"Wars don't start on battlefields. They begin in people's hearts. And that is where they can be ended."
This book was recorded onto an accompanying cd. I enjoy to hear a male voice read this book and the song that was written is lovely too.
I liked the art work and the comic strip style of writing in panels and graphic novel style. It's easy to read independently as students love this style.
In researching this book, many reviews thought it was not appropriate for kids. I disagree. It's not great as a read aloud because of the style, but I think kids enjoy reading about war and will embrace this true story. The fact that the truce happened in the midst of devastation is a great story and one that is important for kids to read about.
"We need to learn how to wage peace."
Monday, September 5, 2016
Ms. Bixby's Last Day - John David Anderson
As John David Anderson says in the Acknowledgements: this is a quiet book. I have read other books by Anderson, but I totally agree. What a great book to end the summer! A book about one of the 'good ones'. Everyone who reads this will wish that they had Ms. Bixby as a teacher. Each of the main characters feels that she is so much more than a good teacher. She is encourages when students need it most, is quiet where there is nothing to say and she is magically there when they need it the most. The story is laced with poignant moments that show us Ms. Bixby's character; that she is much more than a fantastic educator that drops Bixbyisms almost on a daily basis.
"There is a long road yet," said Gandolf.
"But it is the last road," said Bilbo.
The theme of "The Hobbit" is especially poignant. Ms. Bixby leaves before she is finished reading her favourite novel. The class is left wondering if the substitute will finish and if he/she will be able to use the same voices for all the characters. Not likely. Being a teacher who loves reading aloud and loves certain novels, I felt great empathy for these students. So sad. But wait until the end. Your eyes WILL leak!
"We are what we pretend to be, so we must be careful about what we pretend to be"
"You don't give up, Brand Walker. That's what makes you special. You need to show him that. Show him what it means to be strong. Teach him how to not give up."
Brand talks about Steve being brilliant and Topher being a talented artist. He doesn't feel like he has anything special to offer. Ms. Bixby helps him see his own special talents.
And finally, I don't think I'll ever turn my nose down at a carnation again, "Carnations get a bad rap, she said, because they are cheaper than roses, but she liked them better because they fight harder. Roses are quitters - they give up and die before you can even get used to them being around"
I like that Anderson builds on the plot. We know very little at the beginning, just that Bixby is a favourite teacher who is unable to finish the school year because of a very serious illness. Through the 3 narrators, Steve, Topher and Brand, we learn the details of the illness and how this teacher had touched the lives of these boys. Especially touching is Brand's relationship with Ms. Bixby. His father is disabled and Brand is left to care for himself and take care of the household due to his Dad's accident and depression. The boys, led by Brand set off on an adventurous day to make Ms. Bixby's dream 'last day' come true. Chaos ensues. It reads like a film. I can totally imagine this becoming a movie in the future.
I would use this novel as a read aloud at the beginning or end of the year and have students do readers responses. I would ask students to write about how they would spend their last day.
"There is a long road yet," said Gandolf.
"But it is the last road," said Bilbo.
The theme of "The Hobbit" is especially poignant. Ms. Bixby leaves before she is finished reading her favourite novel. The class is left wondering if the substitute will finish and if he/she will be able to use the same voices for all the characters. Not likely. Being a teacher who loves reading aloud and loves certain novels, I felt great empathy for these students. So sad. But wait until the end. Your eyes WILL leak!
"We are what we pretend to be, so we must be careful about what we pretend to be"
"You don't give up, Brand Walker. That's what makes you special. You need to show him that. Show him what it means to be strong. Teach him how to not give up."
Brand talks about Steve being brilliant and Topher being a talented artist. He doesn't feel like he has anything special to offer. Ms. Bixby helps him see his own special talents.
And finally, I don't think I'll ever turn my nose down at a carnation again, "Carnations get a bad rap, she said, because they are cheaper than roses, but she liked them better because they fight harder. Roses are quitters - they give up and die before you can even get used to them being around"
I like that Anderson builds on the plot. We know very little at the beginning, just that Bixby is a favourite teacher who is unable to finish the school year because of a very serious illness. Through the 3 narrators, Steve, Topher and Brand, we learn the details of the illness and how this teacher had touched the lives of these boys. Especially touching is Brand's relationship with Ms. Bixby. His father is disabled and Brand is left to care for himself and take care of the household due to his Dad's accident and depression. The boys, led by Brand set off on an adventurous day to make Ms. Bixby's dream 'last day' come true. Chaos ensues. It reads like a film. I can totally imagine this becoming a movie in the future.
I would use this novel as a read aloud at the beginning or end of the year and have students do readers responses. I would ask students to write about how they would spend their last day.
Monday, August 22, 2016
The Librarian of Basra - A True Story from Iraq - Jeanette Winter
Children need to know that fundamentally, people are all the same. No matter where we live, humans have similar feelings, hopes and dreams. This a wonderful book to share with younger children. It illustrates that people in far away places may seem different; they may have different religions and traditions; we are actually all very similar.
This librarian exists. I'm always interested in stories about librarians, which is why this book stood out. Beyond the fact that it's about a librarian and she loves her books, its about a fear of war and hope for peace. We sometimes lose sight of the fact that people in the Middle East do not want to be at war.
This book can also start a discussion about Muslims. They value education - another universal belief and this too, is important for students to understand.
"In the Koran, the first thing God said to Muhammad was 'Read.'" - Alia Muhammad Baker
This book has simple text and pictures, but the content is quite serious. I would read it to a group of mature grade two students and up.
This librarian exists. I'm always interested in stories about librarians, which is why this book stood out. Beyond the fact that it's about a librarian and she loves her books, its about a fear of war and hope for peace. We sometimes lose sight of the fact that people in the Middle East do not want to be at war.
