tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-67328940798532249812024-03-13T22:36:19.015-07:00Williams Writes - The Blog of Karen Lynn WilliamsAbout Karen Williamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06975984704621238003noreply@blogger.comBlogger237125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6732894079853224981.post-66335728100676789292018-02-27T13:25:00.003-08:002018-02-27T13:25:56.797-08:00Pittsburgh Regional Scholastic Writing Awards<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I was honored to be the keynote speaker at the Pittsburgh Regional Scholastic Awards ceremony this week.<br />
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The event sponsored by The Western Pennsylvania Writing Project recognized the exceptional writing of students in Middle school and High school with awards in poetry, fiction, essays and memoir.<br />
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We are lucky to have these new voices, ideas, and passion in our writing community and in the world today. <br />
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For me a motivation and an inspiration!<br />
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<br />About Karen Williamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06975984704621238003noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6732894079853224981.post-7067080567600973102018-01-14T09:04:00.000-08:002018-01-14T09:17:14.705-08:00Places I Have Lived <br />
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Read and get to know them.<br />
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Share their dreams and adventures.<br />
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Books can help battle ignorance racism and prejudice. Build awareness.<br />
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Encourage curiosity and understanding.<br />
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READ! <br />
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About Karen Williamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06975984704621238003noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6732894079853224981.post-7241533935772282242017-12-19T17:05:00.000-08:002017-12-19T17:05:32.328-08:00With Sorrow: Teddy Draper Sr. Navajo Code Talker<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I had the privilege of knowing Teddy Draper Sr. and to learn his story over the last few years. He passed away on December 16, 2017.<br />
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">I am a writer and yet he taught
me about language.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not only how it was
used with courage and bravery by the Navajo Code Talkers in the pacific in
World War II. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">I learned from Teddy Sr. that
language truly can be sacred.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Words are
not just words but they carry the power of the actual things they
represent.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">He said,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“It is
by our language that the Navajo People know who they are, how we are related
and where we come from”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">I will always remember the time I spent with him.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">It is a sorrow to know he has passed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And a comfort to know he left quietly with
his family around him. </span></div>
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About Karen Williamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06975984704621238003noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6732894079853224981.post-79390630127790798182017-12-12T18:05:00.001-08:002017-12-12T18:41:17.598-08:00Wishing You Hope for the Holidays and into the New Year.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQlUj9mEblicKmV0-GpqFxYeQQtS_0w-pTsKBU99PTUDvFdp33lTXZuD0l9Cpcz5giuqUkJPkR4M0QV1upLynCTmkN0JzTPh47soh8gVvGUJcTUznsXoVUcFtOhZ9h5YFm1cJBg-hdfJ51/s1600/image2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQlUj9mEblicKmV0-GpqFxYeQQtS_0w-pTsKBU99PTUDvFdp33lTXZuD0l9Cpcz5giuqUkJPkR4M0QV1upLynCTmkN0JzTPh47soh8gVvGUJcTUznsXoVUcFtOhZ9h5YFm1cJBg-hdfJ51/s320/image2.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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A shout out to Peebles elementary school for this little tree inspired by <i>Circles of Hope.</i> <br />
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Hope for the environment and...<br />
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some recycling, creativity, imagination and determination. Inspired by <i>Galimoto.</i>About Karen Williamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06975984704621238003noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6732894079853224981.post-92133131016842780322017-11-28T12:09:00.001-08:002017-11-29T06:26:51.444-08:00NCTE 2017 Conference 2: One School One Book: Four Feet Two Sandals<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<b>One School, One Book indeed! </b><br />
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One Little Book: Connections, Kindness, Empathy, Generosity, Caring, Sharing, Friendship.... <br />
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Thanks to Eva Thomas and the students at Popcopson Elementary School.<br />
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Look how they shared Four Feet Two Sandals at NCTE 2017. Paste into your browser and enjoy.<br />
