Maine Literacy Council
May Newsletter
Professional Development Opportunities
The New England Reading Association (NERA) will be hosting it's annual conference in Maine this year at the Portland Marriott Sable Oaks. Friday evening (May 20th) Ralph Fletcher will be giving the keynote address. On Saturday, May 21st many of the best literacy- minded presenters will be on hand including: Thomas Newkirk, Jeff Anderson, Kathy Collins, Mary Cowhey, Rene Dinnerstein, Daniel Feigelson, Matt Glover, Doug Kaufman, Franki Sibberson, Vicki Vinton, and Katie Wood Ray.
There is still time to register but space is limited.
Click HERE to register!
Maine Authors Spotlight: Tamra Wight
Tamra is the author of the eco-mystery series, Cooper and Packrat. She gets her inspiration from owning Poland Spring Campground, teaching middle schoolers and walking her nature trails along Lower Range Pond. She is a self proclaimed Nature Geek, getting lost out on those trails and kayaking while photographing the loons, eagles and foxes that are really highlighted in her books. This past week the third book in the Cooper and Packrat series was launched: Mystery of the Missing Fox.
To read more about Tamra and her real life adventures/inspirations check out this profile from the Bangor Daily News.
http://bangordailynews.com/2016/04/28/outdoors/maine-campground-owner-writes-third-eco-mystery-for-children/
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Author
Photographer
Mainers' Blogs to Follow
Matt Halpern is a literacy strategies in RSU 5 in Freeport, Maine. Formerly a kindergarten teacher, Matt has blogged about his experiences as an educator for years. His blog is entitled: http://lookatmyhappyrainbow.com/
In 2014 he wrote a book also entitled
Look at My Happy Rainbow: My Journey as a Male Kindergarten Teacher
Check them out to be inspired and amused!
Book Buzz
So many incredible titles come out, it's hard to choose only one or two. Below we spotlight 3 picture books and 3 chapter books. We'd love to hear some of your favorites. You can join the #MELit Twitter Chat the 2nd Sunday of each month from 8-9pm hosted by Susan Dee and Cathy Potter. There you can share even more titles!
Twenty Yawns
Let's Play
Are We There Yet
Raymie Nightingale
Booked
Salt to The Sea
MSBA Titles for 2016-2017
The Maine Student Book Award Committee has released the selected titles for the 2016-2017 School Year. You can see that complete list on their website:
HERE!
Also, the winners from the 2015-2016 MSBA are pictured below!
Global Read Aloud 2016
The titles have been chosen for this fall's Global Read Aloud. The featured picture book author/illustrator is LAUREN CASTILLO! The 7+, 9+, and 12+ books are illustrated below.
For high school teachers, the 15+ selection is ALL AMERICAN BOYS.
You can sign up for the 2016 Global Read Aloud that will run October 3rd - November 11th
HERE.
Teacher Appreciation Week
MAY 2-6 is TEACHER APPRECIATION WEEK (May 3rd is Teacher Appreciation Day)
Anyone who works at a school can get a free burrito, bowl, salad or tacos at Chipotle Mexican Grill on May 3 in honor of Teacher Appreciation Day
Click here for a list of other businesses offering discounts and deals for Teacher Appreciation Week.
Click here for a list of businesses who offer discounts and deals year-round for teachers.
Member Suggestions
Maine Literacy Council
Email: MaineLiteracyCouncil@gmail.com
Website: www.MaineLiteracyCouncil.org
Location: 29 Brookfield Estates, Turner, ME, United States
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/search/top/?q=maine%20literacy%20council
Twitter: @MaineLiteracy