Here’s the weekly blog plan! Again, please remember this is subject to change and is dependent upon whether or not my materials come in from the library as planned. I realize that this may fall too late for you to use in your classroom this year, but the activities will definitely swing from year-to-year! If you see something you really wante to incorporate into your classroom, leave me a comment on this post or send me an e-mail, kateh12783@hotmail.com. I’d be glad to provide you with the links I have, if nothing more!
Monday, January 12 – National Clean-Off-Your-Desk Day (second Monday in January)
o Messy Bessey’s School Desk, Pat McKissack
o Second Grade Rules, Amber Brown, Paula Danziger
o Super-Completely and Totally the Messiest, Judith Viorst
Tuesday, January 13 – Michael Bond’s Birthday (83)
o Choose 3 Paddington stories
Wednesday, January 14 – National Oatmeal Month
o Don’t Forget the Oatmeal, B.G. Ford
o Oats and Wild Apples, Frank Asch
Thursday, January 15 – Martin Luther King, Jr. Birthday (80)
o A Picture Book of Martin Luther King, Jr, David Adler
o Thank You, Dr. King, Robin Reid
o My Dream of Martin Luther King, Faith Ringgold
Friday January 16 – National Nothing Day
o Ma! There’s Nothing to do Here!, Barbara Park
o There’s Nothing to Do on Mars, Chris Gall
o Nothing to Do, Douglas Wood
Saturday, January 10, 2009
Friday, January 9, 2009
Richard Nixon's Birth Anniversary
According to The Teacher's Calendar, 2008-2009,
Jan 9, 1913. Richard Nixon served as the 36th vice president of the US (under Dwight D. Eisenhower) Jan 20, 1953 to Jan 20, 1961. He was the 37th president of the US, serving Jan 20, 1969 to Aug 9, 1974, when he resigned the presidency while under threat of impeachment. First US president to resign that office. He was born at Yorba Linda, CA, and died at New York, NY, Apr 22, 1994.
Well, I'm sorry to have to report that the books I had ordered from the local library about Richard Nixon did not come in. I have decided to post the links that I had... perhaps they may still come in handy to some of you!
Links about Richard Nixon:
Jan 9, 1913. Richard Nixon served as the 36th vice president of the US (under Dwight D. Eisenhower) Jan 20, 1953 to Jan 20, 1961. He was the 37th president of the US, serving Jan 20, 1969 to Aug 9, 1974, when he resigned the presidency while under threat of impeachment. First US president to resign that office. He was born at Yorba Linda, CA, and died at New York, NY, Apr 22, 1994.
Well, I'm sorry to have to report that the books I had ordered from the local library about Richard Nixon did not come in. I have decided to post the links that I had... perhaps they may still come in handy to some of you!
Links about Richard Nixon:
Thursday, January 8, 2009
Marjorie Priceman
Marjorie Priceman is the illustrator of three Caldecott Honor books. She debuted her work as author and artist in 1989. Since her debut work, Priceman has written and illustrated more than a 9 children's pictures books. She has also illustrated a number of other works, including Katie Couric's The Brand New Kid and The Blue Ribbon Day. Her most recent published work is How to Make a Cherry Pie and See the World.
Today, January 8, is Marjorie Priceman's birthday. She turns 53. To honor her birthday, I have three reviews for you today, one of which were written and illustrated by Priceman and two which she illustrated. Enjoy!
Priceman, Marjorie. How to Make an Apple Pie and See the
Today, January 8, is Marjorie Priceman's birthday. She turns 53. To honor her birthday, I have three reviews for you today, one of which were written and illustrated by Priceman and two which she illustrated. Enjoy! MacDonald, Amy. Rachel Fister’s Blister. 1990. Houghton
Mifflin Company:
Ages: 5-8
Genre: Fiction
Guided Reading Level: J
Review/Summary:
This could be perhaps one of the funniest books I have ever read! The author’s use of rhymes throughout add to the humorous text, as it’s sometimes difficult to find a word other than liquor that would rhyme with “Vicar Wicker.” Children will love this story and in reading, you might just find yourself almost singing the story!
Little Rachel Fister has discovered the unbelievable – a blister – on her “little left-hand toe.” In telling her mother (a simple action on behalf of little Rachel), Mrs. Fister’s reaction results in a tail-spinning fury, as she calls in her backups (Mister Fister, the farmer, the doctor, the nurse, Rachel’s brothers, her little sister, the rabbi, the maid, pastor, postman, fireman, police, the vicar, and the queen) at her own inability to figure out what Rachel really needs – her mother’s sympathy!
