The Name Jar- Yangsook Choi

Do you have children with unique names?

The Name Jar maybe just the book to read to encourage pride in your child or students' uniqueness.

Unhei (pronounced Yoon-hye), embarrassed  by how different her name is from her classmates, invites them to make suggestions for her to choose another one. The story takes a delightful turn when one of her classmates step in and decides it's best if she keeps her own name.

You can complement this book with conversations started with  questions.
1. What does your name mean? Why do you like your name?
2. Why is it important for us to accept each other?
3. Why is Joey a good friend? What are some characteristics of being a good friend?

As an activity, you can have your children research the meaning of his/her name and for that day wear that word on a name tag or hat. Children call each other by that word for the day.
(Side note: if a student doesn't like the meaning of their name and would not like to be called by it, they can simply do the activity with their real name.

Let me know how this worked for your kids.

Happy Reading,
Elle

The Empty Pot by Demi- A little known book that should be in every classroom library

How can you have an effective conversation on the importance of telling the truth with young children in a way that they get it?
This simple picture book may be  your answer.

The Empty Pot by Demi tells a tale of young Ping who tries to grow a flower for the Emperor, who happens to love flowers. Everyone else can do it; they present to the Emperor beautiful plants but Ping arrives in his presence with just an empty pot.

Watch your kiddos as they listen to what happens next.

Ask your students why do they believe Ping came with an Empty Pot. Did he do the right thing? What happened as a result of him telling the truth? Should you always tell the truth even when it is difficult?

The unique illustrations are all done in a plate-like shape- have your students create artistic scenes on paper plates.

This is a wonderful book to dove-tail a class study on the country of China. Painting flowers and cherry blossoms on paper plates or screen paper would also go together well.

Happy Reading,
Elle

Chrysanthemum- Kevin Henkes

I always love picking up a book by Kevin Henkes.   My most favorite is his sweet book Chrysanthemum. A perfect read aloud.

If you've got a problem in your classroom with bullying-

If you've got children who constantly pick on each other- 

this tale may be exactly what to read to kiddos to get them talking 

about how to treat someone who has a different name, clothing, 

hairstyle, etc... from themselves. 

Use this book to teach self-esteem and embracing one's differences. 

Also, here is another resource. 

Happy Reading,

Elle

Aunt Chip an the Great Triple Creek Dam Affair- Patricia Pollacco

I love Patricia Pollaco!

She has written many books that open up opportunities for great discussions with kiddos. Aunt Chip and the Geat Triple Creek Dam Affair is no exception.


The short review on the book is this: young Eli lives in a shabby town with his favorite cat-loving odd aunt, Charlotte. He goes to her home where he learns of something he never heard of before- you can get stories from books if you read them.

Eli had never heard of "reading" before. He doesn't know what it is or how to do it. Aunt Charlotte or Chip- decides to teach him.

The book is mesmerizing.

If you are a teacher, this may take you two class periods to read, but take your time! You can get a good conversation cooking in your classroom and some fun projects so don't rush it.

ACTIVITIES
Debate-For older kids (grades 3-5) you have a debate on whether too much T.V is harmful or not and why. What are some other alternatives?

Class Discussion- Is this book fiction or non-fiction? What are some of the fiction and non-fiction elements?

Writing- Which is the best book you've ever read and why? Why are books important? Aunt Chip was influential in Eli's life, who is the most influential person in your life? Why?

Create- Students K-5 can make their own tales- a wonderful project that will take a few days; students mimic Pollacco's art using watercolors; act out the most dramatic scene (practicing how to recognize climaxes).

Also, click here for more ideas.    

What are your ideas for this Patricia Pollacco book?

Happy Reading,
Elle

7 Books in 7 Days Challenge July 20-26, 2016

I'm getting ready for a much-needed vacation, but I've realized that I've neglected to read kids' lit, write reviews, and recommend some cool activities.

In an attempt redeem myself, I'm giving myself a challenge: seven books in seven days! Kind of a motivation to make me feel that I've really really earned my vacation.

So, with that out of the way, I'll give you a challenge too: Write a comment to ALL seven books.

Let's keep the conversation on good books for our kiddos going...

Happy Reading,
Elle

This Children's Book Will Change Your Life

What can I say about What Do You Do With An Idea by Kobi Yamada. There's not much too say but this book is beautifully moving and has the potential to change your life.


"How so?" You may ask and I'm glad you did.  Yamada takes the hidden life of an idea and puts it into words and pictures that young and old can understand.

I love that the small boy wonders if he should go forward with his idea. He tries to hide it and continue on without but an idea is a powerful thing and it will follow you. Our small hero soon finds that out.

The book is musical in a way; the boy is always moving forward- doing things, having new experiences- and his idea is never far behind, moving, having new experiences with him and therefore constantly growing.

I will probably read this book to my kids until the pages fall out. I want them to be thinkers- not to be afraid to tell the world "Listen to me, I have something to share."

That's what I love about this book, it empowers kids, helps them realize that their ideas could change the world around them.

That was hint for the end of the book. Wait to you get to the end, you're in for a treat. No doubt you'll think about your ideas long after you have flipped the last page.

Have youngsters paint with you using long brush strokes to show movement. Older kids should develop ideas and write about them as a follow-up activity to this book.

Hey, let me know what you thought about What Do You Do With An Idea and if you had any exciting ideas of your own when reading this to your kiddos.

Happy Reading,
Elle

Officer Buckle and Gloria

The month of September in our elementary schools is a wonky month. There are several holidays - at least there are in my state- and the result is only 16-18 school days. This can make it hard to establish routines.

A great way to help with making routines in your classroom is through picture books.

Enter stage right - Officer Buckle and Gloria by Peggy Rathmann. This book can start your students with rules that lead to routine and structure.

Officer Buckle loves rules. He's a little bit on the quirky side- but I like quirky people. Therefore, I love Officer Buckle!

The kids at the local school find his safety lessons a tad bit... how shall I say this... SNOR-ing.

<<<<<

But miraculously, our friendly officer gets some help from his canine companion, Gloria the dog. Gloria steps onto the stage and razzle- dazzles the sleepy students with flips, stunts and theatrical tricks that have the room spellbound.

Soon Officer Buckle and Gloria have everyone buzzing about the blessings of safety. Who knew rules could be so much fun.

Do you see it now?

This book is a favorite among teachers for the simple fact that it tells such a silly tale about safety and rules.
Use this book to spark a conversation with your kids about the class rules and establish a few routines. Have your kids answer the following questions:

1. How can we make sure that everyone in our class feels safe? (This questions will open a beautiful can of gummy worms. You'll be able to talk about this for days)
2. What kind of rules do we need in place to make sure everyone feels safe so that they can be successful this year?
3. What part do you play to make sure everyone can feel safe and be successful?
4. What part do you I (the teacher) play to make sure everyone can feel safe  and be successful?

Allow your kids to make their own safety tips (rules), make it into a class agreement have a discussion about it and be sure to have every kid sign that they agree to the rules. At the end of this activity, which may take two or three days- and that's normal- you may have a class rule list that looks like this:

Our Classroom is a place where everyone is safe so they can be successful. We pledge to-

1. Treat Everyone and Classroom Things with Respect (Go over what respect looks like)
2. Give Our Best Effort
3. Listen When Others are Speaking
4. Raise Our Hand to Lift Our Voice (in other words- raise your hand to talk)
5 Follow Directions Quickly
6. Make Good Choices

TA-DAH!!!!
 
 
Pick up this book and comment below.

How have you used it in your classroom?

And here's one extra resource just because I care!

Happy Reading,
Elle