I’m not going to have a Flannel Friday post this week. I’m actually hanging out for a few days in a small town a few hours from Denver, getting a little R & R, and doing a lot of reading and thinking. One of the things I’ve been thinking about a lot, and am trying to get started this week, is a second blog – one that focuses exclusively on early literacy: What it is, and how we, as librarians, caregivers, teachers, parents, and those generally interested in creating a literate society, can do to support children as they’re developing the tools to learn to read. I want to share book ideas, activities, research, information, and inspiration. Early literacy learning is something I’ve become super passionate about over the past several years as I’ve discovered how easy it is be to get children aged 0 to 5 prepared to learn to read and how important it is that we do so. I know I share a lot of early literacy information in this blog, but it’s centered around my storytime work and there’s lots of cool stuff I DON’T share here.
I gave a speech about this very topic several years ago, and I called it “A Read Aloud Revolution.”
So, I’m ready to start this blog, but I need a name. Read Aloud Revolution is the obvious choice, but it’s taken (and a wonderful
Rhyming Dust Bunnies by Jan Thomas
blog in its own right, about continuing to read aloud to children as they grow into their tweens and teens – almost an extension of what I’m hoping to do). So, as that’s not an option, and I don’t want to step on the toes of this fine family’s mission. Help me out, people – what should I name the blog? I want something related to the idea that reading aloud to children can change the world. I’ve saved the name “Revolution Read Aloud”, so it could be that. “Reading Aloud is Revolutionary” seems to long for a blog address. So, let me have ’em – your best ideas, and I’ll be sure to give you credit.
All those who enjoy my Flannel Friday, storytime, and preschooler antics posts (thank you!) fear not, I do intend to keep this blog going as home to my librarian-centered stuff. The second blog will relate, but will not be focused so much on my library job. I hope it will be informative to lots of different folks.
Thanks in advance for helping a girl out!
missmaryliberry.com 
I agree with Anne — I’ll be one of your first subscribers, no matter what name you choose!
I think this is a great idea. More sharing of info is never a bad idea, especially on the topic of early literacy. Just be sure to provide much linkage between this blog and the new one. So many people don’t realize that the simplest things we do in story time are actually cornerstones of early literacy. As for names, hmmmm…let me think for a bit and I’ll get back to you.
I like “Read to Me!” and your tag line could be “A Read Aloud Revolution” I wonder if those people went to your talk…. they live in Colorado too.
This is an interesting idea–I’ll subscribe to it, too! How about Project Read Aloud? Readaloution? Read Aloud Now?
Fair enough!
I promise to be one of your first subscribers. 🙂
Hmm. I think I do. I want to make it more universally appealing (not just to librarians and caregivers), and I want it to have a name that signals it’s about early literacy. I’m also making a real effort to establish myself as an “expert” in the world of early literacy learning, and I think I need a place to focus on that. But I’ll think on it some more…
What about Early LitWit or Just LitWit? I didn’t look to see if they were taken or not because I am lazy.
Are you sure you need a separate blog? Obviously it’s your call, but I think it would fit in OK with the rest of the content here already.