Videos & QR Codes in the Library

Youtube

https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=6&v=lydaMN3417g

https://www.youtube.com/user/TheNHSLibrary/videos


https://www.youtube.com/user/theunquietlibrary/videos





https://www.youtube.com/user/pikesvillehslibrary/videos



As I keep in mind the age of my students, I believe the youtube video that they would connect with the most is the overdue library books parody by BBMSMEDIA. Overdue books are a pretty big problem at our elementary school. I believe the students would love watching these videos because they are very catchy! Creating entertaining youtube videos like these at my school will help students remember to bring back their books!

Animoto

The First Strawberries- Book Trailer

Synopsis from the publisher: From an award-winning Native American storyteller comes this captivating re-telling of a Cherokee legend, which explains how strawberries came to be. Long ago, the first man and woman quarreled. The woman left in anger, but the Sun sent tempting berries to Earth to slow the wife's retreat. Luminous paintings perfectly complement the simple, lyrical text. 

"Complete harmony of text and pictures: altogether lovely." -- Kirkus Reviews, pointer review

Animoto is a free video app that can be very useful for students and librarians! They can create videos on book trailers, reviews, recommendations, and so much more! Users will really enjoy personalizing their video with photos, video clips, text, and music. I must say did my first book trailer on The First Strawberries by Joseph Bruchac and I am so proud of myself! I found Animoto very easy and fun to use!

**Disclaimer: Animoto can become very addicting and hard to stop editing lol! I hope you enjoy my book trailer!

QR CODES

Here is a QR code to view my Book trailer! Try it out!

#QRNEWBIE

This was my first time creating a QR Code and I LIKE IT! Before, I  thought that QR codes were difficult to create...that is one reason why I never tried it out. I was super excited to find out that my QR code actually scans!!! I feel like a kid in a candy store lol!I am so glad that I am taking this course because I have been exploring digital tools and apps that could be very beneficial to use with my students! 

Below I listed some ways I could use QR codes in the library/ classroom:

• Scavenger Hunts 
• Listening/Watching Read Alouds
• Online Book Reviews
• Library Tour
• Screencast Tutorials
• Online Reading Comprehension Questions
• Making learning more interactive 
• Digital Display of books/ student work
• Escape Room Games 

The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-time Indian

Alexie, S. (2007). The absolutely true diary of a part-time Indian. New York: Little, Brown.ISBN: 0316013692

Plot Summary

Junior a 14-year-old Native American boy is many things from being a poor Indian to living with a rare disability that causes him to be bullied in and out of school. On his first day of high school, he comes to a realization that he wants better for his educational future. Junior is convinced by Mr. P, his geometry teacher, to leave the reservation. That also means leaving his best friend Rowdy behind for a better education.Throughout this challenging journey, Junior learns to overcome his fears his freshman year at a predominantly white high school.

CRITICAL ANALYSIS

Alexie puts a comical spin on serious challenges Native American teenagers face today. This book includes themes that many young teenagers can connect with including bullying, cultural appropriation, social class, and racism.  The hilarious illustrations will attract many reluctant readers making this book a page-turner!  In addition, many young teenagers will relate to the main character's first year in high school. After reading this book, you will know what it really means to be a “part-time Indian”.

There are many modern cultural markers found throughout this book from the setting to the future of Native Americans. I would like to focus on the illustrations that are found throughout the book. Forney adds humor and authenticity to the sketches. Readers will be able to compare the difference between Junior’s Spokane Indian tribe to the “white” culture he goes to school with. There is this one sketch of a boy split in half and basically shows the white culture in a more positive light versus the Indigenous culture in a negative light.In addition, please be forewarned that you will run into many offensive interlingual stereotypical terms in this book such as “red skins”, “squawboy”, “chief”, and “tonto”. The book explores some modern-day challenges found in the Native American culture such as alcoholism and poverty. These two challenges have a negative impact on Native Americans leading to lack of education, crime, and death. However, with these two challenges exposed in this book,  family life still remains a strong positive impact on this culture group.

