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!