SERC Library

3rd Movie in our series "Where we came from - how we got here"

2012-01-31T09:22:00.000-05:00

On Monday, February 6th from 4 pm to 6 pm at the SERC Library Community Room the 3rd movie in our series will be shown: The Witness: From the Balcony of Room 306.

"The Witness: From the Balcony of Room 306" is a poignant retelling of a crucial turning point in the civil rights movement and a vibrant reminder of Dr. King's impact on the movement and our nation. Discussion will include reflection on what it means to be a witness today in the struggle for equity and social justice.

Come join us in exploring and deepening our collective understanding of the historical context of race and racism in the United States of America.

Space is limited to 30 participants. You must make a reservation in order to attend, and will receive confirmation via email. To reserve your space, please email Lauren D. Jones at ljones@ctserc.org. For content questions, please contact Kc Nelson-Oliveria at nelson-oliveria@ct.serc.org.

On March 5th we will feature Black in Latin America and on April 9th, Little Rock Central: 50 Years Later.

TutorCloud

2012-01-27T15:14:00.001-05:00

Okay ---- check this out ------ TutorCloud is aiming to provide quality online tutoring that enables parents and students to search for tutors who have particular subject expertise and interests. The bank of tutors are primarily from Ivy League colleges. Online sessions are held using video chat and interactive whiteboards. The program is designed to encourage students who may be reluctant to sign up or go for face-to-face tutoring to seek help and potential mentorship. Check it out at http://tutorcloud.com/ and yes, there is a fee, sorry not free, however it might be a great alterative to face-to-face tutoring. According to the site you can hire a tutor for an hour every week, just 15 minutes when you need help, pay by the minute so you only pay for the help you need. You have access to hundreds of experienced tutors searchable by subject!

iPhone, IPad apps for children with learning difficulties

2012-01-19T13:43:00.001-05:00

Okay ---- while I know that sometimes ------ okay most times when it comes to "techie things" I am behind the times (I confess I have only been texting for about a year and half), however, that does not mean that I cannot tell you about new "techie things"! Recently in several list serves I saw this article,

http://www.zdnet.com/blog/igeneration/iphone-ipad-apps-for-children-with-learning-difficulties/14622

The article is about a review of iPad and iPhone apps currently available for students with learning difficulties. Check out the article to see what you think.

It's all about MEE and it is FREE

2012-01-11T14:58:00.001-05:00

What? Well it is FREE, however, with limited seats AVAILABLE! On Tuesday, January 24, 2012 at 4:30 pm eastern time Babara Blackburn will be doing a FREE webinar on it's all about MEE! Motivation, Engagement, and Expectations. This is an interactive session and you will look at practical ways to activate students' intrinsic motivation, increase student engagement, and raise the level of expectations in the classroom. For more information and to register ----- remember seats are limited ------ please follow this link: http://www.eyeoneducation.com/Online-Resources/Webinars/Its-All-About-MEE

Thank you and Happy New Year!

2011-12-30T12:38:00.000-05:00

The SERC Library Staff would like to THANK everyone who participated in Food for Fines! We were able to donate 146 pounds of food to the Amazing Grace Food Pantry. Special thanks to Barbara and Tim who packed up the donations and Barbara and Alex for dropping the donations off!

The SERC Library Staff would also like to wish everyone a Happy New Year!

Happy Holidays!

2011-12-23T12:47:00.000-05:00

The SERC Library Staff would like to wish everyone a Happy Holiday Season!

It's AVAILABLE!

2011-12-16T15:37:00.001-05:00

We are excited to announce that SERC's Equity in Education: A transformation approach document is available to be read or downloaded from the SERC website. Click on http://equity.ctserc.com/ for the document.

New document coming soon - Equity in Education - A transformational approach

2011-12-09T15:24:00.000-05:00

Free Webinar - Student Motivation and Classroom Management

2011-12-07T13:17:00.000-05:00

On December 13th at 4:30 pm ET, you can view a free webinar from Eye on Education featuring Larry Ferlazzo on Student Motivation and Classroom Management. In this live webinar, Larry Ferlazzo will share his strategies for cultivating independent learners through engaging lessons that respect your students' interests. For more information and to register follow this link, http://www.eyeoneducation.com/ and see the online resources box to register.

Free Webinar on Long-term memory strategies!

2011-12-01T16:13:00.000-05:00

ASCD is offering a webinar --- Ask Dr. Judy webinar: Long-term memory strategies ---- Join educator and neurologist Judy Willis on Wednesday, December 7th at 3 p.m. EST for a free webinar that will cover how to help students remember what you teach this year. In this upcoming episode, Dr. Willis will connect the latest memory research with classroom strategies that promote accurate, retrievable long-term memory. Sign up now and catch up on previous installments of the "ask Dr. Judy" series in the ASCD webinar archive.

Introducing Halo!

2011-11-28T11:40:00.000-05:00

Okay, I know some of you are just saying ----- oh sure, introduce us to "Halo" close to December ---- I mean after all she is SIX MONTHS OLD already! Really, this is all about ---- we have only had the bulletin board up for the last month or so and with everything else going on ----- you know ---- hurricanes, snowstorms, holidays. Okay just excuses you're right ---- Now back to Halo!

Halo is a new member of the SERC family. Some of you may know that SERC has participated in the Fidelco Guide Dog Walk since 1998 (not to brag or anything like that, but, --- SERC's team this year was the 4th largest donation team --- GO TEAM SERC!).

This past year when SERC staff attended Fidelco's Open House, SERC staff member Greta decided to stay and learn more about hosting a guide dog puppy, well back in July Greta received Halo ---- quite frankly we at SERC feel, the best, most happy-go-lucky, brightest puppy in this training group!!! Who's bragging?

Please check out the Library Bulletin Board, which features Halo from 9 weeks to six months and counting! If you would like to know more about Halo and Greta, check out Greta's blog at http://www.gretasfidelcopup.blogspot.com/.

Stay tuned for more about Halo!

Happy Thanksgiving!

2011-11-23T12:51:00.000-05:00

The SERC Library staff would like to wish a HAPPY THANKSGIVING to all!

Free Common Core Webinars!

2011-11-22T13:12:00.000-05:00

Okay, I will be the first to admit it ---- opps ---- I dropped the ball about getting out this message about these webinars!

The good news, you can still check out this one being held today at 3 pm eastern time, The common core of a whole child approach with Molly McCloskey, (http://www.ascd.org/professional-development/webinars.aspx) and see the archived John Kendall: Common Core 101 webinar from 11-8-11 at http://www.ascd.org/professional-development/webinars/john-kendall-webinar.aspx and David Griffith and Efrain Mercado: Common Core Policy and Implementation from 11-15-11 at http://www.ascd.org/professiona-development/webinars/griffith-mercado-webinar.aspx.

Well, better late than never --- right? Well, now you can watch them over the holiday weekend!

FOOD for FINES!

2011-11-18T12:59:00.000-05:00

In the spirit of the holidays and in light of the fact that food pantries have such a great need after the two recent storms, we are offering FOOD FOR FINES! The Library will waive overdue fines if you bring a non-perishable food item in with your overdue resources. FOOD FOR FINES will begin on Monday, November 21, 20ll. Thank you for your support!

YouTube Offers Pilot Program To Access Educational Content

2011-11-16T12:30:00.000-05:00

YouTube is offering a pilot program to help schools access educational videos without subjecting students to inappropriate content. Even if your school blocks the site at the domain level those who sign up to particpate in the program will be directed to educational content from such groups as BBC Earth, the Museum of Modern Art and the Smithsonian to name a few. In addition the sites will block access to comment fields or videos that are not considered educational. Up until recently the program's content was more focused to higher education (sure you can check out the lectures from MIT, UCLA, U.C. Berkeley etc) and the only exception was the Khan Academy videos which are aimed at K-12, however, the program is adding lots more content focused on the K-12 curriculum. Check out the program by going to YouTube.com/education.

International Education Week

2011-11-09T09:58:00.000-05:00

November 14-18 is International Education Week! During this week there is opportunity to celebrate the benefits of international education and exchange worldwide. This is a joint initiative of the U.S. Departments of State and Education and part of their efforts to promote programs that prepare Americans for a global environment and attract future leaders from abroad to study, learn, and exchange experiences in the United States.

They encourage the participation of all individuals and institutions interested in international education and exchange activities which include schools, colleges and universities, embassies, international organizations, businesses, associations, and community organizations.

For more information, visit http://iew.state.gov/index.cfm/

The SERC Library is closed Saturday, November 5, 2011

2011-11-04T18:17:00.007-04:00

Our server crashed this afternoon leaving us without any working computers; therefore we have decided to close the SERC Library this Saturday, November 5, 2011. We are working very hard to rectify this situation. We suggest that you give us a call before visiting us on Monday to make sure that our computers are up and running.

Be safe and warm.

Sincerely,
The staff at the SERC Library

Let's Move in School

2011-11-01T15:30:00.000-04:00

Okay, so with Winter Storm Alfred (I really thought it was October this past weekend, you know, that season called FALL ) --- Halloween has been postponed for most towns, however, eventually some towns will do Halloween, so to work off that candy or the candy everyone has been eating because you have no power and nothing to eat ----- check out the webinar on November 9th "Physical Activity Before and After School" at www.LetsMoveinSchool.org. Learn about what some schools are doing to promote the nationally recommended 60+ minutes of daily moderate to vigorous physical activity --- not sure where shoveling and playing in what some described as "white water" given the water content of the snow we had falls under physical activity

October is Bullying Awareness Month

2011-10-28T10:05:00.000-04:00

Okay, I did state in a few blog posts before, that there are many things going on this month and I would probably forget something ---- well I did! October is Bullying Awareness Month. Okay, you're right a "biggie" to have forgotten --- I agree, so I am here to offer a peace offering - yes a little late but an offering anyway.

I am not going to try and define bullying, I will leave it up to you to check out the sites that I have listed below, suffice it to say that it is a growing issue and one everyone needs to be aware of bullying in all its forms, the bully and the victim.

I encourage you to take the time to at least look at one of the sites below, and while I have offered only a few, a Google search will lead you to many more.

Stomp Out Bullying: http://www.stompoutbullying.org/index.php
StopBullying.gov: http://www.stopbullying.gov/
TeensHealth.org: http://kidshealth.org/teen/your_mind/problems/bullies.html
Beat Bullying: http://www.beatbullying.org/?gclid=CMigkta9i6wCFcLt7QodWVWzlg
The National Child Traumatic Stress Network: http://www.nctsn.org/resources/public-awareness/bullying-prevention-awareness-month
Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bullying

Thank you for taking the time to check out these sites and learn more about this issue.

