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4976085606403796119.post-28801537439268550832012-04-12T11:19:00.000+01:002012-04-12T11:19:12.094+01:00Reading Matters New Website<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.readingmatters.org.uk/"><img border="0" height="235" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixCAh-ZV3_bzNFTzn2tpcr6Mn0JMoi0Jkt_PfIk5DWwY9Il-oaBF5B_6g2irYP3MKZT8_jJ0RR73LMTq-vgfOzpX_syVYvVnjSJl3DqNY76ZiyPXQAWaBJzFa6q5xIYqIBB4SD-CY1BDUG/s320/RMWebsiteHomeSmall.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We are really pleased to have a <a href="http://www.readingmatters.org.uk/">new website</a> that really promotes and supports all Reading Matters activities. With details of our key <a href="http://readingmatters.org.uk/services/">services</a> (<a href="http://readingmatters.org.uk/services/readingmentors/">Reading Mentors</a>, <a href="http://readingmatters.org.uk/services/readingleaders/">Reading Leaders</a>, <a href="http://readingmatters.org.uk/services/readingfamilies/">Reading Families</a> and <a href="http://readingmatters.org.uk/services/readingteams/">Reading Teams</a>) and downloadable <a href="http://readingmatters.org.uk/resources/">resources</a> including <a href="http://readingmatters.org.uk/resources/fun-sheets">Fun Sheets</a>, <a href="http://readingmatters.org.uk/resources/casestudies">Case Studies</a>, <a href="http://readingmatters.org.uk/resources/research">Research</a> and <a href="http://readingmatters.org.uk/resources/informationpacks">Information Packs</a>.<br /><br />Take a look at <a href="http://www.readingmatters.org.uk/">www.readingmatters.org.uk</a>, and get involved: </span><ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://readingmatters.org.uk/blog/">Leave a comment on the blog</a></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">See the latest updates from <a href="http://www.facebook.com/readingmatters">our Facebook page</a>, please like us! </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sign up for the new <a href="http://readingmatters.org.uk/#mc_mv_EMAIL">Email Bulletin</a> </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Check out the <a href="http://readingmatters.org.uk/events/">Events Calendar</a></span></li>
</ul>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This blog has been incorporated into the <a href="http://readingmatters.org.uk/blog/">new website</a>, so in future posts will be <a href="http://readingmatters.org.uk/blog/">added there</a>. You may want to update any subscriptions you have set up</span>.Richard Hankshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01877555551471629088noreply@blogger.com24tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4976085606403796119.post-35714198526098524932012-04-05T15:30:00.000+01:002012-04-05T15:30:02.645+01:00A week of shortlists<iframe align="right" frameborder="0" height="240" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm-uk.amazon.co.uk/e/cm?lt1=_blank&bc1=000000&IS2=1&bg1=FFFFFF&fc1=000000&lc1=0000FF&t=thbobl-21&o=2&p=8&l=as4&m=amazon&f=ifr&ref=ss_til&asins=1848773927" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;" width="320"></iframe>Every blog post I have read this week seems to mention a new book award shortlist:
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<li><a href="http://wakingbraincells.com/2012/03/27/the-2012-carnegie-medal-shortlist/">The 2012 Carnegie Medal Shortlist</a> - <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/0340997265/ref=as_li_ss_til?tag=thbobl-21&camp=2902&creative=19466&linkCode=as4&creativeASIN=0340997265&adid=0JS5FH746E230QWYDYQ3&">My Name is Mina by David Almond</a> shortlisted again!</li>
<li><a href="http://wakingbraincells.com/2012/03/27/the-2012-kate-greenaway-medal-shortlist/">The 2012 Kate Greenaway Medal Shortlist</a> - We love<a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/140631689X/ref=as_li_ss_til?tag=thbobl-21&camp=2902&creative=19466&linkCode=as4&creativeASIN=140631689X&adid=0DRBT0X5W6M5GJQQ1BDS&."> There Are No Cats in This Book by Viviane Schwarz</a> in our house!</li>
<li><a href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/childrens-books-site/2012/feb/08/waterstones-childrens-books-prize-teen">2012 Waterstones Children’s Book Prize</a> - winner, <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/1848773927/ref=as_li_ss_til?tag=thbobl-21&camp=2902&creative=19466&linkCode=as4&creativeASIN=1848773927&adid=0WP1MPX50WJEN1F87TD4&">The Pirates Next Door by Jonny Duddle</a>, looks absolutely brilliant</li>
<li><a href="http://www.achuka.co.uk/achockablog/archives/2012/04/english-associa-2.html">English Association Primary Website Book Awards Shortlist</a> - This is a new one for me, a very nice list, I must get a copy of <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/1406338532/ref=as_li_ss_til?tag=thbobl-21&camp=2902&creative=19466&linkCode=as4&creativeASIN=1406338532&adid=018Y47310E1JKXJMX8CT&">I Want My Hat Back by Jon Klassen</a></li>
</ul>Richard Hankshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01877555551471629088noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4976085606403796119.post-90965409776548872662012-04-04T13:29:00.000+01:002012-04-05T09:17:05.191+01:00The BFG is 30 - lets have a frobscottle<iframe align="right" frameborder="0" height="240" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm-uk.amazon.co.uk/e/cm?lt1=_blank&bc1=000000&IS2=1&bg1=FFFFFF&fc1=000000&lc1=0000FF&t=thbobl-21&o=2&p=8&l=as4&m=amazon&f=ifr&ref=ss_til&asins=0141322624" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;" width="320"></iframe>The <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/0141322624/ref=as_li_ss_til?tag=thbobl-21&camp=2902&creative=19466&linkCode=as4&creativeASIN=0141322624&adid=0433EV48Q5Z4J80CG5YD&&ref-refURL=http%3A%2F%2Frcm-uk.amazon.co.uk%2Fe%2Fcm%3Flt1%3D_blank%26bc1%3D000000%26IS2%3D1%26bg1%3DFFFFFF%26fc1%3D000000%26lc1%3D0000FF%26t%3Dthbobl-21%26o%3D2%26p%3D8%26l%3Das4%26m%3Damazon%26f%3Difr%26ref%3Dss_til%26asins%3D0141322624">BFG</a> cropped up at our recent <a href="http://rm.electroweb2.org.uk/volunteers/" title="Volunteers">Volunteer Reading Mentors</a> meeting. One of our smashing <a href="http://rm.electroweb2.org.uk/services/readingmentors/" title="Reading Mentors">Reading Mentors</a> has being using <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/0141322624/ref=as_li_ss_til?tag=thbobl-21&camp=2902&creative=19466&linkCode=as4&creativeASIN=0141322624&adid=0433EV48Q5Z4J80CG5YD&&ref-refURL=http%3A%2F%2Frcm-uk.amazon.co.uk%2Fe%2Fcm%3Flt1%3D_blank%26bc1%3D000000%26IS2%3D1%26bg1%3DFFFFFF%26fc1%3D000000%26lc1%3D0000FF%26t%3Dthbobl-21%26o%3D2%26p%3D8%26l%3Das4%26m%3Damazon%26f%3Difr%26ref%3Dss_til%26asins%3D0141322624">Roald Dahl's book</a> in her reading sessions. The super use of language is working really well with her partner who can identify with the spellings and phrases such as "human beans" and "snozzcumbers".<br />
