Cover of the January/February 2022 journal "Social Studies and the Young Learner" published by the NCSS. This week I had the gift of time with K-5 educators across my district participating in the final of four "curriculum council" meetings we've shared this year. Teachers were first provided time to prepare by first reading a January/February… Continue reading Sparking Teacher Learning through Picture Books, Professional Journals, and Conversation
Month: April 2022
“To write stories, he thinks, is the greatest of things”
With poetic rhyming and vivid illustrations, Andrea Beaty and David Roberts do it again with the latest addition to the Questioneers series. Miss Greer, the teacher we have come to love has a class full of characters, Ada the scientist, Rosie the engineer, Iggy the architect, Sofia the future president, and now Aaron the illustrator.… Continue reading “To write stories, he thinks, is the greatest of things”
Nigel and the Moon, written by Antwan Eady and illustrated by Gracey Zhang
Not fitting in. Feeling out of place. Hiding within oneself. Relatable feelings, for sure! Debut author Antwan Eady and artist Gracey Zhang illustrate evolving confidence through the character of Nigel. The story follows Nigel’s thoughts and actions during Career Week at his school. Nigel is enthusiastic about his dreams of becoming an astronaut, a dancer,… Continue reading Nigel and the Moon, written by Antwan Eady and illustrated by Gracey Zhang
Lunchtime with Samnang
Many of our students and their families recently celebrated Cambodian New Year. This year our second graders got to visit with Tracy Guan, author of Lunchtime with Samnang, during this special time of year. Tracy Guan was looking for diverse books for her young son when she realized there wasn't much available that represented him… Continue reading Lunchtime with Samnang
DINNER ON DOMINGOS
DINNER ON DOMINGOS by Alexandra Katona with illustrations by Claudia Navarro is a gorgeous story of family tradition that subtly explores the challenges faced by our narrator, Alejandra, as she hopes to connect with her beloved Abuelita. This story lovingly immerses the reader in Abuelita's casa for a weekly family meal. The energy of this… Continue reading DINNER ON DOMINGOS
New From Here
by Kelly Yang Love is the only vaccine for hate.” I’m an elementary school teacher. I have three elementary school-aged children of my own. Two years and an eternity into congruent pandemics - a war with a virus and another with racism - while much of life has resumed “business-as-usual,” my colleagues and I often… Continue reading New From Here
Readers’ Theater
Scholastic StoryworksCinderella: The True Story by Louise Rozett and Monique D. Hall How do you engage students the day before vacation? How do you engage students the day before vacation after two days of ELA state testing? On Friday, I decided that READERS' THEATER was the way to go. Readers’ theater is a great way for students to practice reading… Continue reading Readers’ Theater
How War Changed Rondo
One day during a class meeting a student told the class she was interested in social justice issues. Another student added she wanted to learn about Ukraine. The funny thing is I don't even remember what we were talking about, but I heard them. Later on, I was reading NCTE's CLA blog and read about… Continue reading How War Changed Rondo
Not Little By Maya Myers Pictures By Hyewon Yum
Not LittleBy: Maya MyersPictures By: Hyewon Yum Not Little, written by Maya Myers and illustrated by Hyewon Yum, is the story of Dot who is small, but mighty. When people around her underestimate her abilities, she likes to prove them wrong. Being small doesn't mean she can't do things like everyone else and she let's… Continue reading Not Little By Maya Myers Pictures By Hyewon Yum
I Am Golden
I Am Golden, by Eva Chen, illustrated by Sophie Diao, is a love letter from Mei’s parents to their daughter, explaining her name and how her differences can be powerful. They tell her she has a golden flame on the inside. She is made of “dragons, of phoenixes, of jade rabbits, and of monkey kings.” … Continue reading I Am Golden
Snowman-Cold=Puddle by Laura Purdie Salas, illustrations by Micha Archer
Snowman-Cold=Puddle by Laura Purdie Salas, Illustrated by Micha Archer April 10, 2022 We can't let April get by without digging into some poetry. One of my favorite poetry books that can act as a mentor for equation poems is Snowman-Cold = Puddle. Simple equations anchor this book while the author adds some explanatory details about… Continue reading Snowman-Cold=Puddle by Laura Purdie Salas, illustrations by Micha Archer
Shelby and Watts: Tide Pool Troubles by Ashlyn Anstee
I usually choose the next book I want to read and share with teachers and students, but this book chose me. I was leaving the Children’s Department of my local library where Shelby and Watts: Tide Pool Troubles was on display. The brightly colored cover and spirited animals on the front caught my eye and… Continue reading Shelby and Watts: Tide Pool Troubles by Ashlyn Anstee
Dragonboy, by Fabio Napoleoni
Dragonboy, by Fabio Napoleoni, opens with a little boy waking up in his bed “behind the farthest door down the hall”. In his room, we see a dragon costume as well as several stuffed animals of different varieties. The boy gets dressed in his dragon costume and greets his stuffed friends. As you turn to… Continue reading Dragonboy, by Fabio Napoleoni
Resource for Young Adult and Adult Readers
ratedreads.com Have you ever finally settled down with a book that you’ve been ever so patiently waiting to read, just to be completely disheartened by the language or the nature of the content? Or, have you perused your teen’s required reading or friend suggestions to your utter dismay! It seems to me that more frequently… Continue reading Resource for Young Adult and Adult Readers
Chester van Chime Who Forgot How to Rhyme by Avery Monsen and illustrated by Abby Hanlon
"There once was a youngster named Chester van Chime, who woke up one day and forgot how to...make words sound alike." April is National Poetry Month, and my students and I kicked it off with a hilarious new picture book by Avery Monsen. Chester van Chime loves to rhyme, but one day he wakes, and… Continue reading Chester van Chime Who Forgot How to Rhyme by Avery Monsen and illustrated by Abby Hanlon