ATTN: iPad users! If this post doesn’t display properly, with all its nifty graphic and text links, try here. Stuart’s workshop on Visual Learning and Story Telling in Early Childhood Education will take place on Friday, January 27, from 2:00 to 3:30 p.m., in Room 192C, West Building, McCormick Place. Hope to see you there!
Archive for the ‘Mathstart’ Category
Facebook, Treasure Maps & a Challenge!
Monday, May 9th, 2011Does your class like make maps? We would love to see and share them!
by J. A. GinsburgWe are still basically newbies on Facebook, just starting to get our social media sea-legs (ahem, ahem: please “like” us…and tell your friends!) We have been experimenting with features such a “MathStart Book of the Day!” and, of course, news about Stuart’s new Pre-K series, I See I Learn.
It has been delightful to see who has discovered us. We have made some wonderful new connections.
Last week, Jason Gossard, who teaches at The Circle School in San Antonio, Texas, posted a really good question on Stuart’s “wall.”
Mr. Murphy: The students in my class are confused about the weird pictures in your book Treasure Map. We love the book and love the pictures, but we do not understand why there are giant objects by the small kids. Any help explaining these crazy pictures to us? Thanks a bunch. Please write back.
— Mr. Jason and the Star Room Kids, Circle School, SA, TX
I handle most of the posts for Stuart on Facebook and Twitter (@vizlearning), so wrote a brief reply, but clearly this called for Stuart’s insights.
Hello Mr. Jason & the Star Room Kids!
I love this question!
Janet’s right. Tricia Tusa, the illustrator, wanted to emphasize the fact that a map represents a section of the real world at another scale. Therefore, on pages 8-9, the map actually “becomes” the environment that it represents. On pages 10-11, the members of the Elm Street Kids’ Club have been reduced to the scale of the map and actually step right into it. From that point on, Tricia plays with dimension and scale to complement what is happening in the story.
On page 30, Tricia brilliantly added the returning Rocky River Rascals to her illustration. This was not part of the manuscript. She wanted readers to be constantly thinking of time, place, size, dimension and scale.
You didn’t ask about the “upside-down” map on the endpapers. Again, this was Tricia’s idea. She positioned the map, which is of Houston, where Tricia lived at the time, to be from the point of view of Matthew, who is pictured carrying the map, rather than from the perspective of the reader.
Here’s an idea for the visually alert Star Room Kids. Maybe they could create a map of their classroom, cafeteria or playground. Then they could try to figure how big the desks, tables, or they themselves would be at that scale. If it’s really cool, you can send it to us and we’ll include it on our blog.
We would love to see maps of every classroom, cafeteria and playground! If your class has some fantastic maps you would like to share, please send photographs to feedback (@) stuartjmurphy (dot) com. Be sure to include contact information.
"It's a map to a hidden treasure / It's a map to a secret prize / It's a map to a hidden treasure / And it's right before our eyes!" (from "The Main Street Kids' Club: A MathStart Musical"
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THE MUSICAL!
Did you know that Treasure Map is one of six MathStart stories featured in a new musical called The Main Street Kids’ Club? The play was adapted by the talented Scott (“Schoolhouse Rock Live!”) Ferguson through a special workshop class at Northwestern University. It’s a lot of fun. The music is great and the math is spot on!
If you know a regional theatre that would be interested in performing the show or would like to find out about school tours, please get in touch with Scott at TheatreBAM Chicago.
The original cast album, with songs by Scott and Michael Mahler, is now available on iTunes. You’ll be tapping your toes in no time!
It’s the Main Street Kids’ Club / Where the laughs are loud in the the fun is free / We’re in the Main Street Kids’ Club / That’s the MSKC to you and me!
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RELATED:
- Creative Cartography: 7 Must-Read Books on Maps / Maria Popova, Brain Pickings
Our New Favorite Blog: “Happy Birthday, Author!”
Monday, April 25th, 2011by J. A. Ginsburg
"Happy Birthday, Author" - a blog that celebrates children's authors; Illustration by Kevin O' Malley from Stuart's book, "Too Many Kangaroo Things To Do!"
