We're nearing the end of April and National Poetry Month. Yes, a bit sad... BUT, what a great month it has been in the library! We were busy doing all kinds of things, but my favorite has to be the Free Verse Poetry Gallery. I am blown away by the creativity of our students. The choices made in their poetry interpretations are fantastic.
It seems all we hear lately is how awful the state of education is and struggling budgets and negative, negative, negative. Rather than contribute to the negativity, I would rather highlight the outstanding efforts and work of our kids. If you have a chance, visit the virtual free verse gallery and be inspired. Our students are doing great things. Why not celebrate them?
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
Trouble for "Tea"
After watching a 60 Minute segment on Sunday night, I couldn't help but feel disappointment at, of all things, a book. Ok, that's not quite right. My disappointment isn't really with a book as much as it is with the so-called author of the book, Greg Mortenson.
If you haven't read Three Cups of Tea, you're probably wondering why it, and Mortenson, elicit such an emotional response. Here's the deal. Mortenson built, and supposedly continues to build, schools in Pakistan and Afghanistan. His memoir, Three Cups of Tea documents his accounts. Here's the catch. Reportedly, some of his accounts are not accurate or are potentially outright works of fiction. You might still be wondering why my reaction is so strong to hearing this information. I LOVE THIS BOOK! I love it for its message of hope and overcoming adversity. I love it for the fact that it shines light on the power of humanitarianism. And now all of that might be a lie?
Then I got to thinking. Ok, so what if Greg Mortenson fabricated parts of the story. Yes - he allegedly lied. But at the end of the day, I still love the book. It still resonates with the messages of hope and overcoming adversity that I loved the first time I read it. I am still inspired by acts of humanitarianism, even if Greg Mortenson's humanitarian efforts are more self-serving than he cares to admit. I don't like that Mortenson potentially has made fools of his readers, including me. I don't like that he allegedly lied. I don't like that he won't come forward to defend himself if he is innocent. I don't like that he won't come forward and admit the truth if he is guilty. But I do like the book. And for a reader, that's the power of literature. Fact or fiction, truth or fantasy, a good story is inspiring. End of story.
Read Three Cups of Tea and decide for yourself. If, in fact, parts of the story are fabricated, then read it as a work of fiction. Odds are, you'll still find yourself inspired.
If you haven't read Three Cups of Tea, you're probably wondering why it, and Mortenson, elicit such an emotional response. Here's the deal. Mortenson built, and supposedly continues to build, schools in Pakistan and Afghanistan. His memoir, Three Cups of Tea documents his accounts. Here's the catch. Reportedly, some of his accounts are not accurate or are potentially outright works of fiction. You might still be wondering why my reaction is so strong to hearing this information. I LOVE THIS BOOK! I love it for its message of hope and overcoming adversity. I love it for the fact that it shines light on the power of humanitarianism. And now all of that might be a lie?
Then I got to thinking. Ok, so what if Greg Mortenson fabricated parts of the story. Yes - he allegedly lied. But at the end of the day, I still love the book. It still resonates with the messages of hope and overcoming adversity that I loved the first time I read it. I am still inspired by acts of humanitarianism, even if Greg Mortenson's humanitarian efforts are more self-serving than he cares to admit. I don't like that Mortenson potentially has made fools of his readers, including me. I don't like that he allegedly lied. I don't like that he won't come forward to defend himself if he is innocent. I don't like that he won't come forward and admit the truth if he is guilty. But I do like the book. And for a reader, that's the power of literature. Fact or fiction, truth or fantasy, a good story is inspiring. End of story.
Read Three Cups of Tea and decide for yourself. If, in fact, parts of the story are fabricated, then read it as a work of fiction. Odds are, you'll still find yourself inspired.
Thursday, April 14, 2011
YouTube's New Copyright Video
YouTube created a new video and policy regarding copyright infringement for uploaded videos. I have to say, the video is pretty good. There are hefty penalties for breaking copyright. It's important to be conscientious consumers of information. Not only is it against the law to plagiarize and infringe on copyright, but also it's unethical. Remember to give credit when credit is due and follow the law!
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
Blah
What is going on with this weather? I know the old saying, "April showers bring May flowers" but the little buds are waterlogged! Needless to say, all the rain is certainly not helping our moods. So, I decided that if spring is a little slow in making an arrival, I will hurry it along by bringing spring to the library. Colorful flowers can be found dangling from the ceiling and sprouting from the plants. But my favorite addition are our little poetry trees.
Aren't they great? As a way to welcome spring and celebrate National Poetry Month, visit the library, pick a poem off a tree, read it, and then share it with someone else. The poems are small enough to fit in your pocket or wallet and can easily be passed to a friend to share a little poetic inspiration.
Friday, April 1, 2011
Poetry!
IT'S NATIONAL POETRY MONTH! I guess since I'm an English teacher and librarian, I'm a bit more excited to celebrate than most. But hey, celebrations are fun no matter the shape or size. I've decked out the library with poetry trees, posters, and all sorts of poetry books. This afternoon the Free Verse Project Gallery will go on display. I hope more students will decide to participate throughout the month of April! Check out the virtual gallery @ http://elcohighschoollibrary.wikispaces.com/Free+Verse+Project+Virtual+Gallery! Digital free verse creations can be sent to me @ atempleton@elcosd.org.
The library is also hosting a tweeting party. Be the 100th follower of the library @ELCOHSLIBRARY and receive a sweet treat. The contest is open to all ELCO students, staff, faculty, and administration during the month of April.
That's all for now. Come to the library and PICK A POEM off a poetry tree. READ IT, BE INSPIRED, SHARE IT, INSPIRE!
The library is also hosting a tweeting party. Be the 100th follower of the library @ELCOHSLIBRARY and receive a sweet treat. The contest is open to all ELCO students, staff, faculty, and administration during the month of April.
That's all for now. Come to the library and PICK A POEM off a poetry tree. READ IT, BE INSPIRED, SHARE IT, INSPIRE!
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