Historical Fiction

Title:  Henry’s Freedom Box

Author:  Ellen Levine

Publisher:  Scholastic

Copyright Date:  2007

What an incredible story about a slave who so desperately wanted freedom that he’s willing to travel in a box by mail to reach his destination.  This story tells readers just how poorly slaves were treated and how some people were willing to help them gain their freedom.

 

Henry’s Freedom Box is touching story to read for Black History month or any month where emphasis is being put on the treatment of slaves.  Students can easily understand and generate questions.  Teachers may want to create a K-W-L chart with students, ask comprehension questions, or discuss story element. 

 

 

 

Time Capsule

Here's an interview with the infamous, Jeff Kinney, author of the book series Diary of a Wimpy Kid!!  Children of all ages LOVE and relate to these books!! And...the link to website...Diary of a Wimpy Kid

Read Write Think

Looking for an awesome resource that contains an assortment of passages, passages already categorized by lexile level, and comprehension questions that coincide with each passage??  Explore this website that contains all the above!  http://www.readwritethink.org/

Poetry

Since April is National Poetry Month.....click on the link to gain access to a world of  poetry!  Here's the link...http://www.poetryteachers.com/index.html

Notable Children's Books

 

Look here for notable children's books!! Just click on the link-Children's Notable Lists...I use this website to find award winning books with meaningful text and illustrations. 

 

 

 

 

 

Reading Rockets

Check out this website Reading Rockets for  strategies, author websites, literacy blogs, and so much more!! This website is instrumental in staying up on current, best literacy practices and watching podcasts/videos.

John Henry

I recently discovered that Traditional Literature is one of my absolute favorite genres!  There are several types of traditional literature which are all exciting and insightful when introducing to children.  I’ve had the pleasure of exploring fables, tall tales, myths, and folktales.  The Tall Tale of John Henry, Steel Driving Man, enthralled my students so much that they wanted to continue exploring other characters of Traditional Literature. 

 

  

 

Engaging activities include making a character story map, reader’s theater, comparing and contrasting characters, and creating a tall tale wheel.  Below are some examples: 

 

                     

Hour of the Olympics

Title:  Hour of the Olympics

Author:  Mary Pope Osborne

Publisher:  Random House (USA)

Copyright Date:  1998

 

Mary Pope Osborne takes readers on a whimsical, fantasy adventure to visit ancient Greece.  She teaches readers about the historical Olympic Games and rules that were in place during those times.

Hour of the Olympics is a fantastic read along with entire series.  I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book with my students.  This book is essential if you are introducing the influence of Greek culture on the U.S.A.  My students learned a wealth of information and how women were treated during this time. 

The Recess Queen

Title:  The Recess Queen

Author:  Alexis O’Neill

Publisher:  Scholastic Press

Copyright Date:  2002

 

 

Would you like to teach children the importance of being nice?  Or perhaps teach children how a bully may act?  What about teaching children how character’s change throughout a story or teaching children various character traits? If you’ve answered yes to any of the above then The Recess Queen is the perfect choice to aid in your lesson!

This picture book tells the story of bully who ends up with a change of heart.  I taught character traits using this story.  My third grade students illustrated the main character and listed as many character traits as they possibly could.  This activity was conducive in teaching the difference between character traits and character feelings/emotions.  For younger children, it would be a great tool for discuss beginning, middle, and end.

 

Because of Winn-Dixie

Title:  Because of Winn-Dixie Author:  Kate DiCamillo Publisher:  Candlewick Press Copyright Date:  2000

Because of Winn-Dixie is a MUST read!  This book blew me away!  Honestly, I judged the book by its cover and was sadly mistaken. Kate DiCamillo captivates the audience with the story of a lonely little girl who claims a stray dog and together they form friendships with an eclectic group of people.  Because of Winn-Dixie is a required text for my third graders.  Every student in my class had a copy of the book so it was much easier for the children to be engaged and follow along.  After we read the book, we watched the movie and had a “Gloria Dump” party.  You must read the book in order to understand the follow up partyJ

Title:  Because of Winn-Dixie

Author:  Kate DiCamillo

Publisher:  Candlewick Press

Copyright Date:  2000

Because of Winn-Dixie is a MUST read!  This book blew me away!  Honestly, I judged the book by its cover and was sadly mistaken. Kate DiCamillo captivates the audience with the story of a lonely little girl who claims a stray dog and together they form friendships with an eclectic group of people.  Because of Winn-Dixie is a required text for my third graders.  Every student in my class had a copy of the book so it was much easier for the children to be engaged and follow along.  After we read the book, we watched the movie and had a “Gloria Dump” party.  You must read the book in order to understand the follow up partyJ

 

Welcome!!

Hello and welcome to my blog!  I am elated to share my insights about good reads!  I look foward to reading others shared literacy experiences!