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Then on the <a href="http://www.sla.org.uk/rsblg-the-bfg-is-30.php">Schools Librarian Association Blog I learn the BFG is 30 years old</a>! On the 13 September you can celebrate his birthday. So plenty of time to start planning some fun. <a href="http://www.sla.org.uk/dwl.php?doc=bfg-flyer.pdf">Download the pdf leaflet</a>.Richard Hankshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01877555551471629088noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4976085606403796119.post-13732783739099299222012-04-02T11:35:00.000+01:002012-04-02T11:35:19.124+01:00Reading Matters on Breeze Culture Network<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We are really pleased to be featured on the new <a href="https://culturenetwork.breezeleeds.org/">Breeze Culture Network website</a>:</span><br />
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<span style="clear: left; float: left; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="198" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW4RRulgPk7osNMJWp3yTio_ioYZVIQLKJmxTEn3kzqQ13hYgYPw9gqnBXt5NsEVPaaIHCZFrfX-Nd9Eoe7u1jHqJ65BxNZfSTDGP34n5-ZjkUGWrldWZVBnRWHk7p9Z9REdn3YtDCK4jm/s320/breeze.jpg" width="320" /></span><span style="clear: left; float: left; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;">We are running a series of <a href="http://gettingreading.blogspot.co.uk/2012/03/leeds-reading-mentors-training.html">training courses for school and setting staff in Leeds</a> next term, so it is the perfect way to promote these; along side loads of other great events and resources.</span></div>Richard Hankshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01877555551471629088noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4976085606403796119.post-50102543905552512282012-03-26T15:25:00.000+01:002012-03-26T15:25:27.538+01:00Leeds Reading Mentors Training<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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We have a couple of nice Reading Mentors training courses coming up in Leeds. A workshop for co-ordinations of volunteer reading mentors in schools and other settings. And an accredited training course for reading mentors themselves.<br /><h3>
Managing Reading Mentors Workshop - 17/4/12</h3>
Half day workshop to develop best practice recruiting, supporting and managing volunteer reading mentors from the local community.<br /><ul>
<li>Establishing an effective programme of one-to-one reading sessions </li>
<li>Free USB-stick loaded with template documents to manage the programme </li>
<li>Access to Reading Matters resources and advice </li>
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<b>£95 per person</b><div>
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Reading Mentors Training - 3/5/12</h3>
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<li>Identification of reading difficulties</li>
<li>How to work one-to-one effectively</li>
<li>Using appropriate reading resources</li>
<li>Reading age assessment</li>
<li>Techniques to improve reading skills</li>
<li>Supporting the Literacy Curriculum</li>
<li>Safeguarding children</li>
<li>Prepare for NOCN Level 2 accreditation</li>
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To book contact <a href="http://www.readingmatters.org.uk/">Reading Matters</a>:<br /><a href="mailto:info@readingmatters.org.uk">info@readingmatters.org.uk</a>, 01274 692219</div>
</div>Richard Hankshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01877555551471629088noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4976085606403796119.post-68168706167398816182012-03-20T10:16:00.000+00:002012-03-20T10:16:20.506+00:00Showcomotion Youth Jury<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.showroomworkstation.org.uk/pictures/Logos/~jD8lsEDDDD8lsEnV/showcologo_colourFORWEB.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.showroomworkstation.org.uk/pictures/Logos/~jD8lsEDDDD8lsEnV/showcologo_colourFORWEB.jpg" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This afternoon <a href="http://www.readingmatters.org.uk/">Reading Matters</a> meeting for <a href="http://www.readingmatters.org.uk/reading-matters-volunteers.php">Reading Mentors</a> and <a href="http://www.readingmatters.org.uk/reading-matters-schools.php">Co-ordinators</a> is kindly being hosted by <a href="http://www.showroomworkstation.org.uk/">The Showroom Cinema</a>. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We will be there because we have some exciting events lined up as part of the <a href="http://www.showroomworkstation.org.uk/workstation/creativenews/lookwhosback">Showcomotion, Young People's Film Festival</a>; <b>watch this space</b>!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In the meantime, they are looking for to recruit members of the <a href="http://www.showroomworkstation.org.uk/showcomotion">Showcomotion Youth Jury members</a> to watch some great films, and award the Showcomotion Jury Award for 2012.<br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I think it would be perfect for our <a href="http://www.readingmatters.org.uk/reading-matters-schools.php">Reading Leaders</a>, but great for any young people aged 11 to 18, so why not <a href="http://www.showroomworkstation.org.uk/showcomotion">get involved...</a></span>Richard Hankshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01877555551471629088noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4976085606403796119.post-27652239219176639422012-03-07T11:27:00.002+00:002012-03-07T11:27:48.566+00:00World Read Aloud Day 2012<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://literacyadviser.files.wordpress.com/2012/03/wrad2012badge.jpg?w=627" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://literacyadviser.files.wordpress.com/2012/03/wrad2012badge.jpg?w=627" /></a></div>
It is <a href="http://litworld.org/worldreadaloudday">World Read Aloud Day</a> today, 7 March 2012. As the organisers <a href="http://litworld.org/">LitWorld</a> say:<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
"Take Action for Global Literacy, Celebrate the Power of Words, Change the World"</blockquote>
Check out the <a href="http://www.facebook.com/litworld">Facebook page</a> for more info.Richard Hankshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01877555551471629088noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4976085606403796119.post-85428852969343055802012-02-22T08:00:00.000+00:002012-02-22T10:25:43.184+00:00World Book Day 2012<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1 week to go before <a href="http://www.worldbookday.com/">World Book Day 2012</a>, on 1 March. As ever it looks really great;</span><br />
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<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The <a href="http://www.worldbookday.com/books/">£1 books</a> look cool; get your <a href="http://www.worldbookday.com/about/">tokens</a> ready.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The <a href="http://worldbookday.streamuk.com/">Biggest Show on Earth</a>, online festival, includes some amazing authors and illustrators.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Nominate a <a href="http://www.worldbookday.com/competitions/storytelling-superstars/">Storytelling Superstar</a>.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.worldbookday.com/cool-stuff-games/">Play games</a>, <a href="http://www.worldbookday.com/events/competitions/">enter a competition</a> or