This book can also start a discussion about Muslims. They value education - another universal belief and this too, is important for students to understand.
"In the Koran, the first thing God said to Muhammad was 'Read.'" - Alia Muhammad Baker
This book has simple text and pictures, but the content is quite serious. I would read it to a group of mature grade two students and up.
Sitwe Joseph Goes to School - Twesigye Jackson Kaguri
This is a fantastic book.
We were invited by the school board to investigate African culture and then represent our learning through art work. This book was listed as suggested reading so that students could be inspired and create. Another resource listed was the Stephen Lewis Foundation and the Grandmothers to Grandmothers campaign. The local chapter is called Grandmothers to Grandothers. I invited them to talk to the students. They were more than happy to come and talk to us. It was a great visit! The ladies were so informed and passionate. Their focus is to 'give of ourselves because we have so much to give - so many resources, such a relative abundance of time, so much access so much influence, so much empathy and compassion.'
Sitwe Joseph wants to go to school. He is determined even though his grandmother can't afford it. His job is to gather firewood for his family. Sitwe Joseph wants to become a doctor so that he can care for his Mukaaka (Grandmother). He hears about an AIDS Orphan School and through his determination he is allowed to go and fulfill his dream.
The Grandmothers brought us a wooden map of Africa with the word Ubuntu on it. This now hangs proudly in my library. Ubuntu describes 'compassion; a humanity towards other, a sense of one's own existence being enriched by those around us, and that a person becomes human through their caring and considerate interactions with others.' What a universal concept; one that I would like all students to embrace. 'A person with ubuntu is open and available to others, affirming of others, does not feel threatened that others are able and good, for he or she has a proper self-assurance that comes from knowing that he or she belongs in a greater whole, and is diminished when others are humiliated or diminished.' This SHOULD be a universal concept, but is not understood as much in the west. Through our study of these texts, I hoped to show students how Grandmothers in Africa work to provide for their grandchildren but often for other children in a village that may not be related. Ubuntu is fundamental to the way Africans approach life. Maybe we can show students in Canada how we can all benefit from this philosophy.
The campaign aims to:
Encourage awareness in Canada about Africa's grandmothers' struggle to raise children orphaned by AIDS, build solidarity amongst African and Canadian grandmothers in the fight against HIV/AIDS and actively support projects that help African grandmothers.
You and your students can learn more about the Stephen Lewis Foundation and Grandmothers to Grandmothers at: www.stephenlewisfoundation.org
We were invited by the school board to investigate African culture and then represent our learning through art work. This book was listed as suggested reading so that students could be inspired and create. Another resource listed was the Stephen Lewis Foundation and the Grandmothers to Grandmothers campaign. The local chapter is called Grandmothers to Grandothers. I invited them to talk to the students. They were more than happy to come and talk to us. It was a great visit! The ladies were so informed and passionate. Their focus is to 'give of ourselves because we have so much to give - so many resources, such a relative abundance of time, so much access so much influence, so much empathy and compassion.'
Sitwe Joseph wants to go to school. He is determined even though his grandmother can't afford it. His job is to gather firewood for his family. Sitwe Joseph wants to become a doctor so that he can care for his Mukaaka (Grandmother). He hears about an AIDS Orphan School and through his determination he is allowed to go and fulfill his dream.
The Grandmothers brought us a wooden map of Africa with the word Ubuntu on it. This now hangs proudly in my library. Ubuntu describes 'compassion; a humanity towards other, a sense of one's own existence being enriched by those around us, and that a person becomes human through their caring and considerate interactions with others.' What a universal concept; one that I would like all students to embrace. 'A person with ubuntu is open and available to others, affirming of others, does not feel threatened that others are able and good, for he or she has a proper self-assurance that comes from knowing that he or she belongs in a greater whole, and is diminished when others are humiliated or diminished.' This SHOULD be a universal concept, but is not understood as much in the west. Through our study of these texts, I hoped to show students how Grandmothers in Africa work to provide for their grandchildren but often for other children in a village that may not be related. Ubuntu is fundamental to the way Africans approach life. Maybe we can show students in Canada how we can all benefit from this philosophy.
The campaign aims to:
Encourage awareness in Canada about Africa's grandmothers' struggle to raise children orphaned by AIDS, build solidarity amongst African and Canadian grandmothers in the fight against HIV/AIDS and actively support projects that help African grandmothers.
You and your students can learn more about the Stephen Lewis Foundation and Grandmothers to Grandmothers at: www.stephenlewisfoundation.org
Tuesday, August 16, 2016
Revisiting Global Communities
There are so many books out there right now that celebrate Global Communities in an easy to understand and respectful way. We are teaching this way better than we used to with better resources. Gone are the days that 7 year olds have to discipher text that is beyond their comprehension. These books are easy to read and understand with engaging pictures and links to further information. This entry will introduce some that I use in the library with small groups, for read alouds and books that can be a part of your classroom library all year long.
My Librarian is a Camel - How Books Are Brought to Children Around the World - Margriet Ruurs
Students are fascinated by all the ways that children access books around the world. Some favourites are books brought by camels in Kenya and by elephants in Thailand! A great opportunity for students to see how other kids their age live in different parts of the world.
The Way to School - Rosemary McCarney with Plan International
Captivating pictures and short bits of text are the highlights of this book, making it a good book for your classroom library. You could read it aloud as well and students could pick a mode of getting to school that they would like to investigate further. That's inquiry! Consolidate their learning by making a class book, iMovie, slideshow, greenscreen video or a blog. An easy peasy inquiry project!
