President's Message

by Laura Emerson
Welcome to the 2011-2012 school year! The volunteers at OCRA look forward to our 48th year of supporting
the teachers, administrators and community with current educational research and strategies, quality staff
development at affordable prices and a new and improved web site that is filled with resources and information to
support literacy development both at home and in the classroom.
We are excited about our upcoming fall conference. Ron Boren will be our keynote speaker, with his featured
message: Let Music Weave a Tapestry of Literacy. Ron will show us how to use music, as a research-
based practice to improve standards-based instruction, make transitions smooth and effective, and bring fun
back into our classrooms by making learning memorable. Ron has been a small session speaker for us at
previous conferences. He consistently gets rave reviews for his enthusiasm and practical ideas . A veteran of
nearly 20 years, Ron is currently a 6th grade teacher for the Modesto City Schools. He earned his master's
degree in education from California State University, Stanislaus, and completed his reading/language arts
specialist credential. Ron has served as a literacy coach, national trainer and has published standards-based
music. There will be something for all grade levels, so join us on October 29th at Concordia University in Irvine.
We also have fantastic small session speakers that will cover a range of topics that relate to all grade levels Pre K
through 12. Participants will be able to attend two small sessions before our keynote address. Personally, I am
going to have trouble deciding which two of the six small session speakers to attend! We will also have several
miscellaneous vendors on site for our participants to browse and network. I hope to see you there!
As an educator for 25 years, I've not seen a time in our field quite like these. With rising class sizes, limited
budgets, needs as great as ever and scores of new graduates that are entering a field with few jobs available, it is
important that we focus on what is most important in education. Our people are by far the most valuable
commodity we have to offer. Excellently trained teachers can do much with very little. My prediction: In this age
of one-size-fits-all scripted programs, it will soon be realized that in fact such programs, taught by people with
limited skills in teaching reading will not yield the results that we hope for, nor will they serve the individual needs
of students that they deserve. Children are unique, and when faced with difficulties learning to read they need a
skilled professional to get them on track. These kinds of skills and strategies are gained through professional
development and training. These are two things that cannot be purchased in a box, from a publisher.
Professional organizations such as the Orange County Reading Association, California Reading Association
(CRA) and International Reading Association (IRA) are committed to providing teachers the information and
professional development they need to serve our students in the best ways we possibly can. For more
information please visit our web site at www.ocreading.org. If you join OCRA, you receive an automatic
membership to CRA. Visit their web site at www.californiareads.org. If you aren't already a member of IRA, please
consider joining at www.readingonline.org. Aside from all of the online information, each association sends out
newsletters and journals filled with information, book reviews and practical strategies.
I look forward to serving as president of the Orange County Reading Association this year. Please contact me via
our web site, or e-mail with any questions or suggestions you have in making OCRA the best organization it can
be. You can send me a message at: president@ocreading.org
IRA
The Newsletter of the Orange County Reading Association - P.O. Box 7143, Orange, CA 92863-7143
President: Laura Emerson Editor: Lori Morgan, 714-779-6186 and lori.morgan@sbcglobal.net
Affiliated with California Reading Association and International Reading Association
Fall 2011 Volume 37, Number 1



