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An Evolving “Wall of Fame” – Our Very Own #OwnVoices

As a 4th grade classroom teacher this year, I learned very quickly that building our classroom culture and community was more critical than ever. Our class meets in person, five days a week, which is amazing. However, the reality is that students are often absent, and when they are, it is for stretches of time… Continue reading An Evolving “Wall of Fame” – Our Very Own #OwnVoices

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The Highest Tribute: Thurgood Marshall’s Life, Leadership and Legacy

There are so many things about this book that makes it essential in today's classroom. First of all, the story and legacy of Thurgood Marshall is a story every child should know. He is the first Black justice of the U.S Supreme Court. This fact in itself should hold space in a classroom for conversations,… Continue reading The Highest Tribute: Thurgood Marshall’s Life, Leadership and Legacy

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Kamala and Maya’s Big Idea by Meena Harris

One of the bright spots of our current hybrid model is teaching a 'Changing the World' persuasive writing unit at first grade. This unit typically taught in the last quarter of kindergarten focuses on change-making. Initially student think of problems in their every day work and make posters and songs to encourage change. The young… Continue reading Kamala and Maya’s Big Idea by Meena Harris

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The Undefeated, written by Kwame Alexander and illustrated by Kadir Nelson

"A love letter to black America" ~ Kwame Alexander https://youtu.be/pLCLX8xW11k Author Kwame Alexander is a wonderful example of the power of perseverance.  In the video below he talks about getting his book Crossover published, and the seventeen or eighteen rejections he received before being successful. Then he talks about his book The Undefeated . https://youtu.be/6CLWVHObYms… Continue reading The Undefeated, written by Kwame Alexander and illustrated by Kadir Nelson

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All Thirteen: The Incredible Cave Rescue of the Thai Boys’ Soccer Team by Christina Soontornvat

Every human being should read All Thirteen by Christina Soontornvat. You may be thinking, ‘Wait! What? Did she just write, “Every human being should read All Thirteen?” ‘ Yes, that is what I wrote, and I stand behind my words. All Thirteen is a narrative nonfiction text that shows when we are willing to collaborate… Continue reading All Thirteen: The Incredible Cave Rescue of the Thai Boys’ Soccer Team by Christina Soontornvat

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Day 40 Part II – “Now It All Makes Sense. That Is Why It Is Hard.”

On the day before winter break, a student shared with me that school felt hard, and I left for break without a chance to listen (To read part 1, click here.) This comment surprised me, as reading, writing, and math seem easy for him, and I am continually thinking about how to extend his learning.… Continue reading Day 40 Part II – “Now It All Makes Sense. That Is Why It Is Hard.”

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Little People, Big Dreams: Martin Luther King Jr.

Little People, Big Dreams Martin Luther King Jr. Written by Maria Isabel Sánchez Vegara Illustrated by Mai Ly Degnan  This past weekend, I took home a stack of books about Martin Luther King Jr., determined to think about and plan a read aloud for our whole school. Our Diversity, Equality, and Inclusion Committee at our… Continue reading Little People, Big Dreams: Martin Luther King Jr.

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CeCe Loves Science: Push and Pull by Kimberly Derting & Shelli R. Johannes

What do you get for holiday and birthday presents when your aunt is a former elementary school literacy specialist and current elementary school principal? Books of course! I was so excited to find this title as a gift for my four year old niece this year. She has developed a real interest in science lately,… Continue reading CeCe Loves Science: Push and Pull by Kimberly Derting & Shelli R. Johannes

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My Footprints written by Bao Phi, Illustrated by Basia Tran

Fans of A Different Pond, will be thrilled to see a new offering by Bao Phi. Reading this book with Jennifer Serravallo's book club this summer, I was excited by what it offers to readers and especially to young writers. I tucked this book away, hoping to use it when the weather and the study… Continue reading My Footprints written by Bao Phi, Illustrated by Basia Tran

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Saving Savannah

by Tonya Bolden There must be change! And if last night taught me anything, it's that I must be a part of that change! Part of making the world as it ought to be. -Savannah Robyn and Autumn share their thoughts about Saving Savannah by Tonya Bolden Saving Savannah by Tonya Bolden is a historical… Continue reading Saving Savannah

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A Little Spot Takes Action Series

by Diane Alber Alber’s first publication, I’m not Just a Scribble, was released in 2017. Since then, Alber has graced the literary community with single editions and box sets that not only inspire readers to explore and appreciate their own creativity, but also revive the reader’s thinking about the kind of values, morals, and characteristics… Continue reading A Little Spot Takes Action Series

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Seven Golden Rings: A Tale of Music and Math by Rajani LaRocca and illustrated by Archana Sreenivasan

I am ringing in the new year with great hope and anticipation of better days ahead. I’m hoping to see my students faces in person and not on the checkerboard of Zoom. I’m hoping to put some of the great books from my classroom library right into their hands. Last month, I had the pleasure… Continue reading Seven Golden Rings: A Tale of Music and Math by Rajani LaRocca and illustrated by Archana Sreenivasan