Thursday, December 22, 2005

New Links on our web for the week of December 22, 2005 Health FDA Consumer Magazine "Every issue features a consumer quiz, commentary on recent regulatory activities, and a column from the magazine's editor" (SR) Holidays Solstice Celebrations from A to Z ' "Here, in alphabetical order, is a list of the more venerable Solstice celebrations," from Alban Arthan to Zagmuk, including the more modern observances of Christmas, Hanukkah, Saturnalia, Yalda, and Yule. The Winter Solstice, the longest night of the year, has produced unique observances around the world from the earliest agrarian societies to the present day, to commemorate the rebirth of life. From the December 2001 issue of the online magazine Echoed Voices.' (LII) The Festival of "Yalda" 'Brief information about the celebration of the winter solstice in Iran (formally Persia) with the festival of Shab-e yalda, "which refers to the birthday or rebirth of the sun." This site presents a brief history, and description of the traditions of the Yalda festival, including bonfires, holiday foods, and prayers. Includes a list of similarities with the celebration of Christmas. From a website by two Iranian writers.' (LII) God Jul! [Merry Christmas!] "This page contains an overview of Christmas activities in Sweden, including Advent, St. Lucia's Day (the oldest daughter wears a wreath and candles on her head while serving saffron buns and coffee), Christmas Eve (children set out porridge for the Jultomten, the Christmas gnome, who leaves them presents), Christmas Day, and St. Stephen's Day (for the patron saint of animals). Includes directions for making a St. Lucia wreath." (LII) Kids Chronicles of Narnia "Contains information about Lewis and the illustrators of the books; the birds, beasts, mythological creatures, and people of Narnia; and a brief description of each book, with one full-text chapter." (LII) Leisure Classical and Opera Music Used in Movies ' "Have you ever wondered what that music in a movie was?" This site provides "a listing of classical and opera music used in [selected] movies and films." Browsable by movie title or composer. Most entries are for movies from the 1990s to the present. From an opera enthusiast.' (LII) The CyberBass Project "devoted to choral music and groups, created by a member of several symphony choirs." (LII) Teacher Resources Phonemic Awareness "Articles that provide an overview about this method for teaching beginning reading that involves the "use of the sound structure of oral language in learning to read." Includes information about the stages of phonological development, the roles of rhyme and alliteration, and the relationship between phonics and phonemic awareness. From EducationNews.org." (LII) Phonics and Whole Language Learning: A Balanced Approach to Beginning Reading "This article discusses methods that adults can use to help young children learn to read, given that "the question in early childhood programs is not whether to teach 'phonics' or 'whole language learning,' but how to teach phonics in context ... so that children make connections between letters, sounds, and meaning." Includes activities to do with infants, toddlers, and pre-school and school-age children. From the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC)." (LII) 2:50:58 PM     Upcoming Events at Hackley Public Library Date Description Dec 28 1:00 pm Photo Fun Hackley Public Library, Youth Services Department. Make the amazing “Camera Obscura”, a pinhole camera with wax paper “film.” You can’t save the picture, but it works like a real camera. Make Photograms of natural and found objects. Photograms use real photographic paper kids develop themselves to make special designs. To take part, bring an empty cereal or cracker box. Signup Required. For more information call 231-722-7276 x 230. 8:47:18 AM

© Copyright 2008 Jocelyn Shaw. Last update: 11/18/2008; 2:31:16 PM. Photo curtesy of Marjorie O'Brien