Kelly Gallagher who is an educator and
author was the keynote speaker at the OCRA
Spring Conference in March. Below are some
highlights from his presentation.
Most of our kids dont do enough reading and they
dont do enough writing! In fact, the adolescent reader
is an endangered species. Most schools practice
Readicide (coined word) which is the systematic
killing of the love of reading.
27% of adults in the US did not read a single book last
year. Statistics shows that people who do read are the
one who vote more frequently, go to the theater and
even attend more sports activities.
There are many suspects when it comes to why people
dont read very much. There is poverty, the lack of
parent education, a print poor environment both at
home and at school, second language issues, the era
of the hurried child, and other entertainment options.
There are several practices that are counterproductive.
The first is that schools value test takers. It has been
proven that if we teach children to take tests they end
up hating reading but if we teach then to read theyll do
fine on tests. There are also unattainable standards.
Marzano said that if we taught all standards effectively
we would have to change out school system from K -
12 to K - 22 (it would take that long to teach every
standard). Thomas Newkirk said that, Standardization
leads to sameness, not necessarily to quality and rarely
to excellence.
Were raising memorizers, not thinkers. Kelly said he
wants kids to be able to think about what the text
doesnt say in addition to what happened in the book.
In other words, he wants them to read between the
lines and use stories to sharpen their critical thinking
skills. Test preparation just ensures that struggling
readers will continue to struggle.
We are raising multiple choice thinkers in an essay
world.
The second practice that is counterproductive is that
schools are limiting authentic reading experiences.
The more books are available then the more reading
will occur and that equals better reading. (More books =
more reading = better reading.) All classrooms should
have books available for students to read - many dont
have any or very few.
Many students suffer from word poverty. Students
come to kindergarten with a gap of 32 million words
between those who have been read to and talked to
and those who havent. By third grade the students
who are text poor are three grade levels behind those
who are text rich. That is compounded in the summer
when students who dont read show a loss.
Actually there is no such thing as a reading test that
tests the ability to read. It depends on your background
and prior knowledge, in other words it depends on
what knowledge you bring to the text you are reading.
For example,most people even if they are good
readers, would have trouble reading a technical article
about astro physics.
Kids who read the most read the best and people who
write more are better readers.
The third practice that is counterproductive is that
teachers are over-teaching books. When they over
emphasize reading skills they ruin the enjoyment of
the text for the students.
The fourth practice that is counterproductive is when
teachers under-teach books. When books are
assigned for students to read them on their own
without any preparation it also ruins the enjoyment of
the book for the students (if they read it at all). What
teachers do ahead of time is the most important. They
need to frame the text by providing a purpose for
reading, some background and vocabulary
introduction and a guided tour of the book. Rereading
is also profitable to check understanding, prove points,
and provide discussion for deeper understanding. It
does not matter if a student likes the classic he is
reading. What is important is that he understands what
the author is saying and is able to apply lessons to
his/her own life.
50% of reading should be recreational (no
testing allowed).
website: Kellygallagher.org
twitter - KellyGToGo
MIDDLE SCHOOL,
THE WORST YEARS OF MY LIFE
Written by James Patterson & Chris Tebbetts
Illustrated by Laura Park
2011ISBN # 978-0-316-10187-5

James Patterson is a well known author of adult books. This

is not one of them. Together with co-author Chris Tebbetts
and illustrator Laura Park, he has created a graphic novel
about Rafe Khatchadorian, a sixth-grader at Hills Village
Middle School. Rafe lives with his mother, Jules, her
boyfriend Bear, his sister Georgia, and Leo the Silent. (You
have to wait for the end of the book to find out the truth
about Leo the Silent.) He hates school, the teachers, and
most of the other students, particularly Miller the Killer. So
he takes the school list of rules and decides to break every
one of them, and comes up with Operation RAFE, which
stands for Rules Aren't For Everyone. The first one he
breaks is to pull the fire alarm, and it goes on from there. But
what will be the result of all this? How will the teachers and
the students, particularly Miller the Killer react? And if he is
expelled, will he have to repeat sixth grade? The
illustrations in this tell part of the story, and the language is
easy for students to read and enjoy. Just be sure that if a
reader is interested in more of Patterson's work that it isn't
the adult novels you recommend!
HOW ROCKET LEARNED
TO READ
Written and illustrated by
Tad Hills
. 2010 ISBN #978-0-375-85899-4
Rocket is a little black and white dog who is very
busy playing and chasing leaves and chewing
sticks, so when a little yellow bird begins
chirping about school he goes to hide under a
bush. But the little bird begins to read a story
about a dog named Buster who lost his favorite
bone, and Rocket can't help being interested.
So it goes; the bird reads the story and shows
Rocket the alphabet and begins to teach him
what the letters say, and she reads more stories
to him, and he gets more and more involved.
But then, fall turns into winter and the bird flies
away. What will Rocket do in the winter? And
will the bird come back in the spring? The
illustrations in this book are simple, but children
will be able to connect with the dog and the
bird; it has been named a silver honor book by
Parents' Choice. The bird talks about the
wondrous, mighty, gorgeous alphabet, where it
all begins! and she is right!
Book Reviews
by Joan Macon
Joan Macon is a past president of OCRA and California Reading Association
and was our area director on the CRA Board. She also served two terms (six years)
on the State Young Reader Medal Committee.
WIN BOOKS FOR YOUR SCHOOL! OCRA sponsors a drawing for free sets of next years
nominated titles for the California Young Reader Medal. All you have to do is follow the CYRM guidelines and
make a copy of your ballot. Send your original ballot to the CYRM committee (address on the ballot) and send a
copy to Joan Macon, OCRA drawing, 1581 W Pacific Place, Anaheim, CA 92802. Send copies of your ballots by
April 1st. Winners will be drawn for each of the five categories. Be sure to participate this year. You can find CYRM
information at www.californiareads.org. A current ballot and list of books is provided in this newsletter! .
California Young Reader Medal Program
Voting Requirements
- To become qualified voters, young readers must experience all of the nominated books in a category by reading
the books themselves, having the books read to them, or using a combination of the two.
- Young Readers may read books in more than one category. Each reader can have ONE vote in each category.
- An adult in a classroom or library setting must monitor the voting procedures. Only one ballot should be
submitted for each participating library, classroom, or school.
- Public library and after school programs do not preclude young readers participating with their class group at
school or in school library programs.
CURRENT NOMINEES 2011-2012
PRIMARY
On Meadowview Street by Henry Cole. Greenwillow Books, 2007.
Lets Do Nothing by Tony Fucile. Candlewick Press, 2009.
The Odd Egg by Emily Gravett. Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, 2009.
Princess Hyacinth: The Surprising Tale of a Girl Who Floated by Florence Heide. Illustrated by Lane
Smith, Schwartz & Wade Books, 2009.
I Need My Monster by Amanda Noll. Illustrated by Howard McWilliam. Flashlight Press, 2009.

