Winter 2007     In This Issue:   • The Importance of Talking About Books   • 10 Reading Conversation Starters   • Book Buzz: "Literary Lions" Power of the Principal: Talking About Books By Amy Cohn – Author, Publisher, Instructor I went to elementary school in the 1960s – P.S. 79 in Whitestone, Queens, to be precise. Our principal was Mr. Campbell. Perhaps he had a first name; no one mentioned it to me! He was small, bald, and wore a suit. And he sat behind a desk in an enormous office. To cross from the door to the desk required a trek across a pale green carpet about the same size as the Australian outback. I didn’t think he knew my name, grade, or area of study. And I'm sure if he ever actually spoke to me, I would have fainted from fear. Thankfully, things are different now. When I visit a school, I'm amazed at the high-fives exchanged between the chief administrator and students, and the end-of-day hugs bestowed on supervisors as kids head for their rides. All this camaraderie offers a great opportunity to engage children briefly, and informally, in a discussion about books. How do you get these conversations going? Read on!   Copy-and-Share Resources to Use in Your Own Newsletters  For Families: • Volunteering in the Classroom • Bridging the Home-School Connection • Building Comprehension Strategies • Help Adolescents Use the Building Blocks of Reading • Coming March 30: 17th Annual National Family Literacy Conference  For Teachers: • Boost Your Knowledge, Skills, and Daily Work with Families • Setting the Climate for Parent Involvement • Communication Between Schools and Families 10 Reading Conversation Starters A well-timed expression of interest and encouragement goes a long way towards reinforcing the importance of reading. Children benefit when they are reminded, however subtly, that reading is not merely a solitary pursuit. Don’t expect these chats to last a long time; the briefest exchange accomplishes a lot. To get these talks going, here are a few reading conversation starters: 1. Hey, do you have a book in that backpack? Is it good? 2. I stayed up late last night reading Hatchet by Gary Paulsen – Have you read it too? 3. My son gave me a Captain Underpants doll for my birthday. Do you think he thinks I’m like Mr. Krupp, the principal in that book? Download all 10 conversation starters now. Book Buzz: "Literary Lions"   Principal to Principal Tip: At Lexington Junior High, we have a Literary Lion Club. Members can visit the library before or after school, or if a student is a "card carrying" member, they can visit the library during class when they have completed their work. As Principal, I am a member and often read with the students after school. I flash my card when I go in, and the students think it's pretty cool that I'm a member and I read with them. Plus, members get first pick of the newest titles, which they love. –Tip courtesy of Jodie A. Wales, Principal, Lexington Junior High School Want to be a Literary Lion in your school? Check out these featured books for a list of popular, current books for young people.   Visit Scholastic.com Book Fairs | Principal's Guide | Contact Us ©1996-2007 Scholastic Inc.