<a href="http://www.worldbookday.com/events/">attend an event</a> (including one at the <a href="http://www.bookbrunch.co.uk/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=12103:exhibition-in-parliament-celebrates-world-book-day-2012&catid=906:childrens&Itemid=82">Houses of Parliament</a>).</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">There are tons of <a href="http://www.worldbookday.com/resources/">Resources</a> for schools, libraries, bookshops etc.</span></li>
</ul>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Almost too much to take in, have fun!</span>Richard Hankshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01877555551471629088noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4976085606403796119.post-47859625523844747112012-02-15T10:04:00.000+00:002012-02-15T10:04:00.618+00:00Book awards, competitions and festivals<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I've spotted a few nice book-themed activities recently.</span><br />
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<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.booktrust.org.uk/prizes-and-awards/2/2012">Blue Peter Book Awards 2012</a>, they are also trying yo find</span></li>
<li><a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/cbbc/vote/bestbookofthelasttenyears/"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Best Children's Book of the Last 10 Years</span></a></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio2/500words/2012/">BBC 500 Words</a> story-writing competition with Chris Evans</span></li>
<li><a href="http://www.education.gov.uk/inthenews/inthenews/a00203158/new-national-reading-competition-to-create-a-generation-of-book-lovers"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Schools Minister Nick Gibb's new reading competition</span></a></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.redhousechildrensbookaward.co.uk/">Redhouse Children's Book Award</a>, the 2012 winner will be announced at the...</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://ticketing.southbankcentre.co.uk/imagine-childrens-festival">Imagine Children's Festival</a> - 11 - 26 February - it's on now!</span></li>
</ul>
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="233" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/jUTbn46KKJY" width="400"></iframe>Richard Hankshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01877555551471629088noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4976085606403796119.post-65775298515520035502012-02-14T09:47:00.002+00:002012-02-14T09:47:32.517+00:00Video: The Fantastic Flying Books of Mr. Morris Lessmore<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Great book-themed animation, <a href="http://vimeo.com/35404908">The Fantastic Flying Books of Mr. Morris Lessmore</a>.</span><br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="225" mozallowfullscreen="" src="http://player.vimeo.com/video/35404908?byline=0&portrait=0" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="400"></iframe><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://vimeo.com/35404908">Their descriptions</a> sums it all up better than I could:</span><br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Inspired, in equal measures, by Hurricane Katrina, Buster Keaton, The Wizard of Oz, and a love for books, “Morris Lessmore” is a story of people who devote their lives to books and books who return the favor. Morris Lessmore is a poignant, humorous allegory about the curative powers of story. Using a variety of techniques (miniatures, computer animation, 2D animation) award winning author/ illustrator William Joyce and Co-director Brandon Oldenburg present a new narrative experience that harkens back to silent films and M-G-M Technicolor musicals. “Morris Lessmore” is old fashioned and cutting edge at the same time.<br /> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">“The Fantastic Flying Books of Mr. Morris Lessmore” is one of five animated short films that will be considered for outstanding film achievements of 2011 in the 84th Academy Awards ®.</span></blockquote>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">[thanks to <a href="http://blog.drawn.ca/post/17303829863/this-animated-short-turned-out-even-better-than-i">Drawn</a>]</span>Richard Hankshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01877555551471629088noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4976085606403796119.post-36172829851080824692012-02-01T15:30:00.000+00:002012-02-01T15:30:00.081+00:00Lists and Comics and Graphic Novels<iframe align="left" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm-uk.amazon.co.uk/e/cm?lt1=_blank&bc1=000000&IS2=1&bg1=FFFFFF&fc1=000000&lc1=0000FF&t=thbobl-21&o=2&p=8&l=as4&m=amazon&f=ifr&ref=ss_til&asins=1844036987" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;"></iframe><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I recently treated myself to <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/1844036987/ref=as_li_ss_til?tag=thbobl-21&camp=2902&creative=19466&linkCode=as4&creativeASIN=1844036987&adid=13T8D476P6BQD9J0WBNP&&ref-refURL=">1001 Comic Books: You Must Read Before You Die</a>. I love lists, I think it's a male thing. It's given me a long list of books to read, top of that list is <a href="ttp://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/0571241328/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=thbobl-21&linkCode=as2&camp=1634&creative=19450&creativeASIN=0571241328">Habibi by Craig Thompson</a>.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As I was reading 1001 Comic Books, the YALSA (Young Adult Library Services Association) produced <a href="http://www.ala.org/yalsa/booklists/ggnt/2012/topten">a list of the top ten graphic novels</a> for teen readers. This is one of many YALSA list another is <a href="http://www.ala.org/yalsa/booklists/quickpicks/2012">Quick Picks for Reluctant Readers</a>. These top 10s have been nicely presented by the <a href="http://wakingbraincells.com/2012/01/27/2012-great-graphic-novels/">Walking Brain Cells blog</a>.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I think graphic novels and comics are perfect for the young people we support here at <a href="http://www.readingmatters.org.uk/">Reading Matters</a>. Bridging the two lists (graphic novels and quick picks for reluctant readers) is <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/1405367784/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=thbobl-21&linkCode=as2&camp=1634&creative=19450&creativeASIN=1405367784">DC Comics Ultimate Character Guide</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.co.uk/e/ir?t=thbobl-21&l=as2&o=2&a=1405367784" style="border-bottom-style: none !important; border-color: initial !important; border-image: initial !important; border-left-style: none !important; border-right-style: none !important; border-top-style: none !important; border-width: initial !important; margin-bottom: 0px !important; margin-left: 0px !important; margin-right: 0px !important; margin-top: 0px !important;" width="1" />. Again, there is something about lists that really appeals to boys. I had to buy a last minute Christmas present for a 10 year old friend. I went for <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/140537358X/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=thbobl-21&linkCode=as2&camp=1634&creative=19450&creativeASIN=140537358X">LEGO Star Wars Character Encyclopedia</a>. I am not usually a great present selector, but this one was a massive success.