April 25 is always a pretty darn happy day around here: It’s Stuart’s birthday and he loves a good party—even when it’s not for a birthday! In fact, he loves planning parties sooooo much, it has become a recurring theme in many of his books:
- Mighty Maddie (comparing weights)
- Just Enough Carrots (comparing amounts)
- Freda Plans a Picnic (sequencing)
- One…Two…Three…Sassafras! (number order)
- Too Many Kangaroo Things to Do! (multiplying)
- Monster Musical Chairs (subtracting one & fun party game)
This year’s birthday, though, was made extra special by a fabulous post on the Happy Birthday, Author! blog. The brainchild of Eric Van Raepenbusch, a former teacher turned stay-at-home dad to three children (a five year-old, a three year-old and the baby, now 10 months), HPA celebrates the work of various children’s authors on their birthdays. It certainly is a present to the authors, but a present to readers as well. Eric’s archives are a filled with treasure:
- March 25: Kate DiCamillo
- April 3: Sandra Boynton
- May 3: Pete Seeger
HPA is also a great way to learn about authors with which you may be less familiar.
Clearly, the blog is a labor of joy for the entire Van Raepenbusch family. Stuart and I were absolutely delighted that Eric’s wife, an early elementary special education school teacher, wanted to try some I See Learn books with her class.
When she saw the videos on the I See I Learn series she was ecstatic. She thought,”Finally, an off the shelf, specific, visually-based way to teach social and behavioral skills.” My wife teaches with the philosophy that children sometimes need to be explicitly taught skills that we as adults take for granted like sharing, dealing with frustration, and handling emotions. The I See I Learn series breaks down these skills in a kid-friendly, visually-based format that can easily be used with any child. (The I See I Learn Resources Page show many of the visuals used in the books.) My wife was also excited to see these concepts are not being specifically targeted for students with disabilities but to all children.
On behalf of Stuart (who is celebrating Italian-style this year—read the post for details…), Happy Every Day Van Raepenbusch family! Thank you!
You can follow Happy Birthday, Author on Facebook and on Twitter, too!
NCTM 2011: Teacher Mathfest in Indy!
Monday, April 11th, 2011
by J. A. Ginsburg
Spring is in the air and if you happen to be of a math teacher, that is particularly welcome news. Yes, flowers, sun and warmth, but also the season of NCTM, a.k.a. math teacher heaven!
From April 13 though 16, thousands will gather for the annual National Council of Teachers of Mathematics conference held this year in Indianapolis. The toughest problem? How to fit in as many of the 650+ presentations as possible.
We, of course, hope you can make it Stuart’s talk on Thursday, April 14: See the Math! Sharpening the Definition of Visual Learning Practice (Convention Center Hall F/G).
I have long defined visual learning as how students acquire information from graphs, charts, diagrams and other visual stimuli. That definition still holds. But after years of practical application and ongoing research, the time has come to redefine visual learning according to the benefits that it provides.
High quality visual learning practices support:
- Mathematical Practices of Common Core State Standards
- Development of critical intervention strategies
- Differentiating classroom instruction
Visual learning is a powerful teaching tool!
And what better way to demonstrate than to feature real classroom projects? We will look at several wonderful and creative examples provided by teachers Cindy Cliche, Cathy Kuhns, Marrie Lassater and Dr. Kim Mueller; and by librarian Debbie Diaz from the Beijing City International School. (MathStart in China? Yes!... )
Stuart will also be signing books:
- at the EAI Education booth on Thursday morning, 4/14, from 10 to 11 a.m., and Friday morning, 4/15, from 9:30 to 10: 30 a.m.
- at the Pearson Education booth Friday afternoon, 4/15, from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m.
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Recently, we updated the MathStart website. Now there are pdf activity pages for all 63 books!
Check out the “MathStart Book of the Day!” feature on Stuart’s new Facebook page and Twitter updates @vizlearning.
We also revamped our free e-newsletter and are rebuilding the mailing list from scratch. Please sign up and spread the word! Thanks!
And be sure to check out the fabulous new show, The Main Street Kids’ Club: A MathStart Musical! It was adapted by director Scott (“School House Rock Live!”) Ferguson through a workshop class at Northwestern University. Perfect for school tours and regional theatre productions—so get out your dancing shoes!