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https://animoto.com/play/ZBoSscRpoPZkM2jqjaZOMw?autostart=1<br />
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<b>One Goal: Peace. </b>An important goal. One to keep in mind for the holiday season and beyond. <br />
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Wishing Peace for all of us in the coming New Year.<br /><b></b><br />
<br />About Karen Williamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06975984704621238003noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6732894079853224981.post-66120886195002080432017-11-21T06:54:00.001-08:002017-11-21T06:54:14.791-08:00NCTE: Saint Louis 2017It was an honor and a delight to present with Mitali Perkins on the panel: <br />
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<b>Teaching AND Learning from our Students Today, Tomorrow, and Forever--Lessons from our Refugee Students through Texts of All Sorts for All our Students.</b><br />
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Here we are at the National Council of Teachers of English 2017 in Saint Louis. That's Mitali's latest book <i>You Bring the Distance Near. </i>Nominated for the National Book Award.<br />
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<b>Learn more about Mitali and her books here:</b> http://www.mitaliperkins.com <br />
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<br />About Karen Williamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06975984704621238003noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6732894079853224981.post-46604613721848546582017-11-16T18:30:00.002-08:002017-11-16T18:30:31.540-08:00Why I Love Writing for ChildrenSchool Visits are the best!<br />
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Dedicated Librarians and Teachers.<br />
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Creative Librarians and Teachers and Students.<br />
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Enthusiasm.<br />
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Good listeners.<br />
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Great Questions.<br />
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Thanks you all at Hosack Elementary School!<br />
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<br />About Karen Williamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06975984704621238003noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6732894079853224981.post-49141784148998601972017-09-18T16:03:00.003-07:002017-09-18T16:10:53.443-07:00First Grade King a Hit Even Today.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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If you follow my posts at all, you know I shamelessly use my grandchildren to promote my books.<br />
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And why not? I wrote First Grade King when my own boys, Peter and Christopher were about the same age as my two oldest grandchildren, Ethan(7) and Evan (4)are now. It's based on the experiences of my two boys ...kind of. In fact the book is so similar to life around our house at that time that Christopher, when he heard the rough draft, exclaimed, "Mom! You can't steal my ideas like that!"<br />
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That gave me pause for thought. Yes he was afraid of the dog on the corner when he had to walk to school and there was a bully and fears about having a substitute, but wait a minute that was MY first grade experience too.<br />
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So get over it kid, your mother is a writer.<br />
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Outdated you say? I thought so too... possibly<br />
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But I have reports that Ethan and Evan are enjoying the read-aloud as much as any any 7 and 4 year old might have when my children were that age...when I actually wrote the book...kind of about my first grade experience and yes kind of like Christopher's first grade life too.<br />
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Maybe they like it because their grandmother wrote it. Definitely a possibility....<br />
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But it turns out that Ethan, living in Taiwan, going to school, has fears too...bullies and more. "Why IS Roger so mean?" He wants to know. He has questions about the Joey's visually impaired classmate. Like Joey in the book Ethan is a sensitive kid, like his dad and his uncle at that age and like...I think... most kids.<br />
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I am happy to know that my stories cross generations and cultures even if I am using my own grandkids to prove it.<br />
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Full disclaimer? I am listening and watching and might be using my grandchildren's "ideas" next.<br />
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<br />About Karen Williamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06975984704621238003noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6732894079853224981.post-63828246662268371412017-08-07T11:06:00.000-07:002017-08-07T11:06:40.766-07:00Notes From a Reader: Your Story is My Story!A writer will tell that he or she writes because they have to. A writer cannot NOT Write. But to touch another life is bliss. This book written so long ago, still connecting and sharing<br />
