Why I Picked It Up: The cover. Yep, judged this one by the cover and I am glad I did. What a gem. The pink catchy title is one thing, but the most hideous, gelatinous creature with grumpy-man face made me *literally* LOL. After reading about the book, I knew it had to be mine. […]
Social Studies
Poetry Palooza 3: 5 Content Area Poetry Picture Books
Welcome to part 3 of our Poetry Palooza! Throughout this month of April, we want to share with you some of our favorite poetry books (there are SO many good ones!) and some practical strategies for sharing poetry with your class that have been classroom tested and student approved! Just joining us? Check out the previous posts in the series: […]
Book Review: This or That History Debate: A Rip-Roaring Game of Either/Or Questions, by Michael O’Hearn
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 […]
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 […]
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: Timeless Thomas and Now and Ben, by Gene Barretta
Why I Picked Them Up: I first picked up Now and Ben because it’s a biography on Benjamin Franklin, who I think is the most interesting man in the world! Not to mention he is in the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) for elementary social studies. After I fell in love with the book, I […]