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.co.uk/e/ir?t=thbobl-21&l=as2&o=2&a=140537358X" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I'd urge you to check out some of these lists, there's something for everyone!</span></div>Richard Hankshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01877555551471629088noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4976085606403796119.post-36573750897778076622012-01-31T09:50:00.001+00:002012-01-31T09:51:16.972+00:00Prime Minister says "Reading Matters"<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i.thisislondon.co.uk/i/pix/2012/01/18_cam-divine-415.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="208" src="http://i.thisislondon.co.uk/i/pix/2012/01/18_cam-divine-415.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #2a2a2a; font-family: Tahoma, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px; text-align: left;">David Cameron reads with Divine Obijiaku: from Evening Standard Website</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">There is a nice article on the <a href="http://www.thisislondon.co.uk/standard/get-london-reading/article-24028948-show-and-tell-at-st-marys-as-pm-pops-into-school.do">Evening Standard website</a> about the Prime Minister's visit to a London school. He was checking out the <a href="http://www.getlondonreading.co.uk/Home">Get London Reading</a> campaign. It's a very similar model to ours here at <a href="http://www.readingmatters.org.uk/">Reading Matters</a>; using <a href="http://www.readingmatters.org.uk/reading-matters-volunteers.php">Reading Volunteers</a> to improve literacy.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">To hammer home the point here is a quote</span><br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Reading matters for two simple reasons, he told pupils. "If we don't learn to read properly, then everything else in education is a closed book. But above and beyond that, reading is a joy and a pleasure and it is for life."</span></blockquote>
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<embed src="http://c.brightcove.com/services/viewer/federated_f9?isVid=1" bgcolor="#FFFFFF" flashVars="videoId=1398829723001&playerID=10177795001&playerKey=AQ~~,AAAAAFBfUR0~,APHItme33r3NCzP7M6JbKtN_Lw1nEGX4&domain=embed&dynamicStreaming=true" base="http://admin.brightcove.com" name="flashObj" width="486" height="412" seamlesstabbing="false" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowFullScreen="true" swLiveConnect="true" allowScriptAccess="always" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/shockwave/download/index.cgi?P1_Prod_Version=ShockwaveFlash"></embed></object></div>Richard Hankshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01877555551471629088noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4976085606403796119.post-8889250010309061162012-01-17T08:00:00.002+00:002012-01-17T08:00:52.184+00:00Picture This! Illustrating Children’s Books at Gallery Oldham<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.galleryoldham.org.uk/illustration.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://www.galleryoldham.org.uk/illustration.gif" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I have just read about the rather wonderful sounding<a href="http://www.galleryoldham.org.uk/exhibitions/picture_this.htm"> Picture This! Illustrating Children’s Books show at Gallery Oldham</a> on the equally wonderful <a href="http://lynnechapman.blogspot.com/2012/01/invitation-to-childrens-illustration.html">blog by Lynne Chapman</a>. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It sounds great, with illustrations from children’s books family activities. It includes some big names too: Shirley Hughes, Anthony Browne, Jez Alborough and Helen Stephens. </span><div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://lynnechapman.blogspot.com/2012/01/invitation-to-childrens-illustration.html">Lynnes' doing a big family event on Saturday 28 January</a> and the exhibition is on to 11 March, so lots of time to make the trip!</span></div>Richard Hankshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01877555551471629088noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4976085606403796119.post-66844421507398933142012-01-12T11:51:00.000+00:002012-01-12T11:51:03.152+00:00Barrington Stoke Solos: Bighead by Vince Cross, Take Two by Jo Cotterill, Bomb by Jim Eldridge and The After School Club by Alison DaviesOver Christmas I read four relatively new books in <a href="http://www.barringtonstoke.co.uk/search.asp?cid=21594">Barrington Stoke's Solo range</a>. I thought I'd write them up in one go here. Solos are described as 'short, whole novels that offer an easier introduction to real books'. They have a large difference between Reading Age (6.5 years) and Interest Age (11+).<br />
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<iframe align="right" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm-uk.amazon.co.uk/e/cm?lt1=_blank&bc1=000000&IS2=1&bg1=FFFFFF&fc1=000000&lc1=0000FF&t=thbobl-21&o=2&p=8&l=as4&m=amazon&f=ifr&ref=ss_til&asins=1842998293" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;"></iframe><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/1842998293/ref=as_li_ss_til?tag=thbobl-21&camp=2902&creative=19466&linkCode=as4&creativeASIN=1842998293&adid=0VM1E524SV3CN9TGB5PJ&&ref-refURL=">Bighead by Vince Cross</a></span><br />
Andy's in a wheelchair after an accident, his Dad has walked out and his Mum's struggling to find direction in her life. Understandably Andy has poor self-esteem, but the band he forms with is friends gives him the inspiration he needs. Bighead, the new band's name, reflects this new found confidence. The band can't fail on their path to stardom, and even Andy's Mum sorts herself out. <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/1842998293/ref=as_li_ss_til?tag=thbobl-21&camp=2902&creative=19466&linkCode=as4&creativeASIN=1842998293&adid=0VM1E524SV3CN9TGB5PJ&&ref-refURL=">Bighead</a> is quite a cheesy story, but you can't help but smile.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/%3Ca%20href=%22http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/1842998749/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=thbobl-21&linkCode=as2&camp=1634&creative=19450&creativeASIN=1842998749%22%3ETake%20Two%20(Solo)%3C/a%3E%3Cimg%20src=%22http://www.assoc-amazon.co.uk/e/ir?t=thbobl-21&l=as2&o=2&a=1842998749%22%20width=%221%22%20height=%221%22%20border=%220%22%20alt=%22%22%20style=%22border:none%20!important;%20margin:0px%20!important;%22%20/%3E">Take Two by Jo Cotterill</a></span><br />
