Bookworm

My last post was a little heavy, so I thought I'd share two of my new favorite books about reading.  A teacher can never have too many good books up her sleeve.

 The first is The Book Monster:

 

I love this book because of the fun illustrations.  Follow a Book Monster as he eats his way through each genre.  It is perfect for younger audiences.  My two year old son will sit through this one twice.


 The second is The Incredible Book Eating Boy:

 

I found this one on a list off of pinterest. Henry loves books so much that he eats them.  As he eats he gets smarter and smarter.  Until he eats too many books and everything gets jumbled. The last couple of pages were my favorite.  A great book to introduce children to reading at the beginning of the year.  I checked it out from the library and shared it with my son.   It is probably intended for a slightly older audience. (6+)

Do you have any favorite reading books?

Einstein vs. Flashcards

One of my amazing teacher buddies recommended I read Einstein Never Used Flashcards: How Our Children Really Learn-and Why They Need to Play More and Memorize Less. After discovering my local library had a copy of the book I placed myself on the waiting list. Once it arrived I found myself drawn to reading it. (This is difficult because my six month son is a little demanding at the moment. Any moms out there have advice for getting a little one to sleep through the night?) Whenever I got a chance I would read a couple of pages and think about what was written until I got a chance to continue reading.

Right now there is a very strong emphasis on parents and teachers preparing children to compete in a global market. Children are encouraged to memorize, read, and study before they enter preschool. Children is school are losing valuable recess time to teach all the material on the big tests. Play is structured instead of inspired. Students are having to deal with large loads of homework and extreme pressure.

 

The myth that we need to be preparing our children from the womb to compete is invasive. My son is six months old. I've had early childhood training and even I was buying into the idea that I was failing him by not breaking out flashcards and instructional toys. This book calmed my fears.

Parents do not need to spend a boatload of money hiring tutors, buying the latest toys and videos, scheduling their toddlers for absurd classes, or sending them to advanced private schools. Parents need to spend time with their children playing. They need to give them unstructured time to play alone, with other children, and with adults who will raise their play to a higher level.

The authors explain recent data and studies and how play benefits children in educational, social, and emotional ways. They provide small experiments you can complete with your child. Reading this book is already impacting how I interact with my son. I can't wait to apply more ideas from the book once he gets a bit older.

What do you think? Is play being pushed aside in favor of academics? Do you still have recess?

Chinese New Year

I love good Chinese food. I'm not talking Panda Express. Which Mr. Handsome loves to eat regularly. After working at Universal and having to see it every day for an entire summer I don't really think it qualifies. Since moving we have yet to find an amazing Chinese place. Looks like we will have to investigate or I might have to try my hand at making some. I bring this up because Chinese New Year was yesterday, February 10th this year. I love a good reason to celebrate. Even if I am a day late. :)

How do you celebrate Chinese New Year in your classroom?  I used to share books with my class and do a short lesson on the different animals associated with the Chinese Zodiac. This is the year of the snake.

Here are two of my favorite books:

D Is for Dragon Dance
I was given this one with a little paper dragon puppet. My kids loved to read this and gently play with the puppet.


Celebrating Chinese New Year

Other Great Resources

• Little Wonders' Days shared a list of great Chinese New Year Books.
• Laura Candler has a free Chinese New Years Packet.
• What's the Buzz in First has a Count by 2's Activity featuring the Chinese Zodiac Animals.
• Kindergarten Rocks has a mini lesson on Chinese New Year.
• Life on the Fourth Floor has a Chinese New Year pack that includes the story of the zodiac animals, tangrams, coloring, boggle, and more.

I have not read this book yet. It looks adorable. Anyone out there read it before? Is it worth adding to my list of books to buy?

The Runaway Wok: A Chinese New Year Tale

February Books/Currently

Growing up I hated Valentine's Day. My family usually called it SAD. Single Awareness Day. But then I met my husband and had a class of little second graders and my thoughts happily changed. While I realize Valentine's Day is popular for the over priced roses and chocolates that is not why I celebrate it. I celebrate it because it gives me the opportunity to express my love to others. (I will happily receive chocolate and roses on any other day. My husband knows not to get me them on Valentines. It is WAY too expensive.)

