1.- BERNIEH´S CORNER : ON MANAGEABLE BOOKS

Hello, fine people!

Some info and an article for you...

"Educate the Children" is a website whose contents allegedly covers the whole of the U.K. National Curriculum, using the latest teaching and learning strategies. Currently it features 2500 lesson plans, worksheets and articles distributed along 6 "zones": Parent Zone, Info Zone, Teacher Zone, Learning Zone, Web Guide, and Discussions.

Browse it at: http://www.educate.org.uk/

As an example of the contents you'll find there, I've selected the following article where an author and ex-librarian tells us some aspects involved in choosing (and writing) books that entice children into reading.

Hazel Townson, author of more than 50 books for children lists the requirements of a book so that it is accessible to reluctant readers. Use the guidelines

http://www.educate.org.uk/teacher_zone/teaching/inschool/literacy_manageable

_book.htm to audit your own classroom and school library and choose books that the children will want to read.

Enjoy!

Bernieh. bernieh@bernieh.com.ar

"The Manageable Book" by Hazel Townson (excerpted).

Some years ago I worked as a librarian in charge of Young People's

Services for a part of Greater Manchester. In that capacity I had to

supervise the buying of books for 9 children's libraries and to advise on

the contents of 110 school and college libraries. I made it my business to

spend time with the young readers, asking them whether or not they had

enjoyed the books they'd borrowed. To my dismay I found that far too many

of them had abandoned their chosen titles, either for lack of interest or

because they had found the going too difficult. I decided I needed to

remedy this; to supply a quantity of material specially geared to those who

are not so skilled at reading. So I drew up a blueprint of what I thought

might be a more manageable book:

1) The child needs first to be attracted to the book, persuaded to reach

it down from the shelf. Therefore the book must have a tempting title and

a good, colourful cover showing plenty of action and must be displayed

face-forward so that the action can be seen.

2) Having lifted the book down, the child will then flip casually through

it to see whether or not he wants to read it. So he must find quite large

text - (nothing is more off-putting to a struggling reader than small

print) - and short chapters with exciting chapter headings and lots of

illustrations, one on every page if possible. These will not only make

progress swifter down the page, but will help with understanding the plot.

3) So now he decides he likes the look of this book and begins to read.

This is where the author must grab attention in the very first paragraph,

involving the child in the story right from the first line.

4) Now involved, he reads to the end of chapter 1. This is where attention

might wane, so a 'cliff-hanger' ending is needed to lead him into the next

chapter. And the next, and the next, until almost before he realises it, he

has reached the end of the book.

5) At the end ideally there should be a twist in the tail which leaves the

reader with a sense of wonder and satisfaction, thus making him more likely

to read another similar book.

6) If the content can also be humorous this is a great advantage. A

chuckling child is a child relaxed and happy. He's enjoying an experience

he'll hopefully want to repeat. Also humorous stories are good ones to

relate to, and to share with, one's friends and a recommendation from

another child is far more valuable than a recommendation from an adult.

Some adults regard humour in children's books as somehow second-rate. Far

from it; humour has enormous power for good. If a child with a particular

problem reads a funny book about someone with the same problem and is made

to laugh at a situation, then he's also laughing at his own problem which

will then seem less significant. In my own books I've used such problems as

hypochondria, bullying, nagging, shyness, anxiety, etc., and have hopefully

made them funny.

7) Good co-operation between author and illustrator is essential. My

favourite illustrator is Tony Ross who adds more to the story via the extra

humorous detail in the pictures.

As I was unable at the time (some 25 years ago) to find books to fit this

blueprint I began to write some myself. There are lots of manageable series

these days, of course, and plenty of scope now for less willing readers.

"Educate the Children" is compiling a list of 'manageable' books for

reluctant or struggling readers. If you know of a suitable book please email

katie@educate.org.uk stating as much information about the book as you can, and a paragraph reviewing its suitability and content.

