Professionals Against Bullying

Sunday, February 28, 2010

Sweet Escape...

I think that my love of books is partly because I get to walk in someone else's shoes for a while. Reading opens up possibilities, challenges my mindset and gives me something worthwhile to cling onto. My Be A Part of Their Story Literacy Project has helped to give quality reading materials to young people in Michigan and to boost their self-esteem with the written word. This year partnering with Operation: Kid Equip will assist many kids in their literacy goals and give them something worthwhile to look forward to for the summer.
I am so excited about the virtual bookfair that I and several other authors have made a reality. We are giving out great give-a-ways and signing books for anyone who purchases during the time of the fair. The last day is today. I have already sold some books to some great readers be sure to get in on the fun and feel free to pass the word.
I thought that having a fair virtually helps readers to save time and to engage in a new way with published authors.
Our Main portal for more info is http://www.virtualbookfair.net

Be sure to visit our other participating authors/illustrators involved in this year's fair! Purchase signed copies, get give-a-ways and more!

Tara Michener- author of the "Who I Am Series" that promotes self-esteem & diversity in kids. "Who I Am Not What I Am" Meet
Janelle, A fun girl who discovers the secret to happiness is loving herself for who she is, not for fitting into what others want her to be.
100% Real-What does it mean to be real? Meet Zoey who wonders the same thing after her classmates question her about being adopted. With the help of a close friend in Janelle and her parents she discovers that she has more in common with her family than she thought. www.taramichener.com

JD Holiday-Janoose The Goose likes life in the barnyard very much. She is visiting her cousin, Molly duck and her baby, DeeDee. Her vacation is over and Janoose must go home because there are no job openings on the farm. When her flight arrives home she learns that the fox has begun a crime spree. Janoose is the only one who can stop him. www.jdswritersblog.blogspot.com

Adra Young-The Everyday Living of Children and Teens Monologues (Volume I and II)
This series is in a class by itself. These books address multifaceted issues that kids are faced with. Parents may utilize these books to address sensitive subject matters and establish stronger bonds and communication with their kids. These books have been acknowledged for creating an acting guide that addressees appropriate socialization skills. www.ardannyl.me

Grace Hatton-The Guys The Roses & The Regrets; the Girl to Girl Dating Guide Written by a teenage girl for teenage girls this book offers practical tips and real life stories that will help teenage girls and young women navigate the crazy world of dating, relationships and break ups. This book is an Amazon Best Seller! www.gracehatton.wordpress.com

Riley Carney-The FireStone (Book one of the Reign of the Elements) Sixteen-year-old Riley Carney works magic in this high fantasy adventure story with memorable, vibrant characters, fast-paced action, and humor. This book chronicles a journey of courage, friendship and danger as a groups of teens, led by fifteen-year old Matt, attempts to save their world from an evil elf who can harness power of the elements. www.rileycarney.blogspot.com


Colleen Murray Fisher-The One and Only Bernadette P. McMullen This book promotes appreciating who you are, as well as accepting others. Does liking peanut butter and pickle sandwiches, or painting with your toes, or even havining an imaginary friendmake a person strange? That's what kids say about Bernadette. But when Bernadette meets her new neighbor, Sofie she realizes that her uniqueness is nothing strange at all. www.colleenmurrayfisherbooks.com


Dawn Stephens-The Little Pot Soon after a potter forms a new pot and declares that he has important plans for his creation, the little pot begins to wonder what its purpose will be. Will it be used to hold important documents? Great riches? Beautiful flowers? As various expectations prove wrong the little pot is cautioned to see...The little pot is a simple profound story about inevitable reversals. www.DawnStephensBooks.com

Dan Bodenstein-The Tale of Eartha the Sea Turtle Based on the true story of a loggerhead sea turtle names Eartha, this enchanted tale tells the story of a young sea turtle who finds help in the last place that she expected. Through colorful imagery it helps kids to help injured animals... www.danbodenstein

Patty O'Brien Novak-Engineering The ABC's Imagine a world without cars and computers, or toys and televisions, or movies and microwaves...then imagine a world without engineers. This book answers questions about how everyday things work and how engineering relates to so many parts of a child's daily life http://www.pattyobriennovak.com/
-Read something great!