As you know, one of my favorite things is reading. I wanted to share some of my favorite books about love with you. Feel free to peruse them.

Somebody Loves You, Mr. Hatch.
I love the message this book shares. Expressing love and gratitude makes a huge difference.

A Book of Hugs

This book has adorable illustrations and explains different ways to hug. I can't wait to share it with my little man. This one went over a lot better with my second graders than A Book of Kisses. I like that one too, but it will make your kids silly.

Guess How Much I Love You
This book is a classic. It is perfect for illustrating similes  You could even have the children write their own version for their parents or special valentines.


Bear Hugs: Romantically Ridiculous Animal Rhymes
I loved using the short poems in this to help with transitions, as a small reward, or even a short time filler. After reading it you could inspire the poets in your class to write a poem from a different animal's perspective.

Fun for First also came up with an excellent list which you can find here.

I love sharing books! And I really love Farley's Currently Parties. Check out what is new in my world.

My husband fell in love with Imagine Dragons and I quickly followed suit. Listening to them makes me happy.

We've been fighting the rain recently. Right now the sun is shining and I am almost convinced to go for a walk.

I want to send some "love notes" to people who have made an impact on my life. If you were to write a note, who would you write?

We moved this summer and I still don't feel like I have found a new friend. I have several new acquaintances but no one who really fits. Blech. 

The price of stamps went up. I need to buy some more one cent stamps so I can send off my love notes. Snail mail is so much more fun than digital. 

I HATE comment verification forms. Why do they have to make the letters all squiggly? I almost always mess up. I promise I am human. I can't leave a fun comment if your comment guardian rejects me so many times I give it. Trust me. It happens. At least once a week.

I also HATE people who smoke next to children. You are ruining their lungs and setting them on the path to developing a terrible habit. Enough said.

How are you preparing for Valentine's day? Who are you planning on showering with love?

Want to link up with Farley? Check out her link here.

October Reads

I have been reading like a mad woman recently. It's one of the few things that I feel I can do comfortably as a nine month pregnant person. (At least before I fall asleep. I have the hardest time staying awake right now.) Recently this led to me finding all kinds of cool books. I've been meaning to share them with you, but then Rachel shared her awesome post of Halloween Books and I felt like I had missed the party. I felt it again when Amy shared her favorite Monster Books. Seriously, with so many talented bloggers out there how am I supposed to keep up?

But I decided as long as I shared DIFFERENT books with you, you'd still pat me on the back and visit my blog again. Right? No. Hmmm. Well. At least I shared them with you and you have more options to look for in the future. Make sure you check out the two talented ladies above as well.

My October Book Picks:



Ed Emberley's Drawing Book of Halloween: This book is perfect for encouraging fine motor practice, creativity, and engaging fast finishers. I recommend getting a coy of the book, copying out your favorite step by step sequence and placing it in a center with scrap paper, stationary, and books/paper for story writing. Have students illustrate their stories, add pictures to letters, or just work on developing their fine motor and sequence.



Andy Shane and the Pumpkin Trick: This book would be perfect for an October read aloud. It is a smal chapter book with fun characters. Andy needs to stop the pumpkin smashers from destroying Halloween. Have your student's write their own solution before you finish reading the book.



Dr. Pompo's Nose: You can't help but smile as you read this book. The pictures are amazing, the storyline is unique, and it lends itself perfectly to a writing activity. In the story one of the characters loses her nose. Other pumpkins who stumble upon it come up with all kinds of unique uses for it. Gather random items from around your home/classroom. Place them into a paper bag. Have each student reach in and come up with a new use for that item and write about it. Encourage them to be as creative as possible. Don't want to go around collecting 20+ items? (I don't blame you!) Have students work in small groups or write a story as a class. I think this would be a super cute class book if you took pictures of your students using whatever random object you decided to use in new ways.



Boo!: This book is adorable! It is perfect for young picture readers. The only word in the entire book is "Boo!" The pictures add so much more depth to the story. Students will feel confident as they read the pictures and words.
Working with older students who need to add more detail to their writing/illustrations? Read the book to them without showing them the pictures. It goes really fast. Then read it to them with the pictures. Explain how you can expand sentences to include more detail or add detail to illustrations in the text. Give each student a page to expand upon. Encourage them to use descriptive words, action verbs, and lots of details.



