#WordsofWisdom

“No one really knows why they are alive until they know what they've die for.” -Dr. King

Current News

It seems like even today's biggest celebrities and movie directors are illustrating the powerful impact of books.  The Oscar Nominations were announced on Tuesday, and included in them were the adaptation of 11 books.  Literary adaptations were nominated in major categories including Best Picture.  The Oscars are only 5 weeks away, but that's more than enough time to read, and watch, some of these literary treasures.  We've picked out the age appropriate titles for children and teens alike.


1. "Hugo"--"The Invention of Hugo Cabret" by Brian Selznick 


2. "The Help"--"The Help" by Kathryn Stockett


3. "Moneyball"--"Moneyball: The Art of Winning an Unfair Game" by Michael Lewis (Ages 10  and           up)


4. "The Iron Lady"--"The Iron Lady: Margaret Thatcher, from Grocer's Daughter to Prime Minister" by John Campbell (Ages 10 and up)


5. "Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close"--"Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close" by Jonathan     Safran Foer


6. "Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy"--"Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy" by John le Carre (Ages 13 and up)


7. "War Horse"--"War Horse" by Michael Morpurgo (Ages 10 and up)

#WordsofWisdom

"I'd imagine the whole world was one big machine. Machines never come with any extra parts, you know. They always come with the exact amount they need. So I figured if the entire world was one big machine, I couldn't be an extra part. I had to be here for some reason. And that means you have to be here for some reason too."-Hugo

Current News

Today we remember Civil Rights Activist, and leader for the equality of all people, Martin Luther King, Jr.  His views and ideas still resonate today, and there is still much to be learned, and taught to our children, about equality.  As we commemorate the life of Martin Luther King, Jr. talk to your children about the Civil Rights Movement, justice, equality, and how it still impacts our lives today.  Here are a few topics to help you get started.


1. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Times Magazine archives all previous issues dated back to 1923.  In this special section of its archives you and family can explore all issues pertaining to MLK, Jr.and civil rights. 


2. Martin Luther King, Jr. notes, papers debut online
The King Center is digitizing the Civil Rights Movement.  Through a joint effort with JP Morgan Chase, AT&T and EMC Corporation, nearly a million documents by Martin Luther King will be available through a searchable collage on the King Center's website.


3. Ceremony to be Held at the New Martin Luther King, Jr Memorial in Honor of Dr. King's Birthday
Today at 8 am a wreathing ceremony was held at the Martin Luther King Memorial in Washington, D.C. to commemorate Dr. King's birthday on January, 15, 2012. The even was free and open to the public.  Read on to find out more about honoring Dr. King's legacy.


4. From the Archives: Student Officials Speak on Why MLK Jr. Still Matters
An archive from last year's MLK Day, MentorPatch.com revisits how the words and actions of Dr. King matter as much this year, and last year, as they did during his years as a Civil Rights leader.


5. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Biography.com takes an in-depth look and the life and legacy of Martin Luther King, Jr. Read more into this article with your children to learn more about Dr. King and what he stood for.

#WordsofWisdom

Happy Martin Luther King Day Everyone!

"The function of education is to teach one to think intensively and to think critically.  Intelligence plus character-that is the goal of true education." -Martin Luther King, Jr.

Reading Tips

We're hoping that as you and your family begin the New Year, you've created some Resolutions that are easy to stick to.  Make resolutions fun, every person in your family should have one.  And the easiest kind of resolutions for your kids? Well, resolving to read more of course.  Increased, enhanced reading will help your child academically, socially, and make for great dinner-time conversation with the family.  Here are some tips to help you get your child enthused about reading:


1. Making the Most of Reading Minutes
-Read daily
-Talk about it
-Try variety
-Teach the concept of time
-Build excitement


2. Create Your Child's Own Reading Library
-Look for books based on your child's interest
-Find your child's favorites
-Choose situational books
-Use books to learn about and celebrate special events
-Choose a book appropriate for your child's development
-Look for books that initiate independent reading
-Choose the right reading level
-Organize by categories

#WordsofWisdom

"So Cherry Valance, the cheerleader, Bob's girl, the Soc, was trying to help us.  No, it wasn't Cherry the Soc who was helping us, it was Cherry the dreamer who watched sunsets and couldn't stand fights."-S.E. Hinton