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2.- AN INVITATION FROM OXFORD UNIVERSITY PRESS

Our dear friend and SHARER, Marina Ulloa sends us her best wishes for the third year of SHARE and this invitation for all of us:

Oxford University Press is very pleased to announce the Argentinian Tour of

Dr Norman Whitney, author of "Open Doors" and "Dream Team" who will lecture

on "Turning to Learning" and "Motivation and Success at EGB"

Tucumán

Thursday 15 February, 17:30 to 20:00

Hotel del Jardín - Laprida 463

Registration: Librería San Francisco - 422-8822

In Salta -(transport:$20 there and back) Librería San Francisco 431-0892 - SBS - 431-8868. In Sgo del Estero: Hiperión & CA - 422-5265

Córdoba

Saturday 17 February, 9:30 to 12:30

Colegio Nacional de Monserrat - Obispo Trejo 294

Registration: SBS: 423 6448

Mar del Plata

Monday 19 February, 17:30 to 20:00

Hotel Costa Galana - Boulevard Martimo Peralta Ramos 5725

Registration: In Mar del plata: Bookshop: 4736567 - Librería Palito: 4917967

In Tandil: (transport:$13 there and back) The Bookshop: 445593

Rosario

Wednesday 21 February, 16:30 to 19:00

Colegio San Bartolomé - Tucumán 1257

Registration: SBS: 4261276 - Librera Ameghino: 4471147 -

Librería Ross: 4485378

Santa Fe

Thursday 22 February, 9:30 to 11:15 - Advice Summer Seminar

Registration: Advice Bookshop - 4533392

Buenos Aires

Saturday 24 February, 9:30 to 12:30

Auditorio San Agustín, Universidad Catlica Argentina -

Alicia Moreau de Justo 1300 (esq.Belgrano)

Registration: In Buenos Aires: KEL Ediciones: 4717-5603 ext. 102

SBS: 4821- 0206 - OUP 4312-7300 ext. 230 / 274

In La Plata (check transport facilities) Librería Best 4247226

OUP also announces the visit of Ms Stephanie Richards, Teacher Training Manager for Oxford University Press (UK). Ms Richards PGCE in TEFL from the University of Leicester, has given talks and seminars in more than forty countries around the world.

Mendoza

Motivating Teenagers / ELT Tried and Tested

Monday 19 February, 18:00 to 20:00 - Universidad de Champagnat - Belgrano 721

Registration: CIL 4201266 - Rubén Simoncini Libros 4202988

Rosario

ELT Tried and Tested / Business Focus

Tuesday 20 February, 17:30 to 19:30 - Colegio San Bartolomé - Belgrano 721

Registration: SBS 426-1276/424-1822

Buenos Aires

ELT Tried and Tested / Business Focus

Wednesday 21 February, 9:30 to 12:00 - Librera El Ateneo - Florida 340

Registration: OUP 4312-7300 ext. 230 / 274

Lomas de Zamora

ELT Tried and Tested

Thursday 22 February , 18:00 to 20:00 - Colegio Modelo Lomas - Fonrouge 141

Registration: KEL Ediciones 4717-5603 ext 102 / OUP 4312-7300 ext. 230 /274

Luján

ELT Tried and Tested

Thursday 22 February, 9:30 to 11:30 Universidad Luján - Cruce Rutas 5 y 7.

Registration: The Bookworm Shop - Mariano Moreno 991- Luján 425085 /

Cordoba

ELT Tried and Tested / Business Focus

Friday 23 February, 18:00 to 20:00

Librera Blackpool Cerro de las Rosas

Registration: Blackpool 4237172 / 4246959

All seminars are free of charge. Registration closes two days before each event.

__________________________________________________________

3.- WHAT TREE DID YOU FALL FROM?

Our good friend and founding SHARER, Elida Messina, ebmessi@overnet.com.ar

sends us this contribution. Says she : "find your birthday, look up the definition of the tree below and ... learn something else about yourself.
In line with Celtic astrology and an excellent resource to teach adjectives and

abstract nouns, don´t you think?"

