Picture Book Party

I'm linking up with DeAnne at First Grade and Fabulous for a picture book party.  

A great picture book can be the perfect hook to get students thinking about important topics like developing character.  Here are a few of my favorites...

Uncle Jed's Barbershop 
Topics:  Compassion, diligence, perserverence, self-discipline

Uncle Jed traveled for miles to tend to his customers.  He saved the money he earned hoping to build his very own barbershop. However his dream had to be postponed during the Great Depression.  Then one glorious day, a much older Uncle Jed finally opened the doors of his new shop.

A Chair for My Mother

Topics:  Cooperation, perserverence, self-discpline, love of family
After their home is destroyed by a fire, Rosa, her mother and grandmother save their coins to buy a really comfortable chair for all to enjoy.

Ira Sleeps Over
Topics:  Acceptance, friendship, honesty

Ira is thrilled to spend the night at his friend Reggie's house, until his sister raises the question of whether or not he should take his teddy bear.

What are your favorite books to use for character education?  Link up with DeAnne and share them!

Bedtime Storybook Night

Over the summer, we invited all incoming first graders and their parents to attend Bedtime Storybook Night.  Children were asked to wear their pajamas and bring their favorite stuffed animal.

As the night began, we introduced the families to the first grade teaching team.  Then children were invited to sit up on the stage for a read aloud.

Before reading the book, I shared a little secret with the kiddos..."Teachers love books.  All kinds of books.  Sometimes they love a book so much they read it twice.  Sometimes they love a book so much they read it over and over again."

I shard one of my favorite books, Ira Sleeps Over.  We stopped to make predictions and discuss what Ira should do about his big decision as we read the story.

After the story wrapped up, we had a special gift to share with our new firsties.  (Teachers began to pass out a gift-wrapped present to each child.)  We counted backwards from 10... 9... 8... 7... 6... 5... 4... 3... 2... 1... Unwrap!  Surprise!  Students unwrapped their very own hard back copy of Mrs. Brooks Loves Books (and I Don't).

I hope that they love this book as much as I did...I hope they read it over and over again!


What would a bedtime story be without the snack?  We concluded our evening with milk and cookies.  It was a great first night with our new first graders!

This event was held as part of a school wide program to promote summer reading summer, reduce "summer slide", and build a sense of classroom community.  To learn more about this project, read my post,  One School, One Book.  

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