The Wonderful Wizard of Oz

Publication Year: 1900

Author: Lyman Frank Baum

Genre: Fantasy, Fiction

Grade Level: Grade 3 to Grade 6

Theme: Diversity and values

Skill Taught: Story mapping

Summary: A young girl from Kansas named Dorthy Gale and her dog Toto are blown away in a tornado to the Land of Oz.  While in Oz, she meets the Scarecrow, the Tin Man, and the Cowardly Lion.  They go on an adventure, following the Yellow Brick Road to Emerald City where the Great Oz is.  Each of them uniquely wants something special in life, and only the Great Oz can grant them their wish.  The only problem is, they must first kill the Wicked Witch of the West.  They eventually kill her, and the Great Oz grants everyone's wish except Dorthy's.  Together, Dorthy and her new friends travel to find the Good Witch of the South who helps Dorthy and Toto return back home to Kansas.

About the Author: Lyman Frank Baum was born in Chittenango, New York on May 15, 1856.  He held a wide range of jobs including a chicken breeder, actor, a playwright, and a dime store owner to mention a few.  He married Matilda Josilyn Gage in 1882 and had four sons with her.  His mother-in-law heard the stories he would tell his children before tucking them into bed, and encouraged him to submit them to a publisher.  Readers wanted more of the Oz books, but Baum wanted to write about more than just Oz.  He ended up writing fourteen books in the series and would pass away on May 16, 1919.  (http://www.online-literature.com/baum/)

For the Classroom

Pre-Reading Activity: I would begin class talking about diversity and ask the class, "If you had one wish, what would they wish for and why?" Students who wanted to share could share, and after all volunteers had gone, I would mention that in the book, The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, there are four characters who have their own wish of something they want most in life.

Post-Reading Activity: The Wonderful Wizard of Oz contains a lot of information, and a story map would help to clarify the information.  This would begin as something done as a whole class, but as we continued reading, students would fill in the boxes independently.  While we were reading the book, I would check to make sure students are writing the correct information and ask for volunteers to share what they have included.

Reflection: This classic story is a great tale about unique characters on an adventurous journey through Oz.  This story is one of the first I remember hearing about when I was younger, and with the number of books written, the adventure continues far beyond this book.  Its popularity hasn't faded, and this literature will continue to grow as this story remains a favorite for many readers of all ages.  For those who have only seen the movie, the book is slightly different, and it will be an entirely new adventure.  Baum describes each new land well, but spends a little time at every location, keeping it short to maintain the reader's attention, especially younger readers.  Since the book is longer, the teacher can teach a new lesson each chapter.  

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There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed Some Books!

Publication Year: 2012

Author: Lucille Colandro

Genre: Fiction

Grade Level: Pre-K to Grade 1

Theme: Rhyming

Skill Taught: Creative writing

Summary: It is the first day of school and the old lady is swallowing pens, books, rulers, pencil cases, folders, chalk, and bags.  Each item she swallows relates to past item she has swallowed, and by the end of the book, she coughs up a book bag with the items needed to begin another school year.

About the Author: Lucille Colandro has written many children books, but is best known for her There Was An Old Lady series.  Lucille has teamed with Jared Lee who has illustrated over 100 books for young readers.  The series of books originated as a song and eventually turned into a book. (http://www.booksrock.com/book.php?ISBN=9780545402873)

For the Classroom

Pre-Reading Activity: Students would write down on a sheet of paper a list of items in their backpack.  I would go around the room and ask the student to name one item in their bag, trying not to duplicate any items already mentioned.  Before reading the book, I would mention that it is a good thing the old lady is not in our class because she would swallow a couple of their items.

Post-Reading Activity: After reading the book, I would write the prompt, "If I were an old lady, I would eat..." on the front board.  Students would write a number of items following the prompt, and I would check it before they could glue their final copy to construct paper with their drawing of an old lady.  Students who would like to share, would read theirs to the class as we all got a good laugh each time.

