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 […]
Social Studies
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 […]
Did You Know…Historical Street View in Google Maps!
Welcome back from the break! We hope you had a wonderful, relaxing time with family and friends, and are ready to get back to inspiring your students with your enthusiasm for learning! Today’s Did You Know is a slightly less well known feature of Google Maps that has incredible implications for your study of human/physical characteristics […]
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 […]
Book Review: Monster Needs Your Vote, by Paul Czajak
Why I Picked It Up: It’s October! This means the beginning of my favorite few months, not just for family, food, and celebration, but because of seasonal picture books. I love to peruse the book displays in our local Barnes and Noble. There are always the old favorites, but every year there are new holiday […]