Lesson Plans/Book Activities:
Moss, Lloyd. Zin! Zin! Zin!: A Violin. 1995. Simon &
Schuster Books for Young Readers:
Ages: 4-8
Genre: Children’s Educational (Counting, Music)
Guided
Review/Summary:
This rhyming book will certainly captivate those young readers who are beginning to notice rhymes. It would also fit well for students who are interested in music or would find a welcoming home on any music teacher’s desk, as there’s much to be learned about music in this picture book – musical instruments and groups. The text also doubles as a counting book, introducing students to number 1-10 and their musical variety.
As the story begins, a solo (one) trombonist enters the stage, setting the path for the other nine instruments and musicians that make their way on stage for the concert as the completion of the chamber group (ten musicians) eventually appear. The rhyming text will catch the attention of young readers while providing them with a beginner’s musical background!
Lesson Plans/Book Activities:
- http://www.nhptv.org/kn/itv/guides/caldnewb_zinzinzin_a_violin.pdf
- http://www.canlearn.com/ReadingR/5-4486SG.pdf
Priceman, Marjorie. How to Make an Apple Pie and See the World. 1994. Alfred A. Knopf:
Ages: 6-8
Genre: Fiction – Adventure, Comedy, Humor
Guided
Review/Summary:
In this humorous book, children will not only learn how to make an apple pie (courtesy of the recipe on the final page), they will also learn what really is involved in getting all those ingredients that are used to make the pie! The book is a cultural adventure that will leave children longing to read the story again and again. It provides a wonderful opportunity for sequencing and a quest around the world! The ending to the story poses an interesting idea to have students write their own similar story, How to Make Vanilla Ice Cream and See the…
A young girl sets out to make an apple pie, knowing just how easy they are to make. However, she runs into an unexpected glitch – the market is closed! With the market closed, the little girl sets off on a journey around the world to collect the finest of ingredients that are needed to make her apple pie… semolina wheat, an egg from a chicken, cinnamon from a kurundu tree, a milk from a cow to churn butter, saltwater from the sea, sugar cane from the sugar plantation, and apples from a Vermont orchard.
Lesson Plans/Book Activities:
- http://www.atozteacherstuff.com/pages/134.shtml
- http://www.econed.org/html/lessons/data/How%20to%20Make%20a%20Apple%20Pie%20and%20See%20the%20World.pdf
- http://coe.ilstu.edu/iga/LITERACY%20LPS/see_the_world_through_an_apple_p.htm
- http://www.iupui.edu/~geni/lesson_plans.html
- http://www.storybookart.com/meet_mpriceman.html
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
Christmas in Russia
The story of Baboushka is a Russian Christmas legend that has been told for centuries. For those of you unaware, Baboushka (meaning grandmother), is the Russian version of Saint Nicholas, a beloved Christmas hero to children. Many stories have been told over the years; and today, the Russian Christmas Celebration, I have reviewed two versions of this legend, one a Caldecott Medal winner from 1960 and the other, a newer version, published in 2001.
Scholey, Arthur. Baboushka: A Christmas Folktale from Russia. 2001. Candlewick Press: Cambridge, MA.
Ages: 4-10
Genre: Folktales/Fairytales
Guided Reading Level:
This was no doubt my favorite of the two tales of Baboushka. The colorful illustrations by Helen Cann add to the wonderfully written story by Scholey. I was immediately draw into the story, as the illustrations themself are capable of providing a story. Unlike Baboushka and the Three Kings, children will likely be drawn to the story and anxious to find out whether or not Baboushka finds the royal baby, Jesus Christ.
Baboushka is depicted as one would imagine a grandmother - proud to keep her home clean and well kept; welcoming and providing to those that show up at her door, offering a place to rest and a feast. When the three kings show up at her door looking for a shelter as they await nightfall and the starlit sky as they follow "the star," which they believe will lead them to the newborn king of Heaven and Earth. They offer her to go along and join them in their search, but Baboushka felt she had much too work to accomplish at home and tells them she will join them "tomorrow." One day Baboushka notices just how alone she is and sets out in search of the kings. However, upon reaching Bethlehem, the place where several villagers had assured her the kings were traveling to, Baboushka is filled with disappointment to discover that the kings and the royal baby are no where to be found. The tale ends to say that Baboushka, to this day continues to search for the Christ child and that during her search, year after year, when she finds a sleeping child she leaves a toy behind for the child.
Robbins, Ruth. Baboushka and the Three Kings. 1960. Houghton Mifflin Company: Boston, MA.
Ages: 5-10
Genre: Folktales/Fairytales
Guided Reading Level: O
The tale itself is virtually the same as that told in Baboushka: A Christmas Tale from Russia, however I found the story much harder to follow. For every illustrated page, there is a full page of text. The illustrations did not capture my attention, as they appear to be marker drawn and lack an abundance of color. However, this version of the tale of Baboushka would be beneficial if trying to just tell the tale itself, perhaps for older children who don't rely on illustrations for text understanding. For my personal reading pleasures, I would definitely chose Baboushka: A Christmas Folktale from Russia.