Reflection: These series of books are fun to read and listen to.  Children will once again laugh as the old lady once again swallows a lot of things that normally aren't eaten, which makes it so funny.  This makes for a good read aloud because of its rhythm and the illustrations will attract the students' attention.  There a couple of directions an educator could go with in this book; an activity that it could be used for is sequencing.

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Flat Stanley

Publication Year: 1964

Author: Jeff Brown

Genre: Fiction

Grade Level: Grade 2 to Grade 5

Theme: Accepting other's differences

Skill Taught: Keeping a journal and communicating with peers

Summary: Stanley Lambchop wakes up one morning to find he is flat.  Surprisingly, there are more benefits to being flat than you may think, and Stanley demonstrates a couple of them.  Unfortunately, children at school begin teasing him because of his difference.   

About the Author: Jeff Brown was born in New York City on January 1, 1926.  He started his career as a child actor, then later became a story consultant for Paramount.  He enjoyed writing fiction, which found  him at Warner Books as a senior editor.  Jeff is best known for his series of Flat Stanley, which the idea came to him one night before bed when one of his sons asked what would happen if a bulletin board fell on his brother, and his wife responded that he would wake up flat.  Jeff would eventually pass away in December of 2003, but his beloved character of Flat Stanley lives on.  (http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/43329.Jeff_Brown)

For the Classroom

Pre-Reading Activity: I would begin a class discussion with the class, having the students to imagine being flat for a day and posing questions such as how they would feel, how they would be treated by others, and what they would do since they are only half an inch thick.

Post-Reading Activity: The Flat Stanley Project is something I would like my students to be involved in, as it is educational and fun.  Students would color and then cut-out their Flat Stanley template, journaling every adventure they take Stanley on.  The class would send their Stanley to another class as the new class would continue journaling the adventures Stanley took and then send him back.  Students would plot on a map all of the places their Stanley has traveled and write a concluding journal entry. 

Reflection: Flat Stanley is a humorous book which teaches an important lesson to accept everyone's differences.  It teaches this lesson while not using a specific cultural background, which is why I like it even more.  Flat Stanley is a character children will enjoy reading about as he goes from one adventure to another in each of the books.  As students fall in love with Stanley, they will become understanding of his difference, and be able to relate to him one way or another, whether they have teased others or have been teased by others because of differences.  Creating this awareness among students will help lead to better character, and a classroom of better citizens.

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Miss Nelson is Missing!

Publication Year: 1977

Author: Harry Allard

Genre: Fiction, Mystery

Grade Level: Kindergarten to Grade 2

Theme: Good character

Skill Taught: Debating

Summary: This story is about a kind and sweet teacher anyone would be thankful to have, but her students treat Miss Nelson with disrespect.  One day, the class is so obnoxious and wild that Miss Nelson doesn't even return to school the following day.  The class instead gets a substitute teacher named Ms. Viola Swamp, who gives the students a lot of homework and has strict rules.  The class is afraid they will be stuck with her forever and try to get Miss. Nelson back.  Eventually, Miss. Nelson returns to school and the students improve their behavior so they don't lose her again.

About the Author: Harry Allard was born in Illinois on January 27, 1928.  He graduated from Northwestern College in 1943 and continued further education because of his love of learning.  He never planned on writing children's literature, but in the early 1970's, he teamed with James Marshall to collaborate on twelve books until Marshall's death in the 1990's.  (http://www.childrensliteraturenetwork.org/birthbios/brthpage/01jan/1-27allard.html)

For the Classroom

Pre-Reading Activity: Before reading, students would answers a couple of questions about the person opposite of who they are.  Questions would include, "What are you favorite activities to do?" "What is your biggest fear?" "What words would you use to describe yourself?" Students would be reminded to think of their opposite while answering these questions in their reader's notebook.  Their notebooks would be eventually collected at the end of the unit and I would check all assignments.  Following the activity, I would set the purpose for reading by having the students determine why Miss. Nelson left her classroom.

