St. Patty's Day Picks

Saint Patrick's Day is right around the corner, and I'm here to share a few of my favorite books and activities.

Graphics by Krista Wallden, Ashley Hughes, KG Fonts

There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Clover by Lucille Colandro

The Old Lady is back at it! She's eating a variety of items to make a rainbow and hide a pot of gold.

The Night Before St. Patrick's Day by Natasha Wing

Tim and Maureen stay up late to catch a leprechaun, but what will happen when they catch one?

The Luckiest Day Ever by Ethan Long

Leprechauns gather to celebrate the holiday with music, dancing, and a parade.

Graphics by Krista Wallden, Ashley Hughes, KG Fonts

Luck of the Irish Flip Flap Book by Simply Skilled in Second

Creative writing, making words, and a book summary are all part of this cute flip-flap book.

Lucky for Literacy Center Activities by Jessica Travis

Practice contractions, compound words, pronouns, prepositions and more with these March themed literacy activities.

Worth More Than Gold Writing Craft by The Teacher Wife

Students write about who or what is more important to them than gold.

You can download these free activities by clicking the hyperlinks above.
Happy St. Patrick's Day!

Mentor Texts for Writing Ideas

I'm joining my blogging buddy, Carla @ The Reading Tutor OG, for the Mentor Monday Linky. Carla is a guest blogger today, while Emily enjoys time with her precious newborn baby girl. :)

This week the topic is using mentor texts to wake up writing with wonderful ideas.

Ideas make up the content of a piece of writing, the heart of the message.  Writers develop ideas in a several ways:

• They choose fresh, original ideas.
• They write about something that matters to them.
• They narrow their topic and get specific.
• They develop their idea by adding interesting information.
• They make their idea come to life with juicy details.

However, sometimes writers have difficulty getting started.  They get stuck trying to select an idea that motivates them to write.

Heart Map {Freebie} created by 3rd Grade Grid Iron

Invite writers to create Heart Maps.  Students fill in their heart maps with things they love: interests, hobbies, sports, people and places that are close to their hearts, etc. Anytime students need inspiration, they refer back to their heart maps.

Mentor Text for Writing Ideas:
Nothing Ever Happens on 90th Street by Roni Schotter

A few years ago I came across a book that is perfect for encouraging students to push past writer's block.  In the book, Nothing Ever Happens on 90th Street, Eva's neighbors offer her advice as she struggles to come up with a good writing topic.  

After reading the story with students, we record the neighbors' advice on chart paper.  Then students use the advice to develop their own stories.

What books have you found helpful for waking up writing with wonderful ideas?  I'd love to know.  Leave a comment or link up with The Reading Tutor OG to share your thoughts.  :)

Happy Saint Patrick's Day!

Mentor Monday Linky

I'm joining my blogging buddy, Emily @ The Reading Tutor OG, for her first ever Mentor Monday Linky.  This week the topic is using mentor texts for personal narrative writing, specifically for developing ideas from small, memorable moments.

We use the writer's workshop model by Lucy Caulkins in our school.  I simply love her writing lessons!  One of my favorite books to use for teaching students how to narrow their focus is The Snowy Day  by Ezra Jack Keats.  

The Snowy Day is perfect for introducing "Small Moment" writing because most students (especially where I live) can identify with having a snow day (we've had a lot of them lately).  

After reading the story, we discuss the big idea, smaller topic, and seed moment and record them on a chart.  Students quickly see how we keep narrowing the topic to zero in on the small, memorable moment.  (I use this chart idea from Kelley @ Buggy for Learning).

Buggy for Learning

Then we brainstorm all the things we do on a snow day that would be considered small moments. 

• make snow angels
• catch snowflakes on our tongues
• go sledding
• make a snowman
• build an igloo
• have a snowball fight

Finally, we think of our own small moment ideas for writing and post them on our chart.  We read them one by one and decide if they are "watermelons", "slices", or "seeds".  Don't you just love this chart?  It's from Colleen @ Totally Terrific in Texas.

Totally Terrific in Texas

I found these posters and the corresponding graphic organizer for small moment writing at Fit to Be Fourth on TPT.  You may want to grab a copy for yourself.  It's the perfect complement to this lesson. :)

Fit to Be Fourth {Freebie}

Do you have a favorite book that you like to use to introduce Small Moment Writing?  I'd love for you to share it.  Hop on over to visit Emily @ The Reading Tutor OG and link up your ideas.  

Each Kindness {Freebie}

Each Kindness is a gem.  It tells the story of a young girl who learns the importance of her actions.  It sends a simple, yet powerful message that readers are unlikely to forget.  While this story doesn't have a traditional happy ending, it can open the door to a thoughtful classroom discussion about friendship and kindness.