REVIEW EXCERPTS
Library Media Connection (January 2008)
“Author Sherman Alexie writes with humor and wit. The story is bittersweet and intense; events are sometimes shocking, but the author does an excellent job of keeping the novel moving at an interesting pace.”

Publishers Weekly (August 20, 2007)
“Screenwriter, novelist and poet, Alexie bounds into YA with what might be a Native American equivalent of Angela's Ashes, a coming-of-age story so well observed that its very rootedness in one specific culture is also what lends it universality, and so emotionally honest that the humor almost always proves painful.”



Connections

Alexie, S. (2013). Toughest Indian in the world. ISBN-10: 0-8021-3800-4

Alexie, S., & MacDonald, A. (2012). Reservation blues. Toronto, Ont.: CNIB. ISBN-10: 0-8021-4190-0 

More Indian  Books by Sherman Alexie

Instagram! Flipagram! Screencast!

What is Instagram & Flipagram?

Instagram and Flipagram are both social media apps that you can use to share photos and videos. The app I use more for my personal entertainment is Instagram...it is crazy to think that both of these apps are now used in the classroom! While exploring the two, I noticed why they are becoming more popular in a classroom setting. With all the constant updates they both share similarities! Below I will share with you my findings!

Instagram 

• Allows users to now go live and share videos in real-time.
• More appealing to all ages due to the participation of celebrities, companies, schools, etc.
• Popular for reluctant readers. They learn through visuals and less text!
• Built-in photo editor/collage maker.
• Privacy options allow you to control who views your Instagram.
• Users are able to simultaneously share their Instagram posts to other social media apps such as Facebook & Twitter.
• Users are able to like, comment, or message followers.

Follow me on Instagram! @murielsbooknook

My students would LOVE to get their hands on this book! #blackpanther

A post shared by Muriel (@murielsbooknook) on Mar 23, 2018 at 7:30pm PDT


Flipagram 

• Flipagram allows you to create a slideshow that "flips" throw your pictures and videos for about 60 seconds.
•  Users are able to also add their personalized touch by choosing animations and popular music that will go with their slide show.  
• Now users are able to follow, like, and add comments to different Flipagrams.
• Users can now search for and follow Flipagrams and hashtags to build their feed!

Follow my Flipagram! @murielsbooknook

Third Grade memories!! #jujuonthatbeat #3rdgraderocks #teacherlife

A post shared by Muriel (@murielsbooknook) on Mar 23, 2018 at 10:03pm PDT

So, down below I experimented with this app called Screencast. Screencast-o-matic has different versions, however I have always used the free version! It works perfectly fine! This free app allows users to record an are of their screen and share! This is a great tool to teach students how to use certain apps, digital catalogs, websites, and the list goes on!  I hope you enjoy watching my screencast.




How can I incorporate these apps into my #teachinglife?!

Like I said, I have been using Instagram & Flipagram in my adult life, but how can I incorporate this with my students? I think after exploring what these apps have to offer I know that they both promote engagement and creativity! They are also a great tool to share book reviews, student progress, reminders, student work, and memories!

AND THE WINNER IS!
Flipagram! I think that Flipagram is growing in popularity with younger users. I feel like it would be beneficial for not just teachers, but a digital tool students can use too! My students would love to explore with this app because it gives them more options to add their own creative touch to their slideshow! It is pretty easy to use once you start playing around with it...I think that the popular music sold me (& my students)! I can see my students doing so much with Flipagram...maybe a Flipagram book trailer or book summary after reading.  (I am already thinking about digital projects!)