Links/Lesson Plans:
Scholey, Arthur. Baboushka: A Christmas Folktale from Russia. 2001. Candlewick Press: Cambridge, MA.Ages: 4-10
Genre: Folktales/Fairytales
Guided Reading Level:
This was no doubt my favorite of the two tales of Baboushka. The colorful illustrations by Helen Cann add to the wonderfully written story by Scholey. I was immediately draw into the story, as the illustrations themself are capable of providing a story. Unlike Baboushka and the Three Kings, children will likely be drawn to the story and anxious to find out whether or not Baboushka finds the royal baby, Jesus Christ.
Baboushka is depicted as one would imagine a grandmother - proud to keep her home clean and well kept; welcoming and providing to those that show up at her door, offering a place to rest and a feast. When the three kings show up at her door looking for a shelter as they await nightfall and the starlit sky as they follow "the star," which they believe will lead them to the newborn king of Heaven and Earth. They offer her to go along and join them in their search, but Baboushka felt she had much too work to accomplish at home and tells them she will join them "tomorrow." One day Baboushka notices just how alone she is and sets out in search of the kings. However, upon reaching Bethlehem, the place where several villagers had assured her the kings were traveling to, Baboushka is filled with disappointment to discover that the kings and the royal baby are no where to be found. The tale ends to say that Baboushka, to this day continues to search for the Christ child and that during her search, year after year, when she finds a sleeping child she leaves a toy behind for the child.
Robbins, Ruth. Baboushka and the Three Kings. 1960. Houghton Mifflin Company: Boston, MA.Ages: 5-10
Genre: Folktales/Fairytales
Guided Reading Level: O
The tale itself is virtually the same as that told in Baboushka: A Christmas Tale from Russia, however I found the story much harder to follow. For every illustrated page, there is a full page of text. The illustrations did not capture my attention, as they appear to be marker drawn and lack an abundance of color. However, this version of the tale of Baboushka would be beneficial if trying to just tell the tale itself, perhaps for older children who don't rely on illustrations for text understanding. For my personal reading pleasures, I would definitely chose Baboushka: A Christmas Folktale from Russia.
Links/Lesson Plans:
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
Bon Appetit!
Bienvenue en France!Lexi Stuart has left behind her family, her best friend Tanya, and her sort-of boyfriend Dan, to start anew in France. Book #2 in the French Twist series by Sandra Byrd quickly picks up where we were left in Let Them Eat Cake.
Luc and his family offered Lexi the chance to travel to France ($2500.00 at her expense) to have the chance of a lifetime - attend pastry school, work at Delacroix Bakery and live rent-free in the "perfectly petite cottage" that had, in the past been home to the bread ovens for the family-run bakery.
As Lexi embarks on this new chapter in her life, we find her experiencing the trials and tribulations of daily life: high expectations at pastry school, fitting in at the Delacroix Bakery and of course, Phillipe (Luc does have a handsome French brother!) and a budding relationship with Phillipe's daughter, Celine.
The story takes a turn in it's final pages, though. Upon graduating with honors from pastry school, Lexi receives two offers, both of which sound too good to be true - staying in France (in hopes of a budding relationship with Phillipe) and working at the bakery in Versailles as pastry and bread chef, or returning to the States (in hopes of a budding relationship with Dan) where the Delacroix family will be opening a 3rd bakery, Bijoux to decorate cakes, chocolates and tartes.
What decision does Lexi make? What influences her decision? That, I refuse to give away, but I will say, the story does not disappoint! Just when I think I'm going to be left to imagine what happens as a result of Lexi's choice, I turn the page and discover that there is going to be a third book in the French Twist series!!! The disappointment? I'm going to have to wait until Fall 2009 to get my hands on it...
Let Them Eat Cake
Here it is! Adult read #1 for 2009. It's also #1 for my 1st in a Series Challenge - 2009! I've browsed at this book numerous times but for some reason always passed it by. However, Amanda from A Patchwork of Books, a long-time personal friend of mine, sent the first two books in this series, French Twist, by Sandra Byrd back in the end of 2008. I finally got around to reading it and now I'm kicking myself for not getting to it sooner! Not only did I read #1 in the series, but I've also now finished #2, Bon Appetit. In fact, I'm appalled that I now have to wait Fall '09 to finish off the series! I think the reason that I was so drawn to this series is that as I was reading I noticed so much of myself in the main character, Alexandra (Lexi) Stuart.Lexi is fresh out of college with a degree in French studies - a degree she's dreamed about for years, but now has no idea how it's going to benefit her life. Fired from her first job (reviewing/editing recipes) out of college, Lexi now must figure out what will be the next phase of her life. Without letting on to family members that she's lost her job, Lexi sets out in search of what turns out to be the "dream job..." at least that's the way book #2 in the series has it ending! Lexi enters a French bakery one day during her job search with the intent of ordering a cafe. She leaves with a job application after conversing with Luc, manager of L'Esperance Bakery. Ultimately, Luc offers Lexi a job and the real story begins!