Saturday, February 27, 2010

Authors in Unity

One of my personal missions is to strive for unity in everything that I do. I work hard to build bridges through diversity and inclusion in my books. It is always important for me to help young people to know the damage that can be done when cliques are formed and people are outcasted. Many of the programs that educators enjoy the most involve me sharing how to break down barriers and help everyone to see the value in their fellow classmate.
This is not only something that I write about in books. It is something that I believe in on every level. In my business I always talk about the benefits of collaboration over competition.
This mindset helped me to come up with the virtual children's bookfair idea. I realized that many children's authors work hard everyday selling their own books-but what could happen if we helped to promote each others? The virtual children's bookfair is going on right now and includes amazing writers that believe in giving back to children in the form of the written word. We appreciate your support and purchases. Every book purchased will come with a give-a-way and every book bought between now and Sunday will be autographed.

Be sure to visit our other participating authors/illustrators involved in this year's fair! Purchase signed copies, get give-a-ways and more!

Tara Michener- author of the "Who I Am Series" that promotes self-esteem & diversity in kids. "Who I Am Not What I Am" Meet
Janelle, A fun girl who discovers the secret to happiness is loving herself for who she is, not for fitting into what others want her to be.
100% Real-What does it mean to be real? Meet Zoey who wonders the same thing after her classmates question her about being adopted. With the help of a close friend in Janelle and her parents she discovers that she has more in common with her family than she thought. www.taramichener.com

JD Holiday-Janoose The Goose likes life in the barnyard very much. She is visiting her cousin, Molly duck and her baby, DeeDee. Her vacation is over and Janoose must go home because there are no job openings on the farm. When her flight arrives home she learns that the fox has begun a crime spree. Janoose is the only one who can stop him. www.jdswritersblog.blogspot.com

Adra Young-The Everyday Living of Children and Teens Monologues (Volume I and II)
This series is in a class by itself. These books address multifaceted issues that kids are faced with. Parents may utilize these books to address sensitive subject matters and establish stronger bonds and communication with their kids. These books have been acknowledged for creating an acting guide that addressees appropriate socialization skills. www.ardannyl.me

Grace Hatton-The Guys The Roses & The Regrets; the Girl to Girl Dating Guide Written by a teenage girl for teenage girls this book offers practical tips and real life stories that will help teenage girls and young women navigate the crazy world of dating, relationships and break ups. This book is an Amazon Best Seller! www.gracehatton.wordpress.com

Riley Carney-The Fire Stone (Book one of the Reign of the Elements) Sixteen-year-old Riley Carney works magic in this high fantasy adventure story with memorable, vibrant characters, fast-paced action, and humor. This book chronicles a journey of courage, friendship and danger as a groups of teens, led by fifteen-year old Matt, attempts to save their world from an evil elf who can harness power of the elements. www.rileycarney.blogspot.com

Colleen Murray Fisher-The One and Only Bernadette P. McMullen This book promotes appreciating who you are, as well as accepting others. Does liking peanut butter and pickle sandwiches, or painting with your toes, or even havining an imaginary friendmake a person strange? That's what kids say about Bernadette. But when Bernadette meets her new neighbor, Sofie she realizes that her uniqueness is nothing strange at all. www.colleenmurrayfisherbooks.com

Dawn Stephens-The Little Pot Soon after a potter forms a new pot and declares that he has important plans for his creation, the little pot begins to wonder what its purpose will be. Will it be used to hold important documents? Great riches? Beautiful flowers? As various expectations prove wrong the little pot is cautioned to see...The little pot is a simple profound story about inevitable reversals. www.DawnStephensBooks.com

Dan Bodenstein-The Tale of Eartha the Sea Turtle Based on the true story of a loggerhead sea turtle names Eartha, this enchanted tale tells the story of a young sea turtle who finds help in the last place that she expected. Through colorful imagery it helps kids to help injured animals... www.danbodenstein

Patty O'Brien Novak-Engineering The ABC's Imagine a world without cars and computers, or toys and televisions, or movies and microwaves...then imagine a world without engineers. This book answers questions about how everyday things work and how engineering relates to so many parts of a child's daily life http://www.pattyobriennovak.com/

-Read Something Great!

