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Off the Shelf | Episode 7

Tune in each month as library staff recommends awesome books for awesome people in 3rd-5th grades!

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Exploring the Mind | 7 Ways Children's Storytelling Skills Impact Literacy Development

Join Assistant Professor Nicole Gardner-Neblett of the University of Michigan for her presentation on the importance of storytelling in the development of literacy skills, and learn some strategies for supporting young children as storytellers.

Did you know that by the time a child is two or three years old they can tell a simple story? These early storytelling skills can help children develop a strong foundation for building later reading and writing skills. Research suggests that opportunities to practice telling stories helps children develop stronger language skills and a better understanding of how stories are structured. This presentation reviews seven ways that young children's storytelling skills can impact their literacy development. 

Nicole Gardner-Neblett, Ph.D., is a developmental psychologist whose work focuses on the individual and contextual factors that promote children’s language and literacy development. She adopts a strengths-based approach to understanding children’s development and identifying effective practices to transform the early learning experiences of young children. In particular, Dr. Gardner-Neblett’s work examines the oral narrative, or storytelling, skills of African American children and the implications for literacy development and educational practice.

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Author Event | Llama Destroys the World

Meet Llama, the next great picture-book megastar, who has most definitely driven a bus and who loves tacos way more than you.

He also loves cake, and that’s where our story begins.

On Monday, Llama discovers a pile of cake, which he promptly eats.
On Tuesday, Llama squeezes into his dancing pants, which he promptly rips.

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A2CAF 2019 - Kids' Comics Awards

Which comic in 2018 had the most epic adventure? Which comic had the best friends? Kids voted in these and other categories, including their favorite characters and graphic novels! Help us celebrate the seventh annual Kids’ Comics Awards! With puppets, cartoonists, and lots of laughs!

This event was part of A2CAF 2019, an annual all-ages Comic Arts Festival!

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AADL Reads: Brigit Young

In this episode of AADL Reads, we got to talk with Brigit Young about her debut children's novel, Worth a Thousand Words. We also couldn't miss the opportunity to discuss the ever-controversial topic of movies that are better than the book (and more!) 

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Exploring the Mind | When Counting Doesn't Count: The Development of Math Skills in Young Children

For decades schools have struggled with how to teach and increase the learning of mathematics in children. It has been the focus of multiple federal programs and funding agency (NSF, NIH, IES, Gates Foundation) initiatives. Even with all of this focus and research dollars, we see very few changes in children increasing their ability in mathematics especially in foundational skills like fractions.

At this event Pam Davis-Kean, Professor of Psychology at the Institute for Social Research, reviewed her research over the last few years trying to understand the developmental pathways of math achievement. She explored both individual characteristics (self-concept) and contextual influences (parenting, socioeconomic status) that may relate to the early development of math skills. Throughout the talk, the issue of whether or not counting is an important skill as children enter into schooling was discussed, as well as how math skills prior to formal schooling predict college attendance.  

About Dr. Pam Davis-Kean:

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A2CAF Presentation - Judd Winick

Judd Winick, the author of the Hilo seriesPedro and Me, and myriad comics for DC (and Real World: San Francisco alum) joined us at A2CAF 2018! In this talk, Judd demonstrates the process of making stories that people will care about and takes questions from the audience.

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A2CAF 2017: Kid's Comics Awards

Which comic in 2016 had the most rolicking adventure? Which character did kids love the most? Kids voted in these and other categories, including their favorite characters and graphic novels! At the third annual Kids’ Comics Revolution Awards, we revealed those winners! Hosted by Ben Hatke, Zack Giallongo, and Jerzy Drozd, with a bevy of special guests!

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A2CAF 2017: Iron Cartoonist

Watch Ben Hatke, Raina Telgemeier, and even more of your favorite cartoonists battle it out in a series of themed drawing rounds with random elements thrown in by you! Will you help them draw toward victory, or make them squirm? Watch guest cartoonists fight for the title under the watchful eye of your host, Zack Giallongo! Your choices will help determine this year’s Iron Cartoonist!

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Jump Cuts: The Squeaky Door

AADL storytellers Miss Amanda and Miss Laura perform the story The Squeaky Door. The story features Miss Amanda as the little granddaughter who cries every time Grandma, played by Miss Laura, closes the squeaky bedroom door. Grandma offers her scared granddaughter some snuggly friends to keep her company, including a mouse, a kitty, and...a dinosaur?!