The July reading challenge at My Little Bookcase is Play with Your Books. This is a great family challenge, but it is also a wonderful culminating activity for a classroom reading project.
In this challenge, readers are asked to create a game around a favorite book - using characters, plot turns or settings. This is a great activity to tap into both the creative side as well as providing a chance for students to show off their comprehension of the story. Games can be created by individual students, or as a reading group activity. Sharing their games is a great way for one group to introduce a new book to their classmates.
There are many suggestions at the My Little Bookcase site that can be adapted to either home or school use. The deadline for submissions is July 31 - still plenty of time to enter! Prizes are for Australian entries only, but this wonderful idea can be done by readers everywhere.
Site owner, Jackie, is also going to be compiling a PDF of all of the game ideas submitted, which will be available as a free download. What a great resource for teachers and parents alike!!
Copyright 2012 Irene Taylor. Permission to republish any part in print or online must be granted by the author of this blog in writing.
Saturday, July 21, 2012
Tuesday, July 10, 2012
Books for Kids: The Chronicles of Narnia
Summertime, the perfect time to curl up under a tree, or at home in the air conditioning, with a good book. And what's better than making that book one of the timeless classics. A perfect summertime read is a great series by author C.S. Lewis, The Chronicles of Narnia.
It seems that everyone has heard of the Chronicles of Narnia series. I remember my first encounter with these books. I was about 7, maybe 8, and in the third grade. My teacher, the long-haired Miss Ilaria, read what was then the first in the series, The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe to us in chapters. I was captivated by this quintessential allegorical tale of good versus evil. I imagined the amazement of the four siblings at finding the magic wardrobe, and for may years after, I was always on the lookout for a magic closet or passageway that might take me into such a mystical world!
I was enthralled at the reading, and looked forward to that part of the day when we would hear the next in the grand adventure. I still think that hearing this wonderful story is perhaps the best way to be introduced to it. With no pictures to prejudice an unexposed mind, the listener can create the most vivid and lovely images upon hearing Lewis's wonderful prose! (Avoid the urge to share the movie version first - the possibilities for using one's imagination are great in this series of books!)
Over my many years of teaching, I read this book to many a class, and always to the delight of my student listeners. But, once hooked, the urge to read the story for oneself becomes strong. I so loved hearing it, that I sought it out in the library and read it again for myself, cover to cover. And, over many years of teaching, I also taught this book to many classes.
For those not familiar with the series, The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe is a wonderful story set in World War II England. Four siblings, two brothers and two sisters, are sent away from London to keep them safe from the bombings. At the home of old Professor Kirke they stumble upon the magic wardrobe closet and find themselves in the strange and wonderful world of Narnia where they meet all manner of creatures, both very good and very evil. The story of their struggle against the evil White Witch makes for an enthralling read.
There are seven books in the complete series, each taking the four children on another grand adventure in the magical land of Narnia. The original chronology began with The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe, but Harper Collins, the United States publishers, have taken Lewis's stepson Douglas Gresham's order and suggest starting the series with The Magician's Nephew, actually written as a prequel to the series.
Start with either one, but start!! Enjoy these stories as a trip into your own reading past - or introduce them to someone you love.
Copyright 2012 Irene Taylor.All rights reserved.
It seems that everyone has heard of the Chronicles of Narnia series. I remember my first encounter with these books. I was about 7, maybe 8, and in the third grade. My teacher, the long-haired Miss Ilaria, read what was then the first in the series, The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe to us in chapters. I was captivated by this quintessential allegorical tale of good versus evil. I imagined the amazement of the four siblings at finding the magic wardrobe, and for may years after, I was always on the lookout for a magic closet or passageway that might take me into such a mystical world!
I was enthralled at the reading, and looked forward to that part of the day when we would hear the next in the grand adventure. I still think that hearing this wonderful story is perhaps the best way to be introduced to it. With no pictures to prejudice an unexposed mind, the listener can create the most vivid and lovely images upon hearing Lewis's wonderful prose! (Avoid the urge to share the movie version first - the possibilities for using one's imagination are great in this series of books!)
Over my many years of teaching, I read this book to many a class, and always to the delight of my student listeners. But, once hooked, the urge to read the story for oneself becomes strong. I so loved hearing it, that I sought it out in the library and read it again for myself, cover to cover. And, over many years of teaching, I also taught this book to many classes.
For those not familiar with the series, The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe is a wonderful story set in World War II England. Four siblings, two brothers and two sisters, are sent away from London to keep them safe from the bombings. At the home of old Professor Kirke they stumble upon the magic wardrobe closet and find themselves in the strange and wonderful world of Narnia where they meet all manner of creatures, both very good and very evil. The story of their struggle against the evil White Witch makes for an enthralling read.
There are seven books in the complete series, each taking the four children on another grand adventure in the magical land of Narnia. The original chronology began with The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe, but Harper Collins, the United States publishers, have taken Lewis's stepson Douglas Gresham's order and suggest starting the series with The Magician's Nephew, actually written as a prequel to the series.