Friday, February 26, 2010

THE PARTY IS HERE!

Have you ever saw one of those signs that sit in a front yard that says "The Party is Here?" Today that sign represents my blog for the next three days! My devotion to literacy made me see the importance of getting young people interested in reading and writing. Projects that have been started from my commitment to literacy include partnerships with non-profits to get them interested in reading and writing through my books, writing contests on my blog, and more.
Today begins the first day of our virtual children's bookfair-this means no crowds, no fuss, just books!
Today thru Sunday you can browse my blog and purchase books that are signed by the author and get give-a-ways to boot. The best part if that you don't have to stand in line or get bundled up to get high quality children's books from many genres. I thought that this was a great way to share literacy and unity so many other authors are involved too.
Please check out our main portal at http://www.virtualbookfair.net

Be sure to visit our other participating authors/illustrators involved in this year's fair! Purchase signed copies, get give-a-ways and more!

Tara Michener- author of the "Who I Am Series" that promotes self-esteem & diversity in kids. "Who I Am Not What I Am" Meet
Janelle, A fun girl who discovers the secret to happiness is loving herself for who she is, not for fitting into what others want her to be.
100% Real-What does it mean to be real? Meet Zoey who wonders the same thing after her classmates question her about being adopted. With the help of a close friend in Janelle and her parents she discovers that she has more in common with her family than she thought. www.taramichener.com

JD Holiday-Janoose The Goose likes life in the barnyard very much. She is visiting her cousin, Molly duck and her baby, DeeDee. Her vacation is over and Janoose must go home because there are no job openings on the farm. When her flight arrives home she learns that the fox has begun a crime spree. Janoose is the only one who can stop him. www.jdswritersblog.blogspot.com

Adra Young-The Everyday Living of Children and Teens Monologues (Volume I and II)
This series is in a class by itself. These books address multifaceted issues that kids are faced with. Parents may utilize these books to address sensitive subject matters and establish stronger bonds and communication with their kids. These books have been acknowledged for creating an acting guide that addressees appropriate socialization skills. www.ardannyl.me

Grace Hatton-The Guys The Roses & The Regrets; the Girl to Girl Dating Guide Written by a teenage girl for teenage girls this book offers practical tips and real life stories that will help teenage girls and young women navigate the crazy world of dating, relationships and break ups. This book is an Amazon Best Seller! www.gracehatton.wordpress.com

Riley Carney-The FireStone (Book one of the Reign of the Elements) Sixteen-year-old Riley Carney works magic in this high fantasy adventure story with memorable, vibrant characters, fast-paced action, and humor. This book chronicles a journey of courage, friendship and danger as a groups of teens, led by fifteen-year old Matt, attempts to save their world from an evil elf who can harness power of the elements. www.rileycarney.blogspot.com


Colleen Murray Fisher-The One and Only Bernadette P. McMullen This book promotes appreciating who you are, as well as accepting others. Does liking peanut butter and pickle sandwiches, or painting with your toes, or even havining an imaginary friendmake a person strange? That's what kids say about Bernadette. But when Bernadette meets her new neighbor, Sofie she realizes that her uniqueness is nothing strange at all. www.colleenmurrayfisherbooks.com


Dawn Stephens-The Little Pot Soon after a potter forms a new pot and declares that he has important plans for his creation, the little pot begins to wonder what its purpose will be. Will it be used to hold important documents? Great riches? Beautiful flowers? As various expectations prove wrong the little pot is cautioned to see...The little pot is a simple profound story about inevitable reversals. www.DawnStephensBooks.com

