NEW Animation-ish Tutorial & Challenge!

The Challenge :

Peter H. Reynolds’ 7th grade teacher inspired him to animate math concepts, and your students can animate what they are learning as well. Motivate your students to combine the art of animation with any concept they have been learning in class. We can't wait to see what they come up with, and we'll publish a selection of outstanding entries in an upcoming blog post!

How to do it :

New to animation? No problem! We’ve collected some quick, simple resources to turn you into a pro in no time.1. First, watch this video tutorial to get an overview of Animation-ish.2. Then visit our website to download your free software trial.3. Lastly, refer to this simple quick start guide as you explore the program.

Submission Information:

When your students have completed their animation, you may email the Animation-ish file to us, or use a program like YouSendIt if the file is too large to email. Feel free to contact us if you have any questions! If you added music or titles, please send us a QuickTime movie. Be sure to follow all student privacy and parental permission guidelines as specified by your school. In your submission for each student, please include:

• Your school name and state (and country, if outside the U.S.)
• The student's first name and grade level

Please email us if you have any questions. We can't wait to see your students' animations!

Author David Smith Appearing at The Blue Bunny!

Join us at The Blue Bunny Bookstore in Dedham Square for an open house event for educators and interested patrons on May 17th, from 7-8 p.m.  Educator and author David J. Smith, creator of our award-winning curriculum Mapping the World by Heart will be presenting his new book This Child, Every Child — a groundbreaking book of statistics and stories that compare the lives of children around the world today.  Using the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child as a template to compare and contrast kids’ experiences and opportunities, Smith’s book introduces young readers to the world beyond their own borders and reveals the challenges children face in obtaining adequate food, clean water, health care, education, and more.Smith, a leader in international education and author of the bestselling book If the World Were a Village, felt compelled to share the dramatic and sobering facts about children around the world with young readers.  “These issues are not light or easy, but they affect millions of children.”  Kids Can Press, which published This Child, Every Child will donate 50% of the profits from the sales of this book to deliver books to school libraries in Haiti.Along with refreshments, raffles, and a guaranteed SUPER presentation, David’s books will be available for sale and signing.  David and the FableVision Learning team will also talk about his geography product Mapping the World by Heart.  Learn more about David J. Smith on his website: www.mapping.com.Learn more about the event here. All are welcome!

New Poster: I Believe in Me!

Check out this free downloadable poster! Give your students the confidence to put pen to paper and express themselves. This PDF includes two versions of this beautiful poster featuring a poem and illustration by Peter H. Reynolds. Inspire your class to reach for the stars!

Watch Peter H. Reynolds' Keynote at ASCD online - LIVE! Sunday 3/27/11 at 10 AM PST / 1 PM EST

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Thousands of educators around the world have been inspired by Peter's uplifting message. If you'll be attending the ASCD 2011 conference in San Francisco, don't miss this opportunity to hear his keynote in person! The keynote will take place on Sunday, March 27th, 1:00 PM EST/10:00 AM PST, at the second General Session at ASCD. Can't make it to the conference? Watch the live stream of the keynote. NOTE: The keynote will not be archived, so make sure you mark your calendar for this time!At ASCD? Be sure to also drop by FableVision Learning Booth #603 to meet our team! For more information on ASCD 2011, click here.

You're Invited! "Water Wonders" Book Release Party

Please join us for the upcoming "Water Wonders" Book Release Party!

Reading Is Fundamental (RIF) and The National Writing Project (NWP) have once again teamed up with Boston-based educational media production firm FableVision to create an exciting new early literacy-meets-STEM resource for children, parents, and educators. Join us in celebrating the release of The Curious Adventures of Sydney and Symon in: Water Wonders.

When: Tuesday, February 22, 2011 from 5:30–8:00pm

Where: FableVision Studios at Children's Wharf

308 Congress Street, (Top Floor of the Boston Children's Museum) Boston, MA 02210

Please RSVP to

caryn@fablevision.com

or 617.956.5700.

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!

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(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

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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