Blog & News

Blog & News

AWE Learning has launched a blog to keep you informed of everything related to digital learning, early literacy, and all other topics that matter to those interested in helping young learners. Check this page often for new posts and updates. If you just can’t wait, sign up for the newsletter to receive updates directly.

Why is everyone talking about STREAM and STEM?

November 23, 2022

For years, you have heard the term STEM within education and early learning, however, STREAM is the new curriculum. What is the difference? STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) focuses on math and science, while STREAM (Science, Technology, Reading, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) concentrates on the “whole” picture, including creative and critical thinking skills.

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How can you help your child get ready to go back to school?

August 17, 2022

It’s the end of summer and the reality of school is coming closer! For many children, the beginning of a new school year can bring on feelings of anxiety and stress. It’s our job as parents to help ease the transition back into school. Backpacks, shiny notebooks, calculators, and markers are all fun things to help get our children excited for school. We as parents know that the excitement will only last a few days once those supplies are picked out. Many parents wonder how else they can help with their child’s transition back to school. AWE Learning parents have come up with solutions that have helped their children through the years.

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What’s New with AWE Learning? – June 2022 Newsletter

June 30, 2022

The  June 2022 newsletter features product announcements, highlighted customers, grant opportunities, and more! Plus print our FREE printables for the young learners!

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How to Encourage Learning Recovery and Prevent Summer Slide

June 29, 2022

YAY! School’s out for the summer! That’s what every student and teacher roars on the last day of school.  Parents are excited at the thought of slower schedules and less homework.  Students are excited about later bedtimes, extra screen time, staying outside longer, and not having to worry about tests or homework assignments.  But the question remains, why worry about learning during the summer months?

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Why has coding become such an important part of a child’s learning?

April 26, 2022

Coding is becoming an essential skill needed for the future as part of the transition into a more digital world. But what is coding and why is it so important? Coding is what makes it possible to create computer software, desktop applications, cellular applications, games, websites and so much more. All digital technology runs on some form of code including the apps on your phone, Tik Tok, Facebook, Instagram, and any website you visit.!

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What’s New with AWE Learning? – March 2022 Newsletter

March 31, 2022

The March 2022 newsletter features product announcements, highlighted customers, grant opportunities, and more! Plus print our FREE printables for the young learners!

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Homeschooling on the Rise

January 26, 2022

Before the COVID-19 pandemic, many would be very skeptical just at the mention of homeschooling. They would wonder to themselves, “Why would you want to do that to yourself?”, “Children need to socialize with other children,” “Why, you pay school taxes?” and the list goes on and on. The naysayers were and are still out there and full of opinions. When schools shut down due to the pandemic, it introduced many families to the idea of homeschooling and virtual learning.

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AWE Learning Receives Platinum Recognition in 2022 Modern Library Awards from LibraryWorks

January 19, 2022

AWE Learning, a leader in digital learning solutions, is pleased to announce it has received three platinum awards in LibraryWorks’ eighth annual Modern Library Awards (MLAs) for Afterschool Edge Platinum, Bilingual Spanish Literacy Station Platinum, and Early Literacy Station Platinum.  Read the official press release here.

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What’s New with AWE Learning? – October 2021 Newsletter

October 18, 2021

The October 2021 newsletter features product announcements, highlighted customers, grant opportunities, and more! Plus print our FREE printables for the young learners!

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What’s New with AWE Learning? – June 2021 Newsletter

June 28, 2021

The June 2021 newsletter features product announcements, highlighted customers, grant opportunities, and more! Plus print our FREE printables for the young learners!

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Build Literacy Skills with Songs

May 11, 2021

Singing with children brings them joy and entertainment. Nevertheless, singing with them beginning at a young age has also been proven to have many early literacy benefits. This includes building their vocabulary, learning about and identifying rhymes, practicing listening skills, and more!

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Financial Literacy Skills: It’s Never Too Early!

April 16, 2021

April is Financial Literacy Month! Financial literacy is defined as the ability to understand and effectively use financial skills such as personal financial management, budgeting, and investing. While many financial literacy concepts may seem too advanced for elementary students, exposing children to money at a young age is important.

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What’s New with AWE Learning? – March 2021 Newsletter

March 2021

The March 2021 newsletter features new product announcements, highlighted customers, grant opportunities and more! Plus print our FREE printables for the young learners in your community and review our library re-opening tips to prep your workstations for your re-opening!

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Spark Creativity in Your Young Learners

February 18, 2021

While children are attending school remotely or are in-person with minimal peer collaboration, it is important to spark creativity in your young learners at home. Increase opportunities for your kids to think outside of the box, resulting in less “I’m bored” statements! Read this post to learn more about ways to spark creativity at home.

