As many of you know, I have been a Literacy Specialist in New York City public schools for over seventeen years.  Throughout my tenure, I have had a first-hand look at how reading affects children positively in every aspect of their life.  As a result, I am always on the lookout for opportunities for kids to improve their comprehension through creativity.     Netflix has recently announced their first interactive "branching" narrative episodes Puss in Book: Trapped in an Epic Tale and Buddy Thunderstruck: The Maybe Pile, where Netflix members have control over how the story develops and ultimately unfolds.  Non-linear stories like these allow children to tap into their imagination and to really think about the story elements and events taking place involving the characters.     My son and I recently had the opportunity to be among the first Netflix Stream Teamers to experience this interactive storytelling together.  As an educator, it was so rewarding to see him so engaged … [Read more...]