Ruby Tuesday Books
The Food We Eat
A Place to Call Home
Time For School
Time to Play
Celebrations and Special Days
The Clothes We Wear
Everybody Needs Water
How We Get Around
Each of these books highlights information about communities around the world. The text is grade appropriate for upper grade two and includes amazing pictures. What I like about this series is that the books are set up identically using the standard non fiction text features. When I use these books, students come with some knowledge of the text features (title, table of contents, labels, pictures, glossary, index) and we review them. Then students are put in pairs with a books.
I created a booklet that goes along with each book. All the booklets are similar so after one booklet, students may choose to read another book and their independence with the text grows. I have found that this is a difficult task for grade two. I was lucky that I had 16 kids in total working on the 8 books. We usually pair a struggling reader with a strong reader and that helps a bit. The booklets are good for following instructions, using non fiction text features as well as learning about global communities.
The reading strategy that I emphasize during this time is that readers usually do not read a non fiction from cover to cover. The text features allow you to read parts of the book and still get a good understanding of the topic.
If you are interested in looking at the booklets I created contact me. I'm happy to share. I've just noticed that Ruby Tuesday Books has other titles. I will have to check them out!
My Librarian is a Camel - How Books Are Brought to Children Around the World - Margriet Ruurs
Students are fascinated by all the ways that children access books around the world. Some favourites are books brought by camels in Kenya and by elephants in Thailand! A great opportunity for students to see how other kids their age live in different parts of the world.
The Way to School - Rosemary McCarney with Plan International
Captivating pictures and short bits of text are the highlights of this book, making it a good book for your classroom library. You could read it aloud as well and students could pick a mode of getting to school that they would like to investigate further. That's inquiry! Consolidate their learning by making a class book, iMovie, slideshow, greenscreen video or a blog. An easy peasy inquiry project!
Ruby Tuesday Books
The Food We Eat
A Place to Call Home
Time For School
Time to Play
Celebrations and Special Days
The Clothes We Wear
Everybody Needs Water
How We Get Around
Each of these books highlights information about communities around the world. The text is grade appropriate for upper grade two and includes amazing pictures. What I like about this series is that the books are set up identically using the standard non fiction text features. When I use these books, students come with some knowledge of the text features (title, table of contents, labels, pictures, glossary, index) and we review them. Then students are put in pairs with a books.
I created a booklet that goes along with each book. All the booklets are similar so after one booklet, students may choose to read another book and their independence with the text grows. I have found that this is a difficult task for grade two. I was lucky that I had 16 kids in total working on the 8 books. We usually pair a struggling reader with a strong reader and that helps a bit. The booklets are good for following instructions, using non fiction text features as well as learning about global communities.
The reading strategy that I emphasize during this time is that readers usually do not read a non fiction from cover to cover. The text features allow you to read parts of the book and still get a good understanding of the topic.
If you are interested in looking at the booklets I created contact me. I'm happy to share. I've just noticed that Ruby Tuesday Books has other titles. I will have to check them out!
The Library Doors - Toni Buzzeo
Some read aloud sessions are better than others. I've written before about my quest to entertain the Kindergarten classes. This book I found soon after I started in the library and I have used it every year since.
It is a book which explains a library very similar to our school. There are parts that I leave out, but the thing that I love is that I sing it to the kids. The tune is 'The Wheels on the Bus' which they already know. By the end they are singing along with me.
It is a great introduction to what happens in a library. We talk about being quiet, looking for books and of course, opening the covers to 'READ, READ, READ!'
It's a September kind of book.
It is a book which explains a library very similar to our school. There are parts that I leave out, but the thing that I love is that I sing it to the kids. The tune is 'The Wheels on the Bus' which they already know. By the end they are singing along with me.
It is a great introduction to what happens in a library. We talk about being quiet, looking for books and of course, opening the covers to 'READ, READ, READ!'
It's a September kind of book.
Lifetime - The Amazing Numbers in Animal Lives - Lola M Schaefer
This is a book full of treasures!
Kids LOVE books about animals. Animal books are the most used and abused books in the library. I'm always looking for and buying new ones because they are constantly being signed out. This will be a very popular book for my animals lovers who enjoy a bit of math too. There is a group of kids in every class who thrive on non fiction. This is a book for them. 'Lifetime' is full of intriguing facts that I never knew before. There's a math connection too. It explains average to kids in an easy to understand way.
Apart from reading this book for pleasure, this book would be a great way to introduce an animal inquiry. I have done animal inquiries with a few groups. Instead of the generic things that 'teachers' often asked students to find out about animals (habitat, food...) students are free to find out things that THEY want to know.
After your student's animal inquiry projects are done, make a class book. I love class books - they are a way to celebrate learning and an easy culminating task. Each student can be responsible for a page about their animal. On this page they will include the MOST interesting facts they discovered.
Kids LOVE books about animals. Animal books are the most used and abused books in the library. I'm always looking for and buying new ones because they are constantly being signed out. This will be a very popular book for my animals lovers who enjoy a bit of math too. There is a group of kids in every class who thrive on non fiction. This is a book for them. 'Lifetime' is full of intriguing facts that I never knew before. There's a math connection too. It explains average to kids in an easy to understand way.
Apart from reading this book for pleasure, this book would be a great way to introduce an animal inquiry. I have done animal inquiries with a few groups. Instead of the generic things that 'teachers' often asked students to find out about animals (habitat, food...) students are free to find out things that THEY want to know.
After your student's animal inquiry projects are done, make a class book. I love class books - they are a way to celebrate learning and an easy culminating task. Each student can be responsible for a page about their animal. On this page they will include the MOST interesting facts they discovered.