INTERMEDIATE (Grades 3-6)

Violet Raines Almost Got Struck by Lightning
by Danette Haworth. Walker & Co., 200
Alvin Ho: Allergic to Girls, School and Other Scary Things
by Lenore Look. Schwartz & Wade Books, 2008.
The Small Adventure of Popeye and Elvis
by Barbara OConner. Farrar, Straus & Giroux, 2009.

MIDDLE SCHOOL/JR. HIGH (Grades 6-9)

Revolution is Not a Dinner Party: A Novel
by Ying Chang Compestine. Henry Holt, 2007.
Waiting for Normal by Leslie Conner. Katherine Tegen Books, 2008.
Every Soul a Star, by Wendy Mass. Little, Brown & Co., 2008.

YOUNG ADULT (Grades 9-12)

Graceling by Kristin Cashore. Harcourt, 2008.
Beastly by Alex Flinn. Harper Teen, 2007.
If I Stay by Gayle Forman. Penguin Group USA, 2009.
PICTURE BOOK FOR OLDER READERS (Grades 4 and up)
Goal! by Mina Javaherbin.
Illus by A.G.Ford. Candlewick Press, 2010.
Henrys Freedom Box by Ellen Levine.
Illus by Kadir Nelson. Scholastic Press, 2007.
Wabi Sabi by Mark Reibstein.
Illus by Ed Young. Little, Brown & Co., 2008
CALIFORNIA YOUNG READER MEDAL
2011-2012
2)),&,$/ B$//2T



JO1IAC REQUIREMEA1S
7o become qualiIied voters, young readers must
experience all oI the nominated books in a
category by reading the books themselves,
having the books read to them, or using a
combination oI the two.
Young Readers may read books in more than
one category.
Each reader is entitled to 21( vote in each
category.
An adult in a classroom or library setting must
monitor the voting procedures. Only one ballot
should be submitted Ior each participating
library, classroom, or school.
Public library and aIter school programs do not
preclude young readers participating with their
class group at school or in school library
programs.

A BLANK WILL BE COUN7ED AS A ZERO (0) ON
7HE BALLO7.


P5,0A5Y

On Meadowview Street
by Henry Cole 7otal Votes:

Let's Do Aothing!
by 7ony Fucile 7otal Votes:

1he Odd Egg
by Emily Gravett 7otal Votes:

3rincess Hyacinth
(1he Surprising 1ale of a Cirl Who Floated)
by Florence Heide;
illustrated by Lane Smith 7otal Votes:

I Aeed My Monster
by Amanda Noll;
illustrated by
Howard McWilliam 7otal Votes:


,1T(50(',AT(

Jiolet Raines Almost Cot Struck by Lightning
by Danette Haworth Total Votes:

Alvin Ho: Allergic to Cirls, School and Other Scary
1hings by Lenore Look Total Votes:

1he Small Adventure of Popeye and Elvis
by Barbara O`Conner Total Votes:

MIDD/( SC+22//1UNI2R +I*+

Revolution is Aot a Dinner Party: A Aovel
by Ying Chang Compestine Total Votes:

Waiting for Aormal
by Leslie Conner Total Votes:

Every Soul a Star
by Wendy Mass Total Votes:


Y2UN* ADU/T

Craceling by Kristin Cashore Total Votes:

%eastly by Alex Flinn Total Votes:

If I Stay by Gayle Forman Total Votes:


PICTUR( B22KS F2R 2/D(R R(AD(RS

Coal! by Mina Javaherbin;
illustrated by A.G. Ford Total Votes:

Henry's Freedom %ox by Ellen Levine;
illustrated by Kadir Nelson Total Votes:

Wabi Sabi by Mark Reibstein;
illustrated by Ed Young Total Votes:



BDOORWV MUST bH SRVWmDUkHG b\ ASULO 1, 2012.

Name (Adult in Charge)

Name oI School/Library

District

Address

City

Zip County


For a list of winning titles, please visit the
C<RM website May 1st, 211 at:
www.caliIorniayoungreadermedal.org


MDLO TR: CYRM Ballots
6158 Olvera Court,
Chino, CA 91710
Your child walks like you, talks
like you, and absorbs
everything you do. So set the
right example when it comes to
reading. If you want your child to
be a good reader, be one
yourself!
Surround yourself with reading
material
Books don't belong only in libraries and
classrooms. Make the written word a part of
your living space, with books, magazines,
and newspapers readily available throughout
your home.
Draw attention to all the things
you read
Provide a bibliography for the things you talk
about: When you explain why the sky is blue
or who the first president of the United States
was, tell your child which book helps you
know these facts. you'll show him how
knowledge is largely shaped by the things
we read and how reading connects us to the
world.
Buy or borrow books together
Whenever you're going to the library or
bookstore, let your child come along. Even if
you aren't looking for anything in particular,
practice the art of book browsing and
admiring. Make an event out of it and she'll
learn to be exhilarated by the sight of books.
Read for leisure
Show that reading isn't work. Cuddle up with a
good book and you'll model how reading can
be just the thing to make your day.
Don't be a solo reader
Open up conversations through reading by
pausing to read an interesting fact aloud or
wonder what an unfamiliar word means.
Knowing that the reading experience is not a
solitary activity will motivate reluctant readers.
Bring something to read
everywhere you go
From the office to home, or even the living
room to the bedroom, make sure you're
equipped with reading material for yourself
and your child. You never know when you'll
have some downtime. Show him that reading is
a constructive (and fun!) way to pass the time.
Emphasize the universal
importance of reading
Librarians, teachers, students, mechanics,
lawyers, doctors, architects, athletes
everyone reads. Show your child that reading is
part of everyone's life by reading diverse
works that serve different purposes. Consider
cookbooks, television manuals, online
magazines, and cereal boxes. Make a habit out
of living through reading.

For more reading tips, advice and ideas,
please visit www.scholastic.com/parents.
For Parents -
Be a Reading Role Model
Possible Funding Sources: BTSA/SIP;
Title I, Title II, Title III Professional
Development Funds NCLB


Featuring
Ron Boren
Let Music Weave a Tapestry of Literacy
Using music in the classroom is research based and can be used as transitions to teach core standards, to create an optimal learning
environment, and to add some fun back into your day. Ron will share a variety of ways to include music into your instruction
without compromising your pacing guides. There will be something for all grade levels including writing prompts with music.
Its Time to Get Our Groove Back!

Ron has been a classroom teacher for 18 years and has served as a literacy coach at his school site. He writes standards-based
music and performs at school assemblies, parent literacy concerts, and professional development throughout the United States. He
recently received a masters degree in education at California State University, Stanislaus and completed a reading specialist
credential. He currently teaches 6
th
grade for Modesto City Schools.


Small Session Speakers
We have assembled top notch speakers who bring experience and
expertise to grades K-12 in reading/ language arts and standards
integration. Ron Boren and many of our small session presenters will have
their handouts available on our website by October 19, 2010. Please go to
www.ocreading.org for more. Tentative speakers:

Dr. Erica Bowers, Professor, Cal State Fullerton
Dr. Laura Keisler, Adjunct Faculty Professor, Cal State Fullerton
So Many Words, So Little Time! Which Words Do I Choose? (3-12)


Tracy Doverspike, NBTC, Teacher, Alvord Unified, Riverside
Literacy Express (K-3)


Toby Larson
Simple, Powerful Strategies to Improve All Writing (K-6)


Lisa Michelle Dabbs, Educational Coach & Consultant
@teachingwthsoul on Twitter
New Teacher Survival Kit & How to Build Your Personal


Angie Balius
Using Mentor Text to Improve Student Writing (K-5)




*Educational Vendors *Continental Breakfast *Door Prizes

Please bring a new or gently used book (K-3) for Reading by 9. You will receive a raffle ticket for each book.