Dec 23 to Jan 01 -  Apple Tree
Jan 01 to Jan 11 -   Fir Tree
Jan 12 to Jan 24 -  Elm Tree
Jan 25 to Feb 03 - Cypress Tree
Feb 04 to Feb 08 - Poplar Tree
Feb 09 to Feb 18 - Cedar Tree
Feb 19 to Feb 28 - Pine Tree
Mar 01 to Mar 10 - Weeping Willow Tree
Mar 11 to Mar 20 - Lime Tree
Mar 21 -                 Oak Tree
Mar 22 to Mar 31 - Hazelnut Tree
Apr 01 to Apr 10 -   Rowan Tree
Apr 11 to Apr 20 -   Maple Tree
Apr 21 to Apr 30 -  Walnut Tree
May 01 to May 14 -  Poplar Tree
May 15 to May 24 -  Chestnut Tree
May 25 to Jun 03 -  Ash Tree
Jun 04 to Jun 13 -   Hornbeam Tree
Jun 14 to Jun 23 -   Fig Tree
Jun 24 -                  Birch Tree
Jun 25 to Jul 04 -   Apple Tree
Jul 05 to Jul 14 -     Fir Tree
Jul 15 to Jul 25 -     Elm Tree
Jul 26 to Aug 04 -   Cypress Tree
Aug 05 to Aug 13 - Poplar Tree
Aug 14 to Aug 23 - Cedar Tree
Aug 24 to Sep 02 - Pine Tree
Sep 03 to Sep 12 -  Weeping Willow Tree
Sep 13 to Sep 22 -  Lime Tree
Sep 23 -                  Olive Tree
Sep 24 to Oct 03 -  Hazelnut Tree
Oct 04 to Oct 13 -   Rowan Tree
Oct 14 to Oct 23 -   Maple Tree
Oct 24 to Nov 11 -   Walnut Tree
Nov 12 to Nov 21 -   Chestnut Tree
Nov 22 to Dec 01 -   Ash Tree
Dec 02 to Dec 11 -    Hornbeam Tree
Dec 12 to Dec 21 -    Fig Tree
Dec 22 -                   Beech Tree

APPLE TREE (Love) - of slight build, lots of charm, appeal, and attraction, pleasant aura, flirtatious, adventurous, sensitive, always in love, wants to love and be loved, faithful and tender partner, very generous, scientific talents, lives for today, a carefree philosopher with imagination.

ASH TREE ( Ambition) - uncommonly attractive, vivacious, impulsive, demanding, does not care for criticism, ambitious, intelligent, talented, likes to play with fate, can be egotistic, very reliable and trustworthy, faithful and prudent lover, sometimes brains rule over the heart, but takes partnership very seriously.

BEECH TREE (Creative) - has good taste, concerned about its looks, materialistic, good organization of life and career, economical, good leader, takes no unnecessary risks, reasonable, splendid lifetime companion, keen on keeping fit (diets, sports, etc.)

BIRCH TREE (Inspiration) - vivacious, attractive, elegant, friendly, unpretentious, modest, does not like anything in excess, abhors the vulgar,
loves life in nature and in calm, not very passionate, full of imagination, little ambition, creates a calm and content atmosphere.

CEDAR TREE( Confidence) - of rare beauty, knows how to adapt, likes luxury, of good health, not in the least shy, tends to look down on others, self-confident, determined, impatient, likes to impress others, many talents, industrious, healthy optimism, waiting for the one true love, able to make quick decisions.

CHESTNUT TREE (Honesty) - of unusual beauty, does not want to impress,
well-developed sense of justice, vivacious, interested, a born diplomat, but irritates easily and sensitive in company, often due to a lack of self confidence, acts sometimes superior, feels not understood loves only once, has difficulties in finding a partner.

CYPRESS TREE ( Faithfulness) - strong, muscular, adaptable, takes what life has to give, content, optimistic, craves money and acknowledgment, hates loneliness, passionate lover which cannot be satisfied, faithful, quick-tempered, unruly, pedantic, and careless.

ELM TREE ( Noble-mindedness) - pleasant shape, tasteful clothes, modest demands, tends not to forgive mistakes, cheerful, likes to lead but not to obey, honest and faithful partner, likes making decisions for others, noble-minded, generous, good sense of humor, practical.

FIG TREE (Sensibility) - very strong, a bit self-willed, independent, does not allow contradiction or arguments, loves life, its family, children and animals, a bit of a social butterfly, good sense of humor, likes idleness and laziness, of practical talent and intelligence.

FIR TREE( Mystery) - extraordinary taste, dignity, sophisticated, loves anything beautiful, moody, stubborn, tends to egoism but cares for those close to them, rather modest, very ambitious, talented, industrious, uncontented lover, many friends, many foes, very reliable

HAZELNUT TREE ( The Extraordinary) - charming, undemanding, very understanding, knows how to make an impression, active fighter for social cause, popular, moody, and capricious lover, honest, and tolerant partner, precise sense of judgment.

