Celebrate International Dot Day With Your Students

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Every year on September 15, innovative educators around the world celebrate International Dot Day by making time to nurture their students’ creativity. This year, we encourage even more kids and grown-up kids to “make their mark” in new and exciting ways! Learn about this special day and "outside-the-box" activities you can do with your students at our official International Dot Day website.Looking to connect with other educators participating in this one-of-a-kind event? Visit our International Dot Day Facebook page. Share your own stories and what you’ll be doing to celebrate!

Mapping The World By Heart

Click here to learn more about Mapping the World by Heart or to place your order today!

March is Creativity Month!

Check out this new poster designed by Peter H. Reynolds. Use it to inspire you very own Creativity Month! Click on the thumbnail image below to download the larger 8.5 x 11 inch printable JPEG version. Enjoy!

Peter H. Reynolds - Recent Travels

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Visit to the Eliot School in the North End of Boston: December 4.In collaboration with the Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy Greenway Conservancy, Peter offered the first public reading of his latest book, Rose's Garden, at the Eliot School. The school is located in the neighborhood where Rose Kennedy lived. NYSCATE 2009 in Rochester, NY: November 21 - 24 Peter and the FableVision Learning Team traveled to NYSCATE 2009, where they had a great time meeting educators at their booth and presentations! A few fun happenings: Peter offered the Keynote Note at the Strong Museum of Play, “Make Your Mark and See Where it Takes You.” Peter congratulates Chris Lehmann on his keynote presentation. Chris is the Principal of the Science Leadership Academy in Philadelphia, where technology/project-based learning is one the keys to the school’s success. Peter and Sir Ken Robinson exchange autographed books at the NYSCATE Board of Directors Breakfast. Sir Ken Robinson is an internationally recognized author and leader in the development of innovation and human resources. For updates about where Peter H. Reynolds and FableVision Learning are presenting and attending, click here to subscribe to our FableFlash newsletter.

"Chicka Chicka Boom Boom" Animation

A 5-year old creates a great animation using Animation-ish about his favorite book, "Chicka Chicka Boom Boom." The colorful book, co-written by Bill Martin Jr. and John Archambault helps children to learn about the alphabet as the letters fall from a coconut tree. Check out his video below! Chicka Chicka Boom Boom

Wes Fryer talks about the importance of "Animation-Ish"

"Kids need digital tools which support creative expression.

Kids need encouragement and space to make choices in expressing themselves creatively.

Kids need opportunities to learn how to make their own creative products by observing other learners creating and sharing. A step-by-step manual and lesson plan may not be needed at all. Time to observe, listen, and be mentored is what’s essential.

Kids need opportunities to share and celebrate their creations with others.

Thanks to Deb Barrows for taking the time to teach Sarah about Animation-ish at ACTEM, and to Cheryl for engaging as a reflective observer as well as participant in this process as well."

Please check out his blog post here.

4th Grader quickly learns how to use Animation-ish on a Smart Board

Sarah, grade 4, created a thank you animation for Cheryl Oakes on Oct. 15, 2009 at the ACTEM (Association of Computer Teacher Educators of Maine) Conference. She was co-presenting with her dad, Wesley Fryer, digital computer consultant, from Oklahoma. Sarah quickly learned how to use Animation-ish on the Smart Board to create this thank you movie for her new friend, Cheryl Oakes, Collaborative Content Coach for Technology, Wells, Maine. Check out more reactions at Cheryl's blog here!

Pictures From Dot Day in Teacher Gaby's Classroom

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Portugal and Pennsylvania Dots!

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Dots from Portugal!! Goodnoe Elementary School, Newtown, PA -- 3D Dots!!  Thanks to Maryann for sharing!

Community College Dots

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Our friend, Sue, had her students create dots.

More Examples of Dot Artwork!

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International Dot Day was a huge success! Pictures are still flooding in!

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Using "The Grey Ghost" in the Classroom

Based on the book The Grey Ghost by children's author Julie Hahnke, this film demonstrates the potential for using animation to illustrate curriculum topics. A brief summary of The Grey Ghost:

When Black Duncan Campbell starts attacking his neighbors in 1526 Scotland, eleven-year-old Angus suddenly finds himself the sole survivor of Clan Macnab. Aided by a goshawk and a pine marten, and urged forward by a mysterious luna moth, Angus must uncover his clan’s heritage, reveal ancient secrets, and try to end the Campbells’ rampage.

This film highlights three curriculum topics from The Grey Ghost: navigation and map reading, the internal gearing of a Medieval grist mill, and the life cycle of a luna moth. The film was developed by interns at FableVision Learning who worked closely with Julie Hahnke to bring The Grey Ghost to life. All animations were created with FableVision Learning’s Animation-ish™ program, designed for grades K-12.