Pre-Registration Application Pre-Registration Ends on October 20, 2011.
Pre-Registration forms post-marked after October 20 need to include a late registration fee of $10.
Please send this form and a check or P.O. made out to OCRA to: Sue Roppa, 26895 Aliso Creek Rd. #B39, Aliso Viejo,
CA 92656. You can also pre-register at www.ocreading.org/conference-registration using PayPal. If you register through
PayPal after October 27 please bring a printed receipt to the registration tables. Questions? Email Sue at
registration@ocreading.org No verification will be sent with pre-registration. All materials picked up on site. Conference
packet and free materials only guaranteed to those who register. You can also register on-site. There will be an
additional $10 fee to do so. Forms of payment for on-site registration: Cash, check, purchase orders, and PayPal.

Name______________ ______________________________________Phone____________________________________
Address____________________________________________________________________________
City________________________________________________State_____________Zip____________
Email Address _____________________________________________________________________________________
School District_______________________________________________________________________
If a student, University or College attending _____________________________________________________________

Conference Registration ONLY: $32 for Current Members (Teachers); $22 for Current Members (Students*)
Conference Registration ONLY: $67 for Non-Members (Teachers); $52 for Non-Members (Students*)

OCRA/CRA 1 yr. Membership: ($40) and Registration ($32) = $72 (Teachers)
OCRA/CRA 1 yr. Membership: ($35) and Registration ($22) = $57 (Students*)
*includes Parents & Teacher Assistants
Go to www.ocreading.org for more copies of this application.
Schedule
7:40- 8:40 - Registration/Exhibits/
Continental Breakfast
8:40- 9:30 - Small Session I
9:30-10:00 - Exhibits
10:00-10:50 - Small Session II
10:50-11:20 - Exhibits
11:20-12:35 - General Session/ Keynote Speaker
12:35-12:50 - Exhibits/Evaluations/Raffle
Orange County Reading Association
48th Annual Fall Conference
*Educators/Administrators * Student Teachers
Saturday, October 29, 2011
Concordia University, Irvine
Grimm Hall South (#7 on map)
1530 Concordia West
Irvine, CA 92612
Please join us at the OCRA Fall Conference at CONCORDIA UNIVERSITY
in Irvine on Oct. 29th and bring a new or gently used book appropriate
for K - 3 students to help support the Reading by 9 program. For each
book you bring, you will receive a raffle ticket which will increase your chances of winning
wonderful door prizes donated by publishers and conference exhibitors.

COMING EVENTS
CHECK US OUT Orange County Reading Assoc.
www. ocreading.org 2011 Fall Conf. with Ron Borent, Oct 29
www. facebook.com/ocreading 2012 Spring Conf. - watch for news on website and next newsletter
www.twitter.com/ocreading
California Reading Assoc. Vacacille, CA - Nov. 4-5
International Reading Assoc. 2012 Chicago, April 29 - May 2
OCRA needs representatives from school districts in Orange County: one rep from each small district and two reps from each
large district. Reps are still needed from: Anaheim Union High SD, Brea-Olinda SD, Capistrano Unified SD, Centralia SD, Fountain
Valley SD, Fullerton SD, Huntington Beach City SD, Centralia SD, Cypress SD, Fountain Valley SD, Garden Grove Unified SD,
Huntington Beach City SD, Huntington Beach Union High SD, La Habra City SD, Los Alamitos Unified SD, Lowell Joint SD, Magnolia
SD, Newport-Mesa Unified SD, Ocean View SD, Orange Unified SD, Placentia-Yorba Linda SD, Saddleback Valley Unified SD,
Santa Ana Unified SD, Savanna SD, Tustin Unified SD, Westminster SD, Diosese of Orange County.
If you are willing to serve, please drop us a note to P.O. Box 7143, Orange, CA 92863-7143.
To ensure that you continue to get OCRA newsletters, check
for your membership expiration date located below on the line
above and to the right of your printed name and address!