HORNBEAM TREE ( Good Taste) - of cool beauty, cares for its looks and
condition, good taste, is not egoistic, makes life as comfortable as possible, leads a reasonable and disciplined life, looks for kindness and acknowledgement in an emotional partner, dreams of unusual lovers, is seldom happy with its feelings, mistrusts most people, is never sure of its decisions, very conscientious.

LIME TREE ( Doubt) - accepts what life dishes out in a composed way, hates fighting, stress, and labor, dislikes laziness and idleness, soft and relenting, makes sacrifices for friends, many talents but not tenacious enough to make them blossom, often wailing and complaining, very jealous but loyal.

MAPLE TREE (Independence of Mind) - no ordinary person, full of imagination
and originality, shy and reserved, ambitious, proud, self-confident, hungers for new experiences, sometimes nervous, has many complexities, good memory, learns easily, complicated love life, wants to impress.

OAK TREE ( Bravery) - robust nature, courageous, strong, relenting, independent, sensible, does not like change, keeps its feet on the ground, person of action.

OLIVE TREE ( Wisdom) - loves sun, warmth and kind feelings, reasonable,
balanced, avoids aggression and violence, tolerant, cheerful, calm, well-developed sense of justice, sensitive, empathetic, free of jealousy, loves to read and the company of sophisticated people.

PINE TREE ( Particular) - loves agreeable company, very robust, knows how
to make life comfortable, very active, natural, good companion, but seldom
friendly, falls easily in love but its passion burns out quickly, gives up easily, everything disappointments until it finds its ideal, trustworthy, practical.

POPLAR TREE ( Uncertainty) - looks very decorative, not very self-confident,
only courageous if necessary, needs goodwill and pleasant surroundings, very
choosy, often lonely, great animosity, artistic nature, good organizer, tends
to lean toward philosophy, reliable in any situation, takes partnership seriously.

ROWAN TREE ( Sensitivity) - full of charm, cheerful, gifted without egoism, likes to draw attention, loves life, motion, unrest, and even complications, is both dependent and independent, good taste, artistic, passionate, emotional, good company, does not forgive.

WALNUT TREE ( Passion) - unrelenting, strange and full of contrasts, often egotistic, aggressive, noble, broad horizon, unexpected reactions, spontaneous, unlimited ambition, no flexibility, difficult and uncommon partner, not always liked but often admired, ingenious strategist, very jealous and passionate, no compromise.

WEEPING WILLOW (Melancholy) - beautiful but full of melancholy, attractive, very empathetic, loves anything beautiful and tasteful, loves to travel, dreamer, restless, capricious, honest, can be influenced but is not easy to live with, demanding, good intuition, suffers in love but finds sometimes an anchoring partner.

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4.- LONGMAN CALENDAR FOR FEBRUARY

Our dear SHARER, Virginia Ursa from Pearson Education writes to us

Dear Omar,

Welcome back! We are glad to SHARE with you our February and March events . Wishing you the very best for this year 2001.

LONGMAN DAYS - The Educational Representative in each area will assist

teachers with all the Longman materials and resources.

Thursday, February 15 - 17:00hs. to 20:00hs.

Mar de Ajó. venue: to be confirmed.

Saturday, February 17 9:30hs. to 13:00hs.

Villa Gesell - Librería Azul Marina: Av 3 y Paseo 115 - 46-5689

Tuesday, February 20 17:00hs. to 20:00hs.

Bariloche - Librera La Barca: Mitre 131 - Galería Wilson - 42-3170

Thursday, February 22 - 18:00hs. to 20:30hs.

Neuquén - Librera Galerna: Ant. Argentina 1111

Friday, February 23 10:00hs. to 12:00hs - 16:30hs. to 20:30hs.

Rio Cuarto - Córdoba - Librería Superior: Constitucion 730 - 462-6492

Friday, February 23 16:00hs. to 19:00hs.

Martinez, Pcia Bs As - ACME Martinez: Vicente Lpez 117

Saturday, February 24 - 10:00hs. to 13:00hs.

