Are E-Books Good for Kids?
Sara Yu – May 1, 2015
On Thursday President Obama announced a plan to make $250 million worth of e-books available to public libraries as part of an effort to expand literacy and “digital connectivity” among low-income students…
Poetry is NOT Dead
Sara Yu – April 19, 2015
Somewhere along the way, poetry seems to have developed a reputation for being boring, old-fashioned, and impossible to understand. Sure, there are plenty of esoteric and oblique poems out there, but there are hundreds and hundreds of poems that are accessible and enjoyable for children.
A Parent’s Perspective: Open Letter to The New York Times
Polina Bulman – April 13, 2015
Recently, The New York Times published an article about Success Academy, and it left me with a heavy heart. Success Academy is known for its joyful rigor, but the Times reporter described only the “rigor.” So I felt that I had to share my family’s experience and talk about the “joyful” part.
Building an Authentic Passion for Reading Should Not Be “Polarizing”
Sara Yu – April 9, 2015
I joined Success Academy because this job lets me do what I know is right: provide access to thousands of high-quality books to kids, most of whom live in neighborhoods without bookstores, and share my love of books and my belief in the power of reading with leaders, teachers, and kids.
One School, One Book: Using Books to Bring a School Community Together
Sara Yu – March 20, 2015
One School, One Book is a powerful literacy initiative designed to help an entire school community—kids and grownups alike—fall in love with books. We piloted the program last year and have now rolled it out to all first- and second-year schools. Soon, we’ll take this initiative network-wide…
Possible Is Knowing that Books and Reading Can and Do Change Lives
Sara Yu – March 6, 2015
I thought I’d share my convictions of what is possible when a school develops a true love of reading across its entire community. I encourage you to add your thoughts and your own vision of what is possible in the comments section below.
Police Violence, Civil Disobedience Inspire Dialogue and Poetry in the Classroom
Success Academy – March 2, 2015
We want to honor our scholars and their work, as well as the experiences that shape who they are. In that spirit, we share with you some of the poems written by middle school scholars at SA Harlem East.
Why I Didn’t Post a List of Recommended Books for Black History Month
Sara Yu – February 27, 2015
I am constantly on the lookout for books about black history to add to our classroom libraries and share with scholars. So it might seem odd that I didn’t post a list of recommended books for Black History Month.
How Can I Find the Right Books for My Child?
Sara Yu – February 20, 2015
Our Director of Children’s Literature, Sara Yu answers two frequently asked parent questions about supporting children’s independent reading.
Fall in Love with Books on Valentine’s Day
Sara Yu – February 13, 2015
This Valentine’s Day, as we celebrate our love of books across the Success Academy network, I’d like to share some of the joyful ways we spread our love of reading.
The “Academy Awards” of Picture Books
Sara Yu – February 6, 2015
On Monday, the Association for Library Service to Children, a division of the American Library Association (ALA) awarded the Randolph Caldecott Medal, the most prestigious award in children’s literature. The Caldecott Medal is awarded to “the artist of the most distinguished American picture book for children.”
Wordless Picture Books Speak Volumes
Sara Yu – January 30, 2015
Why are wordless picture books such an important piece of our curriculum?
When Closing The Book Opens The Door To Learning
Sara Yu – January 23, 2015
The why behind our controversial fifth amendment: Every Success Academy scholar has the right to NOT finish an Independent Reading book if a compelling reason is provided.
Remembering Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.: Some Recommended Readings
Sara Yu – January 16, 2015
We have compiled a list of nonfiction books that can pique your children’s interest in Dr. King and the civil rights movement and launch them into further research and discovery.
Every Success Academy Reader Has the Right To…
Sara Yu – January 11, 2015
Success Academy guarantees to all scholars the following inalienable rights as readers….
Reading Resolutions: Make 2015 Your Best Reading Year Yet!
Sara Yu – December 22, 2014
This year, we’re encouraging our scholars, families, teachers and other colleagues across Success Academy schools to make reading resolutions – resolving to read MORE and read BETTER to nourish themselves as readers.
“A Book Is a Gift You Can Open Again and Again”
Sara Yu – December 7, 2014
Our very own Success Academy holiday gift guide!
Books: More Frequently Asked Questions About Reading Aloud to Kids
Sara Yu – November 29, 2014
Questions about reading? Read more advice from Director of Children’s Literature Sara Yu!
Have a question we haven’t answered yet? Post it in the comments so we can respond in a future post.
A Bounty of Books for Thanksgiving
Sara Yu – November 21, 2014
Wondering what to read with your child over Thanksgiving break? Check out our Director of Children’s Literature’s picks!
Books: Three Frequently Asked Questions About Reading Aloud to Kids
Sara Yu – November 14, 2014
This week, we’d like to address some of the frequently asked questions about reading aloud we’ve heard from parents over the years…
Books: Why Reading Aloud Really Matters
Sara Yu – November 7, 2014
The single most important thing parents can do to support their elementary school scholars is to read to them and with them at home.