 March is Brain Awareness Month, a yearly effort to raise awareness about the progress and benefits of brain research. To discover more about the brain-reading connection, watch our PBS program Reading and the Brain and browse our library of articles. New brain imagery research shows that systematic, research-based reading instruction can actually normalize brain function and improve a child's reading skills. Go to article > What does science tell us about the brain structure of children with dyslexia? Find out how the latest research informs decisions about early screening and classroom instruction. Go to article > Understanding the basics of TBI is crucial, especially since the symptoms can be invisible, even to familiar people like friends or teachers. Read Susan's story on our sister site, BrainLine.org. Go to BrainLine article >
 Eric Carle's classic picture book is celebrating 40 years of delighting young children and adults with its simple concepts and brilliantly colorful illustrations. We've created a new family literacy bag inspired by the Hungry Caterpillar — activities that invite parents and kids to explore together the book's themes (in English and Spanish). A special edition of the book is available at a discount through the First Book Marketplace. Watch our interview with Eric Carle > See Eric Carle demonstrate how he creates his collage illustrations > Download The Very Hungry Caterpillar Day activity kit from Penguin > Anderson is a self-described "history geek" and a disciplined researcher. Her award-winning historical fiction (Chains), feels true to the core — with characters and story details that are richly drawn and deeply authentic. Her non-fiction book, Independent Dames is an entertaining introduction to the unknown women of the American Revolution. Discover more about Anderson's passion for storytelling in our exclusive interview. Spring is nearly sprung and with it comes a bit of magic: seeds begin to poke open, gardens teem with activity, and birds abound. Leave winter behind and jump into our fresh new collection of books, for kids 0-9 years old. Browse spring booklist >
 The Florida Center for Reading Research (FCRR) offers teachers lots of terrific resources. Recently, FCRR added suggestions for reading centers that differentiate instruction according to student needs. The activities are sorted by area (phonological awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary and comprehension) and include all the materials you'll need to set up each center. Go to website > Anticipation guides are a great way to introduce a new topic or book to be read. Through a few carefully written statements or questions, teachers ask students to agree or disagree with each item. The follow up reading materials or read aloud confirms or refutes each statement. The hard working folks at Las Cruces Public Schools in New Mexico have done a ton of the leg work for teachers by creating the anticipation guide for hundreds of fiction and nonfiction books you use in your classroom. Go to website > Bookshare, the world's largest accessible digital library for people with print and learning disabilities (such as dyslexia), provides free membership to qualified U.S. schools and students, thanks to an award from the U.S. Department of Education's Office of Special Education. Get access to more than 43,000 digital books, textbooks and teacher-recommended readings to help your child succeed and enjoy reading independently. Check the membership options page to see if your school or students in your class qualify. Go to website >
 If so, you may want to check out the Savvy Source, a website for parents by parents. By entering your zip code, you can read about preschools in your area. They've gathered information and seek reviews from other parents. The site has lots of other ideas for preschool crafts, games and books. Go to website > If you're like us, you're always looking for a good family movie for weekend viewing. The New York International Children's Film Festival committee compiled a list of the best international, classic or unusual movies for kids. Most of the films have played as part of the NY Children's Film Festival, and the list contains a handful of other recommendations. View the list > Looking for more than just a movie? This fun website pairs a recommended kids movie with similar family adventures within your community. You'll find helpful information about the movie, conversation starters, and bits of wisdom about planning a successful family outing. The offer a free weekly newsletter than will keep you inspired. Browse online magazine >
 The four pages of the budget dedicated to the Department of Education suggest that the Obama administration will expand access to high-quality early childhood education, support high standards and rigorous assessment, and will work to prepare and reward effective teachers and principals. Sounds good to us! To read more > A new What Works Clearinghouse (WWC) practice guide outlines five recommendations for identifying kids in need of an intervention, and how to implement those interventions in the primary grades. The recommendations are framed using a Response to Intervention multi-tiered approach; the level of evidence for each recommendation is also provided. To read more > The National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) has an new video available that illustrates developmentally appropriate practices. The 53-minute video takes us into the classroom where teachers and children interact. The video's release follows the recently updated position statement Developmentally Appropriate Practice in Early Childhood Programs. To read more >
 NEA's 3.2 million members are committed to advancing the cause of public education. Literacy is at the heart of NEA's mission: more than 45 million readers were in the company of a good book on March 2, NEA's Read Across America Day. And on National Teacher Day (May 5), thousands of communities will take time out to honor their local educators and the contributions they make to our lives. Learn more, and check out NEA's list of celebrities' most memorable teachers. | 
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