Real Art Ways is presenting the documentary film, AMERICAN TEACHER

2011-10-26T10:45:00.000-04:00

Starting this Friday, October 28th Real Art Ways will be presenting American Teacher, a film that chronicles the stories of four teachers living and working in a disparate urban and rural areas of the country. Their stories are told through a mixture of footage and interviews with students, families, and colleagues, as well as the teachers themselves. By following these teachers as they reach different milestones in their careers, the film tells the deeper story of the teaching profession in American today. Real Art Ways will be hosting a post-film panel discussion on Friday, October 28th after the 7 pm screening. The film is based on the New York Times bestselling book Teachers have it easy by journalist and teacher Daniel Moulthrop, co-founder of the 826 National writing programs Ninive Calegari, and writer Dave Eggers. American Teacher is produced by Eggers and Calegari, produced and directed by Academy Award-winning filmmaker Vanessa Roth, and narrated by Matt Damon.

Real Art Ways is located at 56 Arbor Street in Hartford.

For more information on Real Art Ways and their showings: http://www.realartways.org/cinema.htm#american-teacher

To RSVP on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=231362310253355

To watch a trailer on the movie, go to the Teacher Salary Project who produced the documentary film: http://www.theteachersalaryproject.org/index.php

Governor's Coalition for Youth with Disabilities Scholarship Program

2011-10-24T16:17:00.000-04:00

The Governor’s Coalition for Youth with Disabilities (GCYD) is a nonprofit organization founded in 1996 with the mission of recognizing the outstanding accomplishments of Connecticut high school students with disabilities and promoting educational opportunities to help students achieve their career goals. The GCYD has awarded over 200 scholarships totaling more than $650,000 to students with disabilities that has helped offset the cost of their first year of college tuition or other post-secondary training expenses.

To learn more about the scholarships, to apply, and what types of scholarships are available, check out the web site at www.gcyd.org and click on Scholarship.

October is .....

2011-10-21T13:51:00.000-04:00

Okay, here goes, there are so many awareness month activities that (and yes, I may have missed a few - Sorry!) ----- I am going to have to list several here at one time, I am just running out of time and I have so many other posts I want to share, so here we go ----

International AAC Awareness - October is the month that the AAC promotes the awareness of Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) and to inform the public about the many ways in which people may communicate using communication devices. For more information, check out http://www.aac.org/

World Blindness Awareness Month is also celebrated in October. Check out Eye Care America's website from the Foundation of the American Academy of Ophthalmology for more information at http://www.aao.org/

In October we also celebrate National Disability Employment Awareness Month. Congress designated each October as National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) to increase the public's awareness of the contributions and skills of American workers with disabilities. Check out the Office of Disability Employment Policy at http://www.dol.gov/odep/about/

National Physical Therapy Month is celebrated in October. Check out http://www.apta.org/ for more information on the unique benefits of treatment by a physical therapist.

Celebrating the Joy of Shared Reading --- October is National Reading Group Month - this is the month we salute reading groups! For more information, visit http://www.nationalreadinggroupmonth.org/

and last but not least ------

Celebrate National Book Month!!! --- Book a trip this October, embark on a journey of a lifetime, go to exotic places, mythical lands and enjoy and experience an adventure beyond imagination! Or, escape to another era in time ---- with no luggage, no packing, no tickets -- or -- and this can be good or bad --- never leaving home! What do you need ----- an open mind and an open book! For more information go to http://www.nationalbook.org/

Whew --- I apologize if I missed something ----- too many things to celebrate this month!

October is Head Start Awareness Month

2011-10-17T16:10:00.000-04:00

Okay, are you ready ---- here is another month long celebration for October ----- Head Start Awareness Month!

Created in 1965, Head Start is the most successful, longest-running, national school readiness program in the United States. The program provides comprehensive education, health, nutrition, and parent involvement services to low-income children and their families. More than 25 million pre-school aged children have benefited from Head Start.

President Ronald Reagan on October 22, 1982 proclaimed October as Head Start Awareness Month. In his speech stated that "Perhaps the most significant factor in the success of Head Start has been the involvement of parents, volunteers, and the community. Their commitment and the services provided by dedicated Head Start staff have been instrumental in creating a quality program that truly provides young children with a "head start" in life."

Wow ---- have to say that his words are still relevant today! Happy Head Start Awareness Month!

For more information on Head Start visit: http://www.nhsa.org/

Down Syndrome Awareness Month

2011-10-12T14:20:00.000-04:00

This October marks the 30th year of Down Syndrome Awareness Month! This is the time to celebrate the achievements and abilities of people with Down Syndrome! Visit http://www.ndss.org/ to learn more.

In addition, check out the Time Square video which aired on Saturday, September 24th, in Times Square on the morning of the New York City Buddy Walk. People from all over the world gathered to watch the video presentation. The version posted here includes music composed especially for the 2011 Times Square Video. Follow this link: http://ndss.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=275:ndss-times-square-video-2011&catid=74:video&Itemid=120

October is Celebrating the Bilingual Child Month

2011-10-06T13:59:00.000-04:00

During the month of October join in the Celebrating the Bilingual Child Month! This month is to recognize the many children who speak two or more languages and understand multiple cultures. These children connect our communities and can play a big part in improving global communications. Check out the SERC Library's catalog for bilingual books at http://serc-verso.auto-graphics.com/iluminar/home.asp?lid=serc#Iluminar or check out your local Library.

Men Make A Difference Day, October 10th

2011-10-04T15:51:00.000-04:00

On October 10, 2011, SERC is joining in on urging all fathers and significant male roles across the country to participate in Men Make a Difference Day (MMDD). Research indicates when fathers and significant male role models are involved students: (a) make better grades; (b) have greater motivation to succeed in school; (c) have higher self-esteem; (d) have less health and emotional problems; (e) more confidence; (f) are less likely to use drugs; (g) girls are less likely to engage in pre-marital sex; and (h) are less likely to become teenage parents.

Men Make A Difference Day is a great day for fathers to rediscover their place in the academic lives of their children. The concept of Men Make A Difference Day began three years ago in Prince George's County, Maryland when Dr. Michael A. Robinson called on fathers to escort their children to school. This remarkable one day event resulted in over 10,000 dads and significant male role models engaging their children's schools. Many of the dads escorted their children to school, while others observed classrooms, met teachers, committed to volunteering more at the school and yes there was an increase in the number of men who joined school PTAs. The outcomes of the first Men Make A Difference Day continued throughout that academic school year as well as subsequent years. Data indicated more fathers participated in teacher parent conferences, assisted with homework and volunteered in the past three years than every before. There was even an increase in the number of men who attended school sponsored parent workshops.

On October 10, 2011 fathers, uncles, brothers, sons, nephews and significant male role models in the lives of children are encouraged to participate in Men Make A Difference Day, by visiting their child's or family member's classroom and spending quality time with the student. Dads and significant male role models in the lives of children all over America are asked to observe the student's daily routine, participate as allowed in the interactive classroom instruction, and get involved in the excitement of teaching and learning.

For more information, please visit, http://menmakeadifferenceday.weebly.com/.

BANNED BOOKS WEEK - September 24 - October 1, 2011

2011-09-26T09:09:00.000-04:00

From ALA:

Banned Books Week (BBW) is an event celebrating the freedom to read and the importance of the First Amendment. Held during the last week of September, Banned Book Week highlights the benefits of free and open access to information while drawing attention to the harms of censorship by spotlighting actual or attempted bannings of books across the United States.

Intellectual freedom--the freedom to access informationand express ideas, even if the information and ideas might be considered unorthodox or unpopular--provides the foundation for Banned Book Week. BBW stresses the importance of ensuring the availability of unorthodox or unpopular viewpoints for all who wish to rad and access them.

The books featured during Banned Books Week have been targets of attempted bannings. Fortunately, while some books were banned or restricted, in a majority of cases the books were not banned, all thanks to the efforts of librarians, teachers, booksellers, and members of the community to retain the books in the library collections. Imagine how many more books might be challenged--and possibly banned or restricted--if librarians, teachers, and booksellers across the country did not use Banned Book Week each year to teach the importance of our First Amendment rights and the power of literature, and to draw attention to the danger that exists when restraints are imposed on the availability of information in a free society.

For more information, visit http://www.bannedbooksweek.org/ or http://www.ala.org/ala/issuesadvocacy/banned/bannedbooksweek/index.cfm?gclid=CP3ztcn3uqsCFQXe4AodEHU2hw.

It is about playing!!!!

2011-09-23T11:19:00.001-04:00

Do you know what is special about Saturday, September 24th? It is Nickelodeon's "WORLDWIDE DAY OF PLAY"!!!! Let's Move in School will be part of this day and yes, I know, the real action with Nickelodeon will be in Washington, DC ---- but ----- that does not mean we can't play right here!. So, lets PLAY!

Check out Let's Move in Schools for activities and check out NASPE's Teacher Toolbox for activities every month for elementary, middle, and high schools plus employee wellness and family fun activities!

We want to see lots of playing going on out there!

TwHistory

2011-09-12T16:19:00.001-04:00

Okay, I know that those who know me have heard me say at least a hundred times, I will not "do" Twitter! But ----- that does not mean that I will not let everyone else know about a FREE tool for those who do Twitter!!! It really is all about the FREE! Now, on to the tool ----

TwHistory is a new FREE tool (okay, actually it really started around 2009 ---- I just saw it mentioned in ASCD Smartbrief in August) that encourages students and teachers to use Twitter as a part of their study of history. Students and teachers can sign up for free and created their own historical "reenactments". Choose an historical event, create Twitter accounts for the characters, research primary source documents and think about the times, dates and durations of events to create hundreds of Tweets as they might have been sent out had Twitter existed before the 21st century! Projects are submitted to the engineers at TwHistory, projects specify a start date for their event, and then it unfolds, over a day, week, month or more.

Check out Get Answers: Frequently Asked Questions at http://blog.twhistory.org/faq/ for more information! What a way to make history sooooo "21st century" and it is FREE!

September 11, 2011

2011-09-09T16:34:00.000-04:00

Smithsonian Museum Day Ticket, September 24th

2011-09-06T09:03:00.000-04:00

Free admission at participating venues with a Smithsonian Museum day ticket! Saturday, September 24th is the day!!!!!

In the spirit of Smithsonian Museums, who offer free admission every day, Museum Day is an annual event hosted by Smithsonian Magazine in which participating museums across the country open their doors to anyone presenting a Museum Day Ticket for FREE.

TWENTY-THREE museums in CONNECTICUT are participating in this event. Tickets must be ordered in advance and mailed to you. Remember Saturday, September 24th is the only day and you need an OFFICIAL "Museum Day" ticket to get into the participating museums! SO, GET GOING AND ORDER YOUR TICKETS!!!! Tickets are good for one person and a guest so make sure you order enough for the whole family!