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ALSO AT NCTM:
- Movies and math: always a good combo. Jeffrey Travis, director of the new IMAX 3-D movie Flatland: The Movie, will show clips at the opening session, Wednesday, April 13, 5:30 to 7:00 p.m. in Convention Center Hall F:
If You’re Coming to ALA / Midwinter…
Wednesday, January 5th, 2011Preschool Roundtable on libraries and school readiness: Sunday, January 9, 4:00 – 5:30, Room 30B, SD Convention Center
While Stuart prepares for an incredible trip to Qatar, India and China (MathStart in Chinese!—but that’s another post for another day…), I will be heading to San Diego for the American Library Association’s Midwinter conference.
It’s no secret that here at vizlearning we love librarians. Indeed, I am the daughter of one (officially retired, but an active member of a legendary 50+ year Great Books group). I remember learning how to sign my name just so I could get my very own library card. Rites of passage don’t get better than that.
So I was thrilled when Sue Nespeca asked me to talk about school readiness and Stuart’s new series, I See I Learn, at the Preschool Discussion Group roundtable.
Just like MathStart books, I See I Learn stories use visual learning strategies to reinforce learning.
Visual learning and young children are a natural fit. Long before children can read, or even speak many words,they are accomplished visual learners. They understand illustrations and photographs with ease, as well as more abstract representations such as symbols and graphs.
Each book focuses on a specific skill from one of four domains:
- Social
- Emotional
- Heath and Safety
- Cognitive
Stuart’s stories are modeled on real life situations and, just as in real life, often involve more than one skill. For example,”Freda Plans a Picnic,” is about sequencing, a cognitive skill, but the picnic itself is a social event. “Percy Plays It Safe” focuses on playground safety skills, but playing successfully in a group requires self-regulation, an emotional skill.
Jill Bickford, from Michigan’s West Bloomfield Township Public Library, will also be presenting: “How Libraries Can Help Parents Get Their Children Ready for School and Partnering with Schools.”
I sat in on the roundtable at the ALA conference in DC last summer, taking lots of notes. It was fabulous!. After the official presentations, everyone in the group of about 10 librarians had a chance to share ideas about outreach efforts, including ways to weave in the use of digital tools.
If you are a children’s librarian, or a librarian interested in children’s books, please join the group:
Sunday, January 9, from 4 to 5:30 p.m., in room 30B of the San Diego Convention Center.
Although I am not quite Stuart, I promise treats for all! Please spread the word!
* The I See Learn books will be available at the Charlesbridge booth, #1808. Please stop by.
Come meet us at the Preschool Roundtable, Sunday, January 9, Room 30B at the San Diego Convention Center!
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FREE NEWSLETTER
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We recently sent out a small test run of Stuart’s newly revamped newsletter. For those who remember the MathStart newsletters, there is more about more and much more to come!
Also, Stuart now has a Facebook page. We are just getting started. Please share with all your FB friends. Thanks!
And, of course, we are on twitter @vizlearning, too.
See you in the cybersphere!
What are the Odds? A MathStart Romance
Sunday, December 19th, 2010by J.A. Ginsburg
On love, math and the magic of books
addition: a classic!
It was one of our favorite MathStart emails ever: Elisabeth and Brian, two first-time teachers, meet in a Teach for America class, bond over reading MathStart books together and…fall in love. Well, Beep Beep, Vroom Vroom!, this kind of news deserves a front page spread in The Grizzly Gazette!
Cathie Weber, their beaming-with-pride professor from The Johns Hopkins University School of Education, shared the news in June, writing that five years after Cupid’s bow had hit its mathematically inspired target, the happy couple just announced their engagement. It’s about Time! Congratulations! This calls for a big celebration, Leaping Lizards-style!
Amazingly, Cathie’s class was the only one the pair had shared during three years of study. It was their very first semester, too, when the rookie teachers were overwhelmed and exhausted from working dawn-to-dusk hours in inner-city schools and taking college courses at night.