Click here to visit J. Woodson's website.

Reading Level: 2.7
Interest Level:  Elementary

Themes:  Kindness, Friendship, Bullying

Summary:
Chloe and her friends won't play with the new girl, Maya.  Every time Maya tries to join Chloe's group of friends, they reject her.  Eventually, Maya plays alone, and then stops coming to school altogether.  When Chloe's teacher gives a lesson about how even small acts of kindness can change the world, Chloe is stung by the lost opportunity for friendship.

Click here to visit illustrator, E.B. Lewis's, website

Discussion Questions:  

• Who is Maya?  What clues does the text reveal about Maya’s personality? 
• Examine the illustrations in the book. What is Maya doing in each picture?  
• What can we learn from Maya's actions? 
• What happened to Maya at the end of the story? 
• Where do you think she went?  Why?  What clues in the text helped you?
• How does Chloe feel at the end of the story?  What clues in the text helped you?  
• How could Chloe have changed the outcome of this story?  Why do you think that?

Compare and Contrast:  After reading Each Kindness, read The Hundred Dresses by Eleanor Estes.  Guide students as they compare and contrast the two books.  

• In what ways are the characters of these two stories alike? different?
• Why do you think the characters act the way they do? 
• What did Wanda and Maya do to deserve the treatment they received? 
• What are the lessons we can learn from each book? 

Click on the image to download this Venn Diagram {Freebie}.

Graphics & Fonts by Melonheadz, Creative Clips, KG Fonts

Write a New Ending:   Think about how the outcome of the story would have changed if Chloe had chosen to show Maya kindness. Rewrite the story with a happier ending.

Letter Writing:  Write a letter to a friend.  Tell him/her all the reasons why you think they are special.

Journal Writing:  Write about a time when you did something you regretted. What happened?  What made you act that way?  How did you know it was wrong?  How did your actions make you feel?  What were the consequences?  Do you think that experience will change your future actions?

Make a Personal Connection:  How do you feel about meeting new students and making new friends?  Do you worry about what others might think of your friendships?  How would you feel if you tried to be friends with someone and they ignored you?

Make Ripples in Your Classroom:  Chloe’s teacher throws a rock in water, and says, "Each little thing we do goes out, like a ripple, into the world.”  Create a bulletin board with a large pond on it.  Each time a student is "caught" in an act of kindness, ask him/her to write the action on a paper rock and attach it to the pond.

Make Ripples in Your School or Community:  Challenge students to continue to spread ripples of kindness throughout their school and community.  Participate in No Name Calling Week in January or Random Acts of Kindness Week in February.

If you haven't read this book yet, what are you waiting for?  ;)  Hurry out and get yourself a copy.

A Special Announcement

I'm one of four bloggers featured today on our new collaborative blog.

Stop by Adventures in Literacy Land each day this week to meet the authors of the blog and read their introductory posts.  Be sure to enter the Blog Launch Giveaway for your chance to win one of four $25 Teachers Pay Teachers gift certificates.

EVERYONE who enters will win an exclusive prize pack.  Please join us on this new journey!

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Penguins!

There are so many great books to read with students during the winter months.  A few of my favorites include Penguins! by Gail Gibbons and The Emperor's Egg by Martin Jenkins.

Penguins!

Gibbons provides wonderful descriptions of penguins using illustrations to make specific distinctions. This is a fun nonfiction text to use as part of a penguin unit or to win over kids who are reluctant to read nonfiction.

The Emperor's Egg

Jenkins describes what life as an Emperor chick is like.  I enjoyed the hybrid style of this book: the main text is written in a narrative format, while additional text is written in smaller italics and provides factual information.

Both books are perfect for a shared reading experience; the kid-friendly language and illustrations are certain to capture students' interest while teaching them interesting facts about these fascinating birds.

If you plan to use either of these books with your students, you may want to check out my Let's Read About Penguins! Nonfiction Book Study pictured below.  It's packed full of activities to accompany the books.  Click on the picture learn more.  :)

Let's Read About Penguins! 

Comprehension Questions
K-W-L Chart
Vocabulary Cards and Recording Sheets
“Let’s Compare Books” Venn Diagram
Penguin Action Words Study
“Let’s Compare Birds” Venn Diagram
Penguins Can-Have-Are Chart
Penguin Report Mini-Book Template

If you are looking for more winter picture book ideas, visit Reading Toward the Stars for Book Talk Thursday.  While you're there, you can link up a few of your favorite winter books too!