I am afraid to say it, <a href="http://www.blogger.com/%3Ca%20href=%22http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/1842998749/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=thbobl-21&linkCode=as2&camp=1634&creative=19450&creativeASIN=1842998749%22%3ETake%20Two%20(Solo)%3C/a%3E%3Cimg%20src=%22http://www.assoc-amazon.co.uk/e/ir?t=thbobl-21&l=as2&o=2&a=1842998749%22%20width=%221%22%20height=%221%22%20border=%220%22%20alt=%22%22%20style=%22border:none%20!important;%20margin:0px%20!important;%22%20/%3E">Take Two</a> is aimed purely at a female audience, it includes a lot of pink, stars, dresses and glitter. It explains how Carla and Lily get their own back on the sneaky, arrogant Max. The girls see through him straight away, "he's too up himself", and find a great way to embarrass him. Take Two mixes some British, American and Japanese institutions: rugby, school proms and manga pictures. The blurb on the back tells you all you need to know; One prom + One hot boy + Two best friends = A lot of trouble!<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/1842998676/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=thbobl-21&linkCode=as2&camp=1634&creative=19450&creativeASIN=1842998676">Bomb by Jim Eldridge</a></span><br />
I really like the way <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/1842998676/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=thbobl-21&linkCode=as2&camp=1634&creative=19450&creativeASIN=1842998676">Bomb</a> is presented; dramatic pictures, lots of talk of MI5 an secret reports. It makes the story of a bomb in a school come to life. Rob is the bomb disposal expert, he is only 19, but he's the best. But he is troubled because his best mate was killed by a terrorist bomb like the one he must face. He has 45 minutes to diffuse the bomb, this is about how much time it might take to read, so it feels like it is in real time, which is a neat trick. It ends with a classic decision of which coloured wire to cut, I won't spoil it for you!<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/1842999400/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=thbobl-21&linkCode=as2&camp=1634&creative=19450&creativeASIN=1842999400">The After School Club by Alison Davies</a></span><br />
The pictures and words in <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/1842999400/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=thbobl-21&linkCode=as2&camp=1634&creative=19450&creativeASIN=1842999400">The After School Club</a> seem to be telling different stories. Without the pictures it would be a scary horror story about a secret club. But the images are done in a jokey cartoon way, which reduces the impact of the spookiness. Sam can't resist when Lena, the coolest girl at school asks him to join the 'Hairy Bikers' gang. Inevitably things do not go as he hoped and he has a series of run-ins with the other gang members and school bullies. The big revelation is perhaps easy to spot coming, but it is still a fun read. I would have liked the pictures to been as unsettling as the text though.Richard Hankshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01877555551471629088noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4976085606403796119.post-41596679328359168932012-01-11T17:02:00.000+00:002012-01-11T17:02:42.017+00:00Wolf by Tommy Donbavand<iframe align="right" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm-uk.amazon.co.uk/e/cm?lt1=_blank&bc1=000000&IS2=1&bg1=FFFFFF&fc1=000000&lc1=0000FF&t=thbobl-21&o=2&p=8&l=as4&m=amazon&f=ifr&ref=ss_til&asins=1842994832" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;"></iframe><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
I met Tommy Donbavand at the <a href="http://gettingreading.blogspot.com/2011/03/photos-doncaster-book-award-and.html">Doncaster Children's Book Award last year</a>, he was short-listed for <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/1842997084/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=thbobl-21&linkCode=as2&camp=1634&creative=19450&creativeASIN=1842997084">Zombie</a><a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/1842997084/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=thbobl-21&linkCode=as2&camp=1634&creative=19450&creativeASIN=1842997084">!</a>, another Barrington Stoke book. He did a brilliant routine involving giant crabs and toilet-roll mummy children. It was obvious mnosters play a big role in Tommy's world. So it was no surprise to see his latest is <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/1842994832/ref=as_li_ss_til?tag=thbobl-21&camp=2902&creative=19466&linkCode=as4&creativeASIN=1842994832&adid=1ZE4NXF17RAF11QN5DYR&&ref-refURL=">Wolf</a>, a werewolf tale.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Wolf tells the story of a normal boy called Adam's incredible transformation one evening, and the amazing reactions of his parents. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Adam's first concern when claws rip out of his fingers "mum's going to kill me when she saw the mess!" That turns out to be the least of his worries, as a very gruesome transform takes place. The chapter names describe the process: Claws, Fur, Tail, Snout, Eyes, Spine and Teeth! I particularly like the Fur chapter; "it did feel like I was wearing a thick dressing gown."</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">More remarkable than the transformation is Adam's parent clam reaction to it. They are pretty prepared for it. As Adam struggles to overcome his animal instincts and work-out why his parents are behaving so oddly, it builds to a truly shocking final couple of pages.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Brilliant, horrific stuff. I hope I catch up with <a href="http://www.tommydonbavand.com/">Tommy</a> again soon, he is much friendlier in real life.</span>Richard Hankshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01877555551471629088noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4976085606403796119.post-23903260610108174582012-01-04T15:21:00.000+00:002012-01-04T15:22:29.212+00:00Free to download: How to Choose Children’s Books<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.childrensbooksandreviews.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/450x580xhow-to-choose-childrens-books-cover-600px.jpg.pagespeed.ic.V8XDb8uih2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://www.childrensbooksandreviews.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/450x580xhow-to-choose-childrens-books-cover-600px.jpg.pagespeed.ic.V8XDb8uih2.jpg" width="248" /></a></div>
I just got a copy of the <a href="http://www.childrensbooksandreviews.com/ebook-how-to-choose-childrens-books/">free to download: How to Choose Children’s Books </a>by Aaron Mead.<br />
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It is really comprehensive, and just a little over-whelming!<br />
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It contains<br />
<ul>
<li><span style="color: blue;">Practical tips on picking great books for kids of all ages—infant through young adult.</span></li>
<li><span style="color: blue;">Guidance on what makes books attractive and developmentally valuable for children.</span></li>
<li><span style="color: blue;">Analysis of themes, illustrations, stories, and the use of humor in children’s books.</span></li>
<li><span style="color: blue;">Philosophical reflections on the role of children’s books in the development of moral character.</span></li>
<li><span style="color: blue;">A comprehensive list of online resources for finding excellent children’s literature, including book lists, sources of professional book reviews, and children’s literature blogs.</span></li>
</ul>
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A key message for me, is that just because a book looks attractive to an adult doesn't mean it is going to be right for a young person. </div>