I Dreamt...A book about hope - Gabriela Olmos
This beautiful book can be used around Remembrance Day but for so many other things as well. As I was reading I thought about a scenario where kids may be talking about war, guns and drugs and seeming insensitive. This would be a beautiful addition to a serious conversation.
The book was created by Mexican artists as a fundraiser for the IBBY Fund for Children in Crisis. Bibliotherapy is when books and reading is used to help children who have lived through wars, civil conflicts and natural disasters. Using their reading they think and talk about their experiences. Children who have not know disaster would also benefit from learning how children other than themselves use literature to cope.
You could use this book for an art project. They could recreate or create their own work based on what they read. The use of font style can be discussed for their own artwork and how the font style affects the feeling of the illustrations.
There are some hugely moving quotes that can be taken from this book and used individually. I believe students can do a reading response from lines such as:
'I dreamt...that danger could be cut into confetti if only you could find the right pair of scissors.'
Oh my.
How about...
'When I woke up I remembered that for many kids life is more of a nightmare than a sweet dream.'
Where the discussion can lead is dependent on how the students respond to statements such as these.
I love this book.
The book was created by Mexican artists as a fundraiser for the IBBY Fund for Children in Crisis. Bibliotherapy is when books and reading is used to help children who have lived through wars, civil conflicts and natural disasters. Using their reading they think and talk about their experiences. Children who have not know disaster would also benefit from learning how children other than themselves use literature to cope.
You could use this book for an art project. They could recreate or create their own work based on what they read. The use of font style can be discussed for their own artwork and how the font style affects the feeling of the illustrations.
There are some hugely moving quotes that can be taken from this book and used individually. I believe students can do a reading response from lines such as:
'I dreamt...that danger could be cut into confetti if only you could find the right pair of scissors.'
Oh my.
How about...
'When I woke up I remembered that for many kids life is more of a nightmare than a sweet dream.'
Where the discussion can lead is dependent on how the students respond to statements such as these.
I love this book.
Monday, August 15, 2016
An Infidel in Paradise - S.J. Laidlaw
This book was free. I got it at a book sale my first year as a Teacher-Librarian. I remember reading the back and thinking it sounded good. It was catalogued and onto the shelf it went. I remember seeing it from time to time and thinking 'too bad no one will give it a chance'. I do believe a big part of my job is seeking out those books that no one tries, giving them a try and sharing them with my young readers. Summer reading marathons came and went and then this Spring I had a parent volunteer go through YA books that have not been signed out since I've come to the library. 'An Infidel in Paradise' was among the group on the outs. I felt sad for this Canadian novel. I refused to get rid of it without it being read. I vowed to read it this summer.
So glad I did. If I need to talk about abandoning books, I also need to spend some time talking to kids about giving books a chance. It's ok to abandon, but some books just need a chance.
I've been on a fascination train with all things India. Pakistan (Paradise) is another setting that I enjoy. I'm trying to figure out why I enjoy the suffering of these harsh settings. Is it so far removed from life in the west? Does the fascination come from learning about a culture that is beautiful, steeped in tradition and one I know little of? Probably.
Emma in this book is a Canadian who is trying to make sense of Pakistan. I can empathize with her - I would have made the same blunders she experiences and has to live down. Also, her family is in disarray. Family turmoil and dealing with cultural differences are of the themes in this great Canadian novel.
Give it a CHANCE!
So glad I did. If I need to talk about abandoning books, I also need to spend some time talking to kids about giving books a chance. It's ok to abandon, but some books just need a chance.
I've been on a fascination train with all things India. Pakistan (Paradise) is another setting that I enjoy. I'm trying to figure out why I enjoy the suffering of these harsh settings. Is it so far removed from life in the west? Does the fascination come from learning about a culture that is beautiful, steeped in tradition and one I know little of? Probably.
Emma in this book is a Canadian who is trying to make sense of Pakistan. I can empathize with her - I would have made the same blunders she experiences and has to live down. Also, her family is in disarray. Family turmoil and dealing with cultural differences are of the themes in this great Canadian novel.
Give it a CHANCE!
The Selection Series - Kiera Cass - Update
Loved it, No wonder young teens love it too. I bought the next series where Maxon and America have a daughter and she picks her mate in the Selection. I haven't read that yet. After 3 books, I was done with this storyline. I may return to it one day, but I wanted to make sure I had the next part of the story in the library. Funny that in the Hunger Games, I felt like I was done with it by the last book. Both these series could be two books instead of 3, in my opinion.
Kudos, to Kiera Cass though! I was going to abandon 'The Selection' early on. It was totally worth it to stick it out.
A great idea for a plot line that appeals to teens who will love the Bachelor-style competition, and the characters have enough depth for the discerning reader. A good summer read!
Kudos, to Kiera Cass though! I was going to abandon 'The Selection' early on. It was totally worth it to stick it out.
A great idea for a plot line that appeals to teens who will love the Bachelor-style competition, and the characters have enough depth for the discerning reader. A good summer read!
Thursday, July 21, 2016
The Selection - Kiera Cass
This would be a good book for me to talk to students about why we abandon books. And then I could discuss why SOMETIMES we need to just give a book a little more time. The first 40 pages of this book I was literally rolling my eyes. It seemed very much like another trilogy that I had read about 5 years ago. See if you can guess which one I'm talking about...