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What’s New with AWE Learning? – December 2020 Newsletter

December 2020

The December Newsletter features free holiday-themed printables for your young learners, information on our NEW Platinum Online offering, holiday book suggestions, and more!

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Take Brain Breaks At Home: What are they and why are they important?

October 12, 2020

Brain breaks are mental breaks designed to help students stay focused and attentive. While children are home participating in remote learning, it is important to take brain breaks. These breaks provide processing time for students to solidify their learning.

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What’s New with AWE Learning? – September 2020 Newsletter

September 2020

The September Newsletter features free printables for your young learners, September promotions, back to school tips, summer reading series overview, and more!

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Keep Your Child Motivated to Learn

July 27, 2020

The school year is just around the corner, but it will likely look much different than the typical school day we’re used to. Due to the  impact of COVID-19, districts are planning remote learning, modified in-person instruction, or hybrid learning. We must remember that learning is not limited to just the classroom setting, and we must provide positive reinforcement to keep kids learning and motivated to grow academically.

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May 2020 Newsletter

May 2020

The May 2020 Newsletter features a company update from our CEO & President, free worksheets and lesson plans, promotional offers, our thank you for all that you do, COVID slide resources, and more!

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Resources to Avoid the COVID Slide – We’re Here to Help!

April 16, 2020

You’ve probably heard the term summer slide, but now with schools closed due to COVID 19, the term COVID slide has developed. COVID slide refers to the projected academic impacts that COVID-19 has from school closures. We’ve made a list of some FREE academic resources we have available to keep your children learning (and busy)!

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What’s New with AWE Learning? – February 2020 Newsletter

February 2020

The February Newsletter features our 25th Anniversary, NEW Platinum demo schedule, featured content, Customer Support tip, grant writing tip, book suggestions, and more!

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Holiday SAVINGS, Tips, Freebies & More from AWE Learning – November Newsletter

November 2019

The November Newsletter features fall and holiday-themed printables, information on our NEW Platinum workstations, details on our current promotions (including our Customer Reference Program), upcoming tradeshows, autumn-themed books, and so much more!

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Meet Joanna Masten, Ph.D., AWE Learning’s New National Business Development Executive

November 13, 2019

AWE Learning is excited to have Joanna Masten, Ph.D., join the AWE Learning team. She is very passionate for early learning and has many years of experience with early childhood education. Read about our interview with Joanna to learn more about her background, how she sees AWE Learning’s digital learning workstations fitting into childcare and Head Start locations, and why she is thrilled to join the AWE Learning team!

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Choosing Technology for Young Learners? Here Are Some Tips to Keep In Mind!

September 24, 2019

Technology is widely used in our daily routines. Young learners growing up with technology, are referred to as digital natives. We must take the proper steps to ensure that the digital learning resources we put in front of our children are age-appropriate. Read our blog for some tips on identifying digital learning resources for your early learners.

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Back to School Savings, FREEBIES, and More! – August 2019 Newsletter

August 14, 2019

AWE Learning’s quarterly newsletter includes FREE back to school worksheets, discounts, customer spotlight, support tips, product savings and more! Don’t miss the Professional Development section, featuring back to school book suggestions for your early learners.

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Social and Emotional Learning is the New Buzz!

July 22, 2019

Social and emotional learning (SEL), has become an increasingly popular term. Social and emotional learning gives students the skills to create a positive school climate which leads to academic success and building problem solving and communication skills, both in the classroom and for their future work environment.

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Learning a New Language: The Earlier the Better

June 5, 2019

Research shows that there are optimal times to learn a second language. Studies illustrate that learning a second language is easier as a child, when the language center of the brain is still developing, than as an adult. There are many benefits to knowing a second language, including increased career opportunities when the child is ready to enter the work force.

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FREEBIES Just in Time for Summer! – May 2019 Newsletter

May 10, 2019

AWE Learning’s quarterly newsletter includes FREE summer-themed worksheets, discounts, customer spotlight, support tips, and more! Don’t miss the summer reading book suggestions around this summer’s Summer Reading program theme – outer space!

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Happy National Library Week!

April 10, 2019
National Library Week is celebrated April 7-13, 2019 to honor the valuable roles libraries, librarians, and library workers play in transforming lives and strengthening the communities they serve. This year’s National Library Week theme is Libraries = Strong Communities.

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Grants 101: Grant Rejection… Now What?

April 1, 2019
Applying for a grant, and receiving a rejection can certainly be disappointing, not just to the project but to the amount of time you put into writing a request. It is important to learn from these opportunities. If possible, ask for feedback from the foundation, and use this information to improve your future applications.

