New Library Acquisitions LibGuide 2014!!!!

We have just published the NEW LIBRARY ACQUISITIONS LIBGUIDE 2014!  Lots of new and exciting resources have been added to the Library's collections, make sure you check them out and REMEMBER, we are constantly adding to the collections and the libguide!

Just to tempt you to look ----

Instructional technology in early childhood:  Teaching in the digital age

Teaching the Common Core speaking and listening standards:  Strategies and digital tools

Managing anxiety in people with autism:  A treatment guide for parents, teachers, and mental health professionals

A happy hat

Teach like a champion:  49 techniques that put students on the path to college

Social literacy:  A social skills seminar for young adults with ASDs, NLDs, and social anxiety

Meet the Author Night At The SERC Library!

Helping Children Cope with Challenging Events:  

Featuring:  Trey Rawlins
Author of When Mommy had cancer   

Wednesday, October 23, 2013
6:00 pm to 7:30 pm
SERC Library
25 Industrial Park Road
Middletown CT 06457

Trey Rawlins was 4 years old when he was told his mom had cancer.  Through honest communication, love and understanding, Trey and his mom met the challenges of treatment and recovery together.  In fourth grade, Trey wrote a book of hope and courage, When Mommy had cancer, to share what he had learned with other families experiencing similar challenges.  Through it all, he and his mom not only coped, but thrived and grew closer.  Trey will share the difficulties they faced together, how he felt, how he helped his mom, and his accomplishments since that time.

Consultants from CSDE and SERC will share information and resources to assist other children coping with stressful events in their lives.

A book signing and reception will follow the presentation.  Books may be purchased for $10.00 at the event.

Please RSVP by October 18, 2013 to Signe Lambertsen via email lambertsen@ctserc.org or call 860.632.1485 x 272.

Biblioburro: The Donkey Library

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/. 

Math and the Books Kids Love

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.

Check out our newest materials!

The SERC Library has just posted our latest lists of new acquisitions on our website. Follow this link to browse our new materials in handy alphabetical and topical lists. You can then go to Iluminar to find more details on the items and to reserve them. And here's a tip: you can always see our newest materials as soon as they hit the catalog by scrolling down on the front page of Iluminar, where you'll see links to searches for New Books and New Tests. In the meantime, here are a few highlights:

Fasten your seatbelt: A crash course on Down syndrome for brothers and sisters. By Brian G. Skotko and Susan P. Levine, 2009. (YP 616.858842 SKO)




Think college!: Postsecondary education options for students with intellectual disabilities. By Meg Grigal and Debra Hart, 2010. (371.90474 GRI)




Freedom from meltdowns: Dr. Thompson’s solutions for children with autism. By Travis Thompson, 2009. (FAM 618.928588 THO)





Launching RTI comprehension instruction with shared reading: 40 model lessons for intermediate readers. By Nancy N. Boyles, 2009. (IM 372.47 BOY)

National Poetry Month

as the buds peek out
from silken nests of green lace
the poet awakes

swirling through the stream
baby fish jump rainbows, while
words jump to my page

rhythm and buddha
and a compulsion to dream
bring poets to peace

full of life, April
heralds nothing so sweetly
sung as poetry



Can there be a more appropriate time of year to celebrate words than the lovely month of April? As the gentle hush of spring sweeps in and signs of nature's rebirth abound, we turn to the delectable sounds of syllables, of semantics, of poetry.

For some of the events surrounding this illustrious month, check out Poets.org, the most comprehensive web resource for poetry. There you'll find thousands of poem in an easily searchable database, as well as audio, video, essays and interviews. In honor of National Poetry Month, you can sign up to receive Poem-A-Day e-mails from Poets.org. You'll also find plenty of information about Poem In Your Pocket Day, which is exactly what it sounds like. The idea is to select a favorite poem and carry it with you all day on April 29, 2010. Whether you share it with friends, stage an impromptu reading on a crowded street, or simply peek at it yourself throughout the day, having a poem in your pocket is like having your own little secret treasure, and it can make the world just a little bit lovelier.

And of course, no post would be complete without a list of some of our favorite materials from our own collection. So next time you visit the SERC Library, be sure to check out:


Welcome to the world: A celebration of birth and babies from many cultures, Compiled by Nikki Siegen-Smith (YP 808.819354 SIE)

This gorgeous anthology combines black and white photography of infants with poems by an array of celebrated poets from around the world. From Ireland's Eavan Boland to England's D.H. Lawrence to anonymous authors from New Zealand and Cambodia, this book will awe you, inspire you, and remind you that we are all human and we are all born innocent.