As a way to help her stressed students loosen up a bit, Cathie—a big MathStart fan— assigned them to work in pairs, reading children’s books. Elisabeth remembers Earth Day—Hooray! Brian? Only that he had been “paired with the cutest girl in the whole program.”
The build up to this magical moment of literary romance, however, was not without its twists and turns. In 2004, Brian was working as a construction foreman in Pennsylvania, preparing to switch careers after being accepted into a teaching program in Philadelphia. Alas, the program fizzled in the wake of a federal grant cut. Then a sister in Maryland serendipitously came across some information on the Baltimore City Teaching Residency and plan B was launched. Meanwhile, Elisabeth graduated from the University of Illinois with a degree in English and Spanish, an interest in teaching and a taste for adventure. She was happy to go wherever Teach for America might take her. From her Midwestern perch, the East Coast was prime unexplored territory.
Baltimore?
Perfect, thought Elisabeth.
Here I come, said Brian.
So, what are the odds these two should meet, brought together by a professor who may yet have a second career as a matchmaker? Probably Pistachio, with a kismet cherry on top.
Last month, Stuart was in Baltimore, with just enough extra time to meet everyone. One…Two…Three…Sassafrass!
Cathie, Elisabeth, Brian & Stuart...Cheers!
Plans for the 2011 wedding are in full swing. Will they serve Seaweed Soup? Play Monster Musical Chairs? Dance The Bug Dance? One thing’s for sure: Their honeymoon will be The Best Vacation Ever!
Congratulations Elisabeth and Brian!
All the best, from the Double the Ducks kids!
…and one more toast: To Brian: Baltimore Teacher of the Year 2010!
Baltimore Teacher of the Year and MathStart reader, Brian Rainville
RELATED LINKS
“Math = Fun!”: The Art of MathStart Exhibit at Gallery Della-Piana
Wednesday, December 1st, 2010
MathStart book covers by artists featured in "Math = Fun!: Selected Illustrations from Stuart J. Murphy's MathStart Series" Gallery Della-Piana, Wenham, MA, through December, 2010 / 978-468-1944
In the beginning there were 3 books, which seemed like a lot. “I secretly hoped the MathStart series would top out at 12 books,” Stuart remembers. “It was such a thrill to see them. And to see my name in print: ‘Stuart J. Murphy.’ A published author! Wow!”
Three became 6, then 12, then 24, all the way to…63 books with the shared goal of helping children understand mathematical concepts. Wow, indeed.
Pictures. Words. Math. It sounds simple, but behind every MathStart book is another tale of collaboration between storyteller and illustrator. Picture books, notes Barbara Elleman, founding editor of ALA’s Book Links review, “are built.” Is is not just a matter of finding the balance between what’s written and what’s shown, but of dovetailing word and image so that the story becomes “a magical experience—artistically and literarily.”
One important ingredient in making that happen is what I call the “art of the gap:” First, the author’s willingness to leave gaps in the story for the artist to fill in visually, and secondly, the illustrator’s ability to pick up and utilize the gaps to extend the story…To take this “art of the gap” one step further is to be aware of places where the story lets the reader’s own imagination take flight.
Barbara’s lecture, “The Magic of MathStart,” kicked off the opening reception for “Math = Fun!: Selected Illustrations from Stuart J. Murphy’s MathStart Series,” an exhibit featuring the work of several of the MathStart illustrators currently on display at the Gallery Della-Piana near Boston.
For MathStart books, the artists needed to incorporate a system of carefully planned visual learning strategies—graphs, icons, tables— within their illustrations as well, while keeping the look at feel of story book.
As Stuart explains in an essay on “The Making of a MathStart Book”:
This visual/verbal synergy is extremely important. The illustrations, graphs, charts and diagrams are a visual translation of the story. They describe the characters, set the mood, and create a world in which the story can live. They also distill and present the math concepts in a way that kids can easily understand.
Creating this balance between the math and the story, the visual and the verbal, the art and the text, is the most challenging—and most exciting—aspect of my work. No wonder it takes over two years to develop a MathStart book! With three new books coming out each Spring and Fall, there are always at least nine books in some stage of development. It’s an exciting, challenging process. And, like the books themselves, lots of fun.