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Grants 101: Finding the Right Foundation

March 5, 2019
There are a plethora of foundations that provide funding to their community! When looking into foundations for funding for your library, there are a number of items you should keep in mind. This includes checking geography limitations, foundation focus, giving amounts, and deadlines.

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Read Across America Day is March 2!

February 27, 2019
Read Across America Day is celebrated on March 2nd, Dr. Seuss’s birthday, to motivate and emphasize the importance of literacy in student achievement. Read more about the history of Read Across America Day, and some suggestions for your celebrations!

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New Products, Savings, and Tips! – February 2019 Newsletter

February 13, 2019
AWE Learning’s quarterly includes holiday-themed printables, Modern Library Award Announcement, Customer Support tips, articles for professional development, and more!

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Grants 101: Dollar General Literacy Foundation Grant Opportunity

February 12, 2019
The Dollar General Literacy Foundation awards funds to nonprofit organizations, schools, and libraries within a 20-mile radius of a Dollar General store or distribution center. Learn more about the different grant opportunities the Dollar General Literacy Foundation has available. Our Grant Writer to available to help you complete your application!

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AWE Learning Receives Platinum Recognition in 2019 Modern Library Awards from LibraryWorks

January 10, 2019
AWE Learning is pleased to announce that our Early Literacy Station™, AfterSchool Edge™, and LiteracyGO™ Tablet are Platinum Award Recipients in the 2019 Modern Library Awards from LibraryWorks. Read the official press release here.

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Typing Skills: Why They Should Be Taught to Early Learners

January 3, 2019
Young learners are taught handwriting at an early age. Should typing skills go hand in hand with learning handwriting? We live in an innovative society where typing is widely used. Young learners enjoy being enthralled in technology. Why not teach them typing while they’re young, engaged and excited?

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Libraries and their Communities: They’re Interconnected

November 19, 2018
Public libraries welcome all individuals within the community and serve as a free space that allows everyone to feel safe and find opportunity. Libraries provide resources, programming, workshops and more to all ages, backgrounds, languages and educational levels.

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Resources, Tips, & Savings – November 2018 Newsletter

November 13, 2018
AWE Learning’s quarterly includes holiday-themed printables and book suggestions, articles for professional development, our 2018 Video Contest winner, and more!

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Searching and Applying for Grants: What You Need to Know

October 4, 2018
Searching and applying for grants can be a difficult process. AWE Learning’s Grant Writer has provided some tips on how to search and apply for local grant opportunities, as well as how to compile the data necessary to provide to grantors if the grant is awarded.

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Early Learners & Art: Fosters Creativity & Much More!

August 28, 2018
When early learners participate in art activities, they are able to engage their creative side, explore their emotions, and practice a wide range of skills that are helpful in both life and learning. Art allows children to practice decision making, build their vocabulary, develop fine motor skills, and more!

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With Keyboards, Handwriting is Still In

August 9, 2018
The growth of technology has certainly increased our use of and comfort level with typing on a keyboard. However, research has shown that there is a positive correlation between strong handwriting skills and increased academic performance in reading and writing.

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Go Back to School with AWE Learning – August 2018 Newsletter

August 8, 2018
AWE Learning’s quarterly newsletter includes Customer Support Tips, FREE back-to-school printables, Welcome Kit details, our promotional offer, and more! Don’t miss the book suggestions to get your early learners excited about going back to school!

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Music in the Early Years

July 25, 2018
It is beneficial to expose children to music beginning at a young age. Music helps the body and mind work together, and aids in developing school readiness skills; including intellectual, social and emotional, motor, language, and overall literacy.

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Cybersafety: Teach It Before It’s Too Late

June 18, 2018
The internet is a great resource. While it provides infinite amounts of information, browsing the internet simultaneously comes with risks, such as accessing inappropriate content, cyberbullying, and only predators. It is important that all users, specifically early learners, are aware of cybersafety, so they can take advantage of what the internet offers in a safe manner.

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Get Ready for Summer with AWE Learning – May 2018 Newsletter

May 15, 2018
AWE Learning’s quarterly newsletter features Summer Reading resources, Video Contest details, Customer Spotlight, conference highlights, webinar schedules, grant tips, and more!

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Posted! Check the Word Wall!

April 23, 2018
Word walls, or a collection of words which are displayed in large visible letters on a wall or bulletin board, help to build early literacy skills for young learners. Read some tips on how to build a word wall in your library or home, and how to introduce it to your early learners.

