To view my review, please visit:
http://search.barnesandnoble.com/Henrys-Freedom-Box/Levine/e/9780439777339/?itm=1&tabname=custreview#TABS
Monday, December 1, 2008
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
Thursday, November 6, 2008
Sunday, October 26, 2008
Craft Lesson 3
Topic: What Starts with the letter "B" using the book, Buzz by Janet Wong
Discussion: (Mid-Kindergarten, Large Group)
Children really appreciate and remember a lesson better when they get involved. Therefore, it is particularly important to include a child, individually or in groups, as if they were to "teach" themselves. I know this sounds a little bizarre, but when the child becomes part of the lesson, not only is the learning experience more personal, but it is also more special and interesting to the child, (giving the child a better chance of opening a window of opportunity for learning).
How To Teach It:
Materials: Tape Recorder/Tape, Chalk/Chalkboard/ Flashcards (of other objects that start with 'b')
1. Read the book. While reading the book, point out the word "buzz."
2. Talk about the letter 'b' and have the children sound it out. Then, ask the children to think of other words that start with that same sound. Write them down on the chalkboard. Then, take out the flashcards and begin to explain how the letter 'b' sounds, show them the pictures (so as to get them started), and ask them to name the pictures. Add these to your list on the chalkboard. Then, ask them to notice how they all begin with the same letter and sound. Ask them to sound them out with you.
3. Write down the name of each object, as you go through the cards again, and use another color of chalk to write and underline the 'b' (so they can get a visual).
4. Divide the class in two groups (one for the teacher aide and one for you). Have each child name an object from one of the flashcards, as you tape record them. Then, instantly play it back so as to reinforce what they just said. (Remember- do that for each child!)
Discussion: (Mid-Kindergarten, Large Group)
Children really appreciate and remember a lesson better when they get involved. Therefore, it is particularly important to include a child, individually or in groups, as if they were to "teach" themselves. I know this sounds a little bizarre, but when the child becomes part of the lesson, not only is the learning experience more personal, but it is also more special and interesting to the child, (giving the child a better chance of opening a window of opportunity for learning).
How To Teach It:
Materials: Tape Recorder/Tape, Chalk/Chalkboard/ Flashcards (of other objects that start with 'b')
1. Read the book. While reading the book, point out the word "buzz."
2. Talk about the letter 'b' and have the children sound it out. Then, ask the children to think of other words that start with that same sound. Write them down on the chalkboard. Then, take out the flashcards and begin to explain how the letter 'b' sounds, show them the pictures (so as to get them started), and ask them to name the pictures. Add these to your list on the chalkboard. Then, ask them to notice how they all begin with the same letter and sound. Ask them to sound them out with you.
3. Write down the name of each object, as you go through the cards again, and use another color of chalk to write and underline the 'b' (so they can get a visual).
4. Divide the class in two groups (one for the teacher aide and one for you). Have each child name an object from one of the flashcards, as you tape record them. Then, instantly play it back so as to reinforce what they just said. (Remember- do that for each child!)
Read Aloud 2
Buzz by Janet Wong
This book allows the reader to zoom in on the buzzing sounds a child hears in the morning, from the buzzing of a bee, to the buzzing of the alarm clock, the buzzing of Daddy's silver razor and Mommy's blender and the child's stunt-flying airplane. This book is perfect for teaching many creative lessons from onomatopoeia to the sounds of the letter "B." By introducing this book, many children will identify with the busy morning routine in their own homes. They will be able to understand that every home has a routine, even if it is different from house to house. Even more will be inspired to sit in still silence, listening intently, so they can answer the question, "How many buzzes do you hear?" This book also has great illustrations truly exemplifying the word buzz and making it come to life.
This book allows the reader to zoom in on the buzzing sounds a child hears in the morning, from the buzzing of a bee, to the buzzing of the alarm clock, the buzzing of Daddy's silver razor and Mommy's blender and the child's stunt-flying airplane. This book is perfect for teaching many creative lessons from onomatopoeia to the sounds of the letter "B." By introducing this book, many children will identify with the busy morning routine in their own homes. They will be able to understand that every home has a routine, even if it is different from house to house. Even more will be inspired to sit in still silence, listening intently, so they can answer the question, "How many buzzes do you hear?" This book also has great illustrations truly exemplifying the word buzz and making it come to life.