Dan Bodenstein-The Tale of Eartha the Sea Turtle Based on the true story of a loggerhead sea turtle names Eartha, this enchanted tale tells the story of a young sea turtle who finds help in the last place that she expected. Through colorful imagery it helps kids to help injured animals... www.danbodenstein

Patty O'Brien Novak-Engineering The ABC's Imagine a world without cars and computers, or toys and televisions, or movies and microwaves...then imagine a world without engineers. This book answers questions about how everyday things work and how engineering relates to so many parts of a child's daily life http://www.pattyobriennovak.com/

-Read something great!

Thursday, February 25, 2010

VIRTUALLY GREAT!

Readers,
February 26th-28th we will having a bookfair to remember! The first Virtual Children's Bookfair will be available 24 hours a day! This is a fun time to get signed books, give-a-ways and more from authors all over the nation. Our first fair features picture books, monologues, novels and even non-fiction!
Please spread the word and get ready to experience an amazing event. My give-a-way for tomorrow is that everyone who buys one of my books gets a signed book mark to go with it that features Zoey & Janelle!

Our Main portal for more info is http://www.virtualbookfair.net

Be sure to visit our other participating authors/illustrators involved in this year's fair! Purchase signed copies, get give-a-ways and more!

Tara Michener- author of the "Who I Am Series" that promotes self-esteem & diversity in kids. "Who I Am Not What I Am" Meet
Janelle, A fun girl who discovers the secret to happiness is loving herself for who she is, not for fitting into what others want her to be.
100% Real-What does it mean to be real? Meet Zoey who wonders the same thing after her classmates question her about being adopted. With the help of a close friend in Janelle and her parents she discovers that she has more in common with her family than she thought. www.taramichener.com

JD Holiday-Janoose The Goose likes life in the barnyard very much. She is visiting her cousin, Molly duck and her baby, DeeDee. Her vacation is over and Janoose must go home because there are no job openings on the farm. When her flight arrives home she learns that the fox has begun a crime spree. Janoose is the only one who can stop him. www.jdswritersblog.blogspot.com

Adra Young-The Everyday Living of Children and Teens Monologues (Volume I and II)
This series is in a class by itself. These books address multifaceted issues that kids are faced with. Parents may utilize these books to address sensitive subject matters and establish stronger bonds and communication with their kids. These books have been acknowledged for creating an acting guide that addressees appropriate socialization skills. www.ardannyl.me

Grace Hatton-The Guys The Roses & The Regrets; the Girl to Girl Dating Guide Written by a teenage girl for teenage girls this book offers practical tips and real life stories that will help teenage girls and young women navigate the crazy world of dating, relationships and break ups. This book is an Amazon Best Seller! www.gracehatton.wordpress.com

Riley Carney-The FireStone (Book one of the Reign of the Elements) Sixteen-year-old Riley Carney works magic in this high fantasy adventure story with memorable, vibrant characters, fast-paced action, and humor. This book chronicles a journey of courage, friendship and danger as a groups of teens, led by fifteen-year old Matt, attempts to save their world from an evil elf who can harness power of the elements. www.rileycarney.blogspot.com


Colleen Murray Fisher-The One and Only Bernadette P. McMullen This book promotes appreciating who you are, as well as accepting others. Does liking peanut butter and pickle sandwiches, or painting with your toes, or even havining an imaginary friendmake a person strange? That's what kids say about Bernadette. But when Bernadette meets her new neighbor, Sofie she realizes that her uniqueness is nothing strange at all. www.colleenmurrayfisherbooks.com


Dawn Stephens-The Little Pot Soon after a potter forms a new pot and declares that he has important plans for his creation, the little pot begins to wonder what its purpose will be. Will it be used to hold important documents? Great riches? Beautiful flowers? As various expectations prove wrong the little pot is cautioned to see...The little pot is a simple profound story about inevitable reversals. www.DawnStephensBooks.com