The Fat Cat Sat on the Mat: This book is perfect for beginning readers. It features a lot of words from the -at word family. Perfect for developing confidence and indulging in the Halloween spirit.

Common Core Vocabulary Part 2

I recently did a post about introducing common core vocabulary using books. You can read that post here. Today I would like to share some of the resources I found online about vocabulary instruction in the classroom.

Vocabulary journals
I know that for me personally, writing something down helps me to process new information.

• Fourth Grade Frolics uses a four box system journal. (Word, definition, synonym, examples)
• One Extra Degree targets a younger audience with the word, definition, and illustration.
• Fourth Grade Frolics saw One Extra Degree's post and decided to tweak her journal system to include an illustration, sentence, part of speech, and explanation to the class.

Vocabulary graphic organizers

Great for visual learners, these sheets can be combined into a class book.

• Fourth Grade Frolics also led me to A Teacher's Treasure Vocabulary Graphic Organizer
• Ladybug Teacher Files includes spaces for the word, illustration, and example sentence. (Simple version)
• Ladybug Teacher Files includes spaces for word, definition, picture, sentence, synonym, antonym, suffixes, part of speech, and related words. (Advanced version)
• Ladybug Teacher Files has a vocabulary word of the day graphic organizer 
• Ladybug Teacher Files has a rock and roll themed vocabulary word of the day graphic organizer.
• Brittany F's Word of the Week Graphic Organizer

Teaching techniques for vocabulary

• The Second Grade Super Kids introduces TPR. Total Physical Response is very helpful for kinesthetic and visual learners.
• Mrs. Castro's uses shared writing to cement new vocabulary words.
• Ms. M introduced the idea of creating themed vocabulary books for your class. You can use illustrations from books you are reading or have your students illustrate it.
• Hello Literacy introduces Marzano's Six Steps to vocabulary 
• Hello Literacy introduces making your own vocabulary posters using bighugelabs
• Clutter-Free Classroom introduces new vocabulary using blanks and context clues

Reviewing vocabulary

• Ashleigh's Education Journey has a game called "A Mile a Minute." It is a review game she makes for specific areas in the curriculum. Right now she has a a science and math set for free on her blog. 
• 3rd Grade Gridiron has a customizable word search up for free on her TpT store.

Know any other great resources I should add to the list? Leave me a comment. 

Look for more Common Core Vocabulary blogging soon. :)

Common Core Vocabulary Part 1

As I studied the Common Core one theme that seemed to reoccur often was vocabulary. Students are expected to "build strong content knowledge" across a "wide range of subject matter." They are expected to learn both "general knowledge" and "discipline-specific expertise." (p. 7 ELACC) Students are also expected to "interpret words and phrases" and be able to "read and comprehend complex texts independently." (P. 10 ELACC)

What does that mean to me as a teacher? It means I need to spend more time teaching my students how to understand words by context and provide them with opportunities to expand their vocabularies. This week I discovered a new book that I think would be perfect for introducing this concept.

How many of you have heard of Big Words for Little People by Jamie Lee Curtis?

I actually love a lot of her books including: I'm Gonna Like Me: Letting Off a Little Self-Esteem and Today I Feel Silly: And Other Moods That Make My Day. I love that her books introduce big words with kid friendly descriptions and fun illustrations.

My favorite part of Big Words for Little People is the introductory poem:
"I know some big words. I'll teach them to you. Although you are small, you can use big words too. Big words aren't scary. They're big fun to learn. I was taught once and now it's your turn."

Children can learn big words. We just need to give them the opportunity. Need more great ideas on books that teach vocabulary? Check out the following: Jane O'Connor's Fancy Nancy Series, the Geronimo Stilton Series, and Lemony Snicket's Series of Unfortunate Events. Do you have any favorite series that teach vocabulary?

I have also seen some amazing ideas about vocabulary instruction from other bloggers. I'm in the process of combining them into one lovely post. Stay tuned for updates. 

