Live Wire Digital Storytelling Contest Deadline Extended Until February 18th

Calling all educators and students in the Boston Public Schools! It's not too late to participate in the  Live Wire Digital Storytelling Contest. The deadline for the contest, held by the City of Boston's Community Learning Initiative and FableVision, has been extended until February 18, 2011. New contest details will be posted soon!

live_wire_video_poster

(Suggestion: You might encourage your students to explore Animation-ish to create their animated clips - there's a free trial available online!)

For Martin Luther King, Jr. Day: NEW "My Dream" Poster by Peter H. Reynolds

Invite your students to follow in Dr. King's footsteps and share their dreams with the world! This new blank poster by Peter H. Reynolds provides the perfect canvas for them to express their hopes for their lives, their communities, and a better future. Enjoy!

Celebrate International Dot Day With Your Students

dot_day_news_logo

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

IMG_0631

IMG_0600

IMG_0518

IMG_0538

IMG_0529

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

image

image15

image11

image9

image7

image8

image6

Portugal and Pennsylvania Dots!

Bruaá Editora_ _O Ponto_ a fazer das suas

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

Community College Dots

DotDay1

DotDay2

Our friend, Sue, had her students create dots.