How I became a ghost: A Choctaw Trail of Tears story

Tingle, T. (2017). How I became a ghost: A Choctaw Trail of Tears story. Toronto: CNIB.
ISBN: 1937054535

Plot Summary

How I Became a Ghost by Tim Tingle is a historical fiction book about a Choctaw young boy named Isaac. His tribe is forced to leave their land by violent colonizers.Isaac and his family go on this long dangerous journey to the West known as the Trail of Tears. Through rain, sleet, snow, and drought his family will not give up on their voyage to their new land. Isaac foresees many things that will happen to his tribe from the destruction of their land to the spread of diseases. During his journey, he learns that he can also see ghost and eventually finds out he will some become one. After his death, he becomes a spiritual hero that helps safely guide his family and friends to their new land.

CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Although this book is historical fiction, this is a recommended read for ages 10+ or anyone interested in learning more about the Trail of Tears. Many young readers will like that this book combines drama, adventure, suspense and history all in one read. Tingle’s repetitive writing style makes it seem like you are listening to a Storyteller. This will make Isaac truly come to life. Readers will empathize with the Choctaw tribe and connect with the two major themes of the book which is perseverance and bravery.

There are many cultural markers found throughout this book. Tim Tingle combines family stories that were passed down from generation to generations in this historical read. In addition, readers will understand when and where the story begins (Mississippi, 1830). The date alone makes this book a historical read!

This book will reveal the disturbing mistreatment the Choctaw tribe experienced during their long walk on the Trail of Tears. Many Natives died from starvation, dehydration, disease, and violence on the Trail of Tears. Readers will also be exposed to the two important elements found in the Choctaw culture which are spirituality and family.


REVIEW EXCERPTS

School Library Journal (November 1, 2013)
Gr 7 Up-The ghost is Isaac, a Choctaw boy who dies on the Trail of Tears, yet continues to interact with Joseph, another Choctaw boy who is a shape-shifter. Tingle's historical novel normalizes Choctaw spirituality, presenting it as part of the fabric of life of those who lived, died, and were killed on the Trail of Tears of the 1830s. 

Horn Book Guide starred (Spring 2014)
Isaac is alive and well at the start of this Trail of Tears story, beginning in the Choctaw Nation in Mississippi in 1830. But soon there is Treaty Talk, followed by the arrival of Nahullo (white) men, and the Choctaw must begin their journey west. Tingle, a Choctaw storyteller, relates his tale in the engaging repetitions and rhythms of an oft-told story.

Connections


Tingle, T., & Walker, S. (2017). When a ghost talks, listen: A Choctaw Trail of Tears story. ISBN: 1937054462
Tingle, Tim. (2014) House of Purple Cedar. Paw Prints. ISBN: 1935955241

The First Strawberries, A Cherokee Story

Bruchac, J., & Vojtech, A. (2013). The first strawberries: A Cherokee story. Columbus, O.H: Zaner-Bloser. ISBN 0803713312


PLOT SUMMARY
The First Strawberries by Joseph Bruchac is a Cherokee legend about how strawberries were created. At the beginning of time, the first Native American man and woman were created. They eventually married and lived happily ever after or so they thought! One day, the man came home to no dinner and got mad at his wife because he was hungry. The woman did not like how rude and disrespectful her husband was to her, as a result, she walks away from him. The man thought that he would be just fine until he starts to miss his beautiful wife. The Sun notices how heartbroken the man is and decides to help him. The Sun’s bright rays create sweet berries along the woman’s path, that does not seem to stop her and she continues to furiously walk. The Sun doesn’t give up and shines his rays brighter on the soil which led to the first creation of delicious strawberries. The sight of this rare creations stops the furious woman in her tracks and as soon as she tastes them her anger disappears. She decides to gather some strawberries and return home to her husband. Thanks to nature they both learn a valuable lesson of respect and forgiveness.


CRITICAL ANALYSIS

The First Strawberries will remind readers of the biblical ages when Adam and Eve were created. After reading this book, readers will learn the true “sweet” meaning of love, respect, and forgiveness. There are many cultural markers that are embedded throughout this picture book.Before opening the book, the title reveals to readers that this is a Cherokee tale. Vojtech does an amazing job adding meaning to the text with the beautiful two-page illustrations. 