Oh, so you need to know how to order ------ for more information, view a list of participating museums and learn more about the day, go to http://www.smithsonianmag.com/museumday/

You know how we like this "free" stuff ----- enjoy the museums!

Check out these sites for sharing curriculum materials!

2011-09-01T12:42:00.000-04:00

Vanessa Vega, a Edutopia research analyst ---- and if you have not yet checked out Edutopia -- http://www.edutopia.org/ -- make sure you do ---- suggests several websites where educators can collaborate and share curriculum resources. Check out Curriki.org and Digital Is (website affiliated with the National Writing Project) are sites that allow teachers to network and share materials with peers, while other sites like The Ohio Resource Center for Mathematics, Science, & Reading and the Ohio Social Studies Resource Center offer free resources that are aligned with state and national curriculum standards.

Yes, and you guessed it if your follow our blog ---- free resources to check out!

Happy back to school!

The SERC Library is OPEN!

2011-08-30T20:51:00.000-04:00

I know, you were beginning to think we would never be open ------ the landlord let us know that as of 8:15 pm on Tuesday evening the power had been restored to our building!!!! Whew, good -bye IRENE! Please remember we are still on our summer hours for this week. We will be open 8:30 am to 4:30 pm Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. We will be closed on Saturday, Sunday and Monrday. We will resume our fall hours on Tuesday, September 6th ----- which means Mondays and Fridays, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm (except for Monday, September 5th when we will - yes, be CLOSED for Labor Day) and on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays 8:30 am to 6:30 pm and Saturdays 9am to 1 pm.

Hope to see you on Wednesday!

SERC Library will be closed on Tuesday, August 30th!

2011-08-29T20:09:00.001-04:00

Yes, again we have to blog that we are closed. Still no power!!!!! I guess Hurricane Irene did not like us! We hope to be back to the Library on Wednesday, however, we still do not have an idea as to when our power will be restored. If you owe resources to the Library, do not worry ------ we will be waiving fines! We understand that you are still getting emails from the Library ----- our Library system is handled out of California and the hurricane did not affect them. Please check back here to see if we have blogged that we are open before you come to the Library. I promise to blog when we are open!!!

Thank you, SERC Library Staff

SERC Library is CLOSED MONDAY AUGUST 29th

2011-08-29T08:20:00.000-04:00

The SERC Library will be closed on Monday, August 29th. Hurricane Irene knocked out the power to the Library and it has yet to be restored. Please check back to see if we have re-posted additional closing information before coming to the SERC Library.

Thank you, SERC Library Staff

Library of Congress Traveling Exhibit Rolls into East Hartford CT

2011-08-25T16:51:00.000-04:00

Okay, get ready this press release is about as long as the eighteen wheel truck-----

A special Library of Congress traveling exhibition-mounted in a customized 18-wheel truck-will visit East Hartford, CT. The visit is hosted by the East Hartford Public Library of East Hartford.

The exhibit will be in East Hartford, Friday, September 9 and Saturday, September 10 and parked at 840 Main Street, East Hartford, CT.

The exhibit is free and will be open to the public from 10 am to 6 pm both days.

The "Gateway to Knowledge" exhibition will bring high-quality facsimiles of many of the Library's top treasures and information about the millions of resources in the Library's unparalleled collections to small towns and rural communities across American-areas that may not be aware of their access to the wealth of information in this publicly funded institution. Ultimately, the "Gateway to Knowledge" will visit 90 sites in the states across the Midwest, South and East coast through September 2011.

The exhibit and its national tour are made possible by the generous support of the Rapoport family. Bernie and Audre Rapoport are founding members of the James Madison, Council, the Library's private-sector advisory group.

"As both a storehouse of world knowledge and primary resource for the U.S. Congress, the Library is energized by the prospects of the exhibition playing an important role in sharing the national collection with the people to whom it belongs," said Librarian of Congress James H. Billington.

The exhibit will include programming especially for teachers and students and provide relevant and engaging learning experiences for lifelong learners. The truck, which will be staffed and driven by two docents well-versed in the Library and its collections, will be parked at various schools, libraries, community centers and other public venues.

The trailer expands to three times its road width, and visitors will enter from a central staircase to find several areas of museum-style exhibits including a welcoming multimedia display and computer terminals displaying the Library of Congress websites. The websites will include the main site, http://www.loc.gov/, the Center for the Book/Literacy Programs site, http://www.read.gov/, and sites pertaining to U.S. collections, exhibitions and a special site for use by teachers.

The exhibition will outline the history of the Library, including Thomas Jefferson's role in re-establishing the Library, when he provided his personal book collection to the nation after the burning of the U.S. Capitol in 1814. Jefferson's organization of his books by categories of "Memory, Reason and Imagination" will inform the organization of the exhibition.

The exhibition will feature facsimiles of such treasures as the 1507 Waldseemüller Map (the first document to use the word "America"); the 1455 Gutenberg Bible; the rough draft of the Declaration of Independence, in Thomas Jefferson's hand with edits by Benjamin Franklin and John Adams; the 1962 drawings for the comic book that introduced Spider-Man to the world; the handwritten manuscript to jazz pioneer Jelly Roll Morton's "Frog-i-More Rag"; and Walt Whitman's poem "Leaves of Grass."

Founded in 1800, the Library of Congress is the nation's oldest federal cultural institution. The Library seeks to spark imagination and creativity and to further human understanding and wisdom by providing access to knowledge through its magnificent collections, programs and exhibitions.

Thank you Donna Urschel from the Library of Congress for the above press release.

Whew ---- okay, I am exciting and am definitely going to check out this exhibit! Hope to see you there!

Come see the SERC Library at Unity Day!

2011-08-17T14:14:00.000-04:00

The 3rd Annual Unity Day is Saturday, August 20th from 11 am to 6 pm at the South Green-Union Park, 14 Old Church Street, Middletown, CT and is sponsored by HealthyHome HealthyChild.

Unity Day is a time of celebration for every member of the community, with fun filled family festivities, reflective moments of empowerment, performances that focus on themes of unity & peace, and renewing our community's passion to work together.

All activities are FREE and open to the public.

Look for the SERC Library's booth at the celebration --- we hope to see you there!

2011 - 2013 Parent Leadership Training Grant Application is Now Available

2011-08-05T12:31:00.000-04:00

The State Education Resource Center and the CT Parent Information and Resource Center (SERC/CT PIRC) are pleased to release the following Parent Leadership Training Grant Application for 2011-2013.

The Parent Leadership Training Grant funds are intended for programs aimed at improving children's health, safety, and education by training parents in civic leadership skills. The programs must (1) train parents in civic leadership skills and (2) support, increase, and sustain parental engagement in community affairs (PA 10-11, July l, 2010).

PIRC link to grant application is: http://ctpirc.org/s/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=85&Itemid=154

All grant applications are due on August 31, 2011 no later than 2:30 pm. Grants will be awarded pending the availability of funds, public and private.

A Bidders Conference will be held on August 15, 2011 from 8:30 am to 10 am in the SERC Classroom at 25 Industrial Park, Middletown, CT 06457-1516. For advance registration, please contact Martine Persico, Project Assistant, at SERC/CT PIRC 860.632.1485 x 288, or persico@ctserc.org. Applicants are strongly encouraged to attend.

LibGuides are Here!

2011-07-27T16:05:00.001-04:00

Yes, I know, another new resource at the SERC Library ---- well, of course! We are proud to announce that the SERC Library has rolled out - well more like posted out - our new program called LibGuides! Great ---- what's a LibGuide, okay, here goes an explanation ----

A LibGuide is a Web 2.0 content management and information sharing system used by more than 400 institutions worldwide, especially libraries and universities. Get it now --- no --- okay, let me try again --- think of a LibGuide as a "mini Web site" created on different topics or subjects. We pull information from the SERC Library and the Internet and put it all in one place! Resources at the Library, Web sites on the topic or subject, RSS feeds, video links, graphics, images ---- get the idea now! Pretty handy right --- RIGHT!

Check out the LibGuides by following this link http://ctserc.libguides.com/. Check back frequently as we will be adding guides throughout the year and certainly on "hot topics" in education. It is kind of like one-stop-shopping!

Federated Search is now available at the SERC Library

2011-07-22T16:20:00.000-04:00

Here is something cool you can do while it is soooooo very hot outside ----- You can now search our research databases through your membership here at the SERC Library. Log on to Iluminar using your barcode number and password and go to Advance Search (top right corner of screen). Here you will have the option to search the State Education Resource Center and several research databases. Any database with a box next to the title under Search Resources can be checked to be searched all at once. The publishers listed without a box can be searched by hyperlinking to the publisher's website directly.

Please note that the State Education Resource Center is defaulted as always checked as is the option for full text articles.

If you need more help, contact the Library at library@ctserc.org or 860.632.1485 option 4 and as always you can ask for help with this new feature when you come to visit us!

Food for fines!

2011-07-19T15:20:00.000-04:00

The SERC Library will forgive fines on all overdue resources returned that are accompanied by a nonperishable food item. All donations will go to the Amazing Grace food pantry in Middletown run by St. Vincent de Paul Middletown. The SERC Library will be participating in the 3rd Annual Unity Day in Middletown on Saturday, August 20th from 11 am to 6 pm and we will bring the food donations on this day to the pantry. This is a great way to celebrate the day, summer, help your community, your library and yourself!

Biblioburro: The Donkey Library

2011-07-11T15:59:00.000-04:00

PBS presents a POV documentary by filmmaker Carlos Rendon Zipagauta on Tuesday, July 19th at 10:00 pm: Biblioburro: The Donkey Library

Synopsis:

Biblioburro is the story of a librarian ---and a library---like no other. A decade ago, Colombian grad-school teacher Luis Soriano was inspired to spend his weekends bringing a modest collection of precious books, via two hard-working donkeys, to the the children of Magdalena Province's poor and violence-ridden interior. As Soriano braves armed bands, drug traffickers, snakes and heat, his library on hooves carries an inspirational message about education and better future for Colombia. His simple yet extraordinary effort has attracted worldwide attention---and imitators---but his story has never been better told than in this heartwarming yet unsentimental film. A co-presentation with Latino Public Broadcasting. (60 minutes)

To read more, view a trailer or slide show following this link: http://www.pbs.org/pov/biblioburro/.

Social Thinking by Michelle Garcia Winner

2011-06-30T09:43:00.020-04:00

What is Social Thinking®?

Social thinking is a term for social cognition. Successful social thinkers consider the points of view, emotions, thoughts, beliefs, prior knowledge and intentions of others (this is often called perspective-taking - considering the perspectives of others).

