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 ookPALS is a unique all-volunteer literacy program. Professional actors visit public elementary schools in local neighborhoods to read aloud to children every week. The world of literacy and literature is then opened to these children by the very people who can make books come alive through their talent and training.
More about us • Become a BookPAL
Local News & Updates: | |
Wednesday, August 20 2008 @ 02:40 AM
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The following comments are just a sample of the positive feedback the BookPALS (Performing Artisits for Literacy in Schools) program is receiving from readers, teachers and students.
Read More (310 words) >>
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Tuesday, August 19 2008 @ 07:20 AM
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Another exciting school year is upon us! Welcome Back!
Teachers usually like to take the first few weeks to get students acclimated to the new school year and to get any class changes finalized before they invite volunteers back. Please be patient with this process. We usually can get you placed sometime in September.
If you need new teachers or a new school for this year, please contact Natalie. I am always here to help you communicate with the teachers and get you placed as quickly as possible.
If you plan to read to the same teachers at the same school as last year, please go ahead and contact your teachers in early September to determine a schedule that works best for all of you. After your reading schedule has been set, please contact Natalie and let her know what days and times you'll be reading during the week.
Please also complete a school district volunteer application. Each school district has its own policy for registering volunteers. As volunteers who are always in the company of a certified teacher, you are only required to complete Level 1 screening, which does not entail finger printing at this time.
Although districts have different policies, especially with the advent of the Jessica Lunsford Act, it is wise to check with your individual school for any additional requirements. Some counties now have online volunteer applications, and others are provided hard copy from your school. Natalie can provide you with directions and links to the online applications for your county. Just ask!
It is imperative that you complete these volunteer applications at the start of each school year, not only for liability reasons, but also to ensure that your school gets proper credit for your volunteer hours, which may qualify them for awards, grants and other benefits. Thank you in advance for taking the time to do this!
Thanks go to all of you for your participation in these projects. The children are blessed to have you as role models and friends, enriching their learning experiences! I wish for you a year full of reading adventure, wonder and FUN!
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Monday, August 18 2008 @ 09:23 PM
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Our annual Back-to-School Gathering will take place in mid October this year. More details will be forthcoming, so please stay tuned. We are hosting it a bit later this year to allow some time for new recruits. And speaking of new recruits, if you have any friends or colleagues who are interested in becoming BookPALS or PencilPALS, please get in touch with Natalie. I'm happy to provide you with recruitment flyers if you'd like to share them with others who may be interested in joining our fold. Thanks in advance for your help!
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Sunday, August 17 2008 @ 10:35 AM
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Have fun as you read! As a BookPAL, your job is simply to show how enjoyable reading can be.
Read with expression by showing emotions in your voice and face. Is the main character a villain with a deep, rumbling voice, or a snobby woman with a pinched, nasal whine? Can you read extra slowly when an elephant is plodding along, or faster and faster as a hurricane approaches? Or perhaps you'll make your voice very soft as you describe a gentle summer wind.
Pause for effect, such as before a character speaks, or before a surprise.
Run your finger under the words as you read them. This helps children recognize certain letters or words.
Ask questions about the book before and after reading, such as:
What do you think this story is about?
Who might the hero be?
Do you think the ending will be joyful, sad, strange, etc.?
What do you think of the drawings?
Who was your favorite character?
Would you tell your friends about this book?
What was the scariest, happiest, funniest part?
Play games with the children. Have a letter hunt and ask students to find all the b's on the page. Or, have a word hunt and ask children to point to a word every time it is repeated in the book. Point out words that rhyme, and ask children to listen for other words that rhyme. Congratulate them for finding each letter or word and remind them how brilliant they are.
Encourage children's participation. Praise them for noticing details, pointing out a rhyme or examining an illustration. Encourage curiosity by saying "What a great question!" or "Good wondering! Let's find out!"
If the book is long and you are reading it in more than one sitting, stop at a suspenseful part and continue it the next week. This builds anticipation.
Savor the last line. Read it slowly, with emphasis.
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Saturday, August 16 2008 @ 10:20 AM
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Compiled by Melissa Brandt, National BookPALS Book Reviewer
My Friend the Monster
Written and illustrated by Eleanor Taylor
After moving, Louis is the eager to inspect his family’s new home. In his new room, Louis befriends a monster he finds under the bed. (This green monster is rather articulate.) (K-2)
Yuki’s Ride Home
Written and Illustrated by Manya Tessler
Yuki was looking forward to spending the day with her grandmother…This visit also marked Yuki’s first “independent” bike trip to her grandmother’s house. Hence, this is a big day/accomplishment for a young girl. (K-2)
How to Heal a Broken Wing
Written and Illustrated by Bob Graham
In a vast city that could easily overwhelm him, Young Will has the courage to tend to a wounded bird… (Grades 1-4)
When The Wolves Returned: Restoring Nature’s Balance in Yellowstone
Written by Dorothy Hinshaw Patent
Photographs by Dan Hartman and Cassie Hartman
Celebrate America’s oldest National Park… Plus, this book provides an excellent the explanation/example of a “food chain” (completely diagrammed in the back of the book). (Grades 2-5)
Does a Sea Cow Say Moo?
Written by Terry Webb Harshman
Illustrated by George McClements
Jack and Flash (person from space) happily explore the differences between life on land and life under the sea…
Many questions are pondered…
Sea facts are included.
Grades 1-4
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