-A female protagonist
-Setting - some sort of distopian/post war society
-Citizens are unfairly divided into a caste system read: districts
-A contest is announced and our protagonist finds herself as a favourite
-Her true love is in a lower caste who is worse off than her family
-Adorable sister whom our protagonist loves dearly
-Unnecessary opulence at the very top
-All the 'nation' watches the contest unfold
Puhlese! I couldn't take it. I had decided to bring this trilogy home this summer because a student recommended it to me. She often doesn't go for the fluff, so I was intrigued. After my 40 pages, I put it down and honestly thought about abandoning it and blogging about my reasons. I went a whole day in my summer reading marathon without reading! This morning I had some time to myself and decided to give it another 40 pages. Now? I have to find out what happens! America is a strong character who stays true to herself and Prince Maxon is an interesting character too. The 2 have a connection and right now she is his inside source. She is going to give him information and Maxon will let her remain so that her family will be taken care of at home. I predict that he likes her already and is just waiting for her to fall too. We'll have to see.
I do allow kids to abandon books and tell them to do so if they have given a book a chance. I will definitely use this experience as an example. I will tell students that sometimes you just need to give a book another chance before you REALLY decide whether you are going to stick it out or not!
-A female protagonist
-Setting - some sort of distopian/post war society
-Citizens are unfairly divided into a caste system read: districts
-A contest is announced and our protagonist finds herself as a favourite
-Her true love is in a lower caste who is worse off than her family
-Adorable sister whom our protagonist loves dearly
-Unnecessary opulence at the very top
-All the 'nation' watches the contest unfold
Puhlese! I couldn't take it. I had decided to bring this trilogy home this summer because a student recommended it to me. She often doesn't go for the fluff, so I was intrigued. After my 40 pages, I put it down and honestly thought about abandoning it and blogging about my reasons. I went a whole day in my summer reading marathon without reading! This morning I had some time to myself and decided to give it another 40 pages. Now? I have to find out what happens! America is a strong character who stays true to herself and Prince Maxon is an interesting character too. The 2 have a connection and right now she is his inside source. She is going to give him information and Maxon will let her remain so that her family will be taken care of at home. I predict that he likes her already and is just waiting for her to fall too. We'll have to see.
I do allow kids to abandon books and tell them to do so if they have given a book a chance. I will definitely use this experience as an example. I will tell students that sometimes you just need to give a book another chance before you REALLY decide whether you are going to stick it out or not!
Wednesday, July 20, 2016
Guest Blog By Parker - Diary of a Wimpy Kid
Parker - Age 10
Me: So Parker, you have read all the 'Diary of a Wimpy Kid' books this summer, correct?
P: Correct
Me: Was this the first time you read them all?
P: Yes
Me: But not the first time for some of them, right?
P: Yep
Me: Why do you like these books so much?
P: Cuz I like how there's pictures and words
Me: There are lots of other books around that have pictures and words. Why do you think you (and lots of other kids) always go back to read these books?
P: Because the person in the book, Greg, is about the same age as me
Me: That's interesting?
P: Uh huh, he does stuff that I would do.
Me: Like what? What type of things would you do or think is interesting?
P: Ummm, that's a hard one. He's always going over to his friends Rowley's house. I like how he has a big brother and I like to read what he does.
Me: The big brother is a bit of a goof, right?
P: Ya
Me: Do you think you are ever going to try another book?
P: Yes
Me: When?
P: Well, I've already tried the villager book.
Me: Like, you've really tried?
P: Ummmm well, I read 20 pages, so ya, I guess
Me: Why don't you try 20 more pages and get back to me?
P: OK, later
Me: <<<<sigh>>>
Me: So Parker, you have read all the 'Diary of a Wimpy Kid' books this summer, correct?
P: Correct
Me: Was this the first time you read them all?
P: Yes
Me: But not the first time for some of them, right?
P: Yep
Me: Why do you like these books so much?
P: Cuz I like how there's pictures and words
Me: There are lots of other books around that have pictures and words. Why do you think you (and lots of other kids) always go back to read these books?
P: Because the person in the book, Greg, is about the same age as me
Me: That's interesting?
P: Uh huh, he does stuff that I would do.
Me: Like what? What type of things would you do or think is interesting?
P: Ummm, that's a hard one. He's always going over to his friends Rowley's house. I like how he has a big brother and I like to read what he does.
Me: The big brother is a bit of a goof, right?
P: Ya
Me: Do you think you are ever going to try another book?
P: Yes
Me: When?
P: Well, I've already tried the villager book.
Me: Like, you've really tried?
P: Ummmm well, I read 20 pages, so ya, I guess
Me: Why don't you try 20 more pages and get back to me?
P: OK, later
Me: <<<<sigh>>>
Hurry, Freedom - Canadian Flyer Adventures - Frieda Wishinsky
Guest Blogger - Abby (Age 7, turning 8 next month)
Did you like this book?
Yes
Why?
Because I learned lots of new things and it was very nice. It is a real story and people got to freedom.
What was your favourite part?
When they were getting to Canada off the raft
Tell me about the setting of the book
I thought about a house with no windows or doors at first but then one window with a lantern in it. Around it would be forest and a horse and wagon. But all around would be forest. Then you would go farther into the woods (about 10 meters???). You turn to your left and a cave would be there. In front of you is a bridge and water all around the bridge. After there is land and forest and a beach.
Why is this an adventure?
Because you have to get across the water without people catching you. And they were all around you at night. And you were trying to get there.
What did you learn about the Underground Railroad?
I learned that slave catchers would try and catch black people. There was a nice man and lady that were trying to help everyone who was slaves. The slave catchers try to catch them. They try to catch them to get money. They get money because the slave owners set out people to catch them. Emily and Matt are trying to help.
The Underground Railroad is how the slaves can get released to freedom.
Slaves run away from slave owners that make them work.
Nice people volunteer to help them get to Canada because Canada is a safe place
Thanks, Abby! Keep up the summer reading!
Did you like this book?
Yes
Why?
Because I learned lots of new things and it was very nice. It is a real story and people got to freedom.
What was your favourite part?