Social thinking can be a challenge for individuals with Asperger Syndrome, high-functioning autism, ADHD, nonverbal learning disorders and others with social and communicative challenges.

While most of us develop our communication skills as we grow up, many people have great difficulties with this process. Difficulties with learning and applying social information is often considered a social learning disability.

Over a decade ago, Michelle Garcia Winner, MA, CCC-SLP, coined the term Social Thinking and developed the related treatment approach for individuals with high-functioning autism, Asperger's and similar challenges. In 2008, she received an award of Special Congressional Recognition for her on-going innovation of the Social Thinking curriculum and treatment approach. The SERC Library has many of her wonderful resources!

New Tests!

2011-06-20T09:47:00.003-04:00

While we know that it is the end of the school year, we want to let you know about some new tests that we recently cataloged that you can consider for September!

Recently we updated editions and added several new Brigance tests:

Brigance Comprenehsive Inventory of Basic Skills II - Classroom (CIBS II-Classroom) T 587 - which by the way is already out.

Brigance comprehensive inventory of basic skills II - Standarized (CIBS II Standardized) - T 162

Brigance early childhood screen II, 0-35 months - T 737

Bigance early childhood screen II - K & 1 - T 738

Brigance early childhood screening kit: 3-5 years - T 374

Brigance transition skills inventory - T 670

For more information on the tests, please visit our catalog by clicking on the link on the right or visit Curriculum Associates at http://www.curriculumassociates.com/.

Oh Fudge!

2011-06-15T12:04:00.005-04:00

No, I really mean Ohhhhhhh Fudge! June 16th is National Fudge Day!!!!!! Okay, maybe I should have said Mmmmmm Fudge, well either way, what a day to celebrate! While the origins of fudge are disputed (check out the websites) most histories agree it was an American invention, and what an invention! So go out and enjoy an American invention! Check out these websites for Fudge history and even some recipes! http://woodstockcandy.com/history-of-fudge.html, www.bbgees.com/History_of_Fudge_Explained.html, http://www.heavenlyfudge.net/THE-HISTORY-OF-FUDGE.html, and www.punchbowl.com/holidays.fudge-day.

World Oceans Day

2011-06-07T17:36:00.008-04:00

Do you know what is being celebrated on Wednesday, June 8th? WORLD OCEANS DAY! The Ocean Project has declared June - GET OUTSIDE AND EXPLORE MONTH --- in addition every year across the 5 continents, aquariums, research centres, museums, associations and institutions with a marine environment outreach role celebrate the 8th of June. Check out The Ocean Project website at www.theoceanproject.org, the SEAS the Day website at www.theoceanproject.org/action/2011/june.php and two great sites that have activities at http://worldoceansday.org/?page_id=33 and http://worldoceansday.org/?page_id=36. Oh and by the way ------ WEAR BLUE ON WEDNESDAY, JUNE 8TH!

Sneaker Recycling!

2011-06-03T16:22:00.005-04:00

In conjunction with World Environment Day, Sports America Kids Month, Great Outdoors Month, Student Safety Month, and the beginning of Summer ---- the SERC Library will be Recycling Sneakers!

From Monday, June 6th thru Wednesday, June 22nd the Library will be collecting sneakers to recycle!

Only athletic shoes (all brands) are acceptable! (BUT no metal - such as eyelets, cleats or spikes) Shoes must be dry ----- Please do not tie shoes together.

Nike recycles old sneakers into a material called "NIKE Grind". This product is used for a variety of athletic surfaces including basketball courts, running tracks and playground surfacing.

See now you know why we are "tying" it into all the activities going on this month! SO ---- Bring in those sneakers!

World Environment Day

2011-06-01T12:55:00.004-04:00

World Environment Day (WED) is a day that promotes awareness of the environment. The first World Environment Day was celebrated in 1973 and was established by the United Nations General Assembly in 1972. WED is hosted by a a different country with a different theme and is commemorated with an international exposition, this year the Republic of India is the host country. June 5th is World Environment Day and this year's theme is Forest: Nature At Your Service. Forests cover one third of the earth's land mass, performing vital functions and services around the world which make our planet alive with possibilities. 1.6 billion people depend on forests for their livelihoods. Forests play a key role in our battle against climate change, release oxygen into the atmosphere and store carbon dioxide. World wide activities are organized. For more information check out the United Nations Environment Programme website at http://www.unep.org/wed/.

Memorial Day

2011-05-26T12:15:00.005-04:00

Memorial Day is a federal holiday in the United States observed on the last Monday of May. Originally called Decoration Day, the day was first widely observed on May 30, 1968, to commemorate the Civil War soldiers, by proclamation of General John A Logan of the Grand Army of the Republic, an organization of former sailors and soldiers. In the first national celebration at Arlington National Cemetery, General James Garfield gave a speech and 5,000 participants decorated the graves of more than 20,000 Union and Confederate soldiers. By the late 1800s, many more cities and communities had begun to observe Memorial Day, and after the First World War it became an occasion for honoring those who had died in all America's wars.

In 1971, Congress declared Memorial Day a national holiday to be celebrated on the last Monday of May. Memorial Day is celebrated at Arlington National Cemetery with a ceremony in which an American flag is placed at each grave. The President or Vice President usually lays a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

For more information on Memorial Day Traditions, the meaning and history, the National Memorial Day Concert, information to support not only our fallen soldiers but also our currently serving troops and their families, and to read about past national concerts, please visit http://www.pbs.org/memorialdayconcert/.

May is Mental Health Month!

2011-05-23T11:51:00.003-04:00

May is Mental Health Month began in 1949 to raise awareness of mental health conditions and mental wellness for all. According to Mental Health America, this year there are two important issues being addressed through two themes:

Do More for 1 in 4 is a call to action to help the 1 in 4 American adults who live with a diagnosable, treatable mental health condition and the fact that they can go on to live full and productive lives.

The second theme, Live Well! It's Essential for Your Potentiall, focuses on the importance of mental wellness and the steps everyone can take to improve their well-being and resiliency in the face of difficult times and challenges.

For information visit: http://www.mentalhealthamerica.net/go/may

Connecticut Book Festival

2011-05-17T12:42:00.009-04:00

The first-ever Connecticut Book Festival, celebrating our State's continuing cultural heritage by focusing on authors, books literary sites and cultural institutions, will be held on the UCONN Greater Hartford Campus in West Hartford on Saturday and Sunday, May 21st and 22nd. Over the course of two days, three dozen authors will talk about their work; there will be performances by DANCEENLIGHT, Mystic Paper Beasts, and five State Troubadours. Children will be entertained at the unique "instrument petting zoos" provided by the Hartford and New Haven Symphony Orchestras and children will have a chance to make chalk drawings with author/illustrator Bill Thomson. Children can also read to pet therapy greyhounds. Parents, teachers,b and students will attend the annual ceremony marking the conclusion of the Letters About Literature program sponsored by the CT Center for the Book. Exhibitors and food vendors will add a "festival" atmosphere. The event is free of charge.

The Festival has been planned over the past two years and is patterned after the National Book Festival held in Washington, D.C. each fall. The festival is sponsored by CT Center for the Book at Hartford Public Library, CT Commission on Culture and Tourism, CT Humanities Council, CT Library Association, CT State Library, Thomas J. Dodd Research Center, UCONN Co-op Bookstore, and UCONN Greater Hartford. More information and details are available at www.ctbookfestival.org.

May 9-13 is Exceptional Children's Week!

2011-05-10T09:53:00.009-04:00

This week is Exceptional Children's Week! According to the CEC's website, "The Council for Exceptional Children initiated Exceptional Children's Week as a means to educate the public about children with exceptionalities and garner support for special education. Since its inception, this week has served to spotlight the capabilities of children and youth with exceptionalities and the programs that support them in their communities."

For more information on how to celebrate this week, check out the link to CEC's website at http://www.exceptionalchildrensweek.org/.

In addition, check out some of these important historical individuals with disabilities under the "Celebrate in Your School and Community" link on the CEC website, Ludwig van Beethoven, Franklin D. Roosevelt, and Helen Keller.

National Physical Fitness and Sports Month

2011-05-05T13:13:00.003-04:00

May is National Physical Fitness and Sports Month! Okay, so lets get out there and plays some ball, you know, baseball, softball, basketball, football, play with the soccer ball, hit the golf ball.... Oh and in addition you can garden (my favorite pastime), walk, bike ride, run, play tag, four-square, jump rope ---- just get out there and move and have FUN!

For more information, quick facts, resources and guides, visit The President's Council on Fitness, Sports & Nutrition at http://www.fitness.gov/!

Phones are down!

2011-05-04T10:26:00.004-04:00

Opps, we have broken phone lines here at the Library! We are hopeful that service will be restored before the end of the day. If you need to reach us, please email the Library at library@ctserc.org or circ@ctserc.org. Thank you for your understanding and patience!

May is Better Hearing and Speech Month!

2011-05-02T10:27:00.003-04:00

This annual event provides awareness about communication disorders and to promote treatment that can improve the quality of life for those who experience problems with speaking, understanding, or hearing. To get more information, please visit http://www.asha.org/bhsm/ for more resources.

Arbor Day

2011-04-29T13:40:00.002-04:00

Do you know Connecticut's connection to Arbor Day?

Arbor day is a holiday where individuals and groups are encouraged to plant and care for trees. It originated in Nebraska City, Nebraska during 1872 by J. Sterling Morton. On the first Arbor Day which was held on April 10, 1872, an estimated 1 million trees were planted.

Okay, here come the Connecticut connection ---- Birdsey Northrop of Connecticut was responsible for globalizing Arbor Day in 1883 he promoted his Arbor Day and Village Improvement message to other states and even foreign countries. The American Forestry Association made Northrup the Chairman of the committee to campaign for Arbor Day nationwide in 1883.

To check out more information on Arbor Day visit the Arbor Day Foundation at http://www.arborday.org/ and to learn more about Birdsey Northrop go to http://www.ctgov/dep/lib/dep/forestry/urban_forestry/arborday.pdf. Oh and ----- GO PLANT A TREE!!!!!!

Take our Daughters & Sons to Work Day!

2011-04-26T08:00:00.007-04:00

April 28th is Take our Daughters & Sons to Work Day

According to the Take Our Daughters and Sons to Work Foundation this day is "designed to be more than a career day, the Take Our Daughters and Sons to Work program goes beyond the average "shadow" an adult. Exposing girls and boys to what a a parent or mentor in their lives does during the work day is important, but showing them the value of their education, helping them discover the power and possibilities associated with a balanced work and family life, and providing them an opportunity to share how they envision the future and begin steps toward their end goals in a hands-on and interactive environment is key to their achieving success. Each year, we develop new interactive activities and partnerships that will assist us in taking girls and boys to the future they dream of."

