Ice cream #SOLC

 

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Today it was 70 degrees in the Chicago suburbs.  Some of my students had spring fever (7 days til spring break!) and my classroom was warm and stuffy. This made for a long day.

After dinner, I mentioned that the whole town would probably go out for ice cream today, especially since it's the warmest day so far in 2022.

"Ice cream?" asked my husband.

Even the 23-year-old daughter's ears perked up, "Ice cream?"  she replied.

I sent them to the new Dairy Queen a few miles away with orders in hand.  They returned with a bonus Blizzard.  "I think they are still training people - we will just put this in the freezer!" announced my husband.

Dairy Queen cones always remind me of a favorite book, Duke the Dairy Delight Dog, by Lisa Campbell Ernst.  I no longer have a copy (I need to fix that) on my shelf, but this delightful story was a pure joy to read aloud to the kids at elementary school.  The vocabulary was super-duper, so I bet even my middle school kids would not feel like it was too babyish.

In a nutshell, the story focuses on the very detailed, cleaning Darla (ice cream store owner) as she deals with a dirty and determined Duke, a stray dog who has found his destiny at the Dairy Delight.  The two don't see eye-to-eye, but an encounter with wax and a floor cleaner manages to nudge Darla to more acceptance of Duke.

Here's to more ice-cream filled 70-degree days this spring!

Books #SOL

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I'm reading a whole bunch of books this summer.  It's what I do for fun.

I read picture books and graphic novels to find the "next great book" that I can recommend to my intervention students and classroom teachers.

I read middle grade novels because there's nothing more satisfying than sitting down with an engaging book and being able to finish it across a couple of days.

I really love to read young adult fiction because I will forever remember the crazy fun of my high school brain:  school fun, crushes, drama, and dreams of growing up.

I skim and scan children's nonfiction because I'm curious about our world.  I'm more likely to read about a science topic compared to history.  

Rarely I'll read adult nonfiction or fiction.  I'd rather read kid- or teen-centric text.  There's enough grown-up worries and drama in the world that I hear about via social media and the newspaper.  I use reading as an escape.

I use Goodreads to track my reading, when I finished a book, and what books I want to read.  I struggle to leave reviews because I don't want to give too many details away.  I also end up sounding like the book blurb.  I hope to get better at writing reviews.

What do you like to read?

Humbled #SOL17

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My friend Wendy from high school publisher her first book last week.  HOORAY!  YIPPEE!  I attended her book signing at the Barnes & Noble near my school.

Our group was a party of six:  Sue (HS friend), Michelle, Nick and Sarah (work friends).  We enjoyed dinner and drinks before going to the bookstore.  It was fun to mix a group of young (<25) and seasoned (*ahem*) and teachers and non teacher for laughs, conversation and book love.

When we arrived at the bookstore before the event.  We hugged and visited with Wendy, hoping to calm her nerves.  Mona, another friend from elementary school, was right at the entrance.  A few more HS friends came through and I snapped a few selfies (I'm really no good at them!).

It was really fun to catch up with some book-loving friends, and see Wendy at a table signing HER book.  I couldn't wait to get to school the next day.  I had told my 4th and 5th graders that I would be attending a book signing of a "real author!"  Although the book YA romance and geared to high schoolers, I promised my students I would show them the book.

The next morning I hosted a group of my fourth graders.  Usually there are four girls and one boy, but my lone gentleman was not at school.  I showed the girls the cover and Wendy's signature and note in the front.  One of the girls wanted to start reading it (yikes!) but I gently recovered the book and flipped to the back, and summarized the"About the author" information.  E asked if they could hear some more so I flipped to the acknowledgements.  I scanned and pointed out how authors like to thank their families and publishers and others that helped them with the book.  All four girls were crowded around me, and all at once.  I saw it. My name.  In the acknowledgements.

*gasp*

I have to admit, my eyes started to tear.  I was overcome with emotions. At first the girls watched me in shock, and then I explained what I had found.   They squealed.  E jumped up, "YOU'RE FAMOUS!"  We decided to show Mrs. Hernandez, our library para.  The girls had to nearly carry me.

I explained to the girls that this amazing thing had happened to me for two reasons (I think).  One, I've tried to be a good friend, and 2) I read one of Wendy's books and provided some feedback.

I'm so humbled to be mentioned.  I'm such a little speck in the writing process, and I was truly happy to help my friend by reading!!  My heart is so full for Wendy.  She faced a bunch of waiting and rejection and realized her dream.  I'm so glad to have her as a role model for the readers and the writers in my classroom, even if I don't hand them her book...yet.  (I'll make sure their high school has a copy!)

Zenn Diagram

Life's Little Problems #SOL16 14/31

It's the annual Slice of Life Story Challenge!

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Today's slice is inspired by Amy Krouse Rosenthal's book, This Plus That:  Life's Little Equations.

From Amy Krouse Rosenthal

Alarm clock + dark = "It can't be time to get up!"

Toe + shoe + dark = ouch

Cold floor + feet = brrrrr

Warm shower + (shampoo x 2) + soap - soap = squeaky clean

Cheerios + milk = breakfast

Headlights + rainclouds - rain = foggy drive

467 students ÷ (2 buses + 100 cars + lots of walkers) = traffic

Smile + "Good morning" = coworker

Daylight savings time change + first graders = tricky

Read alouds + all intervention students = all better

Clock + 3:15 p.m. = guilty

Clock + 3:20 p.m. = over it + get in car + drive home

Husband cooking + snack break + comfy clothes = pure happiness

Some Days SOLC #6

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I watched the movie "Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day" tonight.  The book is near and dear to my heart as a reader, a parent and a teacher.  

