Teaching With Author Web Sites, K–8
- Rose Cherie Reissman - New York City Association of Teachers of English, Mind Lab
- Mark Gura
"As a folklorist, writer, and teacher of writing, I know firsthand how interactive author Web sites make it possible for students to talk, meet, and exchange ideas with extraordinary writers. Reissman and Gura have devised a brilliant strategy for utilizing the World Wide Web in the service of literacy. This book offers a wide range of opportunities for teachers and students to use these free resources to foster literacy and learning in the classroom."
—Steve Zeitlin, Director
City Lore
Foster students' literacy and learning in the digital age through the engaging world of author Web sites!
Using the Internet as an instructional tool can be daunting, but this innovative guide demonstrates how very easily and effectively author Web sites can be integrated into any classroom as a free and accessible resource for instruction, thus fulfilling the mandate for using technology in teaching and learning.
Rose Cherie Reissman and Mark Gura show teachers how to make the most of author Web sites—from such favorite authors as Jean Craighead George, Judy Blume, and Eric Carle—to deepen students' engagement with reading and invite students into a fascinating literary community. The authors offer a rich trove of resources for teachers to explore:
- Activities that encourage and energize reluctant learners to participate in class discussions
- Strategies to promote literacy learning, including nonfiction reading, narrative writing, visual literacy, and much more
- Suggestions for using Web sites as a learning tool in math, science, and social studies
- Simple instructions on how students can create their own author-focused Web sites
No matter what your level of technological expertise, this book provides the guidance needed to use author Web sites to encourage students' lifelong literacy.
"As a folklorist, writer, and teacher of writing, I know firsthand how interactive author Web sites make it possible for students to talk, meet, and exchange ideas with extraordinary writers. With the click of a mouse, a writer enters into a student's universe in a new way—and literature itself moves closer to home. Reissman, a transformative teacher, and Gura, one of New York City's strongest proponents of technology and education, have devised a brilliant strategy for utilizing the World Wide Web in the service of literacy. This book offers a wide range of opportunities for teachers and students to use these free resources to foster literacy and learning in the classroom."
"As a manager of the NY Daily News eEdition, I believe teachers need to tap author sites and eEditions to foster engaged literacy. This book, with its strategies for connecting teachers with online author sites, helps make literature come alive for students."
"A ready-to-go resource for teachers of 21st-century literacy. While many see the need for digital-age curriculum, just what to do and how to do it often remain a mystery. Road maps like this one that blaze a clear path for bringing The New Learning into our nation's classrooms are exactly what's needed just now!"
"A fantastic tool for educators to utilize in their classroom, shortening the distance between the educator and the author and expanding the horizons of the classroom into the World Wide Web. Whether it be listening to a podcast, reading a biographical essay, or simply viewing family pictures, the text-to-author connection is easily facilitated using this practical and handy implement."
"A gift to the social studies educator that provides a teacher-ready means to integrate technology, literacy, and citizenship learning into primary, elementary, and middle school classrooms. During this period of high-stakes testing when social studies content is often ignored for English language arts and mathematics test focus, this work by two talented and veteran educators shows how author Web studies can immediately connect students to social studies content and civic goals while they become ongoing readers and writers."
"This valuable tool brings a new dimension to the teaching of reading and literacy, giving teachers a chance to further engage their students. It gives teachers and students the opportunity to analyze, discuss, and integrate the personal element into the curriculum across subject areas, with very explicit and detailed instruction."
"A reference such as this has been needed for some time. Educators and parents alike will benefit from this book, which will make 21st-century education a 'mission: possible.'”
"Mark and Rose provide a myriad of strategies for using author sites, blogs, and other multimedia resources to connect students with authors whose works they study in class or read on their own. The book is a terrific convergence of technology and literacy that will result in students becoming lifelong pursuers of literacy engagement."
"As the head of NYC Mind Lab Thinking Skills Training Centers and Futurekids Literacy Technology Centers, I can readily see that integrating use of author Web sites into ongoing literacy and technology student-centered projects will reciprocally enhance lifelong multimedia and print literacy. It is so good to see the work of these two veteran classroom educators and researchers available to teachers K-8."
"Reissman and Gura provide educators a very realistic approach for seamlessly weaving technology and instruction. Their approach is practical, while keeping in sight what should be our ultimate goal as educators: cultivating lifelong learners, not just short-term test-takers. Younger students' curiosity will be piqued through the use of technology, middle school students are motivated, and literacy becomes more meaningful for reluctant readers and writers."