Post-Reading Activity: After reading the book, I would try to begin a class debate, but second grade might be too soon to do such an activity.  If the debate didn't work out, I would begin a class discussion asking the class, "Does a teacher have to be strict/mean in order for the students to learn?" "Are there bad things about being a nice teacher?" 

Reflection: I enjoyed reading this book because as a substitute teacher, I have experienced the well behaved classes, and the classes that were difficult to control.  Miss Nelson is Missing! is a book all teachers should use early in the beginning of the school year to help teach students the importance of respecting others.  This is a book that an educator could do multiple activities with, such as a character comparison chart, identifying clues to determine what happened to Miss Nelson, a letter persuading Miss Nelson to return back to school, or making predictions.  The book indirectly teaches and places the idea of good character in students' minds while reading, which is an effective way of learning.   

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Looking After Louis

Publication Year: 2004

Author: Lesley Ely

Genre: Fiction, Austism

Grade Level: Kindergarten to Grade 3

Theme: Children with disabilities

Skills Taught: Building better character

Summary: Looking After Louis is told from the perspective of a girl who is a classmate of Louis, a boy with autism in an inclusive classroom.  At recess, Louis begins talking to a couple of boys who are passing a soccer ball around.  Louis is unable to do much with the ball, but when the ball makes contact with Louis's foot, one of the boys congratulate him.  When the students come into class from recess, the teacher allows Louis and the boys to go back outside and play with the soccer ball.  The girl narrating the story becomes frustrated with the teacher, but she learns to be accommodating,  encouraging,  and understanding of Louis, and students similar to him.    

About the Author: Lesley Ely is a special education teacher who has years of experience working with students with autism.  Another book of hers, Measuring Angels, which was published by Frances Lincoln, tells a story of two girls friendship.  Lesley works with her good friend Polly Dunbar who illustrates her books.  Lesley currently lives in Northampton, United Kingdom, where she continues her joy of writing children's books.  (http://www.wheelers.co.nz/books/9781847800480-measuring-angels/?page=4)

For the Classroom

Pre-Reading Activity: I would begin with a class discussion on differences, and how we should appropriately view each other.  Introducing the word "Diversity" to our classroom would make a positive step forward, and always make students aware that we should embrace and accept one another's differences.  

Post-Reading Activity: After reading the book, students would write in their log books about an event they have seen in school about someone respecting someone else or a time they encouraged a student with special needs.  I would call on volunteers to share their log with the rest of the class and hope this activity would make students more consciously aware of building better character. 

Reflection: While many children's books include animals or magical characters, this book follows a different path, and one I think many more should follow.  Looking After Louis includes a main character with autism in an inclusive classroom.  Over the years, we have become aware of the symptoms of autism and how to better tend to children with special needs in an inclusive classroom.  This book will help make students aware that children with disabilities need to be accommodated,  encouraged, and understood.  It usually takes awhile for students to gain these concepts, but once they do, it makes a classroom a much better learning community for all.

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Sylvester and the Magic Pebble

Publication Year: 1969

Author: William Steig

Genre: Fiction

Grade Level: Kindergarten to Grade 2

Theme: Magic

Skills Taught: Using a story map

Summary: The story is about Sylvester Duncan who lives in the town Oatsdale and enjoys collecting pebbles.  One day, he finds a strange red shiny pebble and tests it to see if it is a magic pebble.  He wishes it to rain, and then it begins raining.  Sylvester than wishes it to stop raining, and the rain stops.  After making these wishes, he notices a lion coming at him.  He panics and wishes he were a rock, and he turns into a rock.  Later that day, his parents begin to worry because he has not come home.  The town begins searching for him, but months go by and no one can find Sylvester.  Eventually, his parents have a picnic on Strawberry Hill, where Sylvester is sitting there as a rock.  While his parents are sitting on him, he tries to yell, but they can't hear him.  They notice the magic pebble and wish that their son would return.  Sylvester the rock, turns into his old self as he and his parents rejoice.

