Why I Picked It Up: We are always looking for engaging books for the elementary classroom, so when this came across one of my many searches. It reminded me of How They Croaked, by Georgia Bragg (one of my faves!), and so I quickly ordered it. Why I Finished It: It’s really addicting. The book arrived […]
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App/Website Review: Nearpod
I recently had the opportunity to use Nearpod with a group of fourth grade students, and as I was thinking about it, I couldn’t believe I haven’t written about this fantastic app yet! Nearpod is one of the “oldies but goodies” that has been around a while, but that you kind of forget about until you see it […]
Searching for Strong Informational Text
There is no denying that classrooms are beginning to use more and more nonfiction in the classroom. Current research has emphasized the importance of increasing nonfiction reading in the classroom and teachers are now on the hunt for strong texts. There are many places to find strong informational text for students that are engaging for […]
Thematic Unit: Picture Books about Perseverance
Theme: In order to teach a thematic unit, students must first understand the theme being studied. Define perseverance for the students. I chose to explain it as continuing to do something despite difficulty or delay in achieving success. I illustrated the definition for students by explaining how my youngest son has persevered through guitar lessons. […]
Book Review: Violet the Pilot, by Steve Breen
Why I Picked It Up: This was a recommendation from a librarian in one of our sessions last summer, and it took me entirely too long to actually pick it up! With a two-year-old that loves everything airplanes, we rediscovered it at the public library as we were browsing one day a few weeks ago. We’ve read […]
Book Review: The Poem that Will Not End: Fun with Poetic Forms and Voices, by Joan Bransfield Graham
Why I Picked It Up: One of my most popular sessions is For the Love of Poetry and in the process of finding great poetry picture books, I found this gem. Why I Finished It: This book is so much fun. It’s light, energetic, and accessible (in stark contrast to what we think of when we […]