La Plata. Librería The House: Calle 6 N 1093

Monday, February 26 - 10:30hs. to 13:30hs.

Lomas de Zamora. Librería Casa del Sol: Laprida 183

Monday, February 26 16:00hs. to 19:00hs.

Capital Federal- Librería Casa Mario: JB Alberdi 6694 - 4687-3320/4364/3131

Tuesday, February 27 - 16:00hs. to 20:00hs.

Córdoba, capital - Maidana Libros: Velez Sarsfield 1 - 422-8764

Tuesday, February 27 - 16:30hs. to 19:30hs.

Escobar - Organización Escolar: Tapia de Cruz 314 - 43-0238

Tuesday, February 27 - 17:00hs. to 19:00hs.

Ciudad de Santa Fé - Alicia Libros: San Martn 2546 - 455-5252/5018

Tuesday, February 27 16:00hs. to 19:00hs.

Capital Federal - Librería Casassa y Lorenzo: P. Morón 3254 - 4501-4848/9596

Wednesday, February 28 - 16:30hs. to 19:30hs.

Pilar - Organización Escolar: Ituzaingó 633

Wednesday, February 28 - 17:00hs. to 19:00hs.

Paraná - Códice Libros: San Martin 664 - 431-6149

Wednesday, February 28 - 16:00hs. to 19:00hs.

Capital Federal - Librería Peluffo : Corrientes 4276 - 4862-2164/3558

Feb & March 2001 - Calendar of Events.

BOOK PRESENTATIONS

Friday, February 16 - 10:00hs. to 12:30hs. - Product Buzz for EGB Presentation.

General Madariaga - Colegio San José: Sarmiento 1275

Friday, February 16 - 18:00hs. to 20:30hs. - Product Buzz for EGB Presentation.

Pinamar Azul Marina: Av.3 y Paseo 115 - 46-5689

Monday, February 19 - 18:00hs. to 20:30hs.- World Club Presentation

Rosario : SBS Rosario: Sta Fe 1340

Tuesday, February 20 - 9:00hs. to 12:00hs. Stories in the Language Classroom Córdoba- Librería Collino: San Luis 99

Wednesday, February 21 - 18:00hs. to 20:30hs. - New English Parade

Mendoza - Colegio ICEI: Gral. Paz 531

Friday, February 23 - 18:00hs. to 20:30hs. - World Club Presentation

Capital Federal- SBS Belgrano: V. de Obligado 2382

Saturday, February 24 - 18:00hs. to 20:30hs. - New English Parade & Balloons

Capital Federal - SBS Palermo: Cnel Diaz 1745

Monday, February 26 - 18:00hs. to 20:30hs. Product Buzz for EGB Presentation

Tres Arroyos - Colegio Nuestra Señora de Luján: Belgrano 164

Wednesday, February 28 - 11:00hs. to 12:30hs. - 2do Encuentro Docente : Nurturing Teenager Motivation in Learning EFL - Prof. Adriana Turrín

Adrogué . - Casa Municipal de la Cultura de Almirante Brown. Sala 3.

Registration: Boutique del Libro 4214-1643

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5.- THE JEWISH MUSEUM OF BUENOS AIRES

Our dear SHARER Lily Aplert sends us this piece of information about the Jewish Museum of Buenos Aires.

the The Jewish Museum of Buenos Aires exhibits the history of the Jews in Argentina through objects,documents and testimonies of the settlers and their families. It includes an art gallery where paintings,sculptures and prints representing jewish issues are on display.

It is located on Libertad 769 (near the corner of Avenida Córdoba)in the city of Buenos Aires, and is part of a group of communities of the Jewish congregation of the Argentine Republic. This congregation is the oldest Jewish community in Argentina. (1862)

Visits: Tuesdays and Thursdays from 3:30 to 6:00 pm -

Guided tours in English and in Spanish at 4:00 and 5:00 pm .

Visits to the Synagogue (at your request) Libertad 785 are also included.

Large groups (15 persons or more) please advise beforehand in order to provide more bilingual guides.

Phone:4814-3637.fax:4814-3514. e-mail:ujsevi@mail.abaconet.com.ar

Free admission. Contributions gladly accepted.

