Early Morning Blockfeed (pdf)

HOW TO SUPPORT A LEARNING DISABLED CHILD

http://www.pbs.org/parents/strugglingtolearn/supporting.html

 

As the new school year approaches, parents of learning disabled children may be looking for ways to support their children in school.  Explore the PBS guide to get suggestions and strategies in areas ranging from in-home practices and parent-teacher collaboration, to educational assessment, legal advocacy and practical tips to share with students.

SCHOOLS MUST OBSERVE “CELEBRATE FREEDOM WEEK” SEPT. 25-29

 

Pursuant to Act 682 of 2003, Arkansas public schools must observe “Celebrate Freedom Week” during the last full week of classes in September.  This law was created to educate students about the sacrifices made for freedom this country and the values on which this country was founded.

During “Celebrate Freedom Week,” all social studies classes must include instruction that will help students focus on the freedoms offered in the United States of America.

 

Thanks to: Maggie Herrick, Social Studies Program Advisor, Arkansas Department of Education.

 

 

SIGNING TIME! SERIES COMES TO AETN SUNDAYS AT 5 P.M. BEGINNING SEPT. 3

 

The Signing Time! series introduces children and their parents to American Sign Language (ASL), a "hands on" second language used by millions. Host Rachel Coleman, children Leah and Alex, and an animated frog named Hopkins teach ASL signs for family members, animals, the alphabet, feelings, manners, foods, everyday objects and activities.

ARKANSAS STUDIES

ARKANSAS MEN AND WOMEN OF DISTINCTION: SID McMATH AND FRANCIS McBETH

 

The AETN-produced series Men and Women of Distinction explores the lives of Arkansans who have made a significant impact on Arkansas, its past and its future.  Sid McMath provides a look at the life of Arkansas’s governor from 1949 to 1953.  What were the personal qualities, decisions and political positions that caused a 2003 forum of historians and journalists to evaluate McMath as possibly one of the greatest Southern governors of the time?  Men and Women of Distinction: Sid McMath airs Tuesday, Sept. 9 and 26 at 9 p.m.

 

“The greatest crime a teacher can commit is to be boring.”

Francis McBeth

Francis McBeth explores the life of Dr. Francis McBeth of Arkadelphia.  After retiring as professor of music at Ouachita Baptist University in 1996, McBeth conducted the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra, traveling nine months of the year conducting in 48 states plus Europe, Japan, Australia and Canada.  His works have totaled more than 100 compositions for orchestra, band, choral piano, organ, voice and chamber works.  The program airs:

·        Friday, Sept. 8, 6:30 p.m.

·        Sunday, Sept. 10, 12 p.m.

·        Wednesday, Sept. 13, 6:30 p.m.

 

FILM DOCUMENTS SPRINGDALE “ISLAND”

 

A small number of people from the Marshall Islands first moved to northwest Arkansas in the 1970s, but in the mid-90s their migration increased significantly, with most of them settling in Springdale. The Marshallese came looking for jobs, better health care, a safer environment and better schools. They brought with them their family traditions, culture and values.

 

“A New Island,” a new documentary by Dale Carpenter of the University of Arkansas, offers a rare in-depth look at Springdale’s Marshallese community.   The Republic of the Marshall Islands is a cluster of 29 atolls and five small islands on the eastern side of the south Pacific Ocean, with a population of about 60,000 people.

 

The United States acted as administrator for the islands after World War II, when they were made part of the United Nations Trust Territory. The U.S. military also used some of the islands to test nuclear weapons from 1947 to 1962. The islands gained their independence in 1986, and under a “Compact of Free Association” between the two countries any Marshallese with a valid passport can come to the United States legally, find a job, and stay as long as he or she likes.

 

Springdale is believed to have the largest Marshallese community in the continental United States. The city’s 2005 special census shows the Marshallese population at about 2,000 people, but other estimates put the number as high as 6,500.

 

The program airs Tuesday, Oct. 17, at 9 p.m., and Sunday, Oct. 22, at 2:30 p.m.

 

TEACHERS IN NORTHWEST ARKANSAS TO HAVE OUTDOOR STUDY AREA

 http://www.rivervalleynaturecenter.com

 

Center Hours:

Tuesday-Saturday	8:30-4:30
Sunday	1-5

The Janet Huckabee Arkansas River Valley Nature Center is open to the public, and they are ready to schedule school groups now. To receive the school group reservation form, please contact:

Karen Westcamp-Johnson

Information and Education Coordinator

Janet Huckabee Arkansas River Valley Nature Center

Arkansas Game and Fish Commission

P.O. Box 23670

8300 Wells Lake Road

Barling, AR 72923

(479) 452-3993, ext 105

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ART AND MUSIC

EXPERIENCE OPENING NIGHT AT THE LINCOLN CENTER

Live from Lincoln Center “New York Philharmonic Opening Night” gives students a two-hour look at the New York Philharmonic's Opening Night Gala with pianists Emanuel Ax and Yefim Bronfman  Live from Lincoln Center airs Wednesday, Sept. 13, at 7 p.m.