Through text and illustrations, readers will notice how significant nature is to the Native American culture. For example, the Sun is comparable to a God who is the creator of berries! In addition, readers are able to see the authentic clothing that Cherokee Indians wear such as a long robe made of some type of animal skin and moccasins for their footwear. The realistic illustrations, also reveal to readers the skin tone and hair texture of Cherokee Indians. Lastly, young readers will explore the gender roles in the Cherokee Indian tribe. Although the wife did not have a hard job, she still had an important role in her marriage. Without the wife, the husband had no backbone and became broken!


REVIEW EXCERPTS
Horn Book Guide starred (March, 1994)“The brief, readable story, accompanied by strong and spare illustrations, carries a valuable message about friendship and respect.”

Kirkus Reviews starred (1993)“Quietly luminous watercolors capture details of dress, dwelling, implements, flora, and fauna against an open landscape of rolling hills. Small touches dramatize the story's moods: a bouquet of brown-eyed Susans flung to the ground in anger; ”

Connections
Check out this lesson that goes along with this book!!
https://www.strongnations.com/inc/files/lesson-plan-the-first-strawberries.pdf

The Christmas Coat: Memories of my Sioux Childhood

Sneve, V. D. H., & Beier, E. (2011). The Christmas Coat: Memories of my Sioux childhood. New York: Holiday House.ISBN: 0823421341

Plot Summary

The Christmas Coat is a narrative nonfiction picture book about Virginia Driving Hawk Sneve’s childhood. She shares with readers her struggles growing up on the reservation during the winter time. Virginia has one Christmas wish which is to find the perfect warm winter coat! Unfortunately, it is very hard getting what you want when your father is a priest and mother believes to put other people’s needs first. When a clothing donation comes, Virginia gets so excited that she found the perfect coat, but she has to let the other children go first. She slowly starts to become bitter because she is cold and tired of hearing her Mom say, “ The others need it more than we do”. Just as Virginia is about to lose hope in finding a new coat a special delivery comes! Virginia learns a valuable lesson of giving and receives the perfect Christmas gift and so much more!

CRITICAL ANALYSIS
This award-winning book is a must-read for anyone that likes narrative nonfiction! Many young readers will be able to connect with the overall theme of obedience and giving. The illustrations add great meaning to the text allowing readers to empathize with Virginia as she struggles to stay warm during the winter time. After reading this picture book, readers will understand the importance of appreciating just the small things in life.

The fact that this is a memoir of the author’s childhood will make it easier for readers to understand that Native Americans are real!The beautiful illustration also allows readers to see the brownish skin tones of the Sioux tribe as well as the headdress they wear during their Christmas celebration. In addition, this book does a great job in revealing certain positive habits Native Americans believe in. For example, the importance of giving in the Native American community is found in this book because Virginia’s family believed that other people’s needs come first. The book introduces readers to certain Native American dishes including fry bread, corn soup, Wojape (sweet berry pudding). Some readers will be shocked to find out that they share the same Christian upbringing as Virginia’s Sioux Indian tribe. It is great to read about Indigenous cultures celebrating other holidays besides Thanksgiving!

REVIEW EXCERPTSHorn Book Guide starred (Spring 2012)
"It's a harsh winter in Virginia's Sioux village. When donated clothing arrives, Virginia (the Episcopal priest's daughter) gets last pick, and a flashy coat she covets goes to another girl. With its authentic portrait of a Sioux childhood and Christmas traditions (captured in watercolor and gouache illustrations) and its eventual happy ending, this is a quiet but affecting picture book."