Dan Bodenstein-The Tale of Eartha the Sea Turtle Based on the true story of a loggerhead sea turtle names Eartha, this enchanted tale tells the story of a young sea turtle who finds help in the last place that she expected. Through colorful imagery it helps kids to help injured animals... www.danbodenstein
Patty O'Brien Novak-Engineering The ABC's Imagine a world without cars and computers, or toys and televisions, or movies and microwaves...then imagine a world without engineers. This book answers questions about how everyday things work and how engineering relates to so many parts of a child's daily life http://www.pattyobriennovak.com/

Thanks for your support and Read something great!

Tuesday, February 23, 2010

Letters to a younger me...

Have you ever heard someone say that if they could they would go back and change something? Well you can. Kind of. A great writing prompt that is both therapeutic and fun is writing to yourself. Think of yourself at any age you want to and get your pen and paper ready. If you choose to write to yourself at five...you must take sometime to reflect.
Embrace the visual of your five year old self and think about the life lessons that you would've liked to know at five. It could be as simple as eat as much ice-cream as possible or don't talk to strangers. The content is up to you. This exercise will open up your visual creativity and help you to tap into a different type of thought process that should help out your writing.
If you decide to do this prompt please let us know in the comments. How did it make you feel? Was it enlightening or not so much?
Writing prompts are great for attacking writer's block.
-Read something great

Monday, February 22, 2010

Literacy Love note....


I promised you from time to time that I would show gratitude through my blog posts to those who have made a significant difference in my life allowing me to be who i am today. Many of you who follow me on Twitter or who buy my books know about my "Hubistrator". Jason Michener is my husband, my best friend, my illustrator and more. If you enjoyed the illustrations in 100% Real...it is because of his expertise in art that made those pictures possible.
Before "Who I Am Not What I Am" and 100% Real Jason gave me motivation to see my dream realized. He gave me encouragement and feedback on my beginning drafts and idea sessions. It is because of him that Janelle and Zoey are who they are. So I just thought I'd take some time out to give him a public thank you for the literacy love! Remember how far a small act of kindness can go. A smile, uplifting word and compliment can be the foundation to some one's dream or career path being above board! Think about someone who made a difference to you and that set the stage to take you to where you are in life. It doesn't hurt to let them know that it meant a lot.
If you want you can comment on this blog and mention them publicly.
-Read something great!

Saturday, February 20, 2010

Black History Celebration to remember...


I had an amazing night last night and wanted to share with all of you! I was honored to be amongst some amazing people at a Black History Celebration for VIP's yesterday. The event was called Voices of Communication: Shaping The Story of Black America. The featured panelists included: Angela Burt-Murray of Essence Magazine, Soledad O'Brien of CNN, Tom Joyner of the Tom Joyner Morning Show, David A. Wilson of Grio.com.
I was able to meet Angela Burt-Murray personally and she is just like she is in the magazine! Her spirit is kind and filled with warmth. She and I talked about my book and how their is a continued need for more books for kids that cover issues on diversity-especially for boys.
I was able to tell her that I appreciated her campaign to unify women and I let her know how Essence Magazine allowed me to see positive images of people like me all of my life. Our chat ended with a sincere hug and I felt as though I just talked to a girlfriend. I was so enamored by her authenticity and down to earth demeanor.
I was also able to meet Soledad personally. It was a pleasure. She also was full of warmth and encouragement and was delighted to receive a copy of "Who I Am Not What I Am".
The panel was excellently moderated by Soledad O'Brien and the honesty and candor from the featured guests was both inspiring and compelling. Tom Joyner spoke on the need to support HBCU's and to superserve the community. David Wilson talked about his partnership with MSNBC and how he is able to make a difference as the founder of Grio.com. Jonathan Rodgers also shared great insight in regards to the media and his contribution on portraying positive images of African Americans through TV One. I also thought the program was a celebration of local hometown heroes Rhonda Walker of local 4 news and Senator Martha Scott. In a nutshell this was a great event to have to commemorate a special month of history.
I walked away from the event realizing that the hard work is not done but I was inspired to know that many are making amazing strides to continue the progress.
-Read something great!