Start with either one, but start!! Enjoy these stories as a trip into your own reading past - or introduce them to someone you love.
Copyright 2012 Irene Taylor.All rights reserved.
Wednesday, July 4, 2012
Quick Tips for Teachers: Coordinate Graph Art Activity
Give your students practice using coordinate graphs while they complete this fun art activity.
Materials:
graph paper
pencils, crayons, markers
Steps:
1. Give each student a piece of graph paper. Have him draw and number the X- and Y-axes along the side and bottom of the paper. Then have each student make a simple outline drawing on the graph paper.
2. When drawings are completed, have students mark dots for each coordinate point on the graph where a part of the drawing passes.
3. Next, have students write the coordinates of these points in a list in the order they need to be connected in order to redraw the figure. If there are several objects in the drawing, have students make a separate list for each object.
4. Collect the lists and redistribute them to the class. Give each student a clean piece of graph paper, and have him again number the X- and Y-axes.
5. Using these coordinate point lists, instruct students to mark the points on their graphs. When done, let them connect the dots and see what they've drawn. Completed drawings may be colored and displayed.
Copyright 2012 Irene Taylor.
Materials:
graph paper
pencils, crayons, markers
Steps:
1. Give each student a piece of graph paper. Have him draw and number the X- and Y-axes along the side and bottom of the paper. Then have each student make a simple outline drawing on the graph paper.
2. When drawings are completed, have students mark dots for each coordinate point on the graph where a part of the drawing passes.
3. Next, have students write the coordinates of these points in a list in the order they need to be connected in order to redraw the figure. If there are several objects in the drawing, have students make a separate list for each object.
4. Collect the lists and redistribute them to the class. Give each student a clean piece of graph paper, and have him again number the X- and Y-axes.
5. Using these coordinate point lists, instruct students to mark the points on their graphs. When done, let them connect the dots and see what they've drawn. Completed drawings may be colored and displayed.
Copyright 2012 Irene Taylor.
Saturday, June 30, 2012
Books for Kids: Meet Skippyjon Jones
The Skippyjon Jones books, by Judith Schachner, are great children's books for summer reading. Her first book, Skippyjon Jones, introduces readers to Skippyjon, but any in the series can be a wonderful read-aloud picture book, or an easy reader for ages 4 through 8.
This imaginative children’s book takes us into the world of Skippyjon Jones, a Siamese kitten who can’t resign himself to being a kitten. Sent to his room by his mother for imagining that he is a bird (and eating worms each morning for breakfast), Skippyjon takes on the personality of a fearless Chihuahua named Skippito.
The short story is filled with rhymes and Spanish expressions, and is a great way for children to learn a bit of Spanish while they enjoy the adventures of Skippyjon. According to a review in School Library Journal, “The buoyant and colorful cartoon illustrations match the exuberant text perfectly.
Spanish-speaking children will be especially delighted by the words and humor; others may be a little bewildered by all of the foreign phrases and will need some explanation, but the story definitely has the potential of a fun read-aloud. A good multicultural offering.” Look for this book at your local library, online bookseller, or bookstore.
If your child enjoyed Skippyjon Jones, you’ll want to look for another Judith Schachner book, Skippyjon Jones in the Dog House.
In this fast-paced tale, Skippyjon Jones continues his exploits as the Chihuahua named Skippito. In this story, Skippyjon is sent to his room for drawing on the walls. While there, he goes on a great adventure to rescue his amigos from the big bobble-ito.
Says Amazon: “The Siamese kitty boy with the gigantico imagination has returned for another loco adventure. In his room for a time-out, Skippyjon Jones lets his imagination take him to a shack where his Chihuahua friends are yipping and yapping and hiding out from the Bad Bobble-ito, who has taken over their doghouse. How El Skippito chills the Chihuahuas and banishes the Bobble-ito will make more amigos for this endearing and irresistible rascal who made his first appearance in Skippyjon Jones.”
Author Judith Schachner won the E.B. White Read Aloud Award for Skippyjon Jones in 2003. She says she based the character of Skippyjon on her own cat, Skippy. Others in this series include
Pretend You’re a Cat by Jean Marzollo: rhyming verses ask children if they can match the unique characteristics of various animals.
Dogs Don't Wear Sneakers by Laura Numeroff Joffe: rhyming text about why animals should not try to act like people.
Stellaluna by Janell Cannon: a baby bat is adopted by a bird and learns to live a "bird-like" life.
Copyright 2012 Irene Taylor.All rights reserved.
This imaginative children’s book takes us into the world of Skippyjon Jones, a Siamese kitten who can’t resign himself to being a kitten. Sent to his room by his mother for imagining that he is a bird (and eating worms each morning for breakfast), Skippyjon takes on the personality of a fearless Chihuahua named Skippito.