Check out the foundation's website more information at http://www.daughtersandsonstowork.org.

Adminstrative Professionals Day and Week

2011-04-25T08:14:00.000-04:00

Happy Administrative Professionals Day and Week!!!

Yikes, the economy has even affected celebrations! According to the International Association of Administrative Professionals website, this year's theme is: This year, celebrate all office professionals.

The site states, "For Administrative Professionals Day 2011, we're veering away from the traditional celebration of the day which is centered on administrative professionals. The recession has hit everyone in the office. Downsizing has forced all of us to pull together and work harder, not just the administrative professionals in the workplace. IAAP recognizes the hard work and sacrifice from everyone."

To learn more about the week, day and this organization, check out their website at http://www.iaap-hq.org/.

So this year, we celebrate all office professionals!!!!!! Thank you for all you do!!!!!

Celebrate Earth Day 2011

2011-04-21T16:25:00.002-04:00

Earth Day is a day to celebrate and inspire awareness and appreciation for the Earth! Earth Day was founded in the United States by Senator Gaylord Nelson as an environmental teach-in first held on April 22, 1970, today it is globally celebrated and coordinated by Earth Day Network. Check out their website at http://www.earthday.org. Happy Earth Day!

National Poetry Month and National Library Week

2011-04-08T14:47:00.005-04:00

Poetry and Libraries --- I think I see a connection --- do you, I hope so because I am going to use the two for this blog entry! Okay, here goes:

Books, books again, and books once more!
There are our theme, which some miscall
Mere madness, setting little store
By copies either short or tall.
But you, O slaves of shelf and stall!
We rather write for you that hold
Patched folios dear, and prize "the small,
Rare volume, black with tarnished gold."
~ Austin Dobin

Going to the Library
By Jessy Randall

In the library there are pathways
you follow to find out what you want to know --
imagine - somewhere in all these books
or on the face of the computer or in parentheses
at the back of a magazine, there is
the perfect sentence, the answer to your question,
the words all around you like
the tornado in the Wizard of Oz never
go home Dorothy -- Dorothy, never land --
language can be your bed, the
beautiful wonder of all possible poems.

Poem
My Library
By Varda One

It's only a room with shelves and books,
but it's far more magical than it looks

It's a jet on which I soar
to lands that exist no more.

Or a key with which I find
answers to questions crowding my mind.

Building my habit of learning and growing,
asking and researching till I reach knowing.

Here, I've been a mermaid and an elf
I've even learned to be more myself.

I think that I shall never see
a place that's been more useful to me.

With encouraging kind friends with wit
Who tell me to dream big and never quit.

It's only a room with shelves and books,
but it's far more magical than it looks.

WOW ---- stirring words ---- when are you coming in? Happy National Poetry Month and Happy National Library Week! Hurray for both!

April is Autism Awareness Month

2011-04-05T09:39:00.005-04:00

In order to highlight the growing need for awareness about autism, join us in helping celebrate National Autism Awareness Month. The United States recognizes April as a special opportunity for everyone to educate the public about autism and issues within the autism community. This celebration has been going on since the 1970s. Check out the information at the Autism Society website at www.autism-society.org and the Autism Speaks website at www.autismspeaks.org. Check out the resources available at the Library by following this link to our catalog, http://serc-verso.auto-graphics.com/Iluminar/home.asp?lid=serc#Iluminar and put autism in the quick search box on the upper right corner or the page.

18th Annual Together We Will Conference

2011-03-22T10:24:00.004-04:00

Please join us at the 18th Annual Together We Will Conference: Create Positive Early Learning Experiences for Young Children to be held on Thursday, April 7th at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, Cromwell. The annual conference focuses on children ages birth to 5, especially those with developmental delays. It is a collaborative effort among the CT Accreditation Facilitation Project (AFP); CT Birth to Three System; CT Parent Advocacy Center (CPAC); CT Department of Children and Families (DCF); CT State Department of Education (CSDE); CT Department of Public Health (DPH); CT Department of Social Services (DSS); and the State Education Resources Center (SERC). For conference brochure please follow this link: http://ctserc.org/docs/tww2011.pdf and to register online follow this link: http://ctserc.info/info.php?id=865

Math and the Books Kids Love

2011-03-17T12:46:00.006-04:00

Are you ready for some FUN and LEARNING too! Come join the Library, the ECE Initiative and SERC Community Initiative on Saturday, April 16th from 9:30 am to 12:00 pm for Math and the Books Kids Love! Children in kindergarten through Grade 2 are welcome to come with their parents to experience the fascinating world of math found within the books children love to hear and to read!

A variety of hands-on activities, a FREE book, and materials and directions to replicate the activities at home will be provided. Come join us in exploring MATH and Books! Please register in advance for this free activity by contacting: Suequanna Lewis, Project Assistant, CT PIRC, 860.632.1485 x 288 or lewis@ctserc.org.

Happy Saint Patrick's Day!

2011-03-16T16:10:00.003-04:00

Sure as know --- it is Saint Patrick's Day! It is a happy morn to everyone one and have a very Happy Saint Patrick's Day! And we know that if we are celebrating Saint Patrick's Day, spring is around the corner!!!!

For each petal on the shamrock
This brings a wish your way -
Good health, good luck, and happiness
For today and every day.
~ Author Unknown

May your Blessings outnumber
The shamrocks that grow,
And may trouble avoid you
Wherever you go.
~ Irish Blessing

New Resources on Transition!

2011-03-02T12:07:00.033-05:00

Inclusion Lesson Plan Book for the 21st Century by Tony Karten, 2010. This practical planning book was written to help classroom teachers plan practical and effective strategies for inclusion. It includes practical lesson plan formats and organizational templates. Forms include weekly and quarterly planning forms and forms for assessment, record-keeping, RTI, accommodations and modifications. 371.9046 KAR

Brigance Transition Skills Inventory by Albert Brigance, 2010. This assessment was compiled from the Brigance Diagnostic Life Skills Inventory and the Brigance Life Skills Inventory. This assessment helps educators easily assess independent living, employment, and additional post-secondary skills to support transition planning for middle and high-school students. T 670

Essentials of Transition Planning by Paul Wehman, 2011. This professional book is a comprehensive guide to the basics of transition planning with young people with disabilities. Topics include individual and community planning, the transition curriculum, transition IEPs, interagency collaboration and college planning. Reproducible checklists are included. 371.9473 WEH

February Is Black History Month

2011-02-17T10:13:00.006-05:00

Check out these activities around Black History Month:

Thursday, from 11:30 am to 12:50 pm in Founders Hall at Tunxis Community College, a reading and discussion of the "The Slave Narratives" will take place with Poet D. Moss. In the late 1930s, more than 2,300 former slaves from across the South were interviewed by writers of the Works Progress Administration. Born in the last years of slavery or during the Civil Ware, these former salves provided firsthand accounts of their experiences on plantations, in cities and on small farms.

On February 23 from 1 to 2:20 pm, in Room 6-127 at Tunxis Community College, poet, writer, actress, and spoken word performer Lenise NuNuu Smith, will present her poetry and share theatrical pieces. She has performed at local venues such as the Bushnell, out-of-state at Organix Soul in Springfield, Mass, and the Nuyorican Poets Cafe in New York City.

For more information, you can call the college at 860-255-3552.

The Harriet Beecher Stowe Center in Hartford will be celebrating Black History January through February. The museum will be holding tours throughout the two months to honor activists, abolitionists and reformers. The tour is structured around abolition movements and the people who worked toward emancipation in the 19th century. Detailed information will be given about the fight for equality and justice African Americans encountered through being enslaved.

For more information about events at the Harriet Beecher Stowe Center, http://www.harrietbeecherstowecenter.org/.

The Webb-Deane-Stevens Museum in Wethersfield is also giving tours that focus on enslaved and free African-Americans who resided in Wethersfield in the 1700s. Visitors can sees where the slaves slept and worked. Visitors will learn about how the Revolutionary War affected slavery, learn stories of African-Americans, like Quash Gomer, who was captured in Angola and became a slave in Wethersfield, he later bought his freedom from his owner, married Elenor Smith, and had 10 children.

Tours will be held February 19-20 and February 26-27, adults $8, $7 for military members, and $4 for ages 5 to 18. For more information, contact the museum at 860.529.0612 or http://www.webb-deane-stevens.org/.

Check out addition statewide activities at AAAC-African-American Affairs Commission's website at: http://www.cga.ct.gov/aaac/calendar/Feb_coe.htm.

Check out these activities at CCSU - Central Connecticut State University at: http://www.ccsu.edu/page.cfm?p=5634.

Library Lover's Month - Oh yes, and Valentine's Day!

2011-02-14T08:40:00.007-05:00

My love speaks volumes; We're like book-ends; You're the best chapter in my life; We're bound for each other; Read rose for you . . . ---- Okay, I will stop for now ---- Did you know that February is Library Lovers' Month ---- Library Lovers' Month is a month-long celebration of school, public, and private libraries of all types. This is a time for everyone, especially library support groups, to recognize the value of libraries and to work to assure that the Nation's libraries will continue to serve. You can tell a book by its lover; I have stacks & stacks of love for you; You're high on my shelf; Finding you was overdue! I promise, I am done with the tacky quotes (at least for this Library Lovers' Month)!

Oh, and by the way HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY! ~ SERC Library Staff

SRA Photo Library - collections A, B and C by SRA/McGraw-Hill

2011-02-09T13:49:00.002-05:00

This wonderful collection of laminated photo flashcards can be used to provide instruction in vocabulary and oral language skills for Pre-K through adult students, including English language learners. A variety of topics are included and each full-color card is identified on the back in 11 languages. The original photographs are of high quality and are visually interesting.

Go Red for Women

2011-02-01T11:01:00.003-05:00

Go Red for Women

This Friday, February 4th is National Wear Red Day, the trademark program of the American Heart Association. Heart disease is still the #1 killer of women, taking the life of one in three women each year. The Go Red for Women nationwide movement celebrates the energy, passion and power women have to band together and wipe out heart disease. Thanks to millions of people across the country who've joined this movement, the color red and the red dress have become linked with the ability all women have to improve their heart health and live stronger, longer lives.

So wear red this Friday and check out the Go Red for Women website, or better yet start with yourself and join Go Red BetterU. It's a FREE 12-week online nutrition and fitness program. Each week the BetterU program focuses on a different area of health providing step-by-step guidance including daily expert tips, an online journal, weekly quizzes and helpful coaching tool to better your health and your heart.

Get started today!!! It's FREE -- Spring is coming -- so what have you got to lose, maybe a few pounds. What have you got to Gain -- a healthier, happier, BETTER U!!

