Blog Posts

The Thing About Bees: A Love Letter By: Shabazz Larkin

A true gem for any classroom! Shabazz Larkin’s The Thing about Bees is an “all about”, “how to” and poem all wrapped into one.  A mentor text dream! Second Graders said I never knew bees were so important! I think this book is about courage.  Mr. Larkin was afraid of bees. He wrote this book… Continue reading The Thing About Bees: A Love Letter By: Shabazz Larkin

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Octopus Stew By: Eric Velasquez

  Once again Eric Velasquez continues to help improve my teaching. In his latest book, Octopus Stew, Mr. Velasquez shares his family's love of storytelling and Afro-Latino heritage. Third-grade students notice the thread of family and culture throughout his books.  He continues to inspire the writers in the classrooms in which I work. Kids said:… Continue reading Octopus Stew By: Eric Velasquez

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Follow Chester!: A College Football Team Fights Racism and Makes History By: Gloria Respress-Churchwell

Our students know the stories of Wilma Rudolph, Jackie Robinson, Rosa Parks, Ruby Bridges and Martin Luther King, Jr. It’s so nice to have a fresh look at a lesser known hero named Chester Pierce. Chester was the only African American member of the 1947 Harvard University Football Team. Follow Chester is unlike many of… Continue reading Follow Chester!: A College Football Team Fights Racism and Makes History By: Gloria Respress-Churchwell

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Turtle and Tortoise Are NOT Friends By: Mike Reiss

It didn’t take long for the room to explode into conversation!! Only 2 pages to be exact! “How can they decide not to be friends before they've even gotten to know each other?!” Another responded… “I think they must have been told Turtles and Tortoises can’t be friends!” This was one of those memorable teacher… Continue reading Turtle and Tortoise Are NOT Friends By: Mike Reiss