iTunes+U+Podcast

(1). Visit iTunes U on the web - http://www.apple.com/education/itunes-u/whats-on.html (2). Scroll down to the iTunes U Browser and choose a topic
 * Choice #2, iTunes U** - If you choose this option, follow these steps:

K-12 sounds interesting...nope, not enough selection...Colleges and Universities

(3). Choose a Course that interests you

Bingo...Teacher's College at Columbia University (AKA Lucy Calkins)

(4). Choose a module from the course

Let's Talk Story By Maya Soetoro Ng

(5.) On your wikispace, please present all of the following: a.) Your Initial Thoughts about the topic you chose - what do you know

I have attended class at the free Saturday Reunions at Columbia University. I know all of the presenters are very knowledgeable and showcase how to teach writing.

b.) What did you hope to learn prior to listening to the podcast

I am looking for unique ideas related to teaching writing. On Friday, I am writing performance tasks for my district for grades K- 5.

c.) What did you learn from this podcast

First and foremost, I learned that I am a visual learner and prefer to have a video to watch with it. It amazes me what is available for free! Knowledge is truly at your fingertips

In this podcast, Lucy Calkins introduced the guest speaker, Maya Soetoro Ng, author of __Ladder to the Moon__.

This book is a picture book for young readers. It is a powerful story about family, interconnectedness and

A lush, haunting story that brings together a grandmother and her grandchild. When Suhaila ask her mother, "What was Grandma Annie like?" the answer comes, "She was like the moon . . . full, soft, and curious." And that night a ladder to the moon appears with Grandma Annie waiting to take Suhaila to the sky. Together they listen to moon songs, but then they hear other voices: swimmers struggling against high waves, and sisters in two swaying towers. All are invited to come and rest and drink "sweet moondew from silver teacups." These experiences, especially observing so many on earth praying to "make the fighting stop," have an effect on Suhaila, who now knows "more than she had known before." Once home, Suhaila realizes she has changed, having helped others learn and heal. Soetoro-Ng, sister of Barack Obama, has written this story of compassion as a tribute to their mother. Not every listener will understand the particulars or references, but the evocative words will wash over them, and they will respond to the expressed feelings of empathy and love. It's hard to imagine a more perfect illustrator for this text than Morales, whose rounded shapes, sunset colors, and softness and strength mirror the words. Morales captures the luminosity of both the sky and the people on earth striving and straining to make the world a better place. The endnotes by author and artist add insight into a book meant to be discussed. --Booklist, Starred Review, March 2011

It will go along nicely with preschool, kindergarten or first grade curriculum when studying families.