January 2015

Featured Article

Technology: And the Winner Is … Visual Literacy

by Boni Hamilton

Children often express opinions about art, but when asked why they like or dislike a photograph, artwork, movie, book, or video, they may not be able to articulate their thinking. Common Core State Standards require students to use critical literacy skills to support their opinions with reasoning. Elementary librarians, in collaboration with art teachers, can use activities related to the Caldecott awards to build students’ skills in critical visual literacy and set the stage for a Mock Caldecott culminating activity.

ALSO IN THIS ISSUE…

Meet the Author

TeachingBooks.net’s complete interview with Margaret Peterson Haddix.

Read the Article

Additional Resources

• Character Education
  What Makes a Picture Book Stand Out discussion questions and Outstanding Achievement Award reproducible
• Freebies, Doodads, & Helpful Hints
  Searching for Excellence word find
• Keep’em Reading
  2015 Mock Caldecott Book Suggestions, Questions for Award Consideration worksheet, and other resources
• Library Lessons
  Using Wordless Picture Books activity ideas and story chart; lesson ideas, visuals, and activity sheets for Harold and the Purple Crayon, Journey, and The Day the Crayons Quit