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EARLY CHILDHOOD

NEW CHILDREN’S WEEKDAY SCHEDULE

 

Time	Series	Grade Level
6:00 a.m.	Maya & Miguel	1-3
6:30	Arthur	PreK-3
7:00	Sesame Street	PreK-3
8:00	Curious George	PreK-1
8:30	Clifford the Big Red Dog	PreK-2
9:00	Dragon Tales	PreK-3
9:30	It’s a Big, Big World	PreK-1
10:00	Caillou	PreK-1
10:30	Barney & Friends	PreK-3
11:00	Teletubbies	PreK
11:30	Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood	PreK
Noon	Reading Rainbow	K-3
12:30	Big, Comfy Couch	PreK-1
1:00	Jakers! The Adventures of Piggley Winks	PreK
1:30	Between the Lions	PreK-2
2:00	Clifford’s Puppy Days	PreK-2
2:30	Berenstain Bears	PreK-2
3:00	Cyberchase	2-6
3:30	Postcards from Buster	1-3

 

CREATE A LITERATE HOME

http://www.pbs.org/parents/readinglanguage/articles/literatehome/main.html

 

Establish an environment that encourages children to learn to read and write and become lifelong readers and writers. Transforming a home into a "literate" home is simple and inexpensive.

 

SOURCE: PBS Parents

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GRANTS, AWARDS AND SCHOLARSHIPS

NATIONAL ENDOWMENT FOR THE HUMANITIES CHALLENGE GRANTS

http://www.neh.gov/grants/guidelines/challenge.html

 

Grants help institutions and organizations secure long-term improvements in and support for their humanities programs. Awards are made to museums, public libraries, colleges and universities, research institutions, historical societies, public television and radio stations, state humanities councils, and other nonprofit entities to improve the quality of their humanities activities and their financial stability.

 

Source: ALA Grants, http://www.ala.org/ala/washoff/WOissues/washfunding/grants/grants.htm

 

HERB BLOCK FOUNDATION DEFENDING FREEDOMS GRANT PROGRAM

http://www.herbblockfoundation.org/herbblockfoundation    

 

Proposal sought from organizations throughout the U.S. that strive to safeguard the basic freedoms guaranteed in our Bill of Rights and work to eliminate all forms of prejudice and discrimination.  Anti-discrimination projects which involve joint efforts of two or more organizations are encouraged. In addition, the Foundation will consider support for requests that address contemporary societal issues that may arise.

 

Source: ALA Grants, http://www.ala.org/ala/washoff/WOissues/washfunding/grants/grants.htm

 

BEN & JERRY'S FOUNDATION

http://www.benjerry.com/foundation/

 

Support to nonprofit, grassroots organizations throughout the United States that facilitate progressive social change by addressing the underlying conditions of societal and environmental problems.  Specifically, the Foundation seeks groups that are working to help themselves, help their own communities, and help others like themselves through self-empowering, community organizing efforts.

 

Source: ALA Grants, http://www.ala.org/ala/washoff/WOissues/washfunding/grants/grants.htm

 

GREENWORKS! GRANT APPLICATION DUE FRIDAY, SEPT. 29 – GREAT OPPORTUNITY FOR GRANT WRITERS WITH LIMITED EXPERIENCE

http://www.plt.org/cms/pages/21_22_18.html

Deadline: Sept. 29, 2006

 

The next round of GreenWorks! proposals are due Friday, Sept. 29. The format is particularly useful for grant writers with limited experience.  Grant applicants are encouraged to emphasize the service-learning and community connections within the proposal. Eligible grant recipients must:

• Be PLT trained
• Submit a project application
• Propose projects that are community/school based and have a strong student/youth service-learning component
• Establish a local partnership to implement the project (i.e. school/PTA, business, Boy and/or Girl Scout troop, civic organization, etc.)
• Raise 50 percent project matching funds (some of those funds may be in-kind services/time)
• Submit a final report for all projects
• Grant funds cannot be used to cover salaries of any kind ( i.e. stipends, contract, substitutes, honorariums)

ANGEL SOFT ANGELS IN ACTION PROGRAM AWARDS UP TO $15,000

http://www.angelsoft.com/angelsinaction/awardsprogram2006.asp

Deadline: Oct. 1, 2006

 

The Angel Soft Angels in Action Program recognizes children ages 8 to 18 who have executed exemplary acts of service to benefit their community, a charity, or a cause. The most outstanding service project will be named Program of the Year with the winner receiving $15,000. Two Grand Prizes of $10,000 and five First Prizes of $1,000 will also be awarded. Along with cash awards, the Program of the Year winner and both Grand Prize winners will receive a trip for two to Walt Disney World.  Nominators 18 years or older may submit an essay of 200 words.