Sunday, February 14, 2010

Fun of Photos!


Readers, I have always loved pictures. I recall being younger and playing with a fake Fisher Price camera snapping at my friends. I loved school picture day when I received a small comb and happily smiled at the birdie.
I try to take lots of pictures of the events that I am at to remember the special moments that I have with my readers! Now it's time to tell you how you can get involved in the fun of photos with the "Who I Am" series! If you have any photos from a "Who I Am" event and you share them with me-you will get a special treat!
I will accept photos with readers that have my book(s) in hand or if you have come to see me at an event and snapped a photo in that way. Be creative because it will be featured on my blog and you will get a treat! The cool part is that everyone is a winner! The photo above is from the creator of Glitterfelt Stories! She shared my book with her girl scout troop in California! Shelby, a gift is coming your way for sharing
I can't wait to see your photos! Send them to taramichenerindustries@gmail.com with the subject of Photo Fun!
-Read something great!

Saturday, February 13, 2010

All's Fair in Love & Literacy!


Readers, we are approaching the special day when red hearts and tasty treats are all the buzz. It's a great time to think of that special someone. Have you thought about giving the gift of literacy? If your budget is constrained-it does not matter. The best gifts can be a nice note to let someone know how much you think of them. In honor of the special day I will be signing books today at Biggby Coffee in Northville, MI starting at 1 p.m.
My readers will be gifted with a teddy bear when they purchase one of my books. It is just my way of saying thank you and Happy Valentine's Day. That is my plans for today but I have great ideas if you are trying to think of something cool to give away as a token of care and thought. Take a look at the list below. Let me know if you choose to do any of these!

*Homemade cards
*coupon book of chores & treats
*buy books for "Be A Part of Their Story Literacy Project (donate in someone's name)
*Give someone a hand on a tough project
these are just a couple of ideas to get your creative juices flowing...flowers and candy are great too!
-Read something great!

Thursday, February 11, 2010

Event Updates & A Winner!

Readers,
Thanks to all that participated in our Snow Day Contest yesterday! The Winner is Andrew Barone! He made a great poem called Snow. Congrats! Andrew will get a special "Who I Am" gift shipped off this week.
I wanted to let you all know that on Saturday February 13th I as well as some other amazing authors will be signing books from 1-2 at Biggby Coffee in Northville, MI. As a special valentines thank you from me and Tara Michener Industries everyone who buys a book from my table will receive a teddy bear!
On February 26-28th we will have a virtual bookfair for those of you who love to shop online and support the writers of kid's lit. We will have authors from all over the country involved in this special event. Save the date and share with your parents and educators-it's going to be fun! This is a great way to get young people involved in loving literacy in a tech-savvy and entertaining way. There will be give-a-ways too so be sure to stop by my blog on those dates
Don't forget if you want to buy a book or books for our Be a Part of Their Story Literacy Project with Operation: Kid Equip please make your donation using the paypal button the sid of the screen. We have to have a large number of books to share with the kids of SouthEastern Michigan for our Summer Reading Celebration that will take place on June 12th
Hope that you can participate in these great events soon!
-Read something great

Wednesday, February 10, 2010

Snow Day Contest!


Are you stuck in a winter wonderland? Don't get mad-get your pen and paper! The best writing works can come from something as simple as a snow day. Would you like to describe the snow in your best way using imagery?
Do you want to make a fun fictional poem like if the snow turned to ice cream? Think of something fun and submit your entries to me before 9 p.m. The submissions should be sent to whoiamnotwhatiam@yahoo.com
The winner will get a special prize courtesy of Tara Michener Industries, LLC.
So let's get creative and write about the white stuff or lack of white stuff (depending on where you are)
Can't wait to read your poem or short story!
-Read something great!

