Synergy: Ableism

Ableism is discrimination and prejudice against people who are perceived to have disabilities. This includes stereotypes that characterize an individual or group as inferior to those without the ability, skill, or characteristic. For instance, while some people perceive deafness as a barrier, others do not.

Read the recently published work of historical fiction for youth, then learn more at the website:

SHOW ME A SIGN by Ann Clare LeZotte tells the story of a young girl living on Martha’s Vineyard in the 19th century. Like some other English settlers who live on the island, Mary is deaf and communicates with her friends and family using sign language. When a scientist kidnaps Mary as a test subject in his quest to find the cause for what he calls her “infirmity”, she must find her way home.

Pair this work of historical fiction with the recently published “super powered edition” of the Newbery Honor Book graphic memoir El Deaf by Cece Bell.

HISTORY THROUGH DEAF EYES is a web-based project from Gallaudet University. The project includes an online exhibition, documentary, and educational resources. The project explores 200 years of Deaf culture in America and examines perspectives on what it means to be deaf.

To learn more, go to https://gallaudet.edu/history-through-deaf-eyes.

ARC courtesy of Scholastic.

Synergy: Decimal System

The Decimal System is a numeral system for denoting integers and non-integer numbers. Decimals are sometimes identified by a decimal separator known as a decimal point like 3.14.

Read the recently published picture book, then learn more at the website:

SIR CUMFERENCE GETS DECIMA’S POINT by Cindy Neuschwander is the latest book the popular Sir Cumference series exploring mathematics concepts. Set in a fictional medieval kingdom, this historical adventure introduces children to the decimal system through an engaging story featuring a baker and a family of ogres.

KHAN ACADEMY is known for their short videos with accompanying lessons. The math section provides a series of lessons for each grade level such as an introduction to decimals.

Khan Academy https://www.khanacademy.org/math

ARC courtesy of Charlesbridge Publishing.

Synergy: Animals

Animals come in all shapes and sizes. In general, they consume organic matter, breathe oxygen, move, and reproduce. Zoology is the study of animals.

Read the recently published nonfiction series for youth, then learn more at the website:

Each book in the SO COOL, SO CUTE series from National Geographic kids features a fascinating animal such as pandas, koalas, sharks, and leopards. The latest books in the series include frogs and penguins. Designed for ages 3 through 7, these short information books include photographs along with quirky fonts, child-like graphics, and humorous, informative text designed for their young audience. Although filled with useful content, their informal style will attract children seeking a little fun with their facts.

The SAN DIEGO ZOO KIDS website is geared specifically for the needs and interests of children. Users can explore by animal (amphibians, arthropods, bird, fish, mammals, reptiles), stories, fun facts, wildlife conservation, videos, activities, games, and zoo life. Each entry includes limited text, photographs or video, and engaging content. For more in-depth information, students are directed to the San Diego Zoo’s Animals & Plants website.

To visit San Diego Zoo Kids, go to https://kids.sandiegozoo.org/.
To visit San Diego Zoo’s Animals & Planets, go to https://animals.sandiegozoo.org/.

ARC courtesy of National Geographic Kids

Synergy: Atlas

An atlas is a collection of maps representing the Earth or a particular region. Traditionally, they were bound into large books. However, today’s interactive atlas allow users to view features such as political boundaries or geographic elements through transparent layers.

Read the recently published atlases for youth, then learn more at the website:

National Geographic Kids has recently published new editions of their popular atlases.

BEGINNER’S UNITED STATES ATLAS (third edition) is an effective way to introduce atlases to children ages 7 to 10. The book begins with an introduction to maps. The attractive format uses maps and photographs to explore the land and its people. Icons are used to highlight key features. Divided into regions (northwest, southeast, midwest, southwest, west, U.S. territories), the atlas explores each state in a two-page spread. It concludes with a review, glossary, and charts.

UNITED STATES ATLAS (sixth edition) is designed for ages 10 to 14. Like the beginner’s version, it is organized by region and highlights each state. The maps are more detailed and the text provides a more in-depth examination of each state than the beginner edition.

National Geographic Kids also publishes world atlases for a variety of age levels.

MAPMAKER INTERACTIVE from National Geographic allows users to explore locations around the world through the use of a base map and layers. Students begin with a base layer such as streets, terrain, topo, or satellite. Then, they can add layers such as water, human population, climate, and history to explore an area in depth. Finally, users can use the tools provided to personalize, save, and print their map.

To visit the website, go to https://mapmaker.nationalgeographic.org/.

ARC courtesy of National Geographic Kids.

Synergy: The Dené Nation

Also known as the Athapaskan people, the Dené Nation is a group of five indigenous tribes located in the Northwest Territories of Canada. Sustained by the land for over 30,000 years, the political organization represents the land claims and protection of Aboriginal rights. Their homeland stretches from the Yukon and Alaska to the southwestern United States.

Read the recently published graphic nonfiction, then learn more at the website:

PAYING THE LAND by Joe Sacco is set in the subarctic Canadian Northwest Territories where the indigenous Dene people have lived for more than 30,000 years. This work of graphic nonfiction explores the impact of resource extraction on the natural world and the indigenous people who live in the Mackenzie River Valley. Sacco recounts the costs and benefits development has had on the land and its people.

The DENE NATION website features a history page that provides insights into history of the Dene Nation. The page includes both recent history along with a timeline of key events.

To visit the Dene Nation page, go to https://denenation.com/about/history/

To visit the Dene Nation History page, go to https://denenation.com/about/history/