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Dear Karen<br /><br />I have just finished reading "When Africa was Home" to my 10 year old son Michael. Then I found myself searching the website and found your email.<br /><br />I spent one hour explaining every detail in your book to my son. We used google to look up Paw Paw trees and Ant Hills. I explained in detail because, it is my story too. When Africa Was Home....I lived such a very different life than I do today.<br /><br />I am a mother of 3 boys, currently in Phoenix Arizona. I am holding myself from writing a back right here as this is simply an introduction email. However, I would love to share with you so much.<br /><br />Thank you for all that you do. My son was so excited and now feels that he understands a little bit about my upbringing and why I cook the corn paste with fish sauce and why we eat with our hands.He finally knows why the bottom of my feet is soooo hard.<br /><br />Sincere thanks,<br />
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And this: Early riser just like me! I used to fetch water pushed wheelbarrow up the hill around this time...but now I rise and I miss the dew under my feet, the sound of the train, the abundance of happy birds and the squirrel that used to greet me every morning.<br />
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<br />About Karen Williamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06975984704621238003noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6732894079853224981.post-44436666788163446992017-07-29T11:30:00.000-07:002017-07-29T11:37:49.908-07:00An Honor to Help Tell This Remarkable Story and Now You Can be a Part of it!<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Look What is in the Works and Coming Out Next Year!</b></div>
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<b>Here is how you can be a part of this remarkable story: </b><br />
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Any donation, no matter how small, will help make this Legacy Statue become a reality. Questions? Contact me(karen@karenlynnwilliams) or Teddy Draper Jr. or Sara Sinclair. Information below.<br />
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<b>LET'S MAKE THIS HAPPEN!</b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "cambria"; font-size: 16.000000pt; font-weight: 700;">Navajo Language and Code Talker’s Legacy Sculpture
</span><br />
<span style="color: rgb(20.784310% , 20.784310% , 20.784310%); font-family: "cambria"; font-size: 12.000000pt;">Language is rooted in culture, and culture rooted in language. Within the 21st
century, Americans have simultaneously forced assimilation while idolizing Native American cultures. The pressures to assimilate have nearly wiped out an entire
language in four short generations and have deeply affected the culture and way of
life for the Navajo people.
</span><br />
<span style="color: rgb(20.784310% , 20.784310% , 20.784310%); font-family: "cambria"; font-size: 12.000000pt;">During World War II, the Navajo language
was used as a code to communicate
sensitive information across enemy lines.
The Navajo soldiers were able to take
advantage of the nuances and subtleties of
the language to create a masterful code that
remained elusive well after the war.
</span><br />
<span style="color: rgb(20.784310% , 20.784310% , 20.784310%); font-family: "cambria"; font-size: 12.000000pt;">The declassification of the code allowed for
a renewed interest in the language in an era
where young people were being shuttled to
boarding schools and removed from their
culture. Teddy Draper Sr, a former
codetalker, used his experiences to create
and teach the first Navajo language courses
at Navajo Community College (now Diné
College). His commitment to the
preservation of language and the culture of
his people are what have led us to this
project.
</span><br />
<span style="color: rgb(20.784310% , 20.784310% , 20.784310%); font-family: "cambria"; font-size: 12.000000pt;">Teddy Sr, now an elder of 96 years, has seen his courses flourish into an associates
degree program and lives to see a revival in which young people are seeking out
their roots and culture through language.
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<span style="color: rgb(20.784310% , 20.784310% , 20.784310%); font-family: "cambria"; font-size: 12.000000pt;">We are raising money to create a bronze sculpture of the Navajo Codetalkers to
honor the legacy of the language in both Navajo and American history. The sculpture
will be created by the talented Jeff Wolf and placed on the Navajo Nation reservation
at either Diné College or Navajo Technical University so that students and
community members can easily access it.
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "cambria"; font-size: 11.000000pt; font-style: italic; font-weight: 700;">Details:
</span><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li style="font-family: 'Symbol'; font-size: 11.000000pt;">
<span style="font-family: "cambria"; font-size: 11.000000pt;">The sculpture will be life size, approximately 6-7ft tall.
</span><br />
</li>
<li style="font-family: 'Symbol'; font-size: 11.000000pt;">
<span style="font-family: "cambria"; font-size: 11.000000pt;">From the completion of fund raising, we anticipate the process to take 6mo. This
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "cambria"; font-size: 11.000000pt;">includes sculpting, molding, casting and delivery.
</span><br />
</li>
<li style="font-family: 'Symbol'; font-size: 11.000000pt;">
<span style="font-family: "cambria"; font-size: 11.000000pt;">The total estimated cost is $67,000.