About the Author: William Steig was born in New York City during 1907.  Growing up with family that was involved in art, it was only a matter of time before William became an artist himself.  In 1968, he published his first children's book, Roland and the Minstrel Pig.  All of his books reflect the ideas of the importance of family and friends, and how everyone should support and look after one another.  He wrote over thirty books, one of his more popular books was Shrek!, which was later turned into a movie many children love.  (http://us.macmillan.com/author/williamsteig)

For the Classroom

Pre-Reading Activity: I would hand out an anticipation guide about the book Sylvester and the Magic Pebble.  When students have finished answering the questions, we would review the sheet as a whole class by having students raise their hand if they agree or disagree with each statement.

Post-Reading Activity: After we have finished reading the book, we would as a class work on a story map.  Since this would be their first time using this type of graphic organizer, it would be a time to model how to use it.  When finished, I would review the basics of a story map and why we use it, to better prepare the students for the future when they have to work on it independently.

Reflection: Reading this Caldecott Medal winning book, I realized why it received the award.  The illustrations are different, yet great.  They are accompanied with a great story of the importance of family and how a community pulls together to help those in need.  Aside for the lessons it teaches students, the number of activities that could be done with this book are endless, such as sequencing of events, cause and effect, mapping, and using context clues.  Reading this story, I didn't think it would have a happy ending, but fortunately, it does.  This is a book children will surely love and become a story they want to hear over and over again.

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The Story of Babar

Publication Year: 1931

Author: Jean de Brunhoff

Genre: Fiction

Grade Level: Kindergarten to Grade 2

Theme: Courage and pride

Skill Taught: Making connections

Summary: A young elephant named Babar escapes being caught by the hunter who killed his mother.  He runs away from the jungle and to the big city where he meets an old lady who buys him nice clothing and a tutor to educate him.  He marries Celeste, also an elephant, and returns to the jungle to be crowned the King of Elephants.   

About the Author: Jean de Brunhoff was born in Paris on December 9, 1899.  He is best known for his creation of the Babar series.  The books are a reflection of Jean's life and philosophy.  As a Frenchman, his books first appeared in French, and then within two years, they were translated into English.  His wife created the character Babar and the adventures he went on to help put a smile on their four-year-old son who was ill.  In 1937, Jean passed away of tuberculosis, but his son Laurent, has continued the series producing over fifty Babar books.  (http://www.bookrags.com/biography/jean-de-brunhoff/)  

For the Classroom

Pre-Reading Activity: I would introduce the ideas of fantasy and reality.  Students would receive a graphic organizer to write down an explanation and examples of fantasy and reality.  Students who like to volunteer, would share their examples with the class.    

Post-Reading Activity: When completing the read aloud, students would then write a brief log about a "Text-to-Self" connection.  Prompts would be projected onto the front board such as, a trip/vacation to somewhere new, being away from friends and/or home for an extended period of time, or a time they proud or courageous.  At the end of the unit, their notebooks would be collected, I would look over all the assignments. 

Reflection: Reading The Story of Babar, it reminded me of other books I have read such as Curious George, The Lion King, and Bambi.  This book as well as the rest of the series is a great set of books to have in the classroom because students will fall in love with Babar, from a little elephant being rocked in a hammock, to a grown elephant with a family.  The books are easy for children to comprehend and the illustrations will continue to attract their interest.  Throughout the series, Babar shows good character through difficult events and proves why being optimistic is important.    