The short story is filled with rhymes and Spanish expressions, and is a great way for children to learn a bit of Spanish while they enjoy the adventures of Skippyjon. According to a review in School Library Journal, “The buoyant and colorful cartoon illustrations match the exuberant text perfectly.
Spanish-speaking children will be especially delighted by the words and humor; others may be a little bewildered by all of the foreign phrases and will need some explanation, but the story definitely has the potential of a fun read-aloud. A good multicultural offering.” Look for this book at your local library, online bookseller, or bookstore.
If your child enjoyed Skippyjon Jones, you’ll want to look for another Judith Schachner book, Skippyjon Jones in the Dog House.
In this fast-paced tale, Skippyjon Jones continues his exploits as the Chihuahua named Skippito. In this story, Skippyjon is sent to his room for drawing on the walls. While there, he goes on a great adventure to rescue his amigos from the big bobble-ito.
Says Amazon: “The Siamese kitty boy with the gigantico imagination has returned for another loco adventure. In his room for a time-out, Skippyjon Jones lets his imagination take him to a shack where his Chihuahua friends are yipping and yapping and hiding out from the Bad Bobble-ito, who has taken over their doghouse. How El Skippito chills the Chihuahuas and banishes the Bobble-ito will make more amigos for this endearing and irresistible rascal who made his first appearance in Skippyjon Jones.”
Author Judith Schachner won the E.B. White Read Aloud Award for Skippyjon Jones in 2003. She says she based the character of Skippyjon on her own cat, Skippy. Others in this series include
- Skippyjon Jones, Class Action
- Skippyjon Jones, Lost in Spice
- Skippyjon Jones in Mummy Trouble
- Skippyjon Jones: Color Crazy
- I Am Skippyjon Jones
Pretend You’re a Cat by Jean Marzollo: rhyming verses ask children if they can match the unique characteristics of various animals.
Dogs Don't Wear Sneakers by Laura Numeroff Joffe: rhyming text about why animals should not try to act like people.
Stellaluna by Janell Cannon: a baby bat is adopted by a bird and learns to live a "bird-like" life.
Copyright 2012 Irene Taylor.All rights reserved.
Tuesday, June 26, 2012
Dine with a Book Character
The fourth challenge in the My Little Bookcase Reading Adventure is Dine with a Book Character. This creative challenge involves choosing a favorite book character to share a meal with, planning the meal, and then setting up a way to share it with that character.
This is an excellent project for any grade level. Begin by brainstorming a list of favorite characters. These can be drawn from books that have been read by reading groups, or from books that you have read to the class. Parents can help children at home to choose characters from stories that you've shared.
Once a list of characters has been made, have the students discuss which would make good dinner guests. Encourage children to think about what they know about a character to help them in their selection. Characters who have been well developed in stories make the best guests - unless your students want to have a "mystery guest" at their party.
Writing invitations is a great activity. Have students think about the characteristics of the character they've chosen - or that the class has chosen together. Have each student draft an invitation. Discuss the important things to include - date, time, place, theme - and then let each student create his or her own invitation.
Planning the meal is next. This can be a simple snack or a more elaborate meal. Discuss who will be in charge of bringing the ingredients, making any recipes and serving the treats. Be sure to assign some students to clean up duties as well.
Cooking with Kids: Informal Teaching and Learning offers some tips for creating a cooking activity with your children. These ideas can easily be adapted for classroom use.
Dine with a Book Character is a great activity for home, school or summer day care. Be sure to check out other suggestions at the My Little Bookcase site and enter to win this month's prize.
Happy Reading and Eating with your favorite character!
Copyright 2012 Irene Taylor.All rights reserved.
This is an excellent project for any grade level. Begin by brainstorming a list of favorite characters. These can be drawn from books that have been read by reading groups, or from books that you have read to the class. Parents can help children at home to choose characters from stories that you've shared.
Once a list of characters has been made, have the students discuss which would make good dinner guests. Encourage children to think about what they know about a character to help them in their selection. Characters who have been well developed in stories make the best guests - unless your students want to have a "mystery guest" at their party.
Writing invitations is a great activity. Have students think about the characteristics of the character they've chosen - or that the class has chosen together. Have each student draft an invitation. Discuss the important things to include - date, time, place, theme - and then let each student create his or her own invitation.
Planning the meal is next. This can be a simple snack or a more elaborate meal. Discuss who will be in charge of bringing the ingredients, making any recipes and serving the treats. Be sure to assign some students to clean up duties as well.
Cooking with Kids: Informal Teaching and Learning offers some tips for creating a cooking activity with your children. These ideas can easily be adapted for classroom use.
Dine with a Book Character is a great activity for home, school or summer day care. Be sure to check out other suggestions at the My Little Bookcase site and enter to win this month's prize.
Happy Reading and Eating with your favorite character!
Copyright 2012 Irene Taylor.All rights reserved.
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