</span><br />
</li>
<li style="font-family: 'Symbol'; font-size: 11.000000pt;">
<span style="font-family: "cambria"; font-size: 11.000000pt;">To donate – please contact Teddy Draper Jr (dechelly2000@yahoo.com) or Sara Sinclair
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "cambria"; font-size: 11.000000pt;">(sarahideko@gmail.com)
</span><br />
</li>
</ul>
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About Karen Williamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06975984704621238003noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6732894079853224981.post-54164792615114350282017-07-22T13:04:00.001-07:002017-07-22T13:07:10.048-07:00ESL Institute An Honor<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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It was an honor to present to educators at the ESL Institute at Millersville University in Lancaster, PA. this July. Hard working, engaged, thoughtful and creative, enthusiastic about what they do. These teachers are using their summer to learn more so that they can better help their students succeed.<br />
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They deserve our respect and support.<br />
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(No I am not reading texts. I am checking time on my phone. This was a timed writing exercise.) ;-)<br />
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Here is a shout out to Lancaster, PA, Millersville University and teachers everywhere.<br />
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<br />About Karen Williamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06975984704621238003noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6732894079853224981.post-5177332298028792482017-06-26T11:11:00.001-07:002017-06-26T12:29:40.406-07:00Even if You Can't Get To the Beach<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiDYAO0qxXbZqDmWxImdKTC5beHNNeFXBzge0ZmfRC_AoHewCKi_a0B4RvZ7bydislDUS4fmlh5lZndF8ziC4KY6owIZfDh-Iu6-X79PlzZK8r1qlQs1rRUJAFUPhBTWuh1dpLzZtnD5u9/s1600/IMG_0964+%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="260" data-original-width="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiDYAO0qxXbZqDmWxImdKTC5beHNNeFXBzge0ZmfRC_AoHewCKi_a0B4RvZ7bydislDUS4fmlh5lZndF8ziC4KY6owIZfDh-Iu6-X79PlzZK8r1qlQs1rRUJAFUPhBTWuh1dpLzZtnD5u9/s1600/IMG_0964+%25281%2529.jpg" /></a></div>
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When I first began writing I just wanted to finish the book, a final draft, then I wanted to get it published. Then I thought about seeing it a bookstore and in the LIBRARY! Dare I hope to get fan mail? Reviews?<br />
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One thing I never even imagined was the gratification that comes with seeing my own grandchildren read my books. Here is two and a half year old Everett "reading" A Beach Tail. I am told he woke of from his nap and quietly picked the book out by himself. He is having a summer beach adventure right in his own bedroom. And I am shamelessly using him to promote this beach read for you this summer.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhULELDB-PZDPlgGYx1JJZXu6-0hPym6GalpccrMNlH61qT_kqFA13bTo9akoHVjaDBqrbPuLCQ71BmLo96bFedL4mIEcwKvDextjB1oeXTrYiI5WBJyQi1gcoO7WtD9BUBrTKGqN4jymIe/s1600/516L1FxbNGL._AC_US436_QL65_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="436" data-original-width="436" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhULELDB-PZDPlgGYx1JJZXu6-0hPym6GalpccrMNlH61qT_kqFA13bTo9akoHVjaDBqrbPuLCQ71BmLo96bFedL4mIEcwKvDextjB1oeXTrYiI5WBJyQi1gcoO7WtD9BUBrTKGqN4jymIe/s1600/516L1FxbNGL._AC_US436_QL65_.jpg" /></a></div>
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But if you cannot get to the beach, no worries. Take your children or grandchildren on a journey to the park or back yard. Draw your own lion or other creature in the dirt. Give him a long tail and go on your own adventure around a tree, an ant hill, up the jungle gym, around the pond, up the hill. Come back and tell the tale (or tail) of your own adventure. Make a sand drawing. Look at what the the students at Severn School did when I visited their school and they read A Beach Tail.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Beach or no beach, enjoy the summer with a book!</b></span><br />
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<br />About Karen Williamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06975984704621238003noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6732894079853224981.post-69144059736132627072017-06-20T12:41:00.000-07:002017-06-20T12:41:03.575-07:00Reading List For Participatory Citizenship: Four Feet Two Sandals<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP46rf2pXONF5eaXqg5XCFLoTEK3nL9hDtjVFsu_w6zg5ZhNBCVTDQ8KPBqUTlsqWCm7Z55hbrnPtfvd04dgS56hugFep7w4AbW8Y2K7A5NvRL6v9WPp98wq7MDn6WoBQcuw9bAk5PjJKX/s1600/51yNgBHLqfL._AC_US400_QL65_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="400" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP46rf2pXONF5eaXqg5XCFLoTEK3nL9hDtjVFsu_w6zg5ZhNBCVTDQ8KPBqUTlsqWCm7Z55hbrnPtfvd04dgS56hugFep7w4AbW8Y2K7A5NvRL6v9WPp98wq7MDn6WoBQcuw9bAk5PjJKX/s320/51yNgBHLqfL._AC_US400_QL65_.jpg" width="320" /> </a></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Literacy and NCTE</span> </b></div>
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<b>See What the NCTE (National Council of Teacher of English) Official Blog has to say about Four Feet Two Sandals: </b></div>