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Click, Clack, Moo: Cows That Type

Publication Year: 2000

Author: Doreen Cronin

Genre: Fiction

Grade Level: Kindergarten to Grade 2

Theme: Conflict resolutions

Skill Taught: Making predictions, creative thinking

Summary: The story is about Farmer Brown and his cows.  The cows have found an old typewriter in the barn and have typed out a message that they would like electric blankets because the barn is too cold.  Farmer Brown can't believe the cows are able to use the typewriter, and even more stunned when he realizes the cows will go on strike if their demands are not met.  Farmer Brown does not fold into the demands, which leads to the cows going on strike.  The hens join the strike as well, leaving Farmer Brown with no eggs nor milk.  Between the two sides is Duck, who delivers the typed messages back and forth.  The book ends with the cows developing a solution that ultimately makes both sides happy.   

About the Author: Doreen Cronin was born in Queens and latter attended Pennsylvania State University, followed by St. John's University School of law.  Her first book, Click, Clack, Moo: Cows That Type was rejected numerous times, but while she was a practicing attorney, a publishing company accepted her manuscript and wanted to turn it into a book.  The process took five years, but she was committed to never giving up the story that so many people love today.  Doreen has decided to change career and become a full-time children's author.  

(http://www.scholastic.com/teachers/contributor/doreen-cronin-0)  

For the Classroom

Pre-Reading Activity: I would begin by showing students the cover of the book and reading the title out loud, asking the students for predictions of what the book may be about.  I would then go into a class discussion about the sounds animals make, and ask the questions, "Who has pets?" "How do you know when they want something?" "What would it be like if animals could talk?" "What might they say to us?" I feel children will be unfamiliar with typewriters, so I would try to find one and bring it into class for students to look at and play around with, becoming familiar with the sounds it makes.

Post-Reading Activity: When we have completed the book, I would ask the students what would happen if other animals could type, and what would they ask for.  We would listen to students' thoughts and then they would go back to their seats to write a short story along with an illustration about any animal of their choice and the demands they would have.  

Reflection: Children love animals, and this book's watercolor illustrations compliment the animal characters that children will enjoy reading about.  The story is funny and different, allowing children's imaginations to wonder as they hear the story and see the pictures.  I like how the book incorporates the entire class during a read aloud, suggesting that everyone reads, "Click Clack Moo, Click Clack Moo, Clickety Clack MOO."  This kind of reading keeps students' excitement level high throughout the book, as well as keeps their focus.  Another aspect I liked about the book are the cows' eyes expressions.  

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Curious George

Year Published: 1941

Author: Hans Augusto Rey

Genre: Fiction

Grade Level: Kindergarten to Grade 2

Theme: Curiosity

Skill Taught: Compare and Contrast

Summary: This book is about a curious brown monkey named George who is brought to a big city by a man in a yellow hat.  George originally lived in the jungles of Africa.  While traveling to a big city, George falls off a boat pretending to be a bird.  When they have arrived to the city, George calls the fire department on accident and gets put in jail.  He escapes from jail and then takes a bunch of balloons from a vendor in the street.  George takes one too many balloons and floats over the city and eventually onto a traffic light.  The man with the yellow hat rescues him, buys the balloons, and then takes him to the zoo.

For the Classroom

Pre-Reading Activity: I would begin class by having students open to a clean page in their writers notebook.  I would model on the front board what I would like students to do in their notebooks.  I would make a Venn diagram, labeling the far left circle "City,"  the far right circle "Jungle," and the the middle circle "Same." Together as a class, we would write down the differences between a jungle and a city, as well as their similarities. 

Post-Reading Activity: Finishing the class read aloud, students would open up their writers notebook and write about their experiences at the zoo.  I would post questions on the front board for students to answer such as "What is your favorite animal and why?" "What animals did you touch or feed?" "What do the people do who work at the zoo?" "What did you find interesting or shocked you at the zoo?" Once students have had class time to finish, I would check to their notebooks to see if they have answered the questions and ask for volunteers to share their thoughts to the class.

Reflection: The Curious George series were books I grew up with during my childhood.  As a child, I like the adventures George would go on and explore the world much of the same way I would imagine myself doing.  Looking back on the series, I have learned that George teaches a simple, yet valuable lesson; in order to learn, one needs to be curious.  As a future educator, teaching students to always ask questions is important to their development and learning experience.  