Taking care of your self is important, not only to you but your family and friends as well. That's why each week this month they will focus on a different feature of the American Heart Association's website including getting and keeping healthy, healthier kids and programs for educators.

Whew --- okay, done with the lecture, no seriously check out the website and all it has to offer ---- including, yes, some free stuff!!!!! WEAR RED on Friday!

Connecticut Summit on PBIS

2011-01-26T12:16:00.004-05:00

Coming in May, along with warmer weather, is the Connecticut Summit on PBIS: Enhancing Academic Achievement Through School-wide Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports. The Summit is being held on Friday, May 20, 2011 at the UCONN Student Union in Storrs from 8 am to 4 pm. The purpose of the Summit is to provide school leaders, policy makers, and educators an opportunity to learn about national PBIS efforts and shape an action plan for PBIS implementation in Connecticut, which would enhance academic school reform efforts. Keynote is our own Dr. George Sugai, addition speakers include Dr. Rob Horner, Dr. Steve Goodman and Susan Barrett. Visit the SERC website for additional information, www.ctserc.org. Registration is only $50.00 per person and lunch will be provided. The Summit is presented by CSDE, SERC, OSEP National Center on Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports, and UCONN Center for Behavioral Education and Research. Please direct questions regarding registration to Tiffany Reyes, Project Assistant at SERC 860.632.1485 x 210.

152 Pounds of Food!

2011-01-19T11:19:00.002-05:00

Congratulations to the SERC Library patrons and the SERC staff during our recent "Food for Fines" drive in December. Local food pantries have been affected by the economy in two ways: less food is being donated and the increase of those seeking help from food pantries. We are happy to report that we contributed 152 pounds of food to the St. Vincent DePaul Food Pantry here in Middletown. Special thanks goes out to all who helped contribute to this effort. I would also like to thank Diana and Susan who helped me box up the donations, Diana and Renee who loaded the boxes into Barbara's car, and Barbara and Alex who brought the donations inside so they would not freeze overnight and then reloaded them and dropped them off. This is the second "Food for Fines" campaign that the Library has held during the past year and we really appreciate those who contributed. Thank you, Donna-Lee

Kaufman Speech Praxis Treatment Kits 1 and 2 by Nancy Kaufman

2011-01-04T08:48:00.015-05:00

The Kaufman Speech Praxis Kits 1 and 2 were developed to help children ages 2-6 with apraxia of speech. Each comprehensive kit includes over 200 visual cards targeting the syllable shapes children with apraxia need to master. This systematic treatment program simplifies word pronunication patterns and can help children become more effective vocal and verbal communicators.

Only 2 days left for FOOD FOR FINES!

2010-12-28T15:02:00.004-05:00

Okay, here is the deal, like the clock is ticking towards the New Year ----- so is the time you have left to bring in some non-perishable food items for our FOOD for FINES campaign! Only two days left to help support this worthy cause and return your overdue resources! Wednesday and Thursday are the only two days we will be open before the New Year ---- so hurry on in! Oh and yes --------Happy New Year!

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

2010-12-17T08:52:00.005-05:00

On behalf of the Library staff, we wish you Happy Holidays and we wish to thank those of you who have participated in or are planning on participating in our FOOD FOR FINES during December. We are excited about the amount of food we have collected so far! Have a safe and happy holiday season and the very best for the coming Year!

Food for Fines!

2010-11-30T15:37:00.004-05:00

In the spirit of the holiday season, the SERC Library will forgive fines on all overdue resources returned in December that are accompanied by a nonperishable food item!!!! All donations will go to the Amazing Grace food pantry in Middletown run by St. Vincent de Paul Middletown. This is a great way to celebrate the season, help your community, your library and yourself!

Happy Thanksgiving

2010-11-23T10:52:00.007-05:00

On behalf of all the SERC Library staff members, we wish you and your family a Happy Thanksgiving! We invite you to read the quotes below and take a look at the Young People's books listed.

"The Pilgrims made seven times more graves than huts. No Americans have been more impoverished than these who, nevertheless, set aside a day of thanksgiving." ~ H. U. Westermayer

"Thanksgiving Day comes, by statute, once a year; to the honest man it comes as frequently as the heart of gratitude will allow." ~ Edward Sandford Martin

"As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them" ~ John Fitzgerald Kennedy

"Thanksgiving, after all is a word of action." ~ W.J. Cameron

"Our rural ancestors, with little blest,
Patient of labour when the end was rest,
Indulged the day that housed their annual grain,
With Feasts, and off'rings, and a thankful strain."
~ Alexander Pope

Giving thanks: A Native American good morning message by Chief Jake Swamp and illustrated by Erwin Printup, Jr. The 24 page text of the picture book is based on the Thanksgiving Address, an ancient message of peace and appreciation of Mother Earth and all her inhabitants, as told in Six Nation tradition. These words are still spoken at ceremonial and governmental gatherings held by the Six Nations. The colorful illustrations are of nature scenes. The Six Nations or Iroquois include Mohawk, Oneida, Cayuga, Onondaga, Seneca and Tuscarora. Children are taught to greet the world each morning by saying thank you to all living things. Diversity is considered a gift and people everywhere are thought of as family. Ages 4-8.

The holiday book by Karent L. Saulnier. Holidays, their meanings, and how they are celebrated are explained in this 48 page book for ages 3-8. Each sentence is shown in illustrated sign language.

Yummy and Fun!

2010-11-18T16:19:00.004-05:00

Three weeks until reading and yummy rice! ---- but who's counting!

Okay, have you done it ---- have you signed up ---- there's only three weeks until EVERYBODY COOKS RICE -- December 11th, you are coming aren't you? Your not going to leave me to read by myself and eat all the rice, are you? Remember the deadline for registration is Friday, November 26th and by then you will already be tried of eating turkey or plum tuckered out from shopping sooo early in the morning! Sign up or you'll miss all the fun! See you on December 11th! And, DO NOT FORGET YOUR RICE RECIPE ON AN INDEX CARD --- I can always use new rice recipes when I read my book!!!!!

Everybody Cooks Rice by Norah Dooley event on Saturday, December 11th from 9:30 am to 12 pm

2010-11-03T10:03:00.011-04:00

Everyone eats rice, no seriously, everybody does! Come join the latest offering in the "Raising a Reader" series as we invite families to the State Education Resource Center (SERC), if you could not guess considering you are at the SERC Library blog, meet the staff of CT Parent Information and Resource Center (CT PIRC), the Early Childhood Resource Center, and the, yes you guessed it the SERC Library staff to eat rice and play with rice ----- no seriously ----to READ the book Everybody cooks rice by award-winning children's author Norah Dooley, create some crafts and play games related to the story ----- sample different kinds of rice -----yummy! ----- decorate rice cakes and rice treats! You can take home a recipe box, designed by you and filled with rice recipes -----please bring your favorite rice recipe to share with others ---- directions and materials to replicate activities at home and a copy of Everybody cooks rice! To register for this yummy learning event to be held on Saturday, December 11th from 9:30 am to 12 pm, please contact Suequanna Lewis, Project Assistant at 860.632.1485 x 288 or lewis@ctserc.org. Space fills up fast so get going and register by Friday, November 26th so you won't miss all the rice, I mean fun!

Designing UDL

2010-11-01T12:43:00.008-04:00

Contest on Universal Design for Learning (UDL) for Educators & Pre-Service Educators

What do you know about Universal Design for Learning?

How has UDL assisted you in lesson design and implementation for your teaching practice?

Participate in the National Center on Universal Design for Learning contest and you could win up to $500.

The deadline for contest entries is December 1, 2010.

Get tips on how to get started, contest rules, how entries will be judged and how to apply and submit your entry online at: http://www.udlcenter.org/community/designingudl.

Universal Design for Learning is a framework for designing flexible curricula with multiple access points for all students to gain knowledge, skills, and enthusiasm for learning. UDL is gaining momentum across the country. Educators at all grade levels--from pre-kindergarten through adult education--are learning strategies and practices to enable all students to have the opportunity to reach their greatest potential by putting UDL principles into action! To learn more about UDL visit: http://www.udlcenter/org/aboutudl/udlguidelines.

Thank you CW for the post information and write up!

Energy Balance 101

2010-10-27T16:03:00.004-04:00

Energy Balance 101 - Healthy Schools. Healthy Kids.

Okay is this timely or what! Engery balance - Active, Healthy Lifestyle ---- Halloween 3 days away, Thanksgiving in less than a month, December Holidays on the way! Take a hike! No seriously, check out the Energy Balance 101 at http://energybalance101.discoveryeducation.com/ and DISCOVER (no pun intended, HA HA) all the ----- get ready ----- FREE resources for teachers, parents and community to support kids for an active and healthy lifestyle. For teachers a free k-5 wellness curriculum with lesson plans, resources, and videos aligned to national standards. There are resources for family and community extension to help with learning beyond the classroom. Besides you might learn something too! So why are you still reading ---- check out the link and the lunchbox sandwiches they'll love under the Families/Parents tab!

Red Ribbon Week - October 23 - 31, 2010

2010-10-22T15:44:00.003-04:00

Red Ribbon Week is the nation's oldest and largest drug prevention program in the nation reaching millions of Americans during the last week of October every year. The US Drug Enforcement Administration in conjunction with the National Family Partnership sponsor this week. Check out the US Drug Enforcement Administration's web site at www.justice.gov/dea/ongoing/redribbon_factsheet.html for information on Red Ribbon anti-drug campaign facts and the National Family Partnership web site at www.nfp.org/ for information on Red Ribbon Week. By participating in this campaign, young people pledge to live a drug-free life and pay tribute to DEA Special Agent Enrigque "Kiki" Camarena.

School Bus Safety Week

2010-10-20T16:49:00.003-04:00

Yes, it is School Bus Safety Week!!! Yikes, there has been alot going on this week ---- yes, I know School Bus Safety Week is almost over ---- sorry! Well, this year's theme is "Cross in View, It's the Right Thing to Do!" Okay, so to make up for the fact that this posting is sooo late, how about thinking of getting your kids ready to come up with a poster? Yes, this year's poster contest was suppose to be submitted by the third week in October for consideration for the poster for 2011, however, now you can get a jump start on the poster for 2012 --- well you can get started as soon as you check out the National Association Pupil Transportation site at https://naptonline.org for lots of neat stuff including, yes you have guessed it ---- free resources on bus safety and info on the poster contest. So this winter when the kids have to stay indoors on bad weather days ---- start those posters! Get out those crayons, markers, color pencils, paints --- okay, you get the idea now all you have to do is wait for the theme for 2012! The wheels on bus go round and round --- everybody sing...

