What books are best for my child?

I hear this question a lot. Especially during the summer as students prepare for the next grade level or begin reading chapter books for the first time. In our November newsletter for CSF,  I mention Scholastic's list of top 100 books and encourage readers to learn more about some of the most popular books ever. I went through the list of 100 books and wrote down the titles I haven't read, so I can check them out from the library. My plan is to begin reading some of them over the Thanksgiving holidays. I know getting lost in the pages of a book will help my flights seem much faster! They say, "Time flies when you're having fun!"

 Here is the link:
100 Greatest Books for Kids

I also wanted to share with you a fantastic blog created by a K-5 teacher-librarian named Mr Schu. Each week he features book trailers introducing new books to readers. What a great way to learn a little bit more about a book before you decide to buy it for yourself or your child. It is also a fantastic way to discover a book you might not have picked up on your own.

I can't wait to go back through his book trailers to see what new books I can discover! His blog is titled "Watch. Connect. Read"  and he does a terrific job of helping students do just that!

Mr. Schu Reads

Hopefully these resources will give you some suggestions when you hear a child ask, "What book should I read?"

Graphing Favorites

Last week each class created a graph showing their top five books. After students nominated the books, each student voted for their favorite. Mrs. Berry hung these graphs for students to read as they wait in line for breakfast and for lunch.

Each morning I have the pleasure of greeting students as they come for breakfast. The graphs have been the topic of our conversations each morning and I love talking with students about books! Students love showing me what book they voted for and I love hearing their reasons.
I also love hearing the conversations between students, "Have you read that book.....?" "That book is so funny!" and "I used to love that book when I was in Kindergarten."

Tomorrow I will take some pictures of the graphs to share with you. It's great to talk to students about  the books they are reading, why they choose the books they do, and what hooks them as a reader.

When I am asked what type of books I read, I usually say, "Grown up Nancy Drew's". Nancy Drew mysteries hooked me as a young reader and I hope our students will continue a life filled with favorite books.

D. E. A. R.

                                                      D. E. A. R. 

I am really looking forward to this week's literacy focus with daily activities planned to support DEAR. What is it you say? D. E. A. R. stands for "Drop Everything And Read" and originates from author Beverly Cleary. It is also known as "Sustained Silent Reading". The purpose is to encourage students to pick up a book and devote 20 - 30 minutes simply for the pleasure of reading. 

In the book Ramona Quimby age 8, Ramona is pleased to discover she can read a book without having to do a book report, vocabulary words, or discuss the book with others. She is thrilled to know she can sit by herself and get lost in her book. Ramona and I have so much in common!

I have a framed print in my room that says, "I have so much to do but all I want to do is read." As a student, D.E.A.R. would have been my favorite time of the day. I hope students as CSF are just as excited about a chance to stop everything and read a good book. 

On this blog you will see the Author link where I have provided links to some of my favorite authors websites for students to explore. You can also hear author Lester Laminack read his book, Saturdays and Teacakes,  and find out where author Lois Lowry got the idea to write her book, The Giver. Lois Lowry wrote the book in 1993 and was awarded the Newbery Medal in 1994. The award is given each year for the most distinguished contribution to literature. The book was recently made into a movie and was released in August. 

So this week when it becomes time to D.E.A.R. you will find me with my nose buried between the pages of a great book!!

Technology Links

Jason Paddock, the Instructional Technology Integration Specialist for Spartanburg District 2, recently sent an email which included a link to his latest blog entry detailing formative assessments. The list was compiled by Technology Lead Teachers in District 2.  Learn more about it from this link:

http://s2edtechjason.blogspot.com/

Speaking and Listening

Today I had the pleasure of visiting a fourth grade classroom watching them create illustrations to help them solve word problems. After students were given time to solve the problem, they were given a chance to talk about their solutions with partners. I heard several fantastic conversations as I walked around the room during "Math Talk."

Student: I like the way you approached that problem. I didn't think about it like that.

Student: Let me make sure I understand.......Why did you solve it that way?

Student: I wasn't able to get the answer. Can you help me find the answer?

Student 1: Why are you drawing the whole calendar?
Student 2: I have to draw it like this, so I can solve the problem. ( I was so proud of this student for being honest and stating what she needed to solve the problem. The other student was so respectful after hearing her reply)


These conversations are wonderful opportunities for students to learn from each other while developing respect for others opinions, learning to be patient and wait for their turn and truly listen to others. Believe it or not, this isn't something that comes naturally for students. Students learn valuable skills that benefit them later as they work in teams accomplishing a task.

As a Literacy Coach, I was a fish out of water since I walked into their Math lesson. But as I watched the variety of ways to solve the problem, it reminded me that a story or a problem can be viewed from different perspectives. It was a neat story that unfolded before me as twenty students approached one problem in so many different ways, yet respecting each other's ideas.

I might be a Fish out of water, but I hope to swim with them during another Math lesson!