Visualization and reading enhances true learning, memory and emotional connections

This week I have had the great pleasure to be part of the iConnect iLearn 2015 ‘un’Conference put on by USD #315 with an invitational to all Northwest Kansas teachers, administrators, para’s, librarians and others who work in schools.  For the past four years or so I have been allowed to attend and glean from this conference. Each year I commit to learning at least one technology skill to add to my technology abilities.  In fact, usually I come away with at least three new ways of doing tasks. I always come away more informed and with a better understanding how our children and youth are interacting with technology while in their classes. I come back to our library and work to implement and use these skills for others.

This year is no exception.  I attended several technology sessions. But, what really stuck with me yesterday, was a non-hi-tech sessions. It was entitled, “Visualization: Minds On for the 21^st Century." It was done Lina Zeilger (Principal at Quinter Elementary). She has been working for 25 years teaching and administration.  In the session,  she share with us that she came across the importance of visualizing for students while reading and learning.  This began a journey of research for her.  From this, she has written the book, “Visualization: Using Mental Images to Strengthen Comprehension. Enhancing Writing through Visualization,” 

 I have learned early in my studies as a child that visualization, pictures and imagery help me retain needed information, but I thought this was just a learning style I had. What Zeigler tells us is that this is effective for most people.  She discovered that TV and Internet pictures, concepts, and video’s show us what to think and visualize. But reading and listening to radio or audio-books helps us to learn to visualize.  Many children today have not learned to create their own pictures or images in their minds as they read or learn about a subject.  For today’s children, their imaginary play times are being superseded by technology.  She did not say to take technology away, just use it with discretion. 

One teacher who was a returnee on this subject, stated she implemented this technique with spelling in class.  The students were to draw their words or the concept of the word.  The children found that they were successful at their spelling because they had associated the work and learned what it meant from within and not without. She stated that if a child could not visualize a word, then others in the class helped paint the picture.  Together each child began to succeed.  Those with learning challenges found they were smart in a way, which had not been tapped into. 

What excited me about this topic was reading.  A child will be more successful at comprehension and remembering the theme of a book, a subject, concept or topic if they have first used their mind to think and visualize the characters and descriptions used in the book. Visualization then enhances forming memories and thus, remembering. 

So now you say, but I can’t do that. It’s not coming to me.  A few years ago, I read the book, “Sarah’s Key” (by Tatiana de Rosnay), and the author described the Roubaix or Metro dome in France.  If had no idea what that looked like or how it might have looked.  I could go to Google or a database for help.  That is a great way to use technology. A simple non-fiction item written for junior fiction ages, or using a digital encyclopedia (provided by State Library of Kansas – for free) will help you find out about a subject quick and easy.

Reading novels, historical fiction, and biographies of others has been shown to also enhance the way a person can operate within a situation. Let’s say you have never been in a situation before and you walk into that situation you have been reading about; the fact you read, thought about, and visualized the situation in the book will help you in your real life situation.

Sometimes we have trouble forgetting bad situation.  This is because memory and emotion is merged and enhanced visualization and memory is made.  We can utilize visualization, emotion and thinking in a positive way. What if we used this same technique to enhance our enjoyment? Take a book, read it, visualize.

Push yourself this week; read a book or genre you’ve never read.  Read outside your comfort zone.  Pick up a fantasy or science fiction book.  Pick out a book about an age group or society you know nothing about. Read or listen to a book that challenges you to take time to relax, enjoy and visualize.  If you don't have something like this, go to your local library! The Pioneer Memorial Library where I work, has wonderful resources for its citizens. Our motto is “Bring Words to Life!” Reading and visualizing will help you create, imagine, grow, learn and enjoy!

"Summer's End" by Mary Alice Monroe - is a light-hearted book!

A light-hearted book I read the other day is “The Summer’s End,” by Mary Alice Monroe. This is the last and third book of the Low Country Summer Series. Protagonist Mamaw lives on Sullivan’s Island located in South Carolina.  She calls her home, Sea Breeze. It is August and soon her life will change dramatically. But until then, she has a lot to put into place.  Some of this must come through others however.  She and her best friend Lucille had invited Mamaw’s adult granddaughters for the summer: Harper, Carson and Dora.  Each of the girls spent time at the island when they were much younger; but it has been years since they had time together just as sisters. They came in May and since that time they have had a glorious time renewing their relationships. This is important to each sister for different reasons. Dora’s divorce is almost final, Carson is pregnant and Harper is a bit adrift.  The book fills in the lives of these three along with their love for Mamaw.  Mamaw is eighty years old and has decided to sell Sea Breeze.  Each is having their personal time of reflection at Sea Breeze and this may redirect their paths.  Read this heartwarming book and see what the sea breeze brings. 