When they were getting to Canada off the raft
Tell me about the setting of the book
I thought about a house with no windows or doors at first but then one window with a lantern in it. Around it would be forest and a horse and wagon. But all around would be forest. Then you would go farther into the woods (about 10 meters???). You turn to your left and a cave would be there. In front of you is a bridge and water all around the bridge. After there is land and forest and a beach.
Why is this an adventure?
Because you have to get across the water without people catching you. And they were all around you at night. And you were trying to get there.
What did you learn about the Underground Railroad?
I learned that slave catchers would try and catch black people. There was a nice man and lady that were trying to help everyone who was slaves. The slave catchers try to catch them. They try to catch them to get money. They get money because the slave owners set out people to catch them. Emily and Matt are trying to help.
The Underground Railroad is how the slaves can get released to freedom.
Slaves run away from slave owners that make them work.
Nice people volunteer to help them get to Canada because Canada is a safe place
Thanks, Abby! Keep up the summer reading!
Tuesday, July 12, 2016
The Boy in the Striped Pajamas - John Boyne
Adele's song, 'Set Fire to the Rain' was the song that randomly came on as I sat down to write this post immediately after finishing this book. Bruno definitely set fire to the rain as he found himself inside the concentration camp that was run by his father. I did not cry. Instead, I was wishing that Bruno's father would find out what happened to his son. And how many other sons died under his role as Commandant?
In 2016 it is hard to imagine, but Boyne ominously writes at the end,
'Of course all this happened a long time ago and nothing like that could ever happen again.'
Right?
I've often felt that it's odd that I have a fascination with the stories of the Holocaust. Reading Boyne's Author's Note has given me license to continue my exploration of this genre and to celebrate my fascination. It is important to tell and retell these stories. I love Bruno - his innocence and his honesty. His childlike naivete is so refreshing with such a bleak backdrop that is the setting. Bruno has no idea why he is at 'Out-With' and if he did know, he would not understand. What he understands is that people should always be treated with respect and kindness. Yes he is an innocent, naive nine year old and he is full of misunderstandings and misperceptions, but he knows what's right. He knows the treatment of Maria, Pavel, Shmuel is wrong. He knows that Kotler is an evil bully. That's simple. What Bruno doesn't understand finds hims on the wrong side of the fence. If he ever does figure it out, it's too late.
The idea for the story came to Boyne through an image of two boys sitting on either side of a fence, having a conversation. Fences and walls are a topic that could take you through an entire year of read alouds and reader's workshop. The fence in this book could be seen as another character. Again from Boyne's Author's Note,
'Fences such as this one...still exist; it is unlikely that they will ever fully disappear. But whatever reaction you have to this story, I hope that the voices of Bruno and Shmuel will continue to resonate with you as they have with me. Their lost voices must continue to be heard; their untold stories must continue to be recounted; For they represent the ones who didn't live to tell their stories themselves.'
Fences like are found all over the world and is the main reason Boyne never names Auschwitz outright. He wants us to think about other issues where fences have been used to keep people out or in.
There is one question you can ask a class during a discussion of the Holocaust. It is the question that Boyne is asked most often,
Do you think a child raised in Nazi Germany could be as naive as Bruno is in the novel?
It's impossible to answer given that we have the benefit of hindsight, but it is a fascinating discussion. Are we in 2016 as complacent as people seemed during this time? Would we have stood up and done something? Would you? This is the question to ask.
In 2016 it is hard to imagine, but Boyne ominously writes at the end,
'Of course all this happened a long time ago and nothing like that could ever happen again.'
Right?
I've often felt that it's odd that I have a fascination with the stories of the Holocaust. Reading Boyne's Author's Note has given me license to continue my exploration of this genre and to celebrate my fascination. It is important to tell and retell these stories. I love Bruno - his innocence and his honesty. His childlike naivete is so refreshing with such a bleak backdrop that is the setting. Bruno has no idea why he is at 'Out-With' and if he did know, he would not understand. What he understands is that people should always be treated with respect and kindness. Yes he is an innocent, naive nine year old and he is full of misunderstandings and misperceptions, but he knows what's right. He knows the treatment of Maria, Pavel, Shmuel is wrong. He knows that Kotler is an evil bully. That's simple. What Bruno doesn't understand finds hims on the wrong side of the fence. If he ever does figure it out, it's too late.
The idea for the story came to Boyne through an image of two boys sitting on either side of a fence, having a conversation. Fences and walls are a topic that could take you through an entire year of read alouds and reader's workshop. The fence in this book could be seen as another character. Again from Boyne's Author's Note,
'Fences such as this one...still exist; it is unlikely that they will ever fully disappear. But whatever reaction you have to this story, I hope that the voices of Bruno and Shmuel will continue to resonate with you as they have with me. Their lost voices must continue to be heard; their untold stories must continue to be recounted; For they represent the ones who didn't live to tell their stories themselves.'
Fences like are found all over the world and is the main reason Boyne never names Auschwitz outright. He wants us to think about other issues where fences have been used to keep people out or in.
There is one question you can ask a class during a discussion of the Holocaust. It is the question that Boyne is asked most often,
Do you think a child raised in Nazi Germany could be as naive as Bruno is in the novel?
It's impossible to answer given that we have the benefit of hindsight, but it is a fascinating discussion. Are we in 2016 as complacent as people seemed during this time? Would we have stood up and done something? Would you? This is the question to ask.
Friday, July 8, 2016
Todd Parr
As a librarian I inherited a few Todd Parr books and I have used them endlessly with young students. Often topics like Remembrance Day are too complex for little people to understand. So books like 'The Peace Book', can explain what we really need in this world - to love each other and realize that we are different.
I love that Parr ends each of his books with a letter to the reader. It makes the message very personal and in my experience, kids love to hear the voice of the author.
