Synergy: Body Image

Body image is a person’s perception of their own body. These feelings are impacted by other personal and environmental issues. Possessing a positive body image is important in healthy individuals.

Read the recently published young adult book, then learn more at the websites:

THE (OTHER) F WORD: A CELEBRATION OF THE FAT AND FIERCE edited by Angie Manfredi is an anthology of prose, poetry, and art celebrating body image. Each work in the collection explores a different aspect of body image acceptance. Designed for people of all sizes, the book encourages confidence and courage.

The JED FOUNDATION YouTube channel features videos that promote emotional health and positive body image. Of particular note is an interview with model and positive body activist Hunter McGrady sharing her experiences and what she wished she’d known when she was 16.

JED Foundation https://bit.ly/2XjMNXz
Hunter McGrady https://bit.ly/2MiKgGQ

ARC courtesy of Amulet Books.

Website: International Fact Checking Day

INTERNATIONAL FACT CHECKING DAY draws attention to the importance of accurate information world-wide.

Although April 2 is the day for global conversation about fact-checking, the website contains useful information that librarians, classroom teachers, and students can use everyday.

The resource includes dozens of articles exploring tips, myths, and resources associated with fact finding activities. The Educheckmap shows projects, resources, investigations, activities, and organizations world-wide that are examining topics such as critical thinking and media, data, and misinformation literacy.

Educators can download a role-playing card game and lesson plan that stimulates critical thinking, fact-based dialogue and analytical skills.

A Fake News Trivia Quiz is a great way to jumpstart discussions about misinformation and fake news.

Librarians will find this website weaves seamlessly into the information literacy curriculum.

Go to https://factcheckingday.com/.

Website Review: Hour of Code

HOUR OF CODE week is an annual event in December encouraging young people to explore computer science. However, the resources are available year round.

Organized by Code.org, the website has helped millions of people learn the fundamentals of computer science.

For those wishing to spend an hour as part of the annual celebration or any time of year, go directly to the hour of code section. Themes include Minecraft, Star Wars, Frozen, Classic Maze, Flappy Code, Infinity Play Lab, Play Lab and Artist.

The Computer Science Fundamentals section is divided into four courses with options for ages 4 through 18. An accelerated course is also available for ages 10 through 18.

Galleries show stories, games, and art created by users. Registered users can choose to Make an App or Draw Something. Then, save it for later exploration and saving.

The website is an effective way to promote computer science at home or at school. The short activities would work great in a classroom or library setting. Set up a library station that includes the website along with fiction books such as Secret Coders by Gene Luen Yang and nonfiction works exploring tools such as SCRATCH.

To Learn an Hour of Code, go to https://code.org/learn.

To go to the Code Studio, go to https://studio.code.org/.