Books turned into Movies!

I don't know about you, but I love movies that originated from a popular or classic book.  Our most recent ones of note have been, "The Hobbit," by J.R.R. Tolkien;  "Wild," by Cheryl Strayed; "Unbroken," by Lauren Hillenbrand;  Sarah's Key," by Tatiana de Rosnay; "Book Thief," by Markus Zukas; "Dove Keepers," by Alice Hoffman; "Life of Pi," by Yann Martel; "The Help," by Kathryn Stockett;  Still Alice," by Lisa Genova; Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins; The Divergent Series by Veronica Roth,

There are thousands of books written daily, but to think that some of the most popular movies of today were first books. What would our movie industry do without the contributions of these wonderful literary genius'?

Next time we think people are not interested in a subject, remember that books that were mentioned above have really been enjoyed by the average public.  Often times when someone watches the movie, they then decide they want to read the book.  That is a positive influence.

Those of us who have read the books take our personally created image of the authors writing and want to transfer it to the screen.  Most times, I find some areas of a book that I preferred to the movie.  But recently, I watched the movie "Wild," by Cheryl Strayed.  I found that the movie actually improved the story.  It wasn't that I enjoyed the scenery, I did, but it was that the movie creators cut out some of the extra verbiage that I got bogged down in. Her story was one of success and victory, but I thought her written work could have been edited down a bit more.  The movie did that.  I enjoyed it.

Stars written into novels!

Last week, I told you about a conjunction of Venus and Mars.  It reminded me of authors that always include the positioning of the starts in many of their historical fiction books.  One of these is entitled, “Take This Cup,” by Bodie & Brock Thoene 

The book is what I would describe as an extra-Biblical historical fiction piece. It is book two of the Jerusalem Chronicles.  When I began  he audio book out, I did not realize that it was book two, but the story was not dependent on book one.  

Young protagonist, Nehemiah is born just a few years prior to Jesus’ ministry time. The boy is born to Sarah and Lamsa who are now living in the area described as the area where the Garden of Eden may have been.  They are shepherd’s that graze the sheep throughout the year.  Sarah is a masterful weaver of the sheep wool.  Both live a life devoted to the Lord.  Rabbi Kagba is a shepherd to his flock of those taking care of the sheep. He has taught young Nehemiah his religious lessons.  Something happens that changes the direction of their lives and brings Nehemiah into a path that causes him to fulfill his destiny as given by God.  This book is captivating, imaginative and also great historical description.  If you like this type of story, you will enjoy this book.

Another book written by the Thoene’s is “The Gathering Storm,” This is a historical fiction book written about the Nazi takeover of Europe. They tell about the invasion of Belgium, the escape of many from the shores of France by boats to England and D-Day. Another small picture they bring the reader is the men from WWI who suffered physical dismemberment.  The treatment of a specific number of men is profound. They also bring a little love story and novelty using an ancient story. Their research made this an excellent book. 

Venus and Mars closest conjunction since 2008!

Earth Sky.org tells us that on – February 21, 2015 we will have the ". . . closest conjunction of the planets Venus and Mars since September 11, 2008." They won’t couple up this closely again until October 5, 2017. As soon as darkness falls, look for these embracing worlds to pop out beneath the waxing crescent moon in your western sky. If you have binoculars, aim them at dazzling Venus to see nearby Mars with Venus in a single binocular field of view!

Here is what they tell us: 

     Although Venus and Mars are about the moon’s diameter (1/2 degree) apart on the 

     sky’s dome, these worlds are not particularly close together in space. These two solar 

     system worlds simply align along the same line of sight, as seen from Earth. 

     Today, Venus lodges 1.42 astronomical units (AU) from Earth, while Mars resides 

     beyond Mars at 2.20 AU away.

Though I am no scientist, I love these types of happenings.  If the weather is good enough and I find out I can see this, I want to go and see the skyward event!

In honor of our Presidents! New biographies of Presidents and other famous people

In honor of our celebration of Presidents during February, let me tell you about two new biographies. The first biography is entitled, “41: A Portrait of My Father,” by George W. Bush.  We have it in print and audio-book (CD format). This is a great book written about President George H. W. Bush (George Herbert Walker Bush; born June 12, 1924) written by his son President George W. Bush (George Walker Bush; born July 6, 1946).  It tells the personal insights to the man that became our 41^st president (thus the title, “41”). He tells of his military career, politics but also important to people such as myself is the personal background and story.  Men and women can be great leaders but can they also live a life of love, endurance, faithfulness and victory with those closest to them, their family.  This book shows such a man, one that true leadership classes, books on character and encouraging speeches and articles would be do well to glean and learn from. 