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Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs

Publication Year: 1978
Author: Judi Barrett

Genre: Fiction, Fantasy

Grade Level: Grade 1 to Grade 3

Theme: Weather

Skill Taught: Distinguishing between types of precipitation

Summary: The story takes place in a town called Chewandswallow.  Their weather is very unusual, as it only comes three times a day; breakfast, lunch, and dinner.  This small town's weather is also weird in the fact that its weather doesn't include rain or snow, but instead, hamburgers, orange juice, and mashed potatoes.  After a pancake squashes the school, and meatballs begin damaging houses, the people of the town realize they need to leave because they can't keep up with the repairs and sanitation.  They set out in search of new land in a boat made out of stale bread and eventually find a place to settle.  Now, the people must buy groceries and prepare their food, rather than walking in the streets with a plate and a spoon.

About the Author: Judi Barrett is the author of many popular children's books such as Pickles to Pittsburgh and Never Take a Shark to the Dentist.  Several of her books were illustrated by her former husband Ron Barrett.  She currently resides in Brooklyn and teaches art to kindergarten students.  (http://authors.simonandschuster.com/Judi-Barrett/1103891)     

For the Classroom

Pre-Reading Activity: I would introduce the book Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs to the class by showing the students the cover of the book and then having them make predictions about the book.  For students struggling to come up with an answer, I would point out the fork and spoon in his pocket, the items in his hands, and his facial expression.  A mini group discussion would follow regarding how they would feel if food fell from the sky.

Post-Reading Activity: After completing the book, I would ask the class about our weather and what falls from the sky.  The handout "Types of Precipitation" would be passed out the students as we would go over it as a class.  Naming each of the four precipitations, drawing a picture, and then describing them within each box.

Reflection: This is a great book to use as a way to attract students' attention in order to transition into a weather unit.  Its popularity has grown since the release of the movie in 2009.  I really like children's books that either teach a lesson or express great imagination.  The story is an easy read and one most children will comprehend.  This book encourages young minds to be creative and provides wonderful illustrations, all while telling an enjoyable story that will make children laugh.

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The BFG

Year Published: 1982

Author: Roald Dahl

Genre: Fiction, Fantasy

Grade Level: Grade 4 to Grade 7

Theme: Friendship, being accepting of others

Skills Taught: Creative writing

Summary: The BFG, short for Big Friendly Giant is unlike many of his peer giants.  In a world where giants give children nightmares and eat people, the BFG is different, putting dreams in the bedrooms of children.  One night, a little girl named Sophie sees the BFG and he captures her because no one is suppose to know about giants.  He explains everything to her about the giants, and they eventually build a very good friendship.  Both Sophie and the BFG work together to put an end to the giants terrorizing and feasting on humans by getting help from the Queen of England and the military.  

About the Author: Roald Dahl was born on September 13, 1916 in Llandaff, Wales.  Surprisingly enough, Dahl did not enjoy school, but school would later influence him to become a great writer.  His first piece of writing was an article for the Saturday Evening Post about his experience of the war while with the Royal Air Force.  The first children's book he wrote was The Gremlins, which was a picture book published in 1943 that he never thought was considered for children.  His interest for writing children's books started when he would create bedtime stories for his daughters, and soon enough came James and the Giant Peach in 1961 and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory in 1964.  On November 23, 1990, the world would lose a legend as Roald Dahl passed away at the age of 74 with a rare blood disorder.  (http://www.roalddahl.com/)

For the Classroom

Pre-Reading Activity: As a huge fan of Roald Dahl, I would like my students to know about him and other books he has written.  Students would go on to the computers and visit his website http://www.roalddahl.com/, exploring and taking notes of at least five things they learned or found interesting.  When all students have finished taking notes, I would begin a class discussion asking for volunteers to explain their notes.   

