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.

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.

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...

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.