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Grant Applications: Telling Your Library’s Story

April 6, 2018
One of the most important components of writing a grant application is how you tell your story. How do you craft your elevator pitch and describe your project or program you are seeking funding for in a clear and concise way? AWE Learning’s Grant Writer has provided some suggestions to consider when writing your library’s story.

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Resources & Tips from AWE Learning – February 2018

February 15, 2018
AWE Learning’s quarterly newsletter features early learning resources, book recommendations, featured libraries, customer support tips, highlighted software titles, grant resources, and more!

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Use Manipulatives to Strengthen Literacy Skills

February 6, 2018
Manipulatives are engaging for early learners and increase their level of excitement when learning to read and write. When early learners are able to interact with the stories they are reading or listening to, they are able to grasp a great understanding and draw meaning from the text. Manipulatives also assist early learners through the writing stages – planning, writing, and revising.

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Press Release: AWE Learning Receives Platinum Recognition in 2018 Modern Library Awards from LibraryWorks

January 24, 2018
AWE Learning is pleased to announce that our Early Literacy Station™ is a Platinum Award Recipient in the 2018 Modern Library Awards from LibraryWorks! Read the official press release here.

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Building Math Concepts with Manipulatives

January 5, 2018
Manipulatives, often associated with learning mathematical concepts, are physical objects that are used as teaching tools to engage students in hands-on learning. Manipulatives play an integral part in the Concrete Stage of learning, prior to entering the Representational Stage and Abstract Stage.

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Why Picture Books?

November 20, 2017
November is National Picture Book Month. Picture books promote the development of creativity and storytelling skills. Rather than simply listening to a story, picture books encourage children to tell a story.

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Holiday Gifts & Savings

November 15, 2017
Read our November Newsletter for holiday-themed printables, Fall & Winter picture book recommendations, Customer Support tip, and more!

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Learning Through Play

October 25, 2017
Play, recreation, amusement, or fun, it not about doing; it’s about being. When early learners engage in play, they explore spatial relationship, hone motor capabilities, practice social skills and language, think creatively, and gather information about the world through their senses.

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Grants 101: Post Grant Application Submission

September 14, 2017
Read our third and final post in the Grants 101 Blog Series to learn more about what to expect after submitting your completed grant application; including tips for awarded grants and denied grants.

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Grants 101: Completing the Grant Application

August 25, 2017
Read our second post in the Grants 101 Blog Series to learn more about the foundations you should pursue for funding, and tips on completing the grant application.

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Prep for Back to School – August Newsletter

August 9, 2017
Prep the early learners in your community for the new school year with back to school themed math & literacy printables and book suggestions. Read about what’s new with AWE Learning, product tips, current promotions, and more!

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Grants 101: Searching for Grant Opportunities

August 3, 2017
We had an opportunity to ask our full-time Grant Writer some questions to provide suggestions in guiding your organization’s grant search process. Read our post for some tips on finding eligible grants to apply to.

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Just Right Books… How Do You Know?

July 13, 2017
Trying to read a book but struggling to correctly read the text or accurately comprehend the story can be frustrating, especially for early learners. It is important for children to have books that are “just right,” or on their appropriate instructional reading level, in order to enhance early literacy skills and build confident readers.

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Beat the Summer Slide

June 15, 2017
Summer Slide refers to the loss in knowledge and skills learned when the formal learning that takes place during the school year ends. Engaging your early learners in literacy-based activities will help to prevent the summer slide. Read more for ideas on helping your early learners avoid academic learning loss this summer!

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Tips on Creating a Successful Makerspace with Limited Staff & Time

May 25, 2017
Guest blogger, Tina Hager, Library Director & AWE Learning Advocate, shares tips on building a makerspace at your library. A large budget, huge space, and lots of staff are not needed in order to have a successful makerspace for your patrons. Read Tina’s tips on resources, programming, and strategies to create your library’s makerspace!

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Prep for Summer Reading

May 18, 2017
The May 2017 newsletter features resources for your summer reading programs, customer spotlights, support tips, and more!

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The Popularity of Graphic Novels Reaches the Learning Environment

May 4, 2017
The presence of graphic novels in various learning environments has increased in recent years. Graphic novels incorporate elements of other art forms to create an engaging experience for young learners.  The visual images make it less intimidating for early learners to read as they practice and gain early literacy skills.

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Tablets as Learning Tools: How Students Have Adapted

April 20, 2017
The broad availability and use of digital tools – particularly tablets – has recently led to the increased use of mobile technology for young learners. Tablets and other digital devices offer endless opportunities for young learners to develop their early literacy skills in the classroom, library, afterschool programs, and at home.

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Enhance Early Literacy Skills with Paired Reading

April 6, 2017
Paired reading, or partner reading, is a research-based fluency strategy often used with readers who struggle with or lack fluency. It builds collaboration, encourages cooperation, and supports peer-assisted learning.