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It's an eBook so full of links to further reviews and resources. I think our <a href="http://www.readingmatters.org.uk/reading-matters-volunteers.php">Reading Mentors</a>, <a href="http://www.readingmatters.org.uk/reading-matters-home.php">families</a> and other people working one-to-one with young people will find it very interesting.</div>Richard Hankshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01877555551471629088noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4976085606403796119.post-28643953112090876462011-12-27T10:22:00.000+00:002011-12-27T10:22:01.107+00:00World Book Night 2012<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrowOMDMSlO30sxVh_PPQIeJOMFXs1hu5xhVGCgwNa0wrxvXEKJULNEbFM-5ole7zPAI5Tg2_7R-0UO_G8Cm35CPyimKe4H417PpDX659mVYUHUwE07w8OCqMB4_HmJXzVf9KM8rIjUUDa/s1600/download.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrowOMDMSlO30sxVh_PPQIeJOMFXs1hu5xhVGCgwNa0wrxvXEKJULNEbFM-5ole7zPAI5Tg2_7R-0UO_G8Cm35CPyimKe4H417PpDX659mVYUHUwE07w8OCqMB4_HmJXzVf9KM8rIjUUDa/s1600/download.jpg" /></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">You may have been involved in <a href="http://www.worldbooknight.org/about-world-book-night">World Book Night</a> in 2011, <a href="http://gettingreading.blogspot.com/search?q=world+book+night">I certainly was and it was great</a>! A rather important <a href="http://gettingreading.blogspot.com/2011/11/new-baby-little-parachutes.html">due date</a> means I won't be signing up as <a href="http://www.worldbooknight.org/about-world-book-night/register-as-a-2012-giver">giver for 2012</a>, but might want to? If so we could help you get the books to our network of <a href="http://www.readingmatters.org.uk/reading-matters-volunteers.php">volunteer reading mentors</a>, <a href="http://www.readingmatters.org.uk/reading-matters-schools.php">schools and settings</a>.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">There are certainly some interesting <a href="http://www.worldbooknight.org/about-world-book-night/wbn-2012/the-books">books on the 2012 list</a>. Although I'd still like to see more titles aimed at a young audience, the <a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_1448094141">US l</a></span><a href="http://www.worldbooknight.com/wbn2012-the-books">ist</a> at least includes <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/1407109081/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=thbobl-21&linkCode=as2&camp=1634&creative=19450&creativeASIN=1407109081">The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins</a>.Richard Hankshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01877555551471629088noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4976085606403796119.post-87206636394065230832011-12-19T15:53:00.000+00:002011-12-19T16:53:55.019+00:00New Baby - Little Parachutes<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My start with Reading Matters was two weeks after the birth of my first daughter, Rose, see <a href="http://gettingreading.blogspot.com/2008/10/excited-start.html">my very first blog post</a>. Well three years later, a new baby is on the way:</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwnCPSaB7wNjTC0sLu3YnhVtGNoVRzHhf11FdEnLbOHsTVNjTlYMMw8bMKCWLndbFBM2w5afTNYgXnUKZdg1fWeDSF6VfMAftPII1-XVFlazcl9aBZ2f54q2OzaguOoT6XsxUWnroLHxwx/s1600/Baby2+Scan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwnCPSaB7wNjTC0sLu3YnhVtGNoVRzHhf11FdEnLbOHsTVNjTlYMMw8bMKCWLndbFBM2w5afTNYgXnUKZdg1fWeDSF6VfMAftPII1-XVFlazcl9aBZ2f54q2OzaguOoT6XsxUWnroLHxwx/s1600/Baby2+Scan.jpg" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It is exciting times, I may not be to coherent around the end of April!</span><br />
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<a href="http://www.littleparachutes.com/images/general_illus/branding.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://www.littleparachutes.com/images/general_illus/branding.jpg" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">To prepare Rose for becoming a big sister I have been looking for reading recommendations. The <a href="http://www.littleparachutes.com/">Little Parachutes website</a>, in conjunction with the local library, has proved really useful. Little Parachutes provides suggestions for 'picture books to help with life's challenges' such as a <a href="http://www.littleparachutes.com/subcategory.php?sid=14">new baby</a>. I can really recommend <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/1405227559/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=thbobl-21&linkCode=as2&camp=1634&creative=19450&creativeASIN=1405227559">The Perfect Baby by Tony Bradman and Holly Swain</a>.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">With other subjects including <a href="http://www.littleparachutes.com/subcategory.php?sid=25">Hospitals/Operations</a>, <a href="http://www.littleparachutes.com/subcategory.php?sid=50">Fear of the Dark</a>, <a href="http://www.littleparachutes.com/subcategory.php?sid=17">Moving House</a>, <a href="http://www.littleparachutes.com/subcategory.php?sid=12">Starting School</a> and <a href="http://www.littleparachutes.com/subcategory.php?sid=31">Healthy Eating</a> it is great for exploring issues with children via reading.</span>Richard Hankshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01877555551471629088noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4976085606403796119.post-84256086670604223532011-12-15T11:21:00.000+00:002011-12-15T11:21:25.985+00:00Wildlife Trust Wildlife Watch Magazine<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzG_VK2GeBXZ9TrcvFxmeIIfdwYVoOzaJMm0Jo8tDPpj5Xmr8sc6SZzOW8pVjEXc8e44NOA5osWPAVp89gvd5jQOIPlapi-sYn5K4bYqkqFuqtqn3USQGy25W_X_xHOviFyilUYkpAXq5A/s1600/Wildlife_Watch_magazine.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/AVvXsEjzG_VK2GeBXZ9TrcvFxmeIIfdwYVoOzaJMm0Jo8tDPpj5Xmr8sc6SZzOW8pVjEXc8e44NOA5osWPAVp89gvd5jQOIPlapi-sYn5K4bYqkqFuqtqn3USQGy25W_X_xHOviFyilUYkpAXq5A/s320/Wildlife_Watch_magazine.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My colleague, Diane, passed me her latest copy of <a href="http://www.wildlifewatch.org.uk/">Wildlife Watch Magazine</a>, published by the <a href="http://www.wildlifetrusts.org/">Wildlife Trust</a>. Both the magazine and the website are super and perfect for <a href="http://www.readingmatters.org.uk/">reading partnerships</a> where a young person is interested in nature.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Both the website and magazine are really nicely presented with lots of colour, pictures and snappy bits of text to read.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The magazine has games, competitions and activities, this edition, Winter 2011 has a beautiful Red Squirrel poster too.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The website is full of interesting things to read and do, in particular:</span><br />
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<ul>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.wildlifewatch.org.uk/explore-wildlife/">Exploring wildlife</a> by seasons, habitats tracks and signs etc.</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.wildlifewatch.org.uk/activites/wildlife-items/AT1/">Activities </a> with loads of suggestions</span></li>