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Four Feet, Two Sandals<br />
by Karen Lynn Williams and Khadra Mohammed 1-5<br />
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This book is a great way to introduce children to the realities of living in a refugee camp, why people are refugees, and then relate it to their own lives. A ten year old girl named Lina ends up sharing a pair of sandals with a girl named Feroza, since there are not enough sandals for everyone. These two characters experience the hardships of life in a refugee camp: waiting on long lines for water, the hard journey that brought them there, the fear for their futures, no access to education, among other obstacles. This is a book that will get children thinking about the hardships faced by people in other parts of the world.<br />
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<b>See what other great books are on the list and start reading! </b><br />
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<b>http://blogs.ncte.org/index.php/2017/05/reading-list-for-summer-in-participatory-citizenship/</b><br />
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BTW I will be at the NCTE 2017 National Convention in St. Louis in November! Hope to see you there. <br />
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<br />About Karen Williamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06975984704621238003noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6732894079853224981.post-3859117882027199242017-06-02T10:51:00.001-07:002017-06-02T12:07:55.469-07:00Because You Asked: Update on Beatrice and Her Dreams<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjisnM3vV_tmTpzUJquez0kPCr7NzvzTXO_gOpoW49IB1rx02hMbW7geqLXax_YntdvaF312QVHRhFLcW8d7wKl6f28yh9YUEtAv7hjZzAYgnfkDr2nPebArfYXEGnKNIlDZLLnv25DpuMX/s1600/511XR9Z9DsL._AC_US436_QL65_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="436" data-original-width="436" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjisnM3vV_tmTpzUJquez0kPCr7NzvzTXO_gOpoW49IB1rx02hMbW7geqLXax_YntdvaF312QVHRhFLcW8d7wKl6f28yh9YUEtAv7hjZzAYgnfkDr2nPebArfYXEGnKNIlDZLLnv25DpuMX/s320/511XR9Z9DsL._AC_US436_QL65_.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Many people have contacted me to ask about Beatrice now. Here are some photos of Beatrice with her husband and daughter Ariel. <br />
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Wendy Stone is the photographer who took the photos for the illustrations for the book. You can see her work and learn more about Wendy at http://www.wendystone.com<br />
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Thanks for your interest and keep dreaming! <br />
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<br />About Karen Williamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06975984704621238003noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6732894079853224981.post-37514998487894385322017-05-11T10:14:00.000-07:002017-05-11T10:14:10.172-07:00Circles of Hope Now a Scholastic Bookclub Selection!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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So this is the writing Life. You write and rewrite and rewrite and submit and write and wait and wait and wait to hear from an agent or publisher. Sometimes you get fan mail. That keeps you writing. Sometimes you get rejections. You keep writing and submitting. (OK you might cry or scream or rant or threaten to quit). A royalties check arrives! You may have forgotten about those because really? You are deep into the next project(hopefully). <br />
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You write some more and wait some more. Sometimes you sell a book and sign a contract and wait. Wait for the edits, the check, wait for an illustrator. Keep writing and wait.<br />
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I am currently waiting for the art for two new picture books to be complete. One forth coming from Lee and Low and another from Eerdmans Publishing.<br />
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And then this little piece of news shows up in the mail. Circles of Hope has been around for a while<br />
a solid little book has been picked up by Scholastic Bookclub.<br />
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I do a little mental dance and continue to write.<br />
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<br />About Karen Williamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06975984704621238003noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6732894079853224981.post-87782816468572488502017-04-12T06:30:00.002-07:002017-04-12T06:30:42.301-07:00School visit makes the news!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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What a great day at Severn School in Arnold Maryland, outside of Baltimore! Treated like a celeb by the news media. A full day left me feeling appreciated.<br />
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Check it out here in the Capital Gazette. <br />