 

NEA FOUNDATION STUDENT ACHIEVEMENT GRANTS

http://www.neafoundation.org/programs/StudentAchievement_Guidelines.htm

Deadline: Oct. 15, 2006.

Elementary/Middle/High School

The NEA Foundation Student Achievement Grants provide funds to improve the academic achievement of students by engaging in critical thinking and problem solving that deepen knowledge of standards-based subject matter. The work should also improve students' habits of inquiry, self-directed learning and critical reflection.

 

SOURCE: PBS Teacher Previews http://www.pbs.org/teachersource/previews/previews.shtm

 

THE STARBUCKS FOUNDATION'S GIVING VOICE

http://www.starbucks.com/aboutus/grantinfo.asp?cookie%5Ftest=1

 

These grants  fund programs for youth, ages 6-18, that integrate literacy with personal and civic action in the communities where they live. The foundation invites proposals from qualifying 501 (c) 3 organizations that work with underserved youth in the fields of literacy (reading, writing and creative/media arts) and environmental literacy.

 

Source: ALA Grants http://www.ala.org/ala/washoff/WOissues/washfunding/grants/grants.htm

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HEALTH, SAFETY AND FITNESS

IT'S A BIG BIG WORLD LESSON "WHAT COULD IT BE?"

http://pbskids.org/bigbigworld/parentsteachers/activities_09.html

Preschool/Elementary School

Identify objects using your senses of smell, touch, taste and sound. Discuss how people can use their senses to gather information about the surrounding  environment.

 

SOURCE: PBS Teacher Previews http://www.pbs.org/teachersource/previews/previews.shtm

 

IT'S A BIG, BIG WORLD ACTIVITY: "FEEL THE BEAT"

http://pbskids.org/bigbigworld/parentsteachers/activities_13.html

Preschool

 

Feel your heartbeat. Discover how your heart beats faster when you exercise.

 

SOURCE: PBS TeacherSource at http://pbs.org/teachersource/tvteachers.htm

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HISTORY AND SOCIAL STUDIES

NEW MARIE ANTOINETTE PROGRAM AIRS MONDAY, SEPT. 25, 8-10 P.M.

 

This new two-hour program traces the life of Marie Antoinette, from her childhood in royal splendor and palaces in the Austro-Hungarian Empire to her last days in a squalid Paris prison.  Marie Antoinette comes alive as an unexpectedly complex person in a time of political upheaval.

 

HISTORY DETECTIVES INVOLVES STUDENTS IN SOLVING MYSTERIES

http://:www.pbskids.org/historydetectives

 

The History Detectives team invites students into a world investigation into one of the mysteries of American history. The new HD site for kids allows students to help the Detectives hunt for clues, analyze evidence and think critically about information sources.

 

The Web site includes a series of lesson plans, a primer on basic historical detective skills and resources for local history research.

 

COLONIAL WILLIAMSBURG ELECTRONIC FIELD TRIPS PROVIDE UNIQUE INSIGHT INTO HISTORY

http://www.history.org/History/teaching/eft.cfm

 