I read a lot of biographies on presidents, their wives and those around them.  I have read the biography entitled, “Barbara Bush: A Memoir” (written in 2003). This book told of the Bushes family background as well. It also highlighted the preparation of the Bushes in service to their country.  I came away from that book with the understanding the George H.W. Bush was one of the best prepared men to be president in the 20^th Century.  This newest book, “41” will also help the reader to glean even more of the preparation of a man for the Presidency.

Another recent non-fiction book on a President is entitled, “The Stranger: Barack Obama In the White House,” by Chuck Todd.  Todd is the moderator of Meet the Press and Former NBC News Chief White House Correspondent (front cover). Todd endeavors to tell the reader how President Barack Obama (Barack Hussein Obama II; born August 4, 1961) won the Presidency as an outsider of Washington (2008). He tells how his vision of hope and change became very hard to implement in a culture within Washington D.C. (from both parties) that challenged his agenda. Todd brings hundreds of interviews in this book to discuss the victories and the failures of this man as president.  He thinks that the title, ‘“The Stranger” defines what “Obamaism” really is and what the president stands for. . .’ (front flap). He shows the power struggles and agendas of many of the important players within Washington.  Like all books written about someone famous, the author always brings their colored glasses to the presentation.  Be sure and consider the authors reasons for writing the book, their political leanings and the audience they are writing to. These will all influence the tone and presentation. 

After reading many biographies and books outlining political careers of mighty men and women, what I always come away with is that there is never any shortage of intrigue, power struggles and agendas on all sides.  Many of us average citizens are just not privy to them.  Read, learn and challenge yourself to read and see from the author’s point of view.

Historical fiction you may really enjoy!

A new historical fiction item is entitled “Edge of Eternity,” by Ken Follett.  This is book three of the Century Trilogy.  If you don’t like to hold an almost 1100 page book, check it out on eBook from you library. This book covers the 1960’s, 70’s and 80’s.  It will introduce the readers to such large events of the Cuban Missile Crisis, civil rights, Vietnam, the Berlin Wall and more.  Chapter one introduces Rebecca Hoffmann and her husband Hans. They are living in East Berlin—the communist side. Hans works for the Ministry of Justice.  Rebecca is currently a teacher in a government school.  She had come from a political family before the fall of Berlin and the communist takeover.  Her beloved grandfather had been part of the Social Democrat Party, not the Socialist Unity Party. She had decided that she would not join the Socialist Unity Party. She knew that this would limit her rise in any profession she chose. She decided to go into teaching.  Now she teaches Russian and English; a strange match really. Hans is a lawyer. She has been married several years and has yet to meet his associates.  She thinks this strange and he promises to arrange a casual affair after work so she can meet them. That assuages her fears. But today just before her first class she has received a notice to appear from the Ministry for State Security.  The appointment is for five that afternoon.  This physically shakes Rebecca because she does not know what this could be about.  But things are changing in East Germany.  What she would experience in the next few hours would rock her world!

A great fiction book with some historical elements or possibilities is entitled, “The Assassination Option,” by W.E.B. Griffin and William E. Butterworth IV. This is book two of the Clandestine Operations series. Webb has placed a two page dedication to persons he believes should be mentioned and honored.  The first four are those who are dead but have gone before in intelligence and military operations to defeat our enemy.  The next section of this dedication is for the living who may have retired from the action, and then the new breed who are current officers.  He ends with loving memory to three others and then tells us that “our nation owes these patriots a debt beyond repayment.”

The prologue of this item tells us the history of German, Russian, England and the American relationships and agreements in early 1943.  The United Nations was set up and the framework for the Nuremberg war trials put in place.  It discusses the quid pro quos also given to Russia even though they had murdered at least 21,768 Polish soldiers by gun point. An atrocity they would never be held accountable for! Web then brings us up to December 1945 at the Walter Reed Army Medical Center. Rear Admiral Sidney Souers was visiting injured CIA operative from Argentina, Major Maxwell Ashton III after an attempt on his life. After he discussed with Souers his future desire to stay with the agency, Souers discussed his future assignment, how it would intertwine with other agents such as James Cronley.   Web intertwines a lot of history with the telling of this dramatic story.  Once you get some of the characters in place you are ready to be catapulted into action.  Hope you enjoy the read.