For The Love of Books
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
The OK Book
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
We Are in a Book!
Sunday, November 21, 2010
Alice the Fairy
Friday, November 19, 2010
CHALK!!
Thursday, November 18, 2010
Scaredy Squirrel
- labeling pictures
- list making
- plus/deltas (a way to evaluate the positives and negatives of a situation)
- numbered steps
- diagraming and plans (he has quiet the exotic exit plan in the event of an emergency!)
- voice
A fabulous critical challenge is to discuss being prepared in the event of an emergency. Scaredy has his emergency kit prepared with some very unique items. You can have students brainstorm what they would want in their kit - start with listing 5-7 items. Then have the students determine one thing they could give up and the 2 most important items to ensure they have. It is important to also have them set up important criteria - they have to be able to get the emergency kit quickly so weight and size are important factors. It is amazing to hear the discussions students have as a result of this critical challenge. Here is a resource from the publisher to get you started.
time is also an important part of Scaredy's routine. The digital and analog clocks that are part of the routines Scaredy outlines. Students can make the times to match the schedules. Another great critical challenge is to judge the better of two schedules in terms of use of his time. Again it's important to frame the challenge with criteria by discussing responsibilities throughout the day. Students can also design to specs a schedule for Scaredy to ensure he is using his time efficiently.
In the end, the kit is lost in of all things...a patch of poison ivy...a great opportunity for students to create a new story where Scaredy goes on a recon mission to get the kit back. Students can use the same techniques that Watt uses including lists, plans, steps and labels to stay true to the initial story line.
The vocabulary, humor and captivating story line make this book a fabulous book that will fly off the shelves into the hands of readers.
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
One is a Feast for a Mouse
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
King Bidgood's in the Bathtub
This story is a great way to get kids thinking about predictions.
After discovering the problem, I have my kids predict what could get him out of the tub. They create a patterning book - ex. Try having a party. That will get him out. I join them together to make a class book for the class to read.
I also like to revisit this book as we discuss story elements of fiction. It helps students provide clear examples of the events that ultimately lead to the solution.
As a Math connection I also like to read this story when we talk about time of day. It helps reinforce time as part of the setting and encourages readers to analyze pictures clues to determine time of day (like how the pictures have a blue hue as the sun sets.)
Just like other books written by Audrey Wood this quickly becomes a classroom favorite!