Oct. 19, 2006	“Yorktown” Learn the story of the biggest turning point in the Revolutionary War. Follow the people who converged on the tiny village of York in October 1781: the military leaders, common soldiers and civilians whose lives were changed forever by the siege. Join us to learn why Yorktown was the place where American independence was finally secured.
Nov. 16, 2006	“Degrees of Latitude” Charting the New World was the task of American surveyors and European mapmakers. This is a 21st-century look at the craftsmanship and importance of 18th century mapmaking—revealing to student historians the geography of a rapidly changing world.
Dec. 14, 2006	“Buying Respectability” By 1700, the demand for goods and services led to a “consumer revolution.” Explore the 18th century’s changing economy, including the status symbols of this class society, social mobility, taxation, the monetary system and the impact of British mercantilism on America.
Jan. 18, 2007	“Influenced by None” “Freedom of the press” is a principle that Americans take for granted. Eighteenth-century printers, though, were not free to express independent points of view. Explore the world of Clementina Rind, printer of the Virginia Gazette in pre-Revolutionary America.
Feb. 15, 2007	“The Slave Trade” Beginning with the American Revolution, this program explores the U.S. law of 1807 that abolished transatlantic slave trade. Meet the people who were involved in or influenced by this pivotal legislation: the slaves, plantation owners, slave ship captains, common seamen, government officials, Navy officers and antislavery activists.
March 22, 2007	“Made in America” Throughout America’s history, advances in technology have revolutionized the nature of work several times over. This trip through three centuries examines technology’s effects on labor, the family, and how people perceive their jobs.
April 26, 2007	“Jamestown Unearthed” Take a look at how history is written and reevaluated as new methods of study are introduced. Using the example of Jamestown in 1607, explore the myths and misconceptions of that era: revisit the documents, artifacts and other evidence through archaeology. Learn how every generation sees the evidence in new ways and how this affects our understanding of the past.

 

Source of program descriptions: Colonial Williamsburg Electronic Field Trip schedule at http://www.history.org/History/teaching/eft.cfm#oct.

 

"ADVENTURES IN THE PAST" WEB SITE

http://www.blm.gov/heritage/adventures/

     

This Web site provides lessons, activities and articles for teaching about history, archaeology and paleontology in North America.  Learn about railroads, the Gold Rush, Oregon Trail, evergreen forests, caves, fossils, the Colorado Plateau ecosystem, early explorers, Puebloan (Anasazi) farmers and more.  Discover how archaeologists piece together clues to understand the past.  Find out how to build a steam engine.

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LIBRARY, LITERATURE AND READING

TWO ARKANSAS RECIPIENTS OF IMPROVING LITERACY THROUGH SCHOOL LIBRARIES PROGRAM

 

The Department of Education announced the 2006 grantees of the Improving Literacy Through School Libraries program. 

 

The Augusta and Hoxie school districts were awarded grants.  Augusta’s Project Success Story will improve the literacy skills of students at two elementary schools. 

 

Hoxie’s Books and Beyond program will serve 476 students at the K-6 level. 

 

CONGRATULATIONS!

 

SPELLING BEE HIVE

http://www.m-w.com/spell/

Elementary/Middle/High School

 

Come in and buzz around this online nest of word fun. Find out more about this year's Spelling Bee, or take a turn at the daily Spelling Quiz.

 

SOURCE: PBS TeacherSource http://pbs.org/teachersource/tvteachers.htm

 

HOW ART MADE THE WORLD LESSON: "SHOW AND TELL"

http://www.pbs.org/howartmadetheworld/resources/lesson4

High School

 

Explore the media of storytelling and examine the characteristics of heroes and villains. Identify the qualities of pictures and sounds that evoke specific emotions in the audience.

 

SOURCE: PBS TeacherSource http://pbs.org/teachersource/tvteachers.htm

 

CHILDREN’S PROGRAMS CONTINUE STRONG FOCUS ON PARENT/CHILD LITERACY

 

PBS and AETN will continue to provide children’s programming that teaches and reinforces children’s literacy and encourages parent/child reading time together.  Seven series have been selected as Ready to Learn literacy programs, with special funding from the U.S. Department of Education.  These series are:

• Arthur (ages 4 and older) http://pbskidsgo.org/arthur
• Between the Lions (ages 4-7 years) http://pbskids.org/lions
• Clifford the Big Red Dog (ages 4 years and older) http://pbskids.org/clifford
• Dragon Tales (ages 2-7 years) http://pbskids.org/dragontales
• Maya & Miguel (ages 6-8 years) http://pbskidsgo.org/mayaandmiguel
• Postcards from Buster (ages 6-8 years) http://pbskidsgo.org/buster
• Reading Rainbow (ages 6-8 years) http://pbskids.org/readingrainbow
• Sesame Street (ages 2-4 years) http://pbskids.org/sesame

 

Each of these series has a strong educational component for parents, caregivers and educators to use to help children learn and enjoy reading.  Words come alive, and children are invited to interact with them to expand their world.

 

NATIONAL INSTITUTE FOR LITERACY RESOURCES

http://www.nifl.gov
Preschool/Elementary/Middle/High School

The National Institute for Literacy is an interagency group from the Departments of Education, Labor and Health and Human Services. The Institute serves as a clearinghouse for literacy resources across the U.S. It focuses on family and adult literacy and provides online training materials for people working with these groups and volunteer literacy programs.