Character Counts Week

2010-10-19T13:18:00.005-04:00

Character Counts! Week ---- October 17-23, 2010

According to the Josephson Institute Center for Youth Ethics web site, http://charactercounts.org/, this year's National CHARACTER COUNTS! Week will be celebrated by nearly 8 million kids in 52 countries --- that's a big party! The web site mentions parades, themed dress days, T-shirt design contests, writing contests, classroom-door decorating contests, all kinds of parental involvement, CC! assemblies, Role Models of the Day, Pillars of the Day, art projects, class mentoring, surprise guests, and several versions of Celebration Friday. Check out the web site where you can get ---- yes, yes ---- free lesson plans, Red Ribbon Week tie-in activities and much more!! Get into CHARACTER and check it out!

Teen Read Week

2010-10-18T13:05:00.003-04:00

Happy Teen Read Week - October 17-23, 2010

Teen Read Week is an intiative of the Young Adult Library Services Association (YALSA)! YALSA started the week in 1998 and each year there is a theme ---- this year's theme ---- Books with Beat @ the library, which YALSA hopes to encourage teens to read poetry, audiobooks, books about music, and more. Help celebrate Teen Read Week by checking out what your town libraries are going to help celebrate this week. Teens have many entertainment options ---- we librarians don't want them to forget about all the entertainment they can find within the library! Reading is fun and we need to encourage fun reading for teens! Okay and for folks who need to hear about research ---- "Research shows that teens who read for fun have better test scores and are more likely to succeed in the workforce." Yes, taken verbatium from YALSA's page on ALA's website. Now get out there and ENCOURAGE TEENS TO READ! --- and don't forget to check out our library!

Some of the latest Transition and Career resources at the SERC Library

2010-10-13T08:14:00.007-04:00

Check out some of these recently added new resources:

Work and disability: Contexts, issues, and strategies for enhancing employment outcomes for people with disabilities edited by Edna Mora Szymanski and Randall M. Parker, 2010.

This 492-page third edition, written by several contributing authors, covers the latest in legislative background and other contextual matters regarding employment of people with disabilities: vocational theories and research related to disability; counseling interventions, multicultural issues, vocational assessment, labor market information, and accommodation of people with disabilities in the workplace; job placement and job development; outreach through business consultation; and supported employment for individuals with developmental disabilities.

Think college!: Postsecondary education options for students with intellectual disabilities by Meg Grigal and Debra Hart

This 342-page resource uncovers the big picture of today's postsecondary options and reveals how to support students with disabilities before, during, and after a successful transition to college. It will help readers understand the current models for postsecondary education (PSE), overcome the common challenges to PSE for students with intellectual disabilities, plan effective person-centered transition services, and support students as they manage all the practical aspects of a positive PSE experience.

Transition strategies from adolescents & young adults who use AAC, edited by David B. NcNaughton and David R. Beukelman, 2010.

This 228-page book will help professionals who provide critical supports to young people who use AAC make a smooth transition to a fulfilling self-determined adult life by providing effective services that meet the young people's individual needs and make the most of advances in technology. Combining the best research-based practices from diverse fields - including special education, vocational rehabilitation, and communication disorders - this resource covers every aspect of transition planning for young adults with a wide range of disabilities. Guidance from top experts is woven together with personal stories of young adults who use AAC, shedding light on the challenges of transition and the research-based strategies that lead to positive outcomes.

Universal design for transition: A roadmap for planning and instruction, by Colleen A. Thoma, Christina C. Bartholomew and LaRon A. Scott, 2009.

This 238-Page guide applies the principles of universal design for learning to transition for students with disabilities. This concept is called UDT or universal design for transition and can support the planning for transition from school to adult life. This book provides practical guidance and teaching tips and information on technology supports, the assessment process, IEPs, employment, secondary education, community living and recreation and leisure. Includes case studies and reproducible pages.

These are just a few of the many resources that can be found at the SERC Library. Check out all the resources available in the Library catalog at http://serc-verso.auto-graphics.com/iluminar.

Welcome to Connecticut CEC DCDT Conference Attendees

2010-10-06T14:34:00.008-04:00

Welcome to Connecticut - we hope you enjoy your stay!

In honor of your conference down in Mystic, our blog post is featuring transition and school to work sites you might like to check out or revisit! There are lots of listings on the web, however, we decide on a few we like or visit. Some have resources (some you can download), links, info for parents, students, professionals and lots of other stuff.

Here goes:

DCDT's own site (big surprise here!) www.dcdt.org/transitionresources.cfm
NICHCY's site: www.nichcy.org/educatechildren/transition_adulthood/pages/basics.aspx
ILI (Independent Living Institute): www.independentliving.org/
LifeSkills4kids.com: www.lifeskills4kids.com/acorn.php
NCSET (National Center on Secondary Education and Transition): http://ncset.org/
JAN (Job Accommodation Network): http://askjan.org/
AHEAD (Association on Higher Education and Disability): www.ahead.org/students-parents/transitions
PACER Center Champions for Children with Disabilities: www.pacer.org/publications/transition.asp
Support for Families of Children with Disabilities: www.supportforfamilies.org/internetguide/transition.html
NCWD (National Collaborative on Workforce and Disability): http://www.ncwd-youth.info/
LDonline: www.ldonline.org/indepth/transition
AccessCAREERS: www.washington.edu/doit/Careers/k12.html
Disability.gov: www.disability.gov/home/i_want_to/learn_about_transition_services_for_youth
Think College! College Options for People with Intellectual Disabilities: http://thinkcollege.net/

You might also want to check out this series of article recently from Edutopia:
How Career Tech is Merging with College Prep: www.edutopia.or/stw-career-techincal-education-resources

In addition, check out the previous posting. We listed some of the newer resources in the SERC Library.

Enjoy your conference and we hope you get to see some of the uniqueness of Mystic and Connecticut!

National School Lunch Week

2010-10-06T12:46:00.011-04:00

October 11 - 15, 2010 is National School Lunch Week!

Yes, there is an organization for this celebration --- www.schoolnutrition.org/ and yes, there are some ---- get ready ----free resources to help celebrate this week! There are even recipes----I know, school lunch recipes -- are you daft -- who would want school lunch recipes, so apparently you have not been reading previous posts? If so, you would by now recognize the themes here!

Okay, back to National School Lunch Week, in addition to activities check out their catalog --- I love the teddy bear (cute grin, watch out about making eye contact) but the shirt with "Ketchup is not a vegetable" ---- what is up with that----notice it is not listed for sale----listing goes from D to F but no E for the shirt (they either got some nasty emails or sold out--I'm going with sold out!). Check out the pins, love the veggie and fruit characters 26-27!

Happy School Lunch Week!

National Educational Office Professionals Career Awareness Week

2010-10-06T12:38:00.002-04:00

October 10 - 16, 2010 is National Educational Office Professionals Career Awareness Week. Wow, who knew about this organization? Well, certainly educational office professionals! The organization has been around since 1934 - first as the National Association of School Secretaries -- later changed to National Association of Educational Secretaries, and now know as National Association of Educational Office Professionals. Check it out at http://www.naeop.org/. On behalf of all parents and late students thanks for those passes EOPs! Have a great week!

Google Refreshes Service for Educators for the Fall

2010-10-06T11:52:00.005-04:00

Yes, one of our favorite search engines has enhanced their services for educators this fall. First, as if you have not already noticed, Google Instant made it debut last month, so long before you're finished typing, Instant search starts predicting your search and showing results. Google says this can save you 2-5 seconds per search and the search gives predictions that can help guide your search. Wow, searching on the net is now like search databases (and helps correct those spelling errors)!

In addition, Google has updated Google Earth with version 5 the latest edition of the virtual globe software. Don't forget about Google Voice which allows you to combine your computer with your phone, check out Google Forms which allows you to collect data from parents and students, and the ever popular Google Images.

Well, you know the drill --- Google (http://www.google.com/) it!

Fire Prevention Week October 3 – 9, 2010

2010-10-05T09:14:00.004-04:00

Did you know that this year's campaign is all about the importance of smoke alarms! Did you know all the neat activities available to parents, kids, teachers and firefighters on the National Fire Protection Association web site? Well if not, what are you waiting for ---- check it out at www.nfpa.org/.

Even though my Dad was both a paid firefighter and then a volunteer and my sons were both volunteers, I did not realize all the neat activities available to learn about fire prevention and yes, they are FREE (do you see a reoccurring theme in some of the SERC Library blog postings)! Okay, I did get distracted by one posting under the Latest News; Do you have a smoking firehouse recipe for chill? Yes, firefighters are good cooks, and yes, often when we stopped by the fire house when Dad was on, the firemen took us kids over to the bakery and bought us donuts (chocolate covered!) and spoiled our dinner, but seriously, who can resist looking at recipes! So just a quick peek at those and then on to the important activities!

AND check your smoke alarms!!!!

MATH ---- Free sites, resources!

2010-09-27T16:47:00.011-04:00

In conjunction with SERC's Math Conference on Tuesday, September 28^th, here are some sites to check out!

Learning Today blog, http://blog.learningtoday.com/ excellent free resources are offered by this software company. Also check out the "Teacher Resource" tab. Lots of K-5 stuff including materials for all levels of learners that will help with differentiation.

Math Snacks, http://www.mathsnacks.org/, designed by educators at New Mexico State University with NSF funds are engaging animations and games designed to help learner in grades 6-8 truly understand math concepts.

Harcourt School Publishers at http://www.hbschool.com/thinkmath/index.html is indexed by grade level for K-5, web-based math activities and concepts including numbers, data analysis, operations, algebra, geometry, time money and measurement.

Math Apprentice, http://www.mathapprentice.com/ provides opportunity for students in grades 4-8 to put math skills to work in one of eight businesses.

Jim Dornberg has created a wiki housed at http://smartmeasurement.wikispaces.com/ . Grades K-6 can view activities about length, time, money, perimeter, area, temperature, weight, volume, surface area, and angles.

Minute Math, http://www.10minutemath.com math.com is a high school teacher sharing knowledge with students and colleagues across the world. There are extra assignments for his calculus class, a set of non-linear graphs with the labels and scale hidden in a Word document for teaching exponential growth, a review Jeopardy game created with a Flash-based online game creator, explore some of the past posts for more.

And last but not least, Math and the Movies!, http://mathbits.com/MathBits/MathMovies/MathMovies.htm uses over 20 movies as teaching tools. Movie options contain information about which clip to show and provides student worksheets. Most activities are developed for grades 6-12 and movies range from a 1941 Abbott and Costello film, Proof, Castaway, Star Wars, Star Trek, to Harry Potter.

Wow – that's a lot of FUN Math!