Another Parr book, 'It's OK to Make Mistakes', is great to read at the beginning of the year so that students know that you expect them to make mistakes. The message is that through mistakes we truly learn. Even big people!
'The Family Book' is one that I have just ordered, but feel it is necessary as we see so many different types of family in our schools.
My new favourite Todd Parr book is 'The Goodbye Book', how touching! Todd writes at the back that this was the hardest book to write because it is hard to say goodbye. This would be a great book to keep on hand for when your students experience loss.
Bravo, Todd Parr!
I love that Parr ends each of his books with a letter to the reader. It makes the message very personal and in my experience, kids love to hear the voice of the author.
Another Parr book, 'It's OK to Make Mistakes', is great to read at the beginning of the year so that students know that you expect them to make mistakes. The message is that through mistakes we truly learn. Even big people!
'The Family Book' is one that I have just ordered, but feel it is necessary as we see so many different types of family in our schools.
My new favourite Todd Parr book is 'The Goodbye Book', how touching! Todd writes at the back that this was the hardest book to write because it is hard to say goodbye. This would be a great book to keep on hand for when your students experience loss.
Bravo, Todd Parr!
Vote for Me! - Ben Clanton
Being politically minded, I thought this was a great book. I find it hugely American with the reference to donkeys and elephants, so I struggle to think of ways that I could use it for Canadian Government. It would be a great resource for an American History course.
You could definitely talk about how not to run a campaign for sure. This election is getting ugly very quickly. 'Vote for Me!' could also be used to discuss persuasive texts. How do you convince people that you are right? For one thing, you don't act like the characters act in this text!
It's a fun text that is reminds me of 'Elephant and Piggie' books, purely for fun.
You could definitely talk about how not to run a campaign for sure. This election is getting ugly very quickly. 'Vote for Me!' could also be used to discuss persuasive texts. How do you convince people that you are right? For one thing, you don't act like the characters act in this text!
It's a fun text that is reminds me of 'Elephant and Piggie' books, purely for fun.
Ten Birds - Cybele Young
Ten Birds starts off simply. Or so it seems. Birds are trying to cross a bridge. One by one, they come up with method of crossing.
The solution seems obvious.
Or does it?
This can be a simple counting book, but I bet even little people will wonder why those silly birds just don't FLY.
I took to some good old research for this one. I was thinking perhaps I wasn't smart enough to GET it
Simple counting book? Sure. A way of explaining creative thinking? There's more than one answer! No one way is the right way?
I believe the author used birds for a very specific purpose. We are left wondering. If they are birds, first off, who says they HAVE to fly? These birds don't want to fly. They are not going to relegated to a certain role because they are birds. Here's something that I found that sums up what I am horribly trying to explain: "A most unusual book for readers of all ages, one that brilliantly illustrates the inadequacies of labels and the idea that the best solution to a problem is often the simplest one." Perfect. That's exactly what I was trying to say.
Of course, reading is thinking, so now I'm making a connection. My son was recently diagnosed as LD in language. He knows this and now we often have the discussion that even though he has difficulty with writing, he is smart in so many ways. He is going to struggle, but I want him to see that just because writing is hard for him, he has strengths in so many other areas.
So while readers will go insane with these 'challenged' birds, wondering why they don't just spread their wings and fly, we are left to realize that perhaps there is another way. This is a great questioning opportunity, a great way to recap a STEAM project or a math problem. There is more than one way to approach a problem. Bravo to those students (and especially TEACHERS) who see this as well!
The solution seems obvious.
Or does it?
This can be a simple counting book, but I bet even little people will wonder why those silly birds just don't FLY.
I took to some good old research for this one. I was thinking perhaps I wasn't smart enough to GET it
Simple counting book? Sure. A way of explaining creative thinking? There's more than one answer! No one way is the right way?
I believe the author used birds for a very specific purpose. We are left wondering. If they are birds, first off, who says they HAVE to fly? These birds don't want to fly. They are not going to relegated to a certain role because they are birds. Here's something that I found that sums up what I am horribly trying to explain: "A most unusual book for readers of all ages, one that brilliantly illustrates the inadequacies of labels and the idea that the best solution to a problem is often the simplest one." Perfect. That's exactly what I was trying to say.
Of course, reading is thinking, so now I'm making a connection. My son was recently diagnosed as LD in language. He knows this and now we often have the discussion that even though he has difficulty with writing, he is smart in so many ways. He is going to struggle, but I want him to see that just because writing is hard for him, he has strengths in so many other areas.
So while readers will go insane with these 'challenged' birds, wondering why they don't just spread their wings and fly, we are left to realize that perhaps there is another way. This is a great questioning opportunity, a great way to recap a STEAM project or a math problem. There is more than one way to approach a problem. Bravo to those students (and especially TEACHERS) who see this as well!
Alexandria of Africa - Eric Walters
Picture the scene... I'm into my very lofty reading goals for the summer. I'm racing through some great books. I'm half way through Eric Walters' book, 'Alexandria of Africa' and I LEFT the book at the neighbourhood pool!!! Argh! So frustrating. And it's a library book. Oops! Good thing I'm the librarian. I need to practice what I preach.
So I will start a post about this book and have to finish it when I locate the missing copy.
I've been wanting to read this book for a while. It is popular in the library. I try to read the unpopular books in order to broaden horizons of my students; but decided to see if this one was as good as the preteen readers proclaim.
I have to say Walters seems to have a definite theme wherein teens that are off the rails get payback through some very extreme punishments. It can be quite satisfying. Alexandria is another tough teen who is spoiled and has never had to account for her behaviour. She is given an opportunity to serve 'time' in Africa, working for a charity. Another Walters theme is novels which center around African communities struggling with lack of resources needed to provide the basic necessities. Teens learning lessons in a different, eye opening environment is not only satisfying but educational for Walters audience. We should be very thankful for these life lessons!