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http://www.capitalgazette.com/neighborhoods/ph-ac-cc-around-the-park-0406-20170405-story.htmlAbout Karen Williamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06975984704621238003noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6732894079853224981.post-53959717679197247902017-04-06T15:58:00.000-07:002017-04-06T15:58:13.907-07:00A new Spin on Galimotos: It's all about problem solving.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I wrote the book <i>Galimoto </i>nearly thirty years ago and kids at schools where I travel to as a visiting author are still making galimotos. In the book, Kondi searches his village in Malawi, Africa to find enough wire to make a toy car that has moving parts; axle, wheels, and a steering wheel that all work.<br />
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The children I saw in Malawi used whatever they could find to make these parts for their toys, which for me, are like works of art. The wheels might be made out of wire pounded with a rock around a pipe to make them perfectly round. Or maybe the children used discarded bottle caps found in the market area, saved up until there were enough for 4 wheels. I have seen the wheels of galimotos made out of thin vines woven around and around and twisted together to make wheels. Slices of yams made wobbly wheels and sometimes the styrofoam-like material under the skin of cornstalks worked too.<br />
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But when I visited Severn school last week, I saw a new spin on wheels for galimotos. The children had plenty of pipe cleaners used to fashion their toy vehicles but when it came to wheels they could not find anything in the classroom that might work.<br />
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No problem! With a three-D printer they were able to turn out enough round plastic discs to make wheels for everyone in the class.<br />
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It took me a while to digest this solution and the connection between play in an African village and this high tech world of a classroom in the US. <i>Galimoto</i> is, after all on one level, a story about a boy whose uses recyclables to make a toy. In a place where toys are not available. There are no building materials to buy and no money to buy them with. Kondi is resilient, creative, independent, persistent and determined. Just like the children I met in Malawi.<br />
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But then this hit me, it's all about problem solving. Kondi is a problem solver and so are the kids in the school I visited. They, like Kondi were using whatever was available to them to do what they had set out to do. Create a galimoto.<br />
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We need problem solving abilities more than ever. Everywhere in the world today.<br />
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<br />About Karen Williamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06975984704621238003noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6732894079853224981.post-18321839717992720112017-03-02T09:09:00.001-08:002017-03-02T09:10:29.051-08:00I LOVE FAN MAIL!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />
You see this letter about Sangoel? It was written on October 25, 2016. This reader likes the part about how Sangoel writes his name in rebus on his shirt. "I think it was a creative solution." I love it! I did write back. But I have not posted anything in a long time. Recent events have dragged me down. FB can be a scary place. The whole internet, the world too.<br />
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But the sun is out and the sky is blue, completely blue. Not a cloud. And kids are reading. and responding. And believe it or not I am still writing.<br />
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Recent works in progress include picture books about Albert Schweitzer, and the environment. I cannot let go of my passions so I am also working on two more books about refugees. One is coauthored by a young woman who was herself a refugee. <br />
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I am getting more response to my books about refugees than ever before. It is great that kids and teachers and parents and librarians are reading. It is sad that this subject needs to be addressed. But I am pleased to be a small part of the dialogue for our most important readers.<br />
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And the reviews are good too. Here are a few recent blogs you should check out. Not just because they praise my books but there are many other good books mentioned too. Important books that need to be heard.<br />
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https://www.booklistonline.com/Core-Collection-Picture-Book-Refugee-and-Immigration-Stories-Hunter-Sarah/pid=8652225<br />
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https://kitaabworld.com/collections/counter-islamophobia-through-stories<br />
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http://bookriot.com/2016/11/16/childrens-books-about-the-immigrant-experience/<br />
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Read and Write. It is one way I know to connect and share and maybe make a little difference in a difficult world.<br />
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<br />About Karen Williamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06975984704621238003noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6732894079853224981.post-85752404764015991802016-11-22T08:23:00.002-08:002016-11-22T08:26:24.638-08:00How Did I Miss This! Thankful For The Recognition!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Four Feet Two Sandals mentioned in the Fall 2016 Bulletin of SCBWI! The Journal of The Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrator.<br />