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Benefits of E-books for Early Learners

March 23, 2017
As technology evolves and plays an increased role in our everyday lives, e-books have become more widely used. Their interactive features are valuable to young learners as they build their early literacy skills.

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Nonfiction Literature for Early Learners

March 10, 2017
Early learners are curious individuals and are intrigued by the people and environment around them. Exposure to nonfiction works as part of early literacy development helps build knowledge and familiarity with the real world.

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Literacy Skills for English Language Learners

February 23, 2017
English Language Learners (ELLs) are students who are learning English, and for whom English is not their first language. According to ASCD, it is often difficult for ELLs to master STREAM and social studies concepts, particularly because they do not have the necessary literacy skills and vocabulary to comprehend the teaching material.

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Learning and Leading: Resources & Tips For Your Community

February 16, 2017
Our February 2017 newsletter features downloadable activities for young learners, a featured makerspace, book recommendations from an AWE Learning Advocate, a helpful customer support tip and much more!

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Informal Learning Beyond the Classroom

February 9, 2017
Informal learning describes education that is much less organized and takes place outside of the classroom setting. These environments can include libraries, museums, online communities, child care centers, and other organizations.

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Third Grade Reading Marks Literacy Skill Development

January 26, 2017
Third grade is considered a critical turning point for early childhood learning. After young learners gain early literacy and language development skills, their learning ability increases for all STREAM subjects.

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Family Engagement Leads to Early Childhood Success

January 12, 2017
Family engagement is about the knowledge, values, and actions that enable children to be successful learners. For schools and libraries, family engagement refers to meaningful partnerships with parents that provide the opportunity to be active in the learning and development of their children.

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Professional Development: Educating Educators

December 28, 2016
As academic standards evolve, curricula are revised, and digital learning resources are integrated, it is important for educators to develop their teaching skills via professional development. With limited time available, educators face the need to balance professional development with what will be most helpful for their students to excel.

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Friend or Foe: Social Media in the Classroom

December 15, 2016
Among adults and children alike, social media is a ubiquitous part of life throughout the world. Educators are particularly focused on how to manage the daily use of social media by young learners, as well as the possibilities it presents in terms of in-classroom learning or library programming.

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A Customized Education through Personalized Learning

December 1, 2016
The incorporation of personalized learning strategies offers unique opportunities for early childhood development. Personalized learning allows teachers to assess students’ strengths and needs to create learning plans that are aligned to their interests. It also focuses on academic standards to cater to the needs of each young learner in the classroom.

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Authentic Learning: Real-World Scenarios for Young Learners

November 10, 2016
Young learners are often known to ask, “why do I need to know this?” or ”when will I ever use this?” If students are unaware of how a topic is relevant to their life, they are less inclined to focus and absorb the lesson. With the incorporation of digital learning technology, authentic learning has become an increasingly popular instructional strategy.

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November 2016 – Reading Ideas and Printables for Your Library

November 3, 2016
Our November newsletter features fun and engaging resources with a Fall theme, including printable activities for young learners, administrative support guides, and creative ways to incorporate your AWE Learning solutions into your programming.

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Coding Resources Can Improve Your Makerspace

October 27, 2016
When it comes to early literacy, the opportunity for young learners to gain experience with coding has increased exponentially. Coding makes it possible to develop the computer software, apps, and websites that young learners will continue to use with increasing frequency. Increased exposure to these basic skills, even at an early age, can help children understand the technological world they inhabit.

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Multicultural Literacy Improves Early Childhood Development

October 13, 2016
As a collective group, our perceptions of reality and even our literacy skills develop from the environment to which we are exposed, and the experiences that we have. As young learners mature, they are exposed to a considerable amount of literature.

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Reading Aloud Helps Young Learners Develop a Love of Literacy

September 29, 2016
Do you read aloud to your child? To your class? To your library visitors? Research has shown that reading aloud to young learners has a variety of positive benefits, including but not limited to increased language development, academic success, strengthened parent-child relationships and a long-term love for reading.

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August 2016 – Literacy in the News, Back to School Resources, & a Special Promotion

In August of 2016, we put together the “greatest hits” of reports and relevant early literacy news in the past few weeks, along with a history lesson (and quiz) on public libraries, some fun back-to-school resources for your young learners, and much more.

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May 2016 – Early Literacy, A Letter from Our President, & More

Our inaugural newsletter and blog post includes an introductory letter from our President, Deborah Sorgi, some fun activities for spring and summer, a look at AWE Learning’s exclusive Customer Portal tool, and much more.

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