How Much Do You Know About Dyslexia?

NCLD Asks, ‘How Much Do You Know About Dyslexia?’
By NCLD Editorial Team: 11.19.2013

National Center for Learning Disabilities visited Madison Square Park in New York City to separate fact from fiction when it comes to dyslexia.

from Dr. Kelli Sandman-Hurley, Dyslexia Training Institute

Should school kids still learn cursive writing?

Should school kids still learn cursive writing?
Question of the week
Whittier Daily News:  11.18.2013

When it comes to the ways people communicate, the writing is on the wall — and it isn’t handwriting.

Each new generation relies less on pen and paper to put down words and more on keyboards and keypads. The trend is reflected, even encouraged, by U.S. educators. Once a staple of elementary school, learning cursive isn’t part of the new Common Core curriculum adopted by 45 states.

California is one of seven Common Core states where efforts are being made to keep cursive in the lesson plans.

Our Question of the Week for readers is: Should school kids still learn to write in cursive, or is flowing penmanship no longer useful?  READ MORE !

Cursive handwriting: Seven states fight for cursive writing in school (+video)

Cursive handwriting: In the digital age, has good handwriting become obsolete? Why seven states are fighting to return cursive writing to the Common Core curriculum.
C S Monitor: 11.14.2013 by Julie Carr Smyth, Associated Press November 14, 2013

That's why at least seven states — California, Idaho, Indiana, Kansas, Massachusetts, North Carolina and Utah — have moved to keep the cursive requirement. Legislation passed in North Carolina and elsewhere couples cursive with memorization of multiplication tables as twin "back to basics" mandates.  READ MORE !

Carlsbad Library :: Learning Connections - My Important Things

Carlsbad City Library Literacy Services

My Important Things
Learning Connections: Nov/Dec 2013 by Brenda G.

I have learned many things this year. But I have learned one thing that is very important for me. Also, I have one important thing that I have not learned yet.

The most important thing that I have learned this year is to speak English a little bit. For many years speaking English had been a big problem for me. I didn’t know how to ask or answer a question. For this reason I always avoided speaking English. I used to ask my son for help every time that I needed to speak English with anyone. Now I try to speak English every time that I have the opportunity, and I say to people that I am learning English and if they can speak slowly when I don’t understand something. I know that my English is not perfect and that I need to learn a lot, but I think this is the beginning of learning.

Another thing that is very important for me and I have not learned yet, is I would like to learn to be fluent when I speak English. It is very difficult for me because I am in the process of learning. Many times I need to stop when I am talking and to translate in my mind from Spanish to English. Also, on some occasions I need to stop and think if I am talking in the present, past, or future. Another thing that makes it difficult is when I don’t know the word in English that I want to say. I understand that I need to learn more vocabulary and to practice speaking every day to be fluent. To be fluent in English will be my goal for next year.

In conclusion, I feel very good because I have started to speak English a little bit. Although I don’t speak fluently yet, I think it is good to start with something. Starting to speak, and to be fluent in English are both very important for me because I would like to communicate with English speakers. Also, it is important because I live in a country where everybody speaks English and it is very necessary.

Ventura Co Library - Trivia Challenge 2013

READ Ventura County Library

Trivia Challenge - November 21

(805) 677-7160

Newport Beach Library - Volunteerism

Volunteerism
Literally Speaking: Nov/Dec 2013

Volunteers have an enormous impact on the health and well- being of communities worldwide. Think about how our own community would be affected if there was a day without volunteer help. It certainly would not run as smoothly as it does. According to the Corporation for National and Community Service, 64.3 million individuals in the United States contributed 7.9 billion hours of volunteerism in 2008 alone. The economic value of all this volunteering? $171 billion U.S. dollars in 2011. WOW!

Here at Newport/Mesa ProLiteracy (NMPL), the success of our program depends on the dedicated tutors, board members, office support and special events committee, all of whom are volunteers. In FY 2013, this group contributed approximately 9,000 hours to the program. And, based on research from the Independent Sector newsletter, this time would be valued in California wages as $24.75 per hour or $222,750 — more than twice our annual budget! It is obvious that NMPL would not be able to fulfill its mission without this dedicated group of people. To get involved, or to get more involved, please call the literacy office. We are always in need of tutors, assessors, and board members. Remember, volunteers do make a difference.

Unlock the potential. Become a tutor.

Join us on January 28 at 6:00pm at the Newport Beach Public Library for our Prospective Tutor Orientation.

• No Experience Necessary • Flexible Hours • We Prepare You and Supply All Materials • Be Part of Your Community

Check out our website for more information: You’ll be glad you did!

Huntington Beach Library - Literacy Fair: Nov 16

Huntington Beach Library

Literacy Volunteers

Huntington Beach Central Library

7111 Talbert Ave

Huntington Beach, CA 92648

Phone: (714) 375-5102

National Young Readers Week: Nov 11-15

National Young Readers Week
November 11 - 15

Celebrate National Young Readers Week by watching a free story every day from One More Story, an online library of the best classic and contemporary children's picture books.

The 2013 lineup:

11/11 Ladybugs Can't Be Tall

11/12 The House in the Night

11/13 The Emperor's Egg

11/14 The Little Red Hen and the Ear of Wheat

11/15 Epossumondas

National Young Readers Week is an annual event that was co-founded in 1989 by Pizza Hut and the Center for the Book in the Library of Congress. It always takes place the second week of November.