The Be Cool Series

2010-09-21T08:40:00.007-04:00

Teaching conflict management from a student's perspective can help students "be cool" in many difficult situations. This series by James Stanfield is now available on DVD at the SERC Library. This series has modules designed for lower elementary, upper elementary, middle school and high school students. The program teaches the key elements of emotional intelligence: impulse control, empathy and self-awareness. Students are shown being challenged by a difficult person or situation and then modeling three possible responses to the conflicts. Topics include criticism, teasing, bullying, anger of others and one's own feelings of anger.

The National Science Digital Library

2010-09-07T11:48:00.004-04:00

Okay --- we know --- again with one of our favorite things --- free resources!!!! We cannot help ourselves --- like the SERC Library, this could be one of the best kept secrets around!!! Check out the The National Science Digital Library, http://nsdl.org/. The NSDL is a free online library for education and research in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. The site was established by the National Science Foundation (NSF) in 2000 as a free online library which directs users to resources for STEM education and research. The site has content that is aggregated from a variety of other digital libraries, NSF-funded projects, publishers, and NSDL-reviewed web sites. The site is designed primarily for K-16 educators, however, anyone can access NSDL.org and search the library at no cost. Some content providers do require a nominal fee or subscription to retrieve their specific resources, however, there is a great deal of free resources!

Thinkfinity.org Website

2010-08-31T10:21:00.004-04:00

We recently found out about a great web site through our subscription to Edutopia and we love to share info on free resources! Thinkfinity.org is a source for thousands of premium lesson plans, interactives, student materials and more from leading educational organizations, including the International Reading Association, the Smithsonian National Museum of American History and the National Geographic Society, just a few know national organizations. The resources are free and will help stretch tight instructional budgets! The site covers core curriculum subjects preK-12, resources are standards-aligned and searchable by theme, content, grade level, resource type and content partner. Professional development is available also on the site.

At least check out the site to see what it has to offer and possibly share the site (or not) with other educators, parents, and friends!

Here is the link: http://www.thinkfinity.org/.

Bullying Prevention and Intervention: Realistic Strategies for Schools by Susan M. Swearer, Dorothy L. Espelage and Scott A. Napolitano (371.58 SWE)

2010-08-24T09:25:00.004-04:00

Educators have an obligation to report and/or intervene in situations where bullying is observed. However, many educators may wish they knew more about the best possible approaches, including prevention. This excellent professional book takes a thorough look at the range of bullying behaviors and recommended interventions. Topics include team-based interventions, developing school and districtwide policies, the law and best practices.

The Kinesthetic Classroom: Teaching and Learning Movement by Traci Lengel and Mike Kuczala (372.868 LEN)

2010-08-09T10:45:00.013-04:00

Are some of your students very active? Are students sometimes restless during classroom activities? Do you notice students who attend better in class following gym class or recess? This clever book takes physical activity beyond gym class and recess and right into your classroom! Research shows that regular physical activity helps all children and teenagers perform better in school. This book is filled with suggestions of movement activities which can be easily integrated into the classroom as part of teaching and learning, many in two minutes or less.

Road Trip

2010-07-30T15:54:00.003-04:00

There she goes, Megan and her friend are on their way to Indiana. Notice that she is now a blondie! Have fun Megan!

To read makes my speaking English good?

2010-07-28T08:54:00.015-04:00

Confession time...when it comes to grammar I am one of those people. You know...the kind who will edit someone's doodles, or worse, their e-mails/Facebook updates/love letters. If you haphazardly scribble me a note I will read it, acknowledge it, and probably add a comma. I can't help it - I love writing, editing, and grammar, especially when it's used correctly. So for this post I would like to share some of the best grammar resources I've found in the SERC Library...

The Chortling Bard - Caught'ya! Grammar with a Giggle for High School (IM 428.00712 KIE)
Tee-hee...chortling indeed...even this book's cover illustration of a puffed up Shakespearean type incites a laugh. In this 226-page resource, the author uses three of the Bard's most famous tales to teach writing mechanics to high school students at any level. She adapts the stories into modern, vocabulary-rich English, and includes thorough sentence breakdowns, word and literary device lists, and corresponding exams, as well as a grammar reference handbook. And as an added bonus, she includes a warm-up exercise for students to construct Shakespearean insults, pointing out that the average person won't know the origins of the words anyway, and that "English teachers are so thrilled that you are using Shakespeare that they won't mind." Now come check out this book, you gorbellied, clapper-clawed connigit!

Grammar Games (CD 372.61 DAV)
This award-winning CD-ROM contains four games for children to practice their grammar knowledge, including proper punctuation, formation of plurals and possessives, and identification of sentence fragments. Each game has multiple difficulty levels, allowing children of all ages to partake in the educational fun. The jungle-themed games (Rain Forest Rescue, Falling Fruit, Hidden Wonders, and Jungle Gizmo) are vibrantly colored and accompanied by a lively beat. This program will work both in and out of the classroom, so parents be sure to check this one out.

Tic-Tac-Grammar (IM 372.61 WIL)
This unique 166-page book fuses grammar lessons with the classic game of Tic-Tac-Toe. There are more than 150 different game sheets included, on which students match pictures with sentences in a fun, lightly competitive way. The games prompt students to make corrections to the provided sentences, in addition to coming up with new ones of their own. The book also contains additional activity ideas, recommended book lists, and blank Tic-Tac-Toe game pieces so that teachers can put their own creativity to good use. The excellent grammar guidance makes checking out this book a no-brainer - the only thing left to decide is who will be X's and who will be O's!

English Grammar in Use: A Self-Study Reference and Practice Book for Intermediate Students of English (IM 428.24 MUR)
Now...admittedly, the first three materials in this post speak to the more light-hearted side of teaching. But this book here? Serious business. This recently revised third edition is nearly 400-pages long, and contains hundreds of grammar rules with corresponding self-check exercises. There is also a CD-ROM included, with hundreds of additional practice activities, audio recordings of major grammar points, a built-in dictionary, and customized tests to help readers work on the areas of their choice. Though geared more towards self-study than school curriculum, teachers will find plenty of material to incorporate into their own lesson plans. It is also excellent for educators, college students, and any other individuals who need to brush up on their writing proficiency, or frankly, for grammar nerds like myself who get a cheeky delight out of testing our syntax savvy. Fun!

Note from the Grammar Police: Please feel free to point out any grammatical errors in this post in the comments. Statistics show a high likelihood of making a grammatical error when writing about not making grammatical errors.

Bonne Fête Nationale! (Happy Bastille Day!)

2010-07-14T11:19:00.028-04:00

Il est le quatorzième de Juillet, et en France, c'est Jour de l'Indépendance! La Bibliothèque SERC collection des Jeunes a une section dédiée français, avec des titres tels que:

It is the fourteenth of July, and in France it is Independence Day! The SERC Library Young People's collection has a dedicated French section, with titles such as:

Food / La nourriture, By Barron's Educational Series (YP-FR F BAR)

Cuddly and colorful teddy bears teach new words to very young children - in both English and French! Barron's Bilingual First Books give little boys and girls an early start in learning a foreign language along with their own. Des oursons adorables et sympathiques enseignent aux enfants des mots nouvelles - en anglais et en français! Les Premieres Livres Bilingues de Barron's permettent aux enfants de s'initier une deuxieme langue ainsi que d'apprendre la leur initial.

Goodnight everyone / Bonne nuit à tous, by Lone Morton (YP-FR F MOR)

It's Martha's bedtime, but first she has to say goodnight to all her cuddly friends: teddy, penguin, monkey and little mouse. They're all tucked in...but will there be room for Martha? This delightful, appealing story has colorful illustrations and an easy-to-read text in both English and French. C'est l'heure du coucher de Marthe, mais d'abord qu'elle a à dire bonsoir à tous ses amis en peluche: Teddy, pingouin, le singe et la petite souris. Ils sont tous rentré po...mais il y aura place pour Martha? Ce superbe histoire appel a des illustrations colorées et faciles à lire le texte en anglais et en français.

My house / Ma maison, By Berlitz Kids (YP-FR F BER)

This interactive book teaches child friendly words in two languages. Meet this fun family and take a tour of their home. Each room has flaps you can lift to discover a surprise underneath! The book includes colorful illustrations and plenty of useful words in both French and English. Ce livre interactif apprend aux enfants, paroles amicales dans les deux langues. Rencontrez-vous familial et visite guidée de leur maison. Chaque chambre dispose de volets que vous pouvez soulever pour découvrir une surprise en dessous! Le livre comprend des illustrations colorées et beaucoup de mots utiles en français et en anglais.

Happy Independence Day!

2010-07-04T12:16:00.174-04:00

Ah yes, America...it's that time again. July has swept over us, bringing with it sticky summer days, sweet summer nights, and an explosion of patriotism. If you can bear to unfurl yourself from those red, white and blue streamers and put down that veggie burger, we'd like to share with you some of our favorite "America, yay!" library materials...

Okay folks, step right up! First things first, you've got your history - U.S. history - and plenty of it! From that fateful summer of 1776 to the Civil Rights era, we've got your history needs covered, with titles such as America's Story (IM 973 BER) and Lies My Teacher Told Me: Everything Your American History Textbook Got Wrong (973 LOE). You'll also find an abundance of materials that put a more unique slant on American history, such as Building a Legacy: Women in Social Education 1784-1984 (372.89 CRO), A History of Black Achievement in America (IE 960.73 AMB), and The Latino Experience in United States History (IM 972 CAB).

When it comes to highlighting our unique nation, history is only the beginning. We're going to let you in on a little secret...the SERC Library owns nearly 50 National Geographic videos! These amazing documentaries manage to walk that elusive line between education and fun, and we think they'll be equally useful to a bright-eyed classroom as well as kids on summer vacation who need a little break from the sun. There are geographical explorations of America's natural beauty, like The Pacific Edge (IM 970 NAT) and Let's Explore a Wetland (IM 591.52 NAT). Then there are the sciences, from biology - Your Body: Muscular and Skeletal Systems (IM 612 NAT) - to chemistry - Solid, Liquid, Gas (IM 530.4 Nat) - to botany - What is a Leaf? (IM 581 NAT). You'll also find videos on wartime history, dinosaurs, the four seasons, and geography. Oh, and our personal favorite, Killer Whales: Wolves of the Sea (IM 597 NAT), which wins based on that title alone!

Of course, being SERC, we also have plenty of items that focus on education in America. Some of our newest titles in this area are Catching Up or Leading the Way: American Education in the Face of Globalization (370.973 ZHA) and Immigrant Families in Contemporary Society (308.4 LAN).

In honor of our nation's birthday, we are offering a free eco-friendly SERC Library tote bag to the first commenter to guess what tune the following is set to: (yes, really!)

For my education degree
I love the SERC Library
From thee I bring:
Tests in rolling suitcases,
DVDs with fancy cases,
IMS, IEs and Young People's Books...
And membership is free!