___________________________________________________________

6.- THE LONGEST PLACE NAME

Our Maria Isabel Rodriguez chabela@satlink.com.ar from Resistencia, Chaco, sends us this interesting bit about really long names.

Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwyll-llantysiliogogogoch

This is the name of a town in North Wales. The name translates as "The church of St. Mary in the hollow of white hazel trees near the rapid whirlpool by St. Tysilio's of the red cave" in Welsh, has long claimed the fame of having the longest name in the world.

However, there is a hill in New Zealand called:

Taumatawhakatangihangakoauauotamateapokaiwhenuakitanatahu

This Maori mouthful translates into English as "the place where Tamatea, the man with the big knees, who slid, climbed and swallowed mountains, known as 'landeater,' played his flute to his loved one." I consider this a lean short-story, however, and have serious reservations about giving New Zealand the gold, especially without photographic evidence. But you may count it if you like.

However, before you make up your mind, consider the favorite of the Guinness Book of Records, the name of Bangkok (Krungthep) in Thai:

Krungthepmahanakonbowornratanakosinmahintarayudyaya- mahadiloponoparatanarajthaniburiromudomrajniwesmahasatarn-

amornpimarnavatarsatitsakattiyavisanukamphrasit

The translation here is pretty much the unabridged history of the city rather than a word.

krungthep mahanakhon amorn rattanakosin

The land of angels, the great city of immortality, various of divine gems,

mahintara yudthaya mahadilok pohp noparat rajathanee bureerom

the great angelic land unconquerable, land of nine noble gems, the royal city, the pleasant capital,

udomrajniwes mahasatarn amorn pimarn avaltarnsatit

place of the grand royal palace, forever land of angels and reincarnated spirits,

sakatattiya visanukram prasit

predestined and created by the highest devas.

Thankyoufor your contributiondearChabelaand keeponSHARING!!!!

_______________________________________________________

7.- THE CHALLENGES OF EDUCATIONAL TECHNOLOGY

A dear SHARER from Quilmes, Marisa Fernandez Ciani, mfc64@arnet.com.ar

has sent us this very interesting article by Prof. Chris Debe, Harvard University.

Six Challenges for Educational Technology

http://www.unesco.org/education/educprog/lwf/doc/portfolio/opinion15.htm

Children are the future. If we hope to solve the world's major problems --

achieving world peace, healthy lives, economic development, and global

sustainability -- we must provide richer learning opportunities for the world's children. An educated and creative population is, without a doubt, the best path to global health, wealth, and peace.

But throughout today's world, educational practices are woefully outdated.

Even as scientific and technological advances have radically transformed

agriculture, medicine, and industry, the way children learn has remained

largely unchanged, based on ideas inherited from previous centuries.

New digital technologies are now providing an historic opportunity for

fundamental and global-scale changes in children's learning and education.

Just as advances in biotechnologies made possible the "green revolution" in

agriculture, digital technologies are making possible a "learning revolution"

in education. We believe that these new digital technologies can (and should)

transform not only how children learn, but also what children learn, and who

they learn with.

How children learn. Digital technologies can enable children to become more

active and independent learners, taking charge of their own learning through

direct exploration, expression, and experience. The focus shifts from "being

taught" to "learning."

What children learn. Much of what children learn in schools today was designed for the era of paper-and-pencil. With new digital technologies, children can undertake projects (and learn concepts) that were seen as too complex for children in the pre-digital era.

Who children learn with. Global connectedness can enable new "knowledge-building communities" in which children (and adults) around the globe collaborate on projects and learn from one another. These efforts require new multicultural, multilingual, and multimodal approaches to learning.

Guiding Principles

These changes will not happen automatically. Although declining costs will make digital technologies increasingly available to children around the world, access to computers and Internet connections is not enough. Many of the software products that are being developed for children today serve to narrow, rather than broaden, children's intellectual horizons. To create a true learning revolution, we must create technologies that support a new vision of learning and a new vision of children.

In our work towards this goal, we are guided by the following principles:

Direct exploration. The traditional view is that children learn about the world directly (by crawling, touching, chewing -- that is, by exploring) until preschool, but then they need to be "taught" more advanced ideas. Our goal is to develop digital technologies that enable children to continue to learn ever more advanced ideas by direct exploration and experimentation. For example, children who live in remote villages should be able to contribute