Happy Fall Ya'll - Giveaway

I love Fall! I have to say it is my favorite season. I get to wear jeans and warm sweaters as I watch the leaves change on the few trees that resist the California message that it is summer all year. (I admit Utah does do fall better, but it's winter is not my favorite.) I love pumpkin bread, pumpkin steamers, and pumpkin pie. (Do you sense a theme here?) I love soup season and cold nights snuggled down in a blanket. I wish that fall started sooner and lasted longer.

How do you prepare for fall? This last week I bought a decorative pumpkin and turkey at Target. Best $5 I spent this week! They make me smile every time I look at them. This week I also started breaking out my tried and true soup recipes. Mom's Homemade Chowder, White Bean Chicken Chili, and Lionhouse Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup will be staples in my home for the next couple of months.

I have been racking my brain for a good couples costume idea for Halloween. Anyone already know what they will dress up as? I'm struggling. Any ideas for a someone who will be almost 9 months pregnant? No? Yeah. Me either.

In case you missed the subtle hint above, I love Fall and all that comes with it. I love sharing this excitement with my friends, family, and the children in my life.  Because I love you all so much, I decided to share some free fun fall ideas. Let me know if you have some that you would like to add to the list.

Pumpkins:
You Have Been Booed! by Life with Mrs. L - Start a secret treat chain reaction with this free sign. You can do it personally, as a class, or with your kids at home.
October Behavior Chart by Busy Bees
Pumpkin Ordinals by Sea Bear's Kindergarten
Pumpkin Symmetry by Mrs. Lee's Kindergarten - In the middle of the post.
Pumpkin Data by Sailing Through 1st Grade
Developing Fine Motor Skills with Golf Tees and a Pumpkin by I Can Teach My Child
Fall Mini Pack by All Students Can Shine

Ghosts:
Odd and Even Sort by Learning Ideas K-8
Ghost Hunt A Writing Activity with Prepositional Phrases by Lesson Plan SOS
Ghost Linky Party hosted by Graphics From the Pond - Not all of these are free, but there are over 30 links! Check it out.
Ghost Fact Families by Buggy for Second Grade

Monsters:
Monster Party Fractions by Oh My Little Classity Class
I Need My Monster Writing by 3rd Grade Gridiron
Monster Adjective Word Bank by Sailing Through 1st Grade
Monster Sentences by Pitner's Potpourri
Monster Mash Compare and Contrast by Crazy for First Grade
(I think Monster Adjectives and Compare and Contrast would work perfectly together. Have your students complete the compare and the contrast, then draw a monster of their own to compare and contrast with a friend's monster.)

Scarecrows/Leaves:
Playdough Mats by Teaching Heart
20 Fall Fun Fast Finisher Task Cards by Rachel Lynette

And because I really like you all, I decided to share my Halloween Howls: Classroom Management Using Jokes and my Spooky Behavior Management Coloring Mini-Pack. This is my first attempt at using Rafflecopter, so I really hope I didn't mess it up somehow.

Click below to enter:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Pirate Books

My husband is out of town, which means I have a little bit more free time than I usually do. That means that I got to explore my local bookstore yesterday. One of my favorite things to do in a bookstore is peruse new titles and find new books to add to my collection. Yesterday I focused on pirate books.

Some of the ones that I fell in love with:

I think A Pirate's Guide to First Gradeis my favorite. It is full of fun pirate phrases. It is perfect for introducing the concept of context clues. Don't worry. There is a glossary in the back for all you land lubbers. ;)

My favorite non-fiction book was You Wouldn't Want to Be a Pirate's Prisoner!: Horrible Things You'd Rather Not Know . It had a lot of great tips and some fun illustrations. I highly recommend it for older grades.

Some others that I still want to check out:

Look Out for Litter (Cloverleaf Books: Planet Protectors)
Shiver Me Letters: A Pirate ABC
Do Pirates Take Baths?
Pirates Go to School
The Pirates Next Door
There Was an Old Pirate Who Swallowed a Fish
Pirates by Gail Gibbons
Pirates by Mary Pope Osborne
The Pirate of Kindergarten (Richard Jackson Books (Atheneum Hardcover))

What about you? Any favorite pirate books?