Horn Book Magazine (November/December, 2011)
"With its authentic portrait of a Sioux childhood and Christmas traditions (captured in watercolor and gouache illustrations) and its eventual happy ending (a final box arrives containing the beautiful red coat Virginia had dreamed of, a reward for her unselfishness), this is a quiet but affecting picture book."
Connections
Interview with the Author!
http://www.holidayhouse.com/spotlight_on.php?AUTHOR_ID2=sneve


Interview with the Illustrator!
http://cynthialeitichsmith.blogspot.co.uk/2011/12/guest-post-illustrator-ellen-beier-on.html


Here are some of Virginia's most delicious family holiday recipes.
http://thechristmascoat.blogspot.com/p/holiday-recipes.html

Info+ Graphics= INFOGRAPHICS!

For module #7, we are playing with infographics! There are so many reasons why we should start using infographics rather than presenting a boring research paper. I listed some of the pros below!

• Infographics can be an easy way to organize information
• They are a digital tool that can be fun and personalizable
• Infographics are also easy to read for all learners, but it will definitely benefit visual learners
• Infographics zones into more important information
• Infographics are universal for all learners & occupations

(And honestly the list goes on!)

So, I decided to play with a few...( easel.ly, piktochart, & infogram) 

They shared some of the same advantages including:

• Easy sign-up
• Variety of Fonts
• Image Upload
• Charts/Graphs 
• Templates Options
• Embed videos
• Free for the most part

So, I think it is time for me to rate the infographic app that fits me!( Not saying the other two apps are bad in any way!) I chose the one that was easier for me to . And the winner is...
Infogram!

I used http://www.pewinternet.org to look up a research topic that interested me. Since I am a reading teacher, I decided to choose to do my infographic on E-Reading. I hope you enjoy!
Click on the link below to view my infogram!

https://infogram.com/popular-reading-format-1hdw2jmz70rd2l0

Niño Wrestles the World

Morales, Y. (2013). Niño wrestles the world. New York: Roaring Brook Press.ISBN: 1596436042

Plot Summary
Niño is an active little boy with a huge imagination.For entertainment, he goes into his own little world and has his very own wrestling match! With special moves Niño  competes and defeats his imaginary opponents. He comes back to reality when his little sisters wake from a nap and can’t “defeat  them”, so he “joins them”!

CRITICAL ANALYSIS

This is a fun comical read! Morales writing style brings me back to my childhood when my imagination was my only form of entertainment! The  illustrations and the style of writing  makes readers feel like they are sitting front row watching little Niño competing against his imaginary opponents!

There are many cultural markers that is noticeable throughout the book from the brown skin tone of the main character to the interlingual use of the Spanish language. Children all over the world will be able to connect with similarities of their culture to Niño’s  because their love for imagination and wrestling!  Morales does a great job merging the American  and Spanish culture together from the toys Niño plays with and battles.Morales naturally integrates the Spanish language in this book and connects it to the illustrations making it easy for English readers to understand. At the end, instead of battling his little sisters he begins to play with his little sisters. This shows the positive impact love and family bond has on the Hispanic culture.

In the author’s note at the back of the book, readers will learn the historical context to this comical story. She explains that Lucha Libre also known as professional wrestling is a very popular sport not just in the United States, but also in Mexico and other Spanish countries. Readers will also learn about how significant masks were to the Spanish wrestlers. It explains the reason why Nino never took off his colorful mask.  Lastly,  the author’s note also includes an interesting fact about El Santos, a well known icon in the  Spanish wrestling world. He never took off his mask, as a result no one ever knew his true identity even after death.

REVIEW EXCERPTS

School Library Journal (March 1, 2014)

“Taking on popular icons of the Mexican culture in playful wrestling matches, the little boy and his hijinks make perfect fodder for a giggle-filled storytime. Nino presents an excellent opportunity to introduce children to important characters in Latino culture.”

Horn Book Guide starred (Fall 2013)

“Working in digital collage, Morales packs every polychromatic double-page spread with action, trying--not quite successfully, fortunately--to contain Niqo's energy within their frames.”

Connections:
Check out these activities for this book!

http://www.yuyimorales.com/nino_masks.html

https://www.earlychildhoodwebinars.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/Nino-Wrestles-the-World.pdf