Embracing the sky: Poems beyond disability, by Craig Romkema (811.6 ROM)

Here you will find pieces that encompass everything a good poetry collection should: an intertwining of desolation and appreciation that cleverly come together to reflect on all of the ugliness and beauty found in this world. The author is a young man with cerebral palsy and autism, and this is his way of both highlighting what it's like to live with disabilities and transcending it, by taking us into his mind and dissolving the difference between us.


When the horses ride by: Children in the times of war, Poems by Eloise Greenfield, Illustrations by Jan Spivey Gilchrist (YP 811.54 GRE)

This is another book in which the visuals are as stunning as the written words. The two mediums combine to paint a stark, yet ultimately hopeful, portrait of war and the effect it has on children. Here is a short poem featured in the book:

Voices
I hear their voices
mixing with the sounds of war.
Too much noise, almost
drowning out their words,
drowning out my thoughts.
Almost.


Teaching with fire: Poetry that sustains the courage to teach, Edited by Sam M. Intrator & Megan Scribner (808.81 INT)

The editors of this book have compiled eighty-eight poems and paired each one up with mini-essays by teachers reflecting on how the poem has touched his or her life. Featuring works by such well-known poets as Pablo Neruda, Walt Whitman, Adrienne Rich and Hartford's own Wallace Stevens, as well as a lot of helpful information on how to incorporate poetry into your curriculum, this book is highly recommended for educators and anyone looking for a little inspiration.


The tree is older than you are: A bilingual gathering of poems and stories from Mexico with paintings by Mexican artists, Selected by Naomi Shihab Nye (YP-SP 860.9 NYE)

The poetry contained within this volume speaks of the timelessness of nature and the endurance of the human spirit. This dynamic array of poems includes both the original Spanish and translated English versions, and is ideal for bilingual classrooms and curricula with a multicultural focus.

The SERC Library encourages drive-by poeting in the comments!

Connecticut Children's Book Fair - November 14-15th, 2009

The 18th Annual Connecticut Children's Book Fair will be held on November 14th and 15th at the UCONN campus in Storrs. The fair provides an opportunity for fans of children's literature to meet prominent authors and illustrators in a fun, family-friendly atmosphere. In addition to presentations and book signings, the event will also feature storytelling sessions, crafts, and even an opportunity to have breakfast with Clifford the Big Red Dog! Lots of other popular characters will be present as well. On Saturday visitors will also be able to visit the Northeast Children's Literature Collection, housed at UCONN's Thomas J. Dodd Research Center, which features an extensive collection of original work by such noted authors as Richard Scarry and Tomie dePaola. For information on the collection go here, and for information on attending the fair go here.

And of course be sure to check out two of the newest additions to our very own Young People's book collection:

The Red Beast: Controlling Anger in Children with Asperger's Syndrome, by K.I. Al-Ghani (YP 618.92 ALG)
The picture book offers both an engaging story that children will enjoy and helpful anger management techniques for adults to employ when working with children prone to anger and temper tantrums. From foot massages to popping bubble wrap, these suggestions are sure to appeal to even the most stressed out child.


All Dogs Have ADHD, by Kathy Hoopmann (YP 362.196 HOO)
This book uses vivid full color photographs of dogs to illustrate many of the most common traits held by those with ADHD. This delightful and humorous book is great for helping to boost the self-esteem of kids who may be having a hard time and feeling different from their peers.

Banned Books Week

The last week of September is Banned Books Week, which is a time to celebrate and appreciate free speech and reading. The wonderful thing about reading is not only that there are so many different worlds one can enter by picking up a book, but that it is our individual choice that guides us on these journeys. You may delight in reading of the trials and tribulations of a quirky small town in the 1950s and your neighbor might love to get lost in a gripping political thriller, while I might devour an epic vampire love story. But when we allow individual choice to be limited we encroach on this great personal freedom, and we chip away at what makes reading so special in the first place. Many libraries use Banned Books Week as a way to highlight the maligned titles that fall into this category through special displays and programs that encourage people to read these books for themselves and form their own opinions.

Here in the SERC Library one of our most popular Young People's books holds the dubious honor of topping the list of most frequently banned books for the past two years: the absolutely delightful and heartwarming And Tango Makes Three by Justin Richardson and Peter Parnell (YP F RIC). This book depicts the true story of two Central Park Zoo male penguins who fall in love and form a family by adopting an abandoned egg and taking the baby penguin, Tango, under their wings (so to speak). This book is frequently challenged because of its open depiction of a homosexual relationship, despite the fact that the relationship is presented in a positive and loving manner. This dichotomy between the author's intention and the reader's interpretation is what lies at the core of most banned book controversies.

Or, as acclaimed author (and personal favorite of mine) Francesca Lia Block stated when asked how she felt about her books being censored: "I'm a bit surprised in one way, because the message of all of them is love, tolerance and self-expression. On the other hand, I am not surprised because the message is love, tolerance and self-expression."

So exercise your First Right Amendment and read a banned book!