Seeing the illustrations on the wall, all neatly matted and framed, is very much like meeting old friends dressed up in their Sunday best: There’s the little boy from Valeria Petrone’s Double the Ducks. And Steve Bjorkman’s clever Coyotes All Around —they use rounding to make estimates, you know! And there’s the dog show champ, Henry the Fourth, and his buddies, Scott Nash’s ordinal-loving puppies! Around the corner, Joann Adinolfi’s fabulous Leaping Lizards are counting by 5’s and 10’s!
The brilliant colors, meticulous craftsmanship and, most of all, the delightful and deep wit the artists have brought to their work give these illustrations an independence beyond the books for which they were created. They are still full of stories, but now they are the viewers’ to tell…
Stuart J. Murphy & MathStart fans; "Mighty Maddie" / Bernice Lum; The original Mighty Maddie herself!
Stuart and...Joann Adolfini; Barbara Elleman; Elissa Della-Piana
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“Math = Fun!” will be on display through the end of December.
Gallery Della-Piana hours: Wednesday through Saturday 11:00am to 6:00pm
or by appointment (978-468-1944)
from Boston to Gallery Della-Piana, Wenham, MA
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Related Reading:
- visual learning: a timeline history of communications inspired by Stuart J. Murphy’s children’s book series, Mathstart by Elissa Della-Piana (limited edition / Gallery Della-Piana)
- Virginia Lee Burton: A Life in Art by Barbara Elleman
- Tomie dePaola: His Art & His Stories by Barbara Elleman
“I See I Learn” Books in Stores Starting in July! … Special Sneak Peek: “Emma’s Friendwich”
Sunday, May 23rd, 2010
counterclockwise from left: Camille, Ajay, Freda, Carlos, Percy, Emma & Pickle!
by J.A. Ginsburg
“The books are here!” Stuart beamed as I walked up to the Charlesbridge Publishers booth on the first day of the Bologna Children’s Book Fair last March. “They’re WONDERFUL!” Freda, Percy, Emma, Ajay, Carlos, Camille and the one-and-only Pickle the green bulldog (Woof!) were really real. Other people could see them, too! It was thrilling. The first four books! We stood there. Thrilled.
For the last two years, Stuart and I, collaborating with a spectacular team from Charlesbridge and Tim Jones Illustration, have been living and breathing the development of “I See I Learn,” a new series for young children (and their teachers, parents and caregivers) that helps teach skills important in life and for school.
The books cover social, emotional, health and safety, and cognitive skills. Each story, which has been reviewed by a team of early childhood experts, also includes two pages of questions and activities.
Just as in Stuart’s award-winning MathStart books, visual learning strategies play a key role reinforcing skills. Visual learning is a particularly good fit for young children: They may not be able to read letters yet, but they can “read” visual information with ease. “I See I Learn” books build on this natural talent.
COMING…SOON!
We returned from Italy, wined, dined and even more thrilled, showing our precious sets of books (hardcover and paperback!) to friends and family, wondering how we were ever going to contain ourselves until July, when the books would finally start to be available in stores.
And then came Jacqui Kolar, a reading specialist from Big Hollow school near Chicago, who introduced Stuart for his presentation at the International Reading Association (IRA) conference in April. Who were we kidding? Containment? Back to beaming for us!
EMMA’S FRIENDWICH
Jacqui, who had been given a pre-publication set of books, told the audience about reading “Emma’s Friendwich,” a story about making a friend, with her youngest students. Afterward, she placed the book on the floor, planning to start a casual conversation with the children later. She never got the chance! They started to pore over the story themselves, looking at the pictures and making their very own “friendwiches.” Then, all together, they made a “club friendwich” with Jacqui.
Stuart J. Murphy reads “Emma’s Friendwich”:
Friendwiches. They’re the best!
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MORE
- “Visual Learning” a brief overview by Stuart J. Murphy
- For Pre-orders & Email Alerts: orders@charlesbridge.com / 800.225.3214
- Library & Bookseller orders: Baker & Taylor, Ingram and, of course, all your favorite local wholesalers, too!