The recipes, Wikipedia articles, and personal notes added throughout the story only add to the long list of things that drew me in to the series. It's chick-lit at it's finest!
Lion-Tailed Macaques
On January 6, 1989, lion-tailed macaques were born at the Woodland Park Zoo in Seattle. The zoo, originally considered a gorilla habitat opened its doors in the late 1970's. This zoo is one of several that serves as a habitat for approximately 368 Macaque that partake in a breeding program to help ensure the survival of the species. Obviously the species are rare and quite unheard of as I was only able to find 1 book to review from the local library system. Several other books have been published and I have provided names/authors for those along with several links about the species.
Overbeck, Cynthia. Monkeys: The Japanese Macaques. 1981 (1971). Lerner Publications Company: Minneapolis, MN.
Macaque (muk-KAK), the monkey of topic in this book reside in the wild in several places throughout the world: the southern coast of Spain, North Africa, Asia, islands of the Pacific and Japan. As can be distinguished from the title, these Macaque monkeys reside in Japan and two species are mentioned: those living along the southern islands, and those living in the Japanese Alps, who have become known as snow monkeys. Survival of babies, grooming, feeding and behavior are just a few of the topics mentioned in great detail throughout.
This book, while much older than I would have preferred for a review, is quite informational. The non-fiction text would be appropriate for older children, as the language would be difficult for young children unless they are very big fans of monkeys! This book would probably fit best in a classroom library with the designated purpose of research, as the lengthy text would probably quickly result in the loss of student attention, unless you have an avid monkey fan among the students!
Websites about the Macaque species:
Overbeck, Cynthia. Monkeys: The Japanese Macaques. 1981 (1971). Lerner Publications Company: Minneapolis, MN.Macaque (muk-KAK), the monkey of topic in this book reside in the wild in several places throughout the world: the southern coast of Spain, North Africa, Asia, islands of the Pacific and Japan. As can be distinguished from the title, these Macaque monkeys reside in Japan and two species are mentioned: those living along the southern islands, and those living in the Japanese Alps, who have become known as snow monkeys. Survival of babies, grooming, feeding and behavior are just a few of the topics mentioned in great detail throughout.
This book, while much older than I would have preferred for a review, is quite informational. The non-fiction text would be appropriate for older children, as the language would be difficult for young children unless they are very big fans of monkeys! This book would probably fit best in a classroom library with the designated purpose of research, as the lengthy text would probably quickly result in the loss of student attention, unless you have an avid monkey fan among the students!
Websites about the Macaque species:
- Smithsonian National Zoological Park - Macaques
- Woodland Park Zoo, Seattle, WA - Factsheet
- America Zoo - Macaques
- Hana's Year, Carol Talley
- See No Evil, Emmett Davis
- Snow Monkeys, Mae Woods
Monday, January 5, 2009
That Sweet Diamond, Poetry for Boys
As a member at kidlitosphere, I have seen a request come through asking about boys. This isn't specifically for boys, but I think many boys would enjoy it!
Janeczko, Paul B. That Sweet Diamond. 1998.
Simon & Schuster: New York, NY.
Ages: 8-12
Genre: Poetry/Anthology
Guided Reading Level:
Summary:
With the pastel pictures and baseball theme, this book of poems is sure to please the boys and baseball lovers in the classroom! The anthology also addresses all the different aspects of a typical baseball game – the fielding positions to the vendors.
Lesson Plans/Book Activities:
http://www.projectview.org/BBHOFEFT.ELARobinson.htm
http://www.noycefdn.org/literacy/documents/KWRReadingLikeWriters050705.pdf
Janeczko, Paul B. That Sweet Diamond. 1998.Simon & Schuster: New York, NY.
Ages: 8-12
Genre: Poetry/Anthology
Guided Reading Level:
Summary:
With the pastel pictures and baseball theme, this book of poems is sure to please the boys and baseball lovers in the classroom! The anthology also addresses all the different aspects of a typical baseball game – the fielding positions to the vendors.
Lesson Plans/Book Activities:
http://www.projectview.org/BBHOFEFT.ELARobinson.htm
http://www.noycefdn.org/literacy/documents/KWRReadingLikeWriters050705.pdf
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