Farewell, Reading Rainbow

The year was 1983. The hair was big, the leg warmers were bright, and the music was cheesy. Amidst all this a little show by the name of Reading Rainbow began to air on PBS. Hosted by LeVar Burton, the show was special because it encouraged kids to read for pleasure, rather than out of obligation. From the moment the memorable theme song kicked off one felt like they were entering another world, much like the feeling of losing oneself in a favorite book. This was a world where words and illustrations sprung to life, where there were no limits on how far one's imagination could go, and where children ruled.
As the eighties have given way to the nineties and then to the new millennium, there has been a tangible shift in the way literacy is looked at. Today the focus is more on the mechanics of teaching children how to read rather than encouraging their innate love for a good book. Sadly, due to this changed educational climate and complications with funding, it was announced last week that Reading Rainbow is no more. Though the last episode aired on Friday, August 28th, the lasting impression this show had on its audience is undeniable, as evidenced by the outpouring of support for this underrated gem since the announcement. Say the name LeVar Burton to any child of the eighties and there is a very good chance they will think not of his work on Roots and Star Trek, but of this:



On a personal note, I was 2 when this show began and my voracious love for reading from such a young age is no doubt due at least a little to the wonder of Reading Rainbow and the good fortune I had in being able to watch it throughout my childhood. Thanks LeVar and company! Your presence will be missed.

Children's Eye Health and Safety Month

With approximately 12 million school-age children in America experiencing vision problems, it is no wonder that August is Children's Eye Health and Safety Month. The promotion of eye health and safety is very important, and education and awareness in schools and libraries is essential not only during this month, but throughout the year. For more information on how you can get involved, visit Prevent Blindness America. You can also come into the SERC Library and check out some of the books we have on this important subject, including:

Blueberry eyes, by Monica Driscoll Beatty (YP F BEA)
This 32-page picture book, intended for children ages 4-10, is the true story of a young child's eye treatment, including eyeglasses, bifocals, eye patches, and surgery. It focuses on the heroine's positive self-image throughout her treatment, the care and guidance she received from her ophthalmologist, and the love and support of her family.



What if you couldn't? A Visual Impairment Unit (IE 371.911 GUR)

A multimedia kit designed to make students in grades 2-5 aware of the broad spectrum of visual problems ranging from minor disabilities which can be corrected by prescription lenses to total blindness. The kit allows children to investigate the ways that people with visual impairments compensate for their lack of sight and become functioning, independent individuals.

Surprising studies of visual awareness: Volumes 1 & 2 (IE 153.43 VIS)
This DVD can be used to teach about visual perception and awareness during presentations, workshops or inservice programs. It presents 15 striking demonstrations in which visual perception is explored, including some with footage from scientific experiments. Selective attention, failures of awareness and optical illusions are included.



The secret code, by Dana Meachen Rau, illustrated by Bari Weissman
(YP F RAU)
Using a word list of 69 words, this 32 page illustrated children's book introduces children to Braille. Oscar, a blind student, teaches his friend Lucy to read the secret code of Braille. She is curious about what he is doing when he opens his book and is interested to learn how Oscar can use Braille to do the same reading and writing tasks all the other classmates are doing.

Asian Pacific American Heritage Month

Did you know that May is Asian Pacific American Heritage Month? If you're looking for ideas on how to celebrate this unique and diverse culture, check out the SERC Library, where you'll find items such as:

Teaching about Asian Pacific Americans: Effective activities, strategies, and assignments for classrooms and communities, edited by Edith Wen-Chu Chen and Glenn Omatsu (IM 973.049522 WEN)
This invaluable 316-page guide is chock full of ideas to incorporate into your classroom, ranging from simple writing exercises to ideas for exploring your local city's Chinatown. In addition to activities, it also provides basic background information on the culture and history of the various ethnic groups that fit under the broader term Asian Pacific Americans.


Round is a mooncake: A book of shapes, by Roseanne Thong. Illustrated by Grace Lin (YP F THO)
This colorful 36-page picture book teaches and reinforces children's knowledge of shapes by having the young protagonist look at the objects that surround her. From the square-shaped tofu and radish cakes to the round paper lanterns and cups of Jasmine tea, the author and illustrator take the reader on a sweet little journey while also providing a valuable cultural lesson, complete with a glossary for the more unfamiliar terms.


Sixteen years in sixteen seconds: The Sammy Lee story, by Paula Yoo, illustrations by Dom Lee (YP B LEE)
This 32-page biography tells the story of Dr. Sammy Lee, the first Asian American to win an Olympic gold medal. Despite having to struggle against discrimination in his younger years as a Korean American, Dr. Lee pursued his dream of becoming an Olympic diver, and this moving story highlights his impressive life and accomplishments.