Post-Reading Activity: When the class has completed the independent reading, we would then start a class discussion about dreams, including people, places, activities, hopes, and other things we like to dream about.  I would then introduce graphic organizers, but focus modeling on only one of them (Three-Box Flow Chart).  Labeling the top box "Beginning," the second box "Middle," and the third box "End," students will fill in each box, telling a dream they would like to have.  I would continually be checking their flow charts and reminding the class the ending is when they wake up.  This reminder will help all students flow smoothly during the assignment.  When the flow chart has been made into a rough draft and checked for punctuation, spelling errors, and grammar by a peer, the student will then write their final copy on a paper cut-out resembling a jar, to be hung up around the class.        

Reflection: Roald Dahl is one of my favorite authors and this was the first book I read from his collection.  Every book he writes is filled with characters the reader immediately likes; Sophie and the BFG continue that in this story.  I like how the dialogue consists of a unique and humorous language of the giants.  Many important life lessons are taught throughout the book, including team efforts are better than individual efforts, never judge someone until you have met them, and make good decisions regardless of what others do.  

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Corduroy

Year Published: 1968

Author: Don Freeman

Genre: Fantasy, Fiction 

Grade Level: Kindergarten

Theme: Altruism, compassion, friendship, hope and love

Skill Taught: Classification of buttons

Summary: This story is a about a teddy bear named Corduroy, who lives in a department store.  One day, a little girl wants to buy Corduroy, but her mother says no because he is missing a button.  That night, he ventures off into the store in search of his button, but has no luck.  The next day, the girl comes back to the store and  buys him anyway.

About the Author: Don Freeman was born in San Diego, California on August 11, 1908.  After graduating from high school in Missouri, he went to New York City and studied etching.  He began working for the New York Times and the Herald Tribune, sketching impressions of Broadway shows.  Don was introduced to children's literature when he was asked to illustrate several books.  Soon after, he began writing and illustrating his own children's books until he passed away in 1978.  (http://www.sullivangoss.com/DonFreeman/)

For The Classroom

Pre-Reading Activity: A friendly way to hop into this read aloud would be to create a discussion among the students who have a teddy bear, and describe them to their classmates.  Descriptions the teacher would ask for is the name, color, size, feel, overall appearance, and where the students got their teddy bear.

Post-Reading Activity: The teacher would bring to class a bag full of buttons and distribute them to several small groups.  Students would work together to derive a couple of characteristics from observing the buttons such as shape, size, color, and number of holes.  Once they have viewed all the buttons, students can begin classifying their buttons in two different groups.  The teacher would walk around the classroom observing the students' categorization and provide help if needed.  Through this activity, students will have fun gaining a better understanding of classification.  

Reflection: Corduroy is one of my favorite stories from my childhood.  This teddy bear is a character the reader quickly becomes a fan of and hopes he finds a home.  A majority of childhood books published around 1968 do not include African-American characters, but I liked how the book Corduroy strayed away from the norm.  Rereading this classic, I discovered multiple themes making this book more memorable.  

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The Giving Tree

Year Published: 1964

Author: Shel Silverstein

Genre: Fiction

Grade Level: Kindergarten - Grade 3

Themes: Love, giving, receiving, appreciation

Skills Taught: Understanding generosity, critical thinking

Summary: The Giving Tree is about a tree who loved a boy and vice versa.  Every day, the tree provided the boy with apples to eat, branches to swing from, and shade to sleep in.  As the boy grew older, he wanted more from the tree.  The tree continually gave to please the boy, until it was just a stump for the old man to sit and rest on.

