are graphic novels for REAL reading?

Parents and teachers may be struggling to accept graphic novels as anything more than comic books. It is certainly a shift in reading skills to process stories through both word and picture interpretation. And just because visual literacy is a different skill, dose it mean it doesn't belong in the language arts classroom? Watch this video for one person's view based on research:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RHBQSMve2s8

I know I am slowly coming around on the value of this type of reading. It should not replace more complex written works, but it can supplement them in a truly enriching way.

how winter should be

I like to read this picture book and visit not only the rituals of winter, but those of all the seasons here in Vermont. The snow has not been heavy lately, but the chore of filling the wood box has been steady. The moon that appeared on the horizon last Friday night was bigger than any moon I remember, but that is probably because it is a rare event to see it so large. The crunch of snow underfoot, and the instant freezing of the linings of your nostrils, let you know that the
temperatures have plunged and that the time you spend outside should perhaps be more abbreviated.

Students at Barstow proudly donated over $900 to the Red Cross to put toward relief efforts in Haiti. A simple Hat Day with a small fee managed to grow an enthusiastic participation, and it encouraged some extra donations from folks who prefer not to be caught wearing any kind of hat as well. In the shadow of disaster, it is always rewarding to see the outpouring of generosity to help the people in need.