The official press release!  Please share widely J

 

Kind regards,

Deb

 

D. B. Thomas, MA AMLS

MeL & Library Outreach Coordinator

Library of Michigan

517-373-4466
LMSigforEmail

Visit MeL at: http://mel.org and on Facebook at: http://facebook.com/mel.org

The Library of Michigan is pleased to share a new video series highlighting Michigan libraries and how they are making a difference in their communities.  To experience Michigan libraries in a new light, visit http://brightside.cedam.info/ and watch the 21st Century Libraries episode.

 

 

 

From: Ackley, Martin (MDE)
Sent: Wednesday, December 04, 2013 2:57 PM
To: MDE-Communications
Subject: Michigan Department of Education Press Release

 

 

Michigan Dept of Ed header

 

 News Release

 Contact:    Martin Ackley, Director of Public and Governmental Affairs, (517) 241-4395

                   Bill DiSessa, Spokesperson, (517) 335-6649

 

Michigan eLibrary Adds Early Literacy Resources

Library of Michigan Supports Goal of Third Grade Reading Proficiency

 

 

December 4, 2013

 

LANSING — New resources at the Michigan eLibrary (MeL.org) are designed to help make more children proficient readers by the time they are third-graders.

 

Teachers, parents, early childhood providers, and librarians can use the new early literacy resources to help children in pre-school through grade four become proficient in reading and better prepare them for academic success ahead.

 

“Reading proficiency by third grade is a critical predictor of high school graduation and college and career readiness,” said State Superintendent Mike Flanagan. “These easy-to-use resources will help us achieve our goal of reading proficiency in children by the end of third grade.”

 

State Librarian Nancy Robertson said using additional state funding for MeL to contract with Scholastic, World Book, and EBSCO allows these valuable resources to be accessible at no cost to Michigan residents and libraries. MeL.org is part of the Library of Michigan, within the Michigan Department of Education (MDE).

 

These early childhood literacy resources can be found at www.mel.org/kids

 

The newly available online databases include:  

  •  BookFlix (from Scholastic) is an online literacy resource that pairs classic video storybooks from Weston Woods with related nonfiction eBooks from Scholastic to build a love of reading and learning. An engaging way to link fact and fiction, BookFlix reinforces early reading skills and introduces children to a world of knowledge and exploration.
  • World Book Kids is a general reference website developed especially for children. The site offers simple navigation, easy-to-read articles, multimedia, and a wealth of engaging games, interactive tools and activities.
  • Early World of Learning is an online resource for preschoolers and children in early grades. It was designed for easy integration into the classroom curriculum. The site encompasses three interactive learning environments.
  • Enciclopedia Estudantil Hallazgos is a Spanish-language, reference work designed with younger readers in mind.
  • eBook K-8 Collection is designed for K-8 students and the educators who work with them. It contains more than 6,000 titles chosen to support a quality learning experience for K-8 students across all subjects areas taught in elementary and middle schools, and content aligns with Common Core curriculum standards. The collection also features a selection of teacher resources to support educators and administrators.
  • NoveList K-8 Plus (from EBSCO) is especially for younger readers. It has reading recommendations for both fiction and nonfiction for kids in grades K-8, including book reviews from major reviewing sources. Included are reading lists by topic or study units as well as for lessons that meet Common Core State standards.

The resources include content designed for children through grade eight.

 

“The Library of Michigan actively participates in Governor Snyder's and MDE’s priority to have students reading at grade level by the end of third grade,” Robertson said. “We are excited to have relatively new state funding to be able to add additional online resources to MeL that will engage early learners and those working on literacy attainment in libraries, schools, and at home.”

 

          

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The Library of Michigan – Michigan’s official state library agency for more than 175 years – is part of the Michigan Department of Education. To learn more, visit: www.michigan.gov/libraryofmichigan