<li><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.wildlifewatch.org.uk/Downloads">Downloads</a>, spotting sheets, word searches, activity sheets, recipes and loads more</span></b></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.wildlifewatch.org.uk/Games">Games</a>, <a href="http://www.wild-net.org/Wild-NET/web/gsrace.html">Greenspace Race</a> has some reading built in</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.wildlifewatch.org.uk/Badger-s-Blog/Badger-s-Blog">Badger's blog</a> and <a href="http://www.wildlifewatch.org.uk/component/option,com_community/Itemid,141/view,community/">Watchers entries</a> frequently updated</span></li>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">All brilliant stuff, well worth checking out.</span></div>
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<br />Richard Hankshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01877555551471629088noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4976085606403796119.post-16640139373001733252011-12-07T10:41:00.001+00:002011-12-07T10:46:47.410+00:00Learning is lovely: 12 days of Learning Pool gifts<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.learningpool.com/wp-content/blogs.dir/1/files/2011/11/lp12days-gift.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.learningpool.com/wp-content/blogs.dir/1/files/2011/11/lp12days-gift.png" /></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I have just received the fifth gift from the <a href="http://www.learningpool.com/learning-is-lovely-12-days-of-learning-pool-gifts/">Learning Pools 12 days of gifts</a>. A really nice children's Christmas Activity Pack. Just right for <a href="http://www.readingmatters.org.uk/">reading partnerships</a>. Whether it is Christmas or not The Learning Pool has all sorts of nice resources to check out.</span>Richard Hankshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01877555551471629088noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4976085606403796119.post-89933923326299558832011-11-24T13:58:00.001+00:002011-11-24T16:08:44.031+00:00Volunteering Fair at the Sinai Synagogue in LeedsA message from Christine Elliott about the Volunteering Fair at the <a href="http://www.sinaisynagogue.org.uk/">Sinai Synagogue</a> that took place last week:<br />
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Thank you to all those who made the volunteering Fair at the Sinai Synagogue in Leeds such a great event last Sunday. The hosts were extremely welcoming and I am pleased that so many people came to our <a href="http://www.readingmatters.org.uk/">Reading Matters</a> stand to find out what we did and what <a href="http://www.readingmatters.org.uk/reading-matters-volunteers.php">volunteering opportunities</a> were available.There were a whole host of other organisations there so it was also beneficial to chat with other voluntary organisations. Our volunteers, Pat Reader, Joan Hick, Jenny Homes and Alison House did a brilliant job manning the stand and sharing their knowledge and I understand they all enjoyed the day so many thanks to them for giving up their time. The event was so successful I understand that the organisers are considering holding another one again next year.</blockquote>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfP-WhwgbICpGiFadtwgHqizbB6p9Qm2MdnsrdoG2j-ocrKvr04UkvURiqysqNOK5zERWK_hk43Z96G-sn4wZBYnDMPgsTqXM9pjihRDgCCzz8w5-NvCipGfm7leZhNFUklqe-kix5RUoW/s1600/Sinai+Sinagogue+11_11_13.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfP-WhwgbICpGiFadtwgHqizbB6p9Qm2MdnsrdoG2j-ocrKvr04UkvURiqysqNOK5zERWK_hk43Z96G-sn4wZBYnDMPgsTqXM9pjihRDgCCzz8w5-NvCipGfm7leZhNFUklqe-kix5RUoW/s320/Sinai+Sinagogue+11_11_13.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"> Christine Elliott, Reading Matters Volunteer Co-ordinator and Alison House Volunteer Reading Mentor at The David Young Academy</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>Richard Hankshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01877555551471629088noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4976085606403796119.post-84023590753747148552011-11-15T21:14:00.001+00:002011-11-15T21:26:35.029+00:00Reading Matters Continuing Professional Development Opportunities<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQUNl3E_J8TZ3KBNXmdndu0shA1YJl-zJuA-ZvEKEXs9-iFZmNbKblaRFYD7Hnta9fPizrYv-xeGHQP2H7LF40MSc-_8jfWDabx963L9CIR-Sewc-r9oxhwsMta2BqJzOGsetbV0gbsqgl/s1600/Reading-Teams-and-Developing-2gether300.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQUNl3E_J8TZ3KBNXmdndu0shA1YJl-zJuA-ZvEKEXs9-iFZmNbKblaRFYD7Hnta9fPizrYv-xeGHQP2H7LF40MSc-_8jfWDabx963L9CIR-Sewc-r9oxhwsMta2BqJzOGsetbV0gbsqgl/s1600/Reading-Teams-and-Developing-2gether300.gif" /></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Reading Matters has a <a href="http://gettingreading.blogspot.com/2011/10/new-reading-matters-office-in-sheffield.html">new office in Sheffield</a>. <a href="http://www.ethicalproperty.co.uk/site/en/_Scotia_Works.php">Scotia Works</a> is a superb training venue and I hope we'll tempt some people to pay us a visit and to help boost literacy with these Continuing Professional Development opportunities. Alternative dates are available in Leeds and Bradford next year.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>MANAGING READING MENTORS WORKSHOP </b></span><b style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">23 January 2012</b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A half-day workshop to develop best practice recruiting, supporting and retaining volunteer reading mentors from the local community.</span><b style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">“Exactly what I needed to give me confidence with the reading volunteers I have starting next week!” Cathy Hogg, </b><b style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;">Shortbrook</span></b><b style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"> Primary School, Sheffield</span></b></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>SUPPORTING READING DEVELOPMENT TRAINING 16 March 2012</b>An interactive, accredited training day for professionals who support young people’s literacy. We’ll provide strategies to help tackle low levels of literacy and self-esteem, supporting reading development one-to-one or in groups.<br /><b>“A fantastic day” Laura Benn, Wath Comprehensive School, Rotherham</b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Please <a href="https://docs.google.com/open?id=0B0klggRfd0W4MTMxZDZhZGUtNjk2Ny00ZDA5LWJlOWEtOTkzNjNlZjFiYWRi">download a poster</a> with a little more info and/or a <a href="https://docs.google.com/open?id=0B0klggRfd0W4OWU1ODA3ZTgtNjBmNC00MWMwLTg0YTctNmEwOGI3ZjQ3YmJm">booking form</a> to reserve a place.</span></div>Richard Hankshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01877555551471629088noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4976085606403796119.post-62272688344748136182011-10-26T15:30:00.000+01:002011-10-26T15:30:01.061+01:00Video Games<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When trying to engage a struggling or reluctant reader, computer games can often be a less intimidating approach than a hefty tome or badly photo-copied activity sheet. I've spotted a few interactive online resources that might be of interest:</span><br />