Craft Lesson 2
Topic: Mammal/ Or Not? using the book, What Do You Do With a Tail Like This? by Steve Jenkins & Robin Page
Discussion: (Mid-Kindergarten, Large Group)
Making predictions and using higher-level thinking skills is not only a fun way for children to brainstorm and learn, but it is also a way in which children are actively involved in a lesson. Children also need to know their basics about mammals or non-mammals, therefore, this book would be ideal for a lesson conducted to teach this to children.
How To Teach It:
Materials: picures from the book, other pictures of animals, and a chalkboard
1. Talk about what mammals are (this should be an extension of your lesson). Then, on the chalkboard, make two different columns: one for animals that are mammals and one for animals that are not mammals. Write down their predictions.
2. Read the book, (What Do You Do With a Tail Like This?) to the children. Discuss which animal is a mammal and which one is not.
3. Take out the flashcards and have the children tell you which one is a mammal. As they do this you post the flashcards dividing them into the two columns. Ask the children why they are dividing them the way in which they are as they do it.
4. Have the children list and write down the mammals in their home and/or neighborhood. Then, have them write down a few sentences with each animal they name as to why they think they are mammals. Have the children reveal their pictures and ideas.
Discussion: (Mid-Kindergarten, Large Group)
Making predictions and using higher-level thinking skills is not only a fun way for children to brainstorm and learn, but it is also a way in which children are actively involved in a lesson. Children also need to know their basics about mammals or non-mammals, therefore, this book would be ideal for a lesson conducted to teach this to children.
How To Teach It:
Materials: picures from the book, other pictures of animals, and a chalkboard
1. Talk about what mammals are (this should be an extension of your lesson). Then, on the chalkboard, make two different columns: one for animals that are mammals and one for animals that are not mammals. Write down their predictions.
2. Read the book, (What Do You Do With a Tail Like This?) to the children. Discuss which animal is a mammal and which one is not.
3. Take out the flashcards and have the children tell you which one is a mammal. As they do this you post the flashcards dividing them into the two columns. Ask the children why they are dividing them the way in which they are as they do it.
4. Have the children list and write down the mammals in their home and/or neighborhood. Then, have them write down a few sentences with each animal they name as to why they think they are mammals. Have the children reveal their pictures and ideas.
Monday, October 20, 2008
Sunday, October 19, 2008
Stuart Goes To School
Stuart Goes to School by Sara Pennypacker
This book is a wonderful addition to Sara Pennypacker's book called Stuart's Cape. This book is perfect for children with great imagination who love adventure. I personally would use this in my classroom as a recommended book because as a child, this book would have taken me to places no regular normal person/child goes. I honestly believe children would not only understand this book, but they would also appreciate it. Children are very capable of coming up with their own schemes and theories, therefore, this book does not really have to second Stuart's Cape. I have always loved reading about things or ideas that were bigger than me and this book fits that description perfectly. The never-ending adventures Stuart endures are extremely fun and entertaining and every child can only dream to have these experiences as well. Sara Pennypacker's style, although unusual, is very fun and entertaining, perfect for the age group she writes for.
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
Read Aloud 1
My Many Colored Days by Dr. Seuss
I absolutely love this delightful book by Dr. Seuss. It follows a child through all of his emotions, and what he feels when he’s angry, sad, confused, low, etc. He compares his feelings to colors and explains what he feels. The colors in the illustrations help to reinforce how he is feeling. They are beautiful and utilize the whole page. Young children love this book because of the illustrations, and how the author relates their feelings in a way they can understand it. The book explains so much without using too many words. The overall theme in this book is that no matter what your feelings are one day, you will go back to being you, and that is okay. I have told many people about this book, because I love the theme, illustrations, and how simple it is. Plus, it comes in board book form, which makes it great for young children. The younger children will learn about colors, and the older children will learn about their emotions. Children will be able to better relate to and understand different emotions/feelings.
Ruby Lu Brave and True
Ruby Lu Brave and True, by Lenore Look and Anne Wilsdorf
Ruby Lu is a wonderful little girl who with all her detail truly brought me back to when I was 8 or 9. I love the part of when she gets to ride the bus down to Chinatown with her GungGung and PohPoh. However, not everything is fun and games. She had some tough times too, which made the book a little more realistic. While this book might not really interest older tweens, 9 and 10 year old girls will probably always enjoy it. Pretty much anyone can appreciate this fun glimpse into the life of an Asian-American girl. The glossary of Chinese (Cantonese/Taishanese) terms that Ruby and her family uses is pretty helpful!
