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. […]
Reading Strategies
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: Awkward, by Svetlana Chmakova
Why I Picked It Up:
Sherry and I have been busy bulking up our graphic novel library, as our session on graphic novels has been in high demand. In the process of enhancing our library, I was on the hunt for a strong middle school graphic novel that had depth, but would speak to the average student. Based on the cover and book reviews, this seemed to fit that bill.
Book Review: A Tower of Giraffes; Animals in Groups, by Anna Wright
Why I Picked It Up: I came across a picture of this book online. I don’t remember if it was on a blog or on Amazon, but I was captivated by the cover, so I immediately ordered this book. Why I Finished It: Admittedly, I didn’t realize what the book was. Maybe I didn’t read […]
Book Review: Max the Brave, by Ed Vere
Why I Picked It Up: I definitely judged this book by it’s cover. Those who know me know I am not a lover of cats, but this one made me smile. His eyes, stance, and cape had me amused. Plus, Sherry and I seem to have an unexplainable thing for superheroes. Why I Finished It: […]
Book Review: Open Mic: Riffs on Life Between Cultures in Ten Voices
Why I Picked It Up: In searching for strong social studies text for our Beyond the Textbook Session, I found this advanced reader’s copy in Sherry’s personal collection. It was definitely a “Jessica book,” so she happily gave me her copy. Why I Finished It: Curiosity! From the beginning I was intrigued by the stories the […]