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In an Article Picturing Immigrants and Refugees Four Feet two Sandals is mentioned as on of "A few recent standouts that demonstrate the range and richness of contemporary immigrant picture books".<br />
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Always thankful for the recognition.<br />
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<br />About Karen Williamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06975984704621238003noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6732894079853224981.post-10528279222359235832016-10-12T14:57:00.003-07:002016-10-12T14:57:32.624-07:00And This Just in From Sweden<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />
And this just in from the publicist for Four Feet Two Sandals:<br />
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A piece of happy news: Afghanistannytt, the journal of a Swedish charity called Afghanistankommittén (may sound small but in fact it's very established -- I've heard that they're the largest employer in Afghanistan because of their many schools, health centers etc), has a full page on Four feet, two sandals.<br />
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They asked a well-known children's author and activist, Monica Zak, to interview a 13-year-old girl in a small town about the book. <br />
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She fled with her family from Afghanistan at age 10 and is now 13. She says she'll bring the book to school because everybody should read it!<br />
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This makes me smile! <br />
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<br />About Karen Williamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06975984704621238003noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6732894079853224981.post-16172176046320485652016-10-01T10:10:00.000-07:002016-10-01T10:12:42.078-07:00Beatrice's Dream: Where is Beatrice now?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Many readers write and ask about Beatrice. Where is she now?<br />
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So here is an update with Beatrice's permission.<br />
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Through hard work and perseverance, Beatrice graduated from college with a degree in the service industry. <br />
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She got a job!<br />
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And now? She is married and has a baby girl. <br />
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Meet Ariel!<br />
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Beatrice continues to work and to dream. She hopes to continue her education and see where her dreams take her.<br />
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If you want to send your best wishes to Beatrice you can email it to me karen@karenlynnwilliams.com and I will make sure she gets your note.<br />
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Beatrice wants you all to keep dreaming! <br />
<br />About Karen Williamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06975984704621238003noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6732894079853224981.post-46105858954873546582016-09-07T08:21:00.001-07:002016-09-07T08:21:40.669-07:00Galimoto in Malawi! Full Circle.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcCnZoSg_ghpbir9pAAeSWwhHH3wFO7bA_X3MFCNHNNOvTvteKHGFC8eg5pjXnck8zhHmHHrkR3GFuGNGbj_aMKSrdIqp3UE9TmGqqX2qIEPS3eL6tHpEUTNacs15PJI8ZBlffas3i9877/s1600/Unknown.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcCnZoSg_ghpbir9pAAeSWwhHH3wFO7bA_X3MFCNHNNOvTvteKHGFC8eg5pjXnck8zhHmHHrkR3GFuGNGbj_aMKSrdIqp3UE9TmGqqX2qIEPS3eL6tHpEUTNacs15PJI8ZBlffas3i9877/s1600/Unknown.jpeg" /></a></div>
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This is where it all began. The children of Malawi inspired the book Galimoto, still going strong after 26 years. From the New York Times Best Books to a Reading Rainbow feature book, Galimoto is in Malawi to promote reading.<br />
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This program run by volunteers from England, teachers starting community lending libraries will also establish reading circles to encourage adults to read out loud to children. "They love Galimoto" teachers report. <br />
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The children of Malawi inspired the book now the book is inspiring reading in Malawi. Full circle!<br />
<br />About Karen Williamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06975984704621238003noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6732894079853224981.post-17406019248191050842016-08-26T08:24:00.002-07:002016-08-26T08:46:32.927-07:00Picture Books Are for Everyone!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWsLETydzj_5EM97ppdNgyNr_0defyMvsSQyYbg3i69EmE1MOQsDT5sq9xLbWMUpYlDdCn6im5Hy_KAecmZdcat6ZY4xvlH1C-7iCu4bYIstAr7_vQQ9lItKkT7HZD4flRI7tK_vNVS1Tg/s1600/51YAiPChTTL._AC_US320_QL65_.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWsLETydzj_5EM97ppdNgyNr_0defyMvsSQyYbg3i69EmE1MOQsDT5sq9xLbWMUpYlDdCn6im5Hy_KAecmZdcat6ZY4xvlH1C-7iCu4bYIstAr7_vQQ9lItKkT7HZD4flRI7tK_vNVS1Tg/s400/51YAiPChTTL._AC_US320_QL65_.jpg" /></a>This little book about a big,difficult subject does it again, brought another smile from my inbox. This one from Decatur, Georgia where a pastor reports he built a sermon around Four Feet Two Sandals. <br />