What Would You Do With a Tail Like This?
What Do You Do With a Tail Like This? by Steve Jenkins and Robin Page
This book pretty much fascinated my nephews when I read it to them. They really enjoyed answering questions and getting the answers right. They also enjoyed the illustrations. They loved the way in which the illustrator used different kinds of shading. They always asked, "Does it really look like that?" They couldn't believe the different things they learned about animals they haven't really ever talked about. This book would also be an excellent addition in my classroom. I could teach punctuation, sentence structure, different vocabulary, and different animals. Not only could I teach reading/writing/grammer, but I could also incorporate science!! This book provides great examples of pictures and has wonderful information. One more thing, the name of the book really suites it!
This book pretty much fascinated my nephews when I read it to them. They really enjoyed answering questions and getting the answers right. They also enjoyed the illustrations. They loved the way in which the illustrator used different kinds of shading. They always asked, "Does it really look like that?" They couldn't believe the different things they learned about animals they haven't really ever talked about. This book would also be an excellent addition in my classroom. I could teach punctuation, sentence structure, different vocabulary, and different animals. Not only could I teach reading/writing/grammer, but I could also incorporate science!! This book provides great examples of pictures and has wonderful information. One more thing, the name of the book really suites it!
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
Take Me Out of The Bathtub and Other Silly Dilly Songs
Take Me Out of the Bathtub and Other Silly Dilly Songs, by Alan Katz and David Catrow
This book is really refreshing. It's a blast from the past! I personally enjoy singing along to these songs because it reminds me of the songs I learned as a child in elementary. I also greatly appreciate the illustrations! They are so different, yet fun!! I loved how they added on the lightheartedness of the book. I would use this book as part of my recreational read aloud time. This way, there is no pressure on the students and they in turn, get the opportunity to enjoy a great book! I love fantasy books such as this. Good selection...
This book is really refreshing. It's a blast from the past! I personally enjoy singing along to these songs because it reminds me of the songs I learned as a child in elementary. I also greatly appreciate the illustrations! They are so different, yet fun!! I loved how they added on the lightheartedness of the book. I would use this book as part of my recreational read aloud time. This way, there is no pressure on the students and they in turn, get the opportunity to enjoy a great book! I love fantasy books such as this. Good selection...
Monday, September 22, 2008
Craft Lesson 1
Good Night Pillow Fight by Sally Cook Illustrated by Laura Cornell
Materials: the book, highlighter, chalkboard, and chalk
Discussion: When students reach third grade, they can read and write more independently than in any previous grade. Students at this grade level need more practice in reading and writing due to the fact that this is one of the most difficult to master. It is extremely important to allow students to write on their own after having a Read-Aloud or viewing a book. TEKS: Writing/purposes: the student writes for a variety of audiences and purposes and in various formswrite to record ideas and reflections (K-3)
Allow (and highlight in the book as you go along) the children to point out the different grammar (especially punctuation and capitalization in the storyline).
How to Teach It: Allow the children to think about and jot down the different routines they practice before turning in at night. Then, read them the book. Have each child reflect on their idea of what the storyline was about and have them jot down their ideas about the book. Then, explain to the children that it is okay to have different bedtime routines because no two homes do the same thing. Then, allow the children to write down what they wish they could do as their bedtime routine, and add it to what they already do. After the lesson, allow the children to proofread their work and check for properly marked punctuation and capitalization.
Materials: the book, highlighter, chalkboard, and chalk
Discussion: When students reach third grade, they can read and write more independently than in any previous grade. Students at this grade level need more practice in reading and writing due to the fact that this is one of the most difficult to master. It is extremely important to allow students to write on their own after having a Read-Aloud or viewing a book. TEKS: Writing/purposes: the student writes for a variety of audiences and purposes and in various formswrite to record ideas and reflections (K-3)
Allow (and highlight in the book as you go along) the children to point out the different grammar (especially punctuation and capitalization in the storyline).
How to Teach It: Allow the children to think about and jot down the different routines they practice before turning in at night. Then, read them the book. Have each child reflect on their idea of what the storyline was about and have them jot down their ideas about the book. Then, explain to the children that it is okay to have different bedtime routines because no two homes do the same thing. Then, allow the children to write down what they wish they could do as their bedtime routine, and add it to what they already do. After the lesson, allow the children to proofread their work and check for properly marked punctuation and capitalization.