About the Author: Shel Silverstein was born in Chicago on September 25, 1930, and then began writing when he was twelve.  In the 1960's, he was introduced to Ursula Nordstrom, editor from Harper Collins.  This eventually led to the publication of The Giving Tree in 1964, which many publishes thought was either too sad or too short.  She encouraged him to write poetry, even though he had never studied it before, but that didn't stop him from creating his own style that would go on to be a hit with so many children.  In 1974, Where the Sidewalk Ends was his first set of poems and became an instant classic.  Following the book came A Light in the Attic in 1981 and Falling up 1996. Shel's legacy continues as many of his books are included in school curriculum to introduce children to poetry and great stories.   (http://www.shelsilverstein.com/html/About1.html)

For the Classroom

Pre-Reading Activity: The book is perfect to introduce around Thanksgiving because of the common theme of giving.  Before beginning the read aloud, it is important to make a connection between the student and the text by having each student share in a class discussion, people who provide for them and what the students provide for others.  After everyone has shared one example, the teacher will ask the class how can each student be giving.   

Post-Reading Activity: After completing the book, the teacher would ask, "Imagine yourself in the same shoes as the boy.  What would you give in return of everything the tree has given you?"  A tree would be drawn on the front board with two branches.  One branch would be labeled as, "What can the tree do for others?" and the other branch would be labeled as, "What can others do for the tree?"  Have students respond to the questions and record their answers.  After having two solid lists, have the students take out their writing notebooks and write how they felt for the tree and boy from the beginning, middle, and end.  When students have completed their journal entry and the teacher has checked each journal, the teacher will then propose the question, "Has your feelings toward the characters changed throughout the book and why?"  for a closing discussion.       

Reflection: This book means so much to me because it was given to me by my cooperative teacher on my last day of student teaching.  Before reading to the class, I opened the inside cover that read, "Thank you, Mr. Green, for always giving! -Mrs. Romano" surrounded by all of the students' and other teachers' goodbyes.  At that moment, I was so choked up, I could barely get through the read aloud.  The book has a simple story line and basic artwork, but teaches deep meanings in love, giving, receiving, and appreciation that will help children learn to be a better people.

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If You Take a Mouse to the Movies

Year Published: 2000
Author: Laura Numeroff

Genre: Fiction

Grade Level: Pre-K to Grade 2

Themes: Wintry Christmas, friendship, sharing

Skills Taught: Making predictions, sequencing events, cause and effect relationships 

Summary: If You Take a Mouse to the Movies is about a boy who takes his pet mouse to the movies, which leads them to doing many more things.  Other activities include buying the mouse popcorn, decorating the Christmas tree, making a snowman, having a snowball fight, and listening to Christmas carols.

About the Author: Laura Numeroff was born in Brooklyn during 1953.  Growing up, one of her most prized possessions was her library card.  She loved to read, and books including Stuart Little, Eloise, and The Cat In The Hat are some of her favorite books.  When college came, she decided to follow her sister who went to become a fashion designer at Pratt Institute.  While in the program, she realized the fashion designing world was not for her, and during her last semester, Laura took a class in writing where one of the assignments was to make a children's book.  Her book was about the tallest girl in third grade.  After four attempts, the book was published and has continued her love of writing since then.  (http://www.lauranumeroff.com/bio/about_me.htm)

For the Classroom

Pre-Reading Activity: Have a class discussion asking the students, "What activities and events do you participate in during the holiday season?"

Post-Reading Activity: When the read aloud is complete, the teacher will have the students make a prediction by asking, "What will the mouse ask for next, and why?"  After several students have given their educated guess and supported their reasoning, the teacher will place students in groups of three to four.  Each group will be given a baggy with pictures of activities the mouse did.  The teacher will then ask the students to work together and put the pictures on poster board in the correct sequence as were in the book. After the teacher has checked to see if the students have put the pictures in the correct order, students can then begin gluing them to the poster board.

Reflection: This picture book is perfect for a read aloud during the Christmas season and includes an energetic mouse children will love, and a patient boy who will do anything to please his pet/buddy.  The pictures look great and the colors bring the characters and events to life.  This funny story is a nice way to introduce a class about the sequence of events.  Other stories in the series include If You Give a Mouse a Cookie, If You Give a Pig a Pancake, and If You Give a Moose a Muffin.      

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