A kid's guide to Asian American history: More than 70 activities, by Valerie Petrillo (IM 973.0495 PET)
This handy 244-page book offers a wide variety of kid-friendly activities designed to teach and celebrate Asian American culture and history. Along with guidance for more commonly known aspects of Asian American culture, such as writing a haiku poem or conducting a Japanese tea ceremony, there are also more obscure offerings, such as how to cook Bibingka, a tradtional dessert of the Philippines and how to play pov pob, a Hmong ball-tossing game.

What better way to celebrate Asian Pacific American Heritage Month than with a book or two?? See you at SERC!

Children's Book Week May 11-17, 2009

This coming Monday marks the start of Children's Book Week. Whether you're a parent who enjoys reading to your child or a teacher who is actively involved with promoting classroom literacy, this is a fantastic opportunity to celebrate reading and children's books. Children's Book Week is sponsored by the Children's Book Council. Check out this website made just for the event, which is chock full of resources, including downloadable bookmarks and posters, suggestions for classroom activities, and story starters to encourage young people to write their own masterpieces.

Here at the SERC Library we have an entire collection devoted to young people's books (designated by YP in the call number). From fiction to non-fiction to biographies, from picture books to adolescent level, from English to French to Spanish to Hmong, we have quite a comprehensive range. The collection is especially strong in the areas of disability awareness and cultural diversity. To search our library for children's books only, go to our card catalog and simply enter the search term YP in addition to any other keywords, such as YP autism or YP fiction or YP African American. Or simply enter YP by itself to browse all 500+ titles.

To get you started, here is a list of staff favorites from this collection:

Sleepy River, by Hanna Bandes, illustrated by Jeanette Winter
(YP F BAN)
This gorgeous 32-page picture book chronicles a mother and child's nightime canoe journey down a "sleepy river". Along the way they encounter all the magical little critters that come out at night. With lush illustrations in shades of violet and teal, this book makes an enchanting bedtime tale.


Oliver Onion, written and illustrated by Diane Murrell (YP F MUR)
Subtitled "The Onion Who Learns to Accept and Be Himself", this 32-page book addresses the difficulty children can have with fitting in and feeling comfortable in their own skin. Though aimed specifically at children with autism spectrum disorders, the book's message of self-acceptance can be universally appreciated, and the included discussion guide makes it particularly handy for teachers to incorporate this into their reading programs.

Se Venden Gorras, relatado e ilustrado por Esphyr Slobodkina (YP-SP F SLO)
This is the Spanish version of the popular children's classic "Caps for Sale" about a peddler and a mischevious group of monkeys who love to cause him trouble. First published in 1940, this 32-page book has been delighting both children and adults for several generations. "Se Venden Gorras" and its English counterpart are both excellent for use in Reader's Theater.

Richard Wright and the Library Card, by William Miller, illustrated by Gregory Christie (YP B WRI)
This fascinating biography of prominent African American author Richard Wright is a fictionalized version of his childhood dream of obtaining a library card in an era before the Civil Rights movement. His eventual success in achieving this goal paved the way for his lifelong appreciation of reading, books and libraries. With full page acrylic and colored pencil illustrations this 32-page book is not only visually appealing, but also a truly touching story.

Life Lists for Teens, by Pamela Espeland (YP 646.700835 ESP)
This 264-page indispensable guide for adolescents covers a myriad of topics that are relevant to their lives with a conversational and often humorous tone that teenagers will easily relate to. Organized in list format, there are over 200 entries, including "How to Start a Book Group", "9 Tips for Changing Your Hair Color", "13 Things You Can Do To Promote Diversity", "11 Common Dream Symbols and What They Mean", and "10 Ways to Swear Off Swearing From the Cuss Control Academy".

Reach for the Moon, by Samantha Abeel, illustrated by Charles R. Murphy (YP 811.54 ABE)
This uniquely beautiful 44-page book of poetry was written by a thirteen-year-old girl with learning disabilities. Though she spent much of her younger years struggling in school, she was encouraged by caring adults to nurture her blossoming writing talent which led to her overcoming her initial academic struggles. Equally important in this book are the breathtaking watercolor paintings that accompany and inspire each poem. With themes focusing on nature, Native Americans, and family, this collection of poetry has a timeless quality that is well beyond the author's young age.

And Tango Makes Three, by Justin Richardson and Peter Parnell, illustrated by Henry Cole (YP F RIC)
This 32-page picture book frequently lands on the American Library Association's banned book list, however we think that it deserves a spot in every library for its thoughtful and respectful approach to introducing children to the concept of same-sex couples. It is the true story of Roy and Silo, Central Park Zoo's famous gay penguins and their quest to raise a chick of their own, baby Tango. With beautiful watercolor illustrations, this award winning book is sure to both delight and teach.


Come into the SERC Library to check out these books and others. Happy Children's Book Week!