Tuesday, February 9, 2010

Literacy Love note....

From time to time I intend to thank those who helped me to have a love for literacy. Today's post will be dedicated to my parents! Tamera and Duane Eddington. These two read to me as a child, held me accountable as I entered school and always applauded me for loving to read.
I recall being the winner of the fourth grade spelling bee and my mom and dad bragged to all of their friends about my achievement. This always made me feel special. I realized that accolades pushed me to work harder and to be as outstanding as possible in my studies.
Have you helped someone to be a lover of literacy? Share with us how. Have you been assisted by someone who aided you in your literacy skills? Have you thanked them? This might be the right time to let them know what it meant to you. It has been said that it takes a village to raise a child. I think that it also takes a village to help a child become a lover of literacy. If you would like to help out my literacy project with Operation: Kid Equip feel free to use the donation button to help kids embrace the joys of summer reading.
-Read something great!

CW 50 Detroit

CW 50 Detroit

Monday, February 8, 2010

What the cool kids are doing...




My hubistrator and I have the privilege of working with some of the most amazing young teens in the area. Yesterday instead of eating chocolates or planning a valentine's event we tried something different. The kids made beautiful valentines for the troops who are serving our country. They added their own flair and style and added personal messages to encourage those who sacrificed for our freedom. As a young teen I'm not sure that I was as giving and as thoughtful as these young people. Their tenacity to give their best to others stands out and that is why today's blog is all about them! Have you planned anything special for this year's valentine's day? Tell me! I'd love to know. If you have not thought about doing something out of the box...let these amazing kids open up some new ideas for you!
-Read something great!

Tuesday, February 2, 2010

A Fair to remember!

I am so excited about a special event coming up the weekend of February 26th! Can you imagine children's book authors from every category blogging in unity? How about having the opportunity to buy signed books from your favorite authors from the comfort of your own home?
Get ready! The last week of this month will go out with a bang. Experience words of wisdom, give-a-ways and autographed books from some of the best authors around! The traditional bookfair has always been a crowd pleaser but I wanted to take it a step further. The virtual children's bookfair will be a great way to connect and use the best of modern technology to buy your books! Save the date!
Tell your teachers and friends and get ready to read and take literacy to a whole new level!
-Read something great!

Monday, February 1, 2010

A month to remember...


Today is the first day of Black History month! This is a special time for people from every culture to explore and find out more about the history of African-Americans. I find when we take time to learn about each other the benefits are endless.
The first time that I remember hearing about Black history month was when I was in the fist grade and my teacher had a display of pictures of many famous African-American people. I saw Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Some photos of Motown stars and I also saw unfamiliar faces. I remember learning about Harriet Tubman and her courage to free herself and others from the bondage of slavery. I saw information on Sojourner Truth and even learned about George Washington Carver and his inventions that continue to serve us well today.
I find it amazing that every year I am exposed to a new African-American person that made strides during their lifetime to make this world a better place.
Looking at the history of my culture and learning about magnificent and brave people from today and yesterday allows me no excuse to hold back my talent.
It has always been legal for me to read, write and to attend school. These are things that I could easily take for granted if I did not reflect on those people who looked just like me who were denied the rights of education.
My commitment to writing and to literacy go beyond face value. In a time when everyone can learn and enlighten themselves I feel that it is my dream to help them to get the resources needed to flourish. I refuse to take for granted those privileges that so many great people fought for me to have even before I existed. Have you ever thought about it like that?
Think for a second about your heritage.
How did your family come to be where they are at today?
Who fought on the behalf of your culture to help you to experience upward mobility?
A great project for a class is to write a letter of gratitude for the contribution that a person from history made to make life easier for you. This allows for the child to practice their literacy & history skills in a way that nurtures their kindness. If you try this project-let me know how it goes!
-Read something great!