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The theme, the courage to do justice, inspired a discussion of homelessness with adults and youth and led to a food and clothing drive.<br />
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The pastor also reports that he learned "our adult population loves to be read to if it's a children's book." But this is something I already knew. <br />
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Picture books are a literary art form appreciated by all ages!<br />
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<br />About Karen Williamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06975984704621238003noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6732894079853224981.post-12707290297801501822016-07-28T15:52:00.000-07:002016-07-28T15:54:51.503-07:00A Shout Out From Australia: Close to the Heart of A Refugee.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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One thing about being a writer, you never know what might show up in your inbox that will make you smile.<br />
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See this recent email from a teacher in Australia:<br />
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Many people ask me should they read books about the Refugee Experience and to students from Refugee backgrounds- my answer is ‘ask your students’. I have not had a class to date say no- the students enjoy making connections and telling part of their story.<br />
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I read Four Feet Two Sandals to a secondary class of New Arrival Students, all but one of the class members was from a refugee background. At the end of the lesson a year 8 boy from Afghanistan came up to me with the book up under his shirt- he wanted the book close to his heart.<br />
The boy thanked me for reading the book and said that he was happy because the book let him know that others understand his journey. He asked to take the book home and read it to his family that night. His family were delighted that in a way their story was captured for other to read and understand- and that someone (the would be you Karen) cared enough to tell their story.<br />
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Thanks too to Khadra Mohammed who coauthored this book.<br />
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More than ever I am hearing from teachers, librarians, ministers, readers and parents from around the world. <br />
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It is exciting to know that my books speak to readers in a meaningful
way especially now in a world where so many are looking for a safe, welcoming place to call home. <br />
It is also sad that this story touches so many.<br />
And it is gratifying to connect. To know that one 8 year old child from Afghanistan holds my book close to his heart.<br />
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<br />About Karen Williamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06975984704621238003noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6732894079853224981.post-27842557639580731102016-07-17T12:20:00.001-07:002016-07-17T12:20:50.905-07:00A full Day At Millersville University, Lancaster, PA<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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English as a Second Language Institute.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdJDeReshK3LlU_2AuQKajtxm7NAC5DZGrGHIWq6uojhWXsbzyC58bo5MACFxMxbEhZQgug6zsww6ro94Pih2-RZAiZTpn6rsEiq5P048e8IHETAEN5UY83XJ9Q_gQch9_3oT8cOvqHzBd/s1600/IMG_6448.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdJDeReshK3LlU_2AuQKajtxm7NAC5DZGrGHIWq6uojhWXsbzyC58bo5MACFxMxbEhZQgug6zsww6ro94Pih2-RZAiZTpn6rsEiq5P048e8IHETAEN5UY83XJ9Q_gQch9_3oT8cOvqHzBd/s320/IMG_6448.jpg" width="306" /></a></div>
Lancaster, PA<br />
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Speaking. <br />
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Writing exercises.<br />
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Sharing.<br />
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Stories are a part of who we are! <br />
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It was a pleasure to part of this important program with dedicated teachers and students.<br />
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The English as a Second Language Institute uniquely provides administrators, classroom teachers, and ESL teachers with a critical understanding of how schools can take proactive steps at bridging the achievement gap as it relates to linguistically and culturally diverse learners. <br /><br />The 2016 ESL Institute a week long cultural exploration of our immigrant, refugee, and migrant populations in the United States. In order to educate our new families we need to understand their native cultures. Not only will we enjoy knowledgeable guest speakers but we will also have the opportunity to interact with ELL children and their families. Students will:<br /><br />http://www.millersville.edu/graduate/programs/educators/institutes/esl-institute.php<br />About Karen Williamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06975984704621238003noreply@blogger.com0