<ul>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/childrens-books-site/series/root-an-interactive-story">Root, an interactive spy story</a> - This project started this week, new chapters of Root will be published every day for six weeks. Any one can get involved and influence the story by solving mysteries, foiling plans and eavesdropping into conversations!</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://bloomengine.com/binary/">The Binary</a> - A brilliantly presented online adventure, like an interactive book.</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.popcap.com/games/bookwormadventures/pc">Book Worm Adventures</a> - A role-playing word game involving building words and battling monsters.</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://bobstaake.com/bookmobile.shtml">Build your own Book Mobile</a> - This one is a bit more 'old school', download, cut out and stick together your own beautiful mobile library.</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://feeleveryyummy.com/">Word Fighter</a> - This isn't out yet, but looks too cool for words (bad pun). <iframe align="center" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/i3T_Uo17KWk" width="560"></iframe></span></li>
</ul>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I guess the inspiration</span> for this post was the song I am kind of in love with at the moment, <a href="http://youtu.be/HO1OV5B_JDw">Video Games by Lana Del Rey</a>. Song lyrics are another great idea to <a href="http://www.readingmatters.org.uk/">read with a partner</a>, try <a href="http://www.google.co.uk/search?aq=f&gcx=c&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8&q=video+games+lyrics">googling their favourite song</a>.<div>
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Have fun.</div>Richard Hankshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01877555551471629088noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4976085606403796119.post-56915281751960671262011-10-17T08:00:00.000+01:002011-10-17T08:00:09.233+01:00New Reading Matters Office in Sheffield<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO6ATpA5BR4IPS207BudhLk5feapX8HBdn6b-B1iSgcyBcY-9_lb1tTDYc3lVrN5iYP6Ft4hWM90aQBXe2FF8ieGL3-FFubPIBLUGtIP4_EWcWYUt4B10vy2nRtqh3hQ2SsF7J3BJzFaR_/s1600/ScotiaWorks.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/AVvXsEgO6ATpA5BR4IPS207BudhLk5feapX8HBdn6b-B1iSgcyBcY-9_lb1tTDYc3lVrN5iYP6Ft4hWM90aQBXe2FF8ieGL3-FFubPIBLUGtIP4_EWcWYUt4B10vy2nRtqh3hQ2SsF7J3BJzFaR_/s320/ScotiaWorks.jpg" width="214" /></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Reading Matters office in Sheffield has moved. We are now at:</span><blockquote>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Reading Matters<br />Scotia Works<br />Leadmill Road<br />Sheffield<br />S1 4SE<br />Tel: 0114 241 2743</span></blockquote>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Please update your address books.<br /><br />This new <a href="http://maps.google.co.uk/maps/place?q=Scotia+Works&cid=308386987723939453">location</a> at <a href="http://%20www.ethicalproperty.co.uk/site/en/_Scotia_Works.php">Scotia Works</a> is a wonderful location next to Sheffield Railway station, with some great training spaces that would be perfect for <a href="http://www.readingmatters.org.uk/">Reading Matters</a> training. Reading Matters specialises in one-to-one support to motivate young people to reach their potential by becoming confident and enthusiastic readers. We provide support via:</span><ul>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">adults as volunteer reading mentors</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">young people as reading leaders</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">parents and carers to help their own families</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">professional staff with a responsibility for literacy</span></li>
</ul>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.readingmatters.org.uk/contact.php">Get in touch</a> if this sounds of interest, it would be great to hear from you.</span></div>Richard Hankshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01877555551471629088noreply@blogger.com0Norton, Sheffield, South Yorkshire S1 4SE, UK53.3761174 -1.464662653.3737494 -1.4695981 53.378485399999995 -1.4597271tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4976085606403796119.post-20968222119646515792011-10-15T17:06:00.000+01:002011-10-15T17:06:00.723+01:00My Name is O by Sam Enthoven, and Pale by Chris Wooding<div align="center">
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I have received proof copies of two <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dystopia">dystopian</a> stories out in January 2012, <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/1842998382/ref=as_li_ss_til?tag=thbobl-21&camp=2902&creative=19466&linkCode=as4&creativeASIN=1842998382&adid=19NT0FPB90H2GQD36EC9&">My Name is O by Sam Enthoven</a>, and <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/184299946X/ref=as_li_ss_til?tag=thbobl-21&camp=2902&creative=19466&linkCode=as4&creativeASIN=184299946X&adid=10S4FR94Q4XXFPBK9NMS&">Pale by Chris Wooding</a>.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>My Name is O</b>, is set entirely in the Bank of England as O tells the reader of his daring break-in and the reason for it. We learn directly from O that he/she "was born in a special breeding programme run by our secret masters", the implication is that the reader is as much a part of this controlled society as O. But O has been singled out for particular conditioning, but without his masters knowledge he has "built a personality". O starts out pretty cocky, but gets more and more out of his depth, he doesn't understand his situation as much as he thinks. It's a gripping tale, set over a short time period in a single location, but very much part of a wider, scary world.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In contrast <b>Pale</b>, covers a long time period. In fact Jed grows, dies and comes back to live another life within the 69 pages. It is set in another scary world, in a future where some people can be resurrected as Pales. The Pales are completely shunned by regular society; jealousy, fear and ignorance all play a part. Sometimes feelings are understandable, it's hard to argue with a statement like "dead kids shouldn't be allowed to go to school". But it's clear people need to learn to deal with these new members of society. Jed, our narrator sees both sides. I hope I am not spoiling it by telling you he dies on page 16! It is tale of violence, betrayal and hatred with a gripping conclusion of rescue and revelation.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In both books, and like in all good Science Fiction, they tell us as much about our own lives as those of the characters in the fantasy settings. Pale in particular seems to be all about current news-worthy themes of immigration, religious differences and human rights. I think they would provide lots of discussion in <a href="http://www.readingmatters.org.uk/">reading partnerships</a>.</span>Richard Hankshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01877555551471629088noreply@blogger.com0