Are you a Twitter follower? Do you have your own Twitter handle (account)? We hope so. Social media is a fantastic way to get connected to people and organizations who promote literacy, education, and reading.
There's a worldwide movement out there of organizations and individuals who are passionate - who want to speak out, form communities, and collaborate on important issues like reading strategies and reading help.
You can find the Reading Horizons handle by searching, @ReadingHorizons on Twitter. Currently we have 735 followers. Our aim is to have 2500 followers by the end of 2011 – I hope you can help us reach that lofty goal.
In the meantime, I thought I would be a good Twitter citizen and share with you some of our favorite Twitter handles that wholeheartedly support reading and literacy. Here they are, in no particular order:
1) Dyslexic Kids @Dyslexic_Kids
http://web.me.com/dyslexic.kids/Site/Welcome.html Providing information, support and encouragement to kids and teens with dyslexia.
2) Jeff Schneider @AutismAtHome
Autism Tips, Tricks and Strategies from the Top-Rated Experts. Come check us out! http://www.autismathomeseries.com
3) GED Teacher Center @TeachGED
GED® Teacher Resource Center contains free classroom resources, timely info about GED Tests, teacher-to-teacher communication, & support for NRP's GED workbooks. http://www.newreaderspress.com/ged
4) Books For Kids@booksforkidsorg
Books for Kids Foundation promotes literacy among all children with a special emphasis on low-income and at-risk preschool-aged children. http://www.booksforkids.org
5) Michelle Skamene @ReadingRewards
Reading-Rewards.com is an exciting new reading incentive/reading log website. We're passionate about getting kids reading! http://www.reading-rewards.com
6) Rhonda Lane Phillips @ContentLiteracy
♥Life! Content area literacy advocate. Adjunct instructor: Content Area Reading. Literacy consult/specialist. Author/Writer. Deleted from my dictionary: bored.
7) English Education @MaximizeEnglish
Promoting the proper use of English Language Worldwide. Keeping tabs on English Education, News and Events. http://www.maximizeenglish.com
8) Literacy Quotes @LiteracyQuotes
A teacher affects eternity: he can never tell where his influence stops-Henry Adams. Literacy is not an option.It's a must for all. Be a Literacy Ambassador!
9) Teach For America @TeachForAmerica
Teach For America is the national corps of outstanding recent college graduates who commit to teach for two years in urban and rural public schools. http://www.teachforamerica.org
10) Heidi Hyte @ESLtrail
I have an M.A. in TESOL. I've taught English in the U.S. and abroad. But I mostly just love meeting people from around the world and contributing how I can. http://www.esltrail.com
11) Reading Resource @readingresource
Reading strategies/free teacher resources/free reading activities or just a better understanding of the causes of dyslexia and reading problems. http://www.readingresource.net
12) Lemons for Literacy @Lemons4Literacy
Lemons for Literacy is a vocabulary building game that is available to anyone, anywhere. Every correct answer helps someone learn to read! http://www.readinghorizons.com/lemonsforliteracy
13) Madeline Boskey @MadforReading
I am a developmental psychologist interested in literacy, and helping parents and caretakers find ways to enjoy reading with young children. http://madforreading.blogspot.com
14) Kylene Beers @KyleneBeers
Reading, writing, teaching, trying to become tech-savvy...it's a journey. http://kylenebeers.com
15) Valerie Chernek @valeriechernek
Connecting what works in K-12 & postsecondary education for students with autism, learning & physical disabilities. Assistive technology advocate. Nature girl. http://www.valeriechernek.com
16) LD Online @ldonline
LD OnLine.org is the world's leading website on learning disabilities and ADHD, serving more than 200,000 parents, teachers, and other professionals each month. http://www.ldonline.org/
17) Despite Dyslexia @despitedyslexia
Despite Dyslexia provides hope to families of dyslexic children, working together to provide those children the education they deserve & need to succeed. http://www.wix.com/despitedyslexia/Despite-Dyslexia
18) Everybody Wins! @everybodywins
Everybody Wins builds the love of reading & literacy among low-income kids by bringing volunteers into schools for weekly 1-on-1 lunchtime reading experiences. http://www.everybodywins.org
19 ) Susan Dee @literacydocent
I am a 4th/5th gr. looping teacher who also teaches grad. courses in literacy at University of Southern Maine. I am passionate about reading! http://thebookmavenshaven.blogspot.com/
20) JCorcoran Foundation @JohnCorcoranFDN
Teaching every child and adult to read is an investment in America's future and an act of love. http://www.johncorcoranfoundation.com
And of course, if you want to follow us on Twitter and help us reach our goal, please check us out @ReadingHorizons. Our goal is to provide a dynamic, successful way for people to reach beyond self-imposed limitations and discover new horizons by learning to read. http://www.readinghorizons.com
So, who have we missed? Share your favorite reading, literacy, and education Twitter handles here!