'Alexandria of Africa' teaches some great lessons. Where I am currently, she has just visited the school which lacks many western touches, but makes up for this in the spirit of its students. Literally, the middle of the book and our protagonist is starting to show signs of humanity!
Stay tuned for an update of the status of my lost library book and Alexandria's adventures.
5 hours later: Update!!! Book found! phew!
Finished this evening and it was a predictable ending. It was satisfying to know that Alexandria learned that the excess that she enjoys at home is not even close to the norm in other parts of the world. All people, young and old should have a similar experience. It is so hard to teach gratitude on a daily basis when we do have so much and we are so lucky in many ways.
So I will start a post about this book and have to finish it when I locate the missing copy.
I've been wanting to read this book for a while. It is popular in the library. I try to read the unpopular books in order to broaden horizons of my students; but decided to see if this one was as good as the preteen readers proclaim.
I have to say Walters seems to have a definite theme wherein teens that are off the rails get payback through some very extreme punishments. It can be quite satisfying. Alexandria is another tough teen who is spoiled and has never had to account for her behaviour. She is given an opportunity to serve 'time' in Africa, working for a charity. Another Walters theme is novels which center around African communities struggling with lack of resources needed to provide the basic necessities. Teens learning lessons in a different, eye opening environment is not only satisfying but educational for Walters audience. We should be very thankful for these life lessons!
'Alexandria of Africa' teaches some great lessons. Where I am currently, she has just visited the school which lacks many western touches, but makes up for this in the spirit of its students. Literally, the middle of the book and our protagonist is starting to show signs of humanity!
Stay tuned for an update of the status of my lost library book and Alexandria's adventures.
5 hours later: Update!!! Book found! phew!
Finished this evening and it was a predictable ending. It was satisfying to know that Alexandria learned that the excess that she enjoys at home is not even close to the norm in other parts of the world. All people, young and old should have a similar experience. It is so hard to teach gratitude on a daily basis when we do have so much and we are so lucky in many ways.
Tuesday, July 5, 2016
With Love, Little Red Hen - Alma Flor Ada
Layers!
This is a book for adults as much as children. Kids will love it as it gives a different look at some classic storybook characters. Adults, however, will appreciate the endless jokes and layer upon layer of meaning.
Too much for a single sit down read aloud, this would be a book that I would recommend to a teacher that is doing a classic fairy tale unit. Characters such as Goldilocks, The Little Red Hen, The 3 Little Pigs, The Big Bad Wolf are all highlighted in this book in the form of letters back and forth between the characters. It is a great way to discuss point of view; there is more than one way to look at a situation. This book is a lot of fun!
Apart from pure enjoyment and an extension of classic fairy tales, this is also a great opportunity for readers to connect to their previous experience with these characters. You could also discuss how you write a friendly letter. The author's effective use of voice is another topic that you could introduce to young writers through these humourous letters.
This is a book for adults as much as children. Kids will love it as it gives a different look at some classic storybook characters. Adults, however, will appreciate the endless jokes and layer upon layer of meaning.
Too much for a single sit down read aloud, this would be a book that I would recommend to a teacher that is doing a classic fairy tale unit. Characters such as Goldilocks, The Little Red Hen, The 3 Little Pigs, The Big Bad Wolf are all highlighted in this book in the form of letters back and forth between the characters. It is a great way to discuss point of view; there is more than one way to look at a situation. This book is a lot of fun!
Apart from pure enjoyment and an extension of classic fairy tales, this is also a great opportunity for readers to connect to their previous experience with these characters. You could also discuss how you write a friendly letter. The author's effective use of voice is another topic that you could introduce to young writers through these humourous letters.
The Keeping Quilt - Patricia Polacco
Along with a recent obsession with books about writing, I seem to be also thinking a lot about Grade 2 Social Studies (Ontario Curriculum). When I'm planning, shopping for books and thinking about how I can assist teachers, I often think of a topic and/or grade grouping. Maybe because my daughter talked a lot this year about what they were doing in Grade 2, I seem to have focused a lot of my attention lately to Global Communities and Traditions.
Abby this year had to research her family and discuss traditions that we recognize as a family. 'The Keeping Quilt' is a lovely story to read aloud and can be a great way to introduce traditions to this age level. Polacco often writes from her experiences. Topics and questions that can be asked after reading this story are:
What is your family story?
Where does your family come from?
Have any recent family members had to immigrate to a new country?
What traditions does your family have?
Students can discuss and perhaps share traditions or heirlooms that have been passed down from generation to generation. The activities shared in my post about 'An A From Miss Keller' would be great to do in conjunction with these traditions activities.
Kids love to talk about their families and love to share things that their families celebrate. Another great activity at this age is to make a family tree. It could be as simple as immediate family or as complex as going back many generations.
Abby this year had to research her family and discuss traditions that we recognize as a family. 'The Keeping Quilt' is a lovely story to read aloud and can be a great way to introduce traditions to this age level. Polacco often writes from her experiences. Topics and questions that can be asked after reading this story are:
What is your family story?
Where does your family come from?
Have any recent family members had to immigrate to a new country?
What traditions does your family have?
Students can discuss and perhaps share traditions or heirlooms that have been passed down from generation to generation. The activities shared in my post about 'An A From Miss Keller' would be great to do in conjunction with these traditions activities.
Kids love to talk about their families and love to share things that their families celebrate. Another great activity at this age is to make a family tree. It could be as simple as immediate family or as complex as going back many generations.
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