Gingerbread Baby and The First Annual Holiday Cookie Swap

I simply love Jan Brett's work.  The stories are sweet and the illustrations are captivating.  One of my favorite picture books for this time of year is Gingerbread Baby.  Jan Brett's version is a twist on the classic tale.  Students love it!

Summary:  It all begins when Matti opens the oven too soon and out jumps a little Gingerbread Baby. He leads Matti's mother and father, the dog and cat, and a whole colorful cast of characters on a rollicking chase through the village and into the forest, staying just out of reach, daring them to catch him along the way.

Here's a little clip of Jan Brett baking cookies, drawing a a picture of the gingerbread baby, and reading the story.  It's perfect for sharing with students! 

Going along with the gingerbread theme, I have a holiday recipe to share.  I'm joining up with one of my blogging buddies, Emily, from The Reading Tutor/OG for a virtual cookie swap.  

I'm sharing my recipe for White Chocolate Chip Ginger Snaps.  I came across this recipe a few years ago at a neighborhood cookie exchange. My family gobbled down the ginger snaps, and they quickly became a favorite recipe.  I hope you enjoy them too!

Gift of Reading Blog Hop

Welcome to Read With Me ABC. You have arrived at...  

At each blog stop, you will be gathering Reading gifts and freebies.  In each post you will find a picture of a snowman with a letter on it. Collect all of the letters to solve the mystery quote to enter the giveaway. Record all of the letters on your recording sheet and follow each blog along the way so that you can enter the amazing giveaway at the end!

The hop is set up as a loop, so you may start anywhere along the hop, but if you would like to start at the beginning you may go to A Day In The Life of A Title I Teacher's blog.  This is also where you will go after you finish the hop to enter the giveaway!

Trouble with Trolls, by Jan Brett

Jan Brett visited a local venue yesterday on her fall book signing tour.  I'm sure you are not surprised to learn that tickets were sold-out long before  the event took place.

She has a wonderful collection of holiday and winter-themed picture books that are *perfect* for this time of year.  If you haven't looked her up recently, you may be surprised at the sheer volume of picture books she has written.  She also has a wonderful website packed with digital treats for you.  If your students write her a letter, she will send them a pack of goodies.  My students loved getting mail from authors.  :)

I especially love the book, Trouble with Trolls.  In the story, Treva is having trouble with five greedy trolls who keep snatching her dog.  Her clever ideas prove to outwit the trolls time after time. Your students are certain to love this tale.  

My gift to you is a set of activities designed to support and enrich your instruction of Trouble with Trolls.  Just click the picture to download it. This is a new item in my store.  I would appreciate it if you left a sweet comment on TPT for me.  Enjoy!  :) 

UPDATE:  The freebie hop ended at 8PM Eastern Time.  This item is now available on TPT for $4.

My secret letter is...

Thank you for stopping by my blog today! I hope that you and your students will enjoy this gift of reading. If you would like to be the first to know about new posts, giveaways, and blog hops follow me on Bloglovin' by clicking the image below. 

Don't stop now... Hop on over to the Comprehension Connection to visit my good buddy, Carla, and pick up another amazing reading gift. Happy Holidays! 

 

If you get lost along the way use the Hop Map below to easily pick back up where you left off! 

Terrific Turkey Tales

It's time to talk turkey. Thanksgiving turkey, that is. Here are a few of my favorite picture books starring our feathery friend. :)

Turk and Runt: A Thanksgiving Comedy

Turk's parents are proud of him.  He's the biggest, strongest, most graceful bird at Wishbone Farm. "He's a dancer," says his mother. "He's an athlete," says his father. "He's a goner," says his little brother, Runt. But no one ever listens to Runt.  Will Runt keep his family safe this holiday season?

Run, Turkey, Run!

Thanksgiving is quickly approaching.  The farmer is searching for a plump bird for his feast.  Turkey must find a place to hide.  If he can't outsmart the farmer, there’s only one thing left to do, outrun him.  Run, Turkey, run!

A Plump and Perky Turkey

It's Thanksgiving time in a small town, but all the turkeys have skipped town.  The townspeople need turkey for their feast.  They devise a clever plan lure an unsuspecting turkey to town. Peter takes the bait, but will he fall for their trap?

Turkey Trouble

Turkey is in trouble, BIG trouble.  It's almost thanksgiving, and he's the main course.  After many hilarious attempts to conceal his identity, Turkey comes up with the perfect disguise. 

Speaking of disguises, aren't these little turkeys the cutest?

Need more Thanksgiving book suggestions? Click {here}.

Blog Hop Announcement!  

Please join me Friday for the Gift of Reading Blog Hop. Several literacy teachers have joined together to offer you freebies and a chance to win one of three Teachers Pay Teachers gift cards.