 

SOURCE: PBS Teacher Previews http://www.pbs.org/teachersource/previews/previews.shtm

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MATH AND SCIENCE

NATURE "THE REPTILES: SNAKES"

http://www.pbs.org/nature/reptiles/snakes.html

Elementary/Middle/High School

 

Download a screensaver to let snakes slither across your desktop!

 

 

NOVA PROVIDES UNIQUE APPROACH TO SCIENCE EXPLORATION, TUESDAYS, 7 P.M.

 

NOVA is the highest rated science series on television and the most watched documentary series on public television. It is also one of television's most acclaimed series, having won every major television award, most of them many times over.

 

NOVA's approach, developed over more than a quarter century, is to select a topic of great interest to viewers and then produce a film that is as entertaining as it is informative, using the tools of good pacing, clear writing and crisp editing. Equally important, NOVA shows the human story behind the science story. Whether exploring a galaxy or an atom, the series delves into the personalities responsible for the discoveries and the social consequences of events in the lab.

 

Join NOVA to explore:

9/5	“Lessons from Ground Zero” Look back at the events of 9/11 in "Lessons From Ground Zero." The program reviews the major investigations into the collapse of the World Trade Center and examines the improvements to the construction and security on our most important structures. The documentary features interviews with key investigators and engineers, including Leslie Robertson, who engineered the World Trade Center towers.
9/12	“Storm That Drowned A City” NOVA reconstructs Hurricane Katrina's development and destruction and investigates causes of the flooding in New Orleans.  Teacher’s Guide available at http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/teachers/programs/3218_orleans.html/
9/19	“Einstein’s Big Idea” (2 hours) Explore the stories behind E = mc2 and how Einstein came to his startling conclusion that mass and energy are two forms of the same thing.  Teacher’s Guide available at http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/teachers/programs/3213_einstein.html.
9/26	“Mysteries of the Megavolcano” Examine Earth's biggest volcanic eruption.  A remote lake in Southeast Asia conceals evidence of Earth's greatest volcanic cataclysm of the last 100,000 years.

 

EARLY MATH GUIDE NOW IN SPANISH

http://www.pbs.org/parents/earlymath/spanish/index.html

 

Are you looking for resources in Spanish that help develop children's early math skills?  PBS Parents Guide to Early Math is now available in Spanish.  Play BINGO on your next trip to the grocery store, try balancing and movement activities and keep track of objects seen on a road trip.

 

Source:  PBS Parents, http://www.pbs.org/parents/  

 

3... 2... 1... LIFTOFF! EDUCATOR GUIDE

http://www.nasa.gov/audience/foreducators/topnav/materials/listbytype//3-2-1.Liftoff.html

 

NASA introduces children to the International Space Station (ISS), the most complex international scientific endeavor in history.  Activities focus on the purpose and construction of the ISS, the history of rockets and the role of rockets in space station assembly.  Data collection, observation, exploration, prediction, interpretation, problem solving, and language skills are emphasized. 

 

BOOHBAH ACTIVITY "CATCHING APPLES"

http://pbskids.org/boohbah/parentsteachers/activity150.html  
Preschool/Elementary School

Examine an empty box and estimate how many toys can fit inside the box. Check your estimate by picking up toys and counting each one as you put it in the box.

 

SOURCE: PBS Teacher Previews http://www.pbs.org/teachersource/previews/previews.shtm

 

TAKE A VIRTUAL TOUR OF THE PYRAMIDS

http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/pyramid/

 

Explore the great Egyptian pyramids of Khufu, Khafre, Menkaure and the Sphinx, with extensive background information, maps, video fly-by and teacher’s guide.  Put on your digging clothes and pick up a shovel!

 

SOURCE: PBS Teacher Previews http://www.pbs.org/teachersource/previews/previews.shtm

 

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POST-SECONDARY AND PRE-SERVICE

 

"CAREER VOYAGES" EXPLORES CAREER OPTIONS

http://www.careervoyages.gov/index.cfm

 

Explore career options in advanced manufacturing, automotive construction, energy, financial services, health care, hospitality, information technology, retail and transportation industries, as well as in emerging industries – biotechnology, geospatial technology and nanotechnology.  Learn which industries are growing, how to qualify for a good job and where to get started.

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PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

PBS TEACHERSOURCE ALLOWS YOU TO SELECT THE INFORMATION YOU WILL RECEIVE

http://www.pbs.org/teachersource/

 

PBS TeacherSource has been developed to provide selected information to meet your needs.  To subscribe to this free resource and create a profile, visit http://www.pbs.org/teachersource/

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