He's Got the Whole World in His Hands
He's Got the Whole World in His Hands, by Kadir Nelson
This book, which is in my Sunday class selection, is greatly loved by my children! Not only do they get to sing along and act as if they are reading, but they also get to get a visual along with it. This book is light-hearted and bright, bringing a smile to everyone's face. Every person who has actually seen the book have absolutely loved it. However, the most wonderful area of this book is not only that it could be used for religious purposes, but it could also could be used in the classroom. In the classroom, one could conduct a variety of lessons (not just music) using this book.
This book, which is in my Sunday class selection, is greatly loved by my children! Not only do they get to sing along and act as if they are reading, but they also get to get a visual along with it. This book is light-hearted and bright, bringing a smile to everyone's face. Every person who has actually seen the book have absolutely loved it. However, the most wonderful area of this book is not only that it could be used for religious purposes, but it could also could be used in the classroom. In the classroom, one could conduct a variety of lessons (not just music) using this book.
Henry's Freedom Box
Henry's Freedom Box by Ellen Levine, Illustrated by Kadir Nelson
Awww, what a sad story! I could not imagine being that young and trying to fend for myself like an adult because my family got taken away! Because the hard truth of slavery described in this book is a little too harsh for early childhood, I think I would rather share this book with older chidlren (maybe 5th graders). However, I really liked the way in which the author addressed the many issues that people handled in their everyday life back then. The book is simple enough to be read in one session, yet serious enough to be able to teach a great history lesson.
La Mariposa
La Mariposa by Francisco Jimenez and illustrated by Simon Silva
I can truly appreciate differences in culture valued in this book. As a child, I first came into the classroom as an ESL student, therefore, I felt extremely lost. Francisco portrayed my every feeling and concern at that age. I felt alone, EMBARRASSED, and completely out of place. I felt as if I were the only dumb kid in class because I always needed extra help and the children were mean to me because of it. Because my parents had no other choice than to heavily rely on the teachers to teach me the language, they felt completely left out of my every learning experience. However, they truly enjoyed the thoughful moments in which the teachers sent home a bilingual book that we both could share and enjoy. This book took me back to those times because I can truly relate to the importance of a bilingual book as well as to the little boy in the story. I can sadly admit that to this day, I have never been able to truly step out of my shell in a classroom. (And I graduated MHS with honors and have been on the President's list AND on the Dean's list now in college!!) I still stumble on my words when speaking in front of a large group because I am so self-conscience. Sad, but true...
I can truly appreciate differences in culture valued in this book. As a child, I first came into the classroom as an ESL student, therefore, I felt extremely lost. Francisco portrayed my every feeling and concern at that age. I felt alone, EMBARRASSED, and completely out of place. I felt as if I were the only dumb kid in class because I always needed extra help and the children were mean to me because of it. Because my parents had no other choice than to heavily rely on the teachers to teach me the language, they felt completely left out of my every learning experience. However, they truly enjoyed the thoughful moments in which the teachers sent home a bilingual book that we both could share and enjoy. This book took me back to those times because I can truly relate to the importance of a bilingual book as well as to the little boy in the story. I can sadly admit that to this day, I have never been able to truly step out of my shell in a classroom. (And I graduated MHS with honors and have been on the President's list AND on the Dean's list now in college!!) I still stumble on my words when speaking in front of a large group because I am so self-conscience. Sad, but true...
Good Night Pillow Fight
Good Night Pillow Fight by Sally Cook and illustrations by Laura Cornell.
The books illustrations are really colorful and fun to look at in this book. I really enjoyed this book because my nephews now get to view a positive to pillow fighting, (because they usually get in trouble for doing this at home...it "messes" up the pillows). Because we had a small pillow fight after I read this book, they really enjoyed the Read Aloud. Now, they keep asking me to read them this book because they can relate to it. Not only did it positively affect me on a personal level, but I also enjoyed the simplicity of the storyline. It was short and to the point, yet very entertaining.
The books illustrations are really colorful and fun to look at in this book. I really enjoyed this book because my nephews now get to view a positive to pillow fighting, (because they usually get in trouble for doing this at home...it "messes" up the pillows). Because we had a small pillow fight after I read this book, they really enjoyed the Read Aloud. Now, they keep asking me to read them this book because they can relate to it. Not only did it positively affect me on a personal level, but I also enjoyed the simplicity of the storyline. It was short and to the point, yet very entertaining.
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