I read the book as a kid and really loved how grumpy Alexander was about everything.  I was a very dramatic yet happy child (can you say, "mood swing?") so I could totally relate.

I remember reading about Alexander to my daughters.  Then they both had Mrs. A for 5th grade, two different years.  In her room, you could escape to "Australia" (a corner full of pillows) when the day was just too much for you.

This school year I'm finding it hard not to be Alexander.  I'm constantly running the highlight film of my teaching day in my head and I can only find the faults.  It's something I really need to work on. 

Loved this quote from the movie.  

"I think you just gotta have the bad days so you can love the good days even more."

Way to frame it, Alexander!

My Top 9 + 1 Nonfiction Picture Book Picks #nf10for10

Today Cathy at Reflect & Refine: Building a Learning Community is hosting #nf10for10 - an event where you list your favorite nonfiction picture books.  Check out her blog later to jog along and increase your TBR (to be read) pile!

I've made a personal goal to read more nonfiction picture books.  Yes, the YA fiction shelves call my name, but my developing readers L.O.V.E. to dig through my nonfiction shelves in search of books with photographs, quick-to-read captions and information.

Here are my top 9 + 1 nonfiction picture book picks:

10. National Geographic Kids:  Sharks!
This is one of the many books on sharks that can be found on my classroom bookshelf.  Kids cannot resist books about dangerous animals.  Girls and boys alike have pored over these books.  Any time I find a book with great photographs and minimal text, I snap it up.

9.  The Story of Snow:  The Science of Winter's Wonder
8.  Snowflake Bentley
I am a huge fan of snow and a geek when it comes to identifying snowflakes.  I recommend pairing these books following the first snowstorm (or when you need to cool off during a hot day).  Snowflake Bentley managed to photograph snowflakes, and The Story of Snow explains how snow forms.  One snowflake tip: use a dark piece of felt to catch snowflakes and observe their shape before they melt.


7. Over and Under the Snow
Speaking of snow, you must get a copy of Kate Messner's picturesque picture book.  This book has lovely drawings of kids playing on the snow while animals burrow, sleep and tunnel under the snow.






6.  Musical Instruments
I started playing violin in 4th grade, so I love to share my love of music with my students.  I especially like the clear overlay pages in these "First Discovery" books.  Kids can see the outside and inner workings of instruments you'd find in the symphony.




5.  When Marian Sang
I have encountered a few intermediate students who devour biographies.
This is an excellent book to share with students when discussing people who have reached their goals despite  prejudice and defeat.  Pam Munoz Ryan tells the inspiring story of Marian Anderson, black opera singer.  I also found a YouTube book talk.

4.  Barack
I bought this book for my oldest daughter when Barack Obama was elected.  She admires his spirit, commitment to his family and his ideas.  I really enjoyed the smooth illustrations by AG Ford.  My students liked learning about our president's childhood.  It makes them more able to connect with him.

3.  Chocolate:  A Sweet History
Yum - who can resist a book about chocolate.  I know I can't!  I'm always happy to share information on how my favorite food is grown and created.  I credit my students from Mexico for having such intelligent ancestors (the Incas) that decided to heat up cacao beans and make hot chocolate.

2.  Hershey Chocolate Bar Fraction Book (and Hershey's Kisses math books)
Jerry Pallotta had an excellent idea when he paired math ideas with Hershey's chocolate bars and Kisses.  These books were written awhile back (1999 and 2001) but the idea is timeless.  Give kids food to divide, add or subtract, and they'll understand it better.  You'll also be that cool teacher who lets kids play with food.  Sounds like a win-win to me!

Finally we get to one of my favorite nonfiction books - it's something really special!
 1.  America the Beautiful
This book was shared during a grad school class a few years back.  The book is quite thick and a total work of art.  Each two-page spread contains a paper sculpture of a sight to see in America, following the first verse of the song, "America the Beautiful."  From the Golden Gate Bridge to Abraham Lincoln sitting in the Lincoln Memorial, Robert Sabuda manages to take your breath away as you travel through the book.  I can't imagine how this book is managed to be mass produced, but it's truly a treat to enjoy.

(P.S. I love to pair this book with Louise Borden's poem book, America is...  These books will renew your sense of pride in our country!)

Winter Break Reading Blitz

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I realized in December that I was falling short of my Goodreads goal of 212 books read.  I didn't stress...I just made a plan to read a lot of books over winter break.  I started with a big stack from the library on the 26th, and I downloaded the max number of books to my iPad.  I posted an event to some of my FB friends asking them to guess how many books I would read over break.  The person with the winning guess would win the book of their chosing.

I read 23 books over winter break, and that included picture books, graphic novels and young adult novels.  I read books before I gave them as gifts, I read some great books, and I abandoned two books.  Here are few of my favorites:

First Date  by Krista McGee
This realistic young adult novel finds Addy on a reality show, looking to win a prom date with the President's son, Jonathan.  Addy would prefer to be at home, attending her close-knit Christian school.  Addy feels torn between her attraction to Jonathan and her complete disgust for the show's premise and producer.  Quick read if you're a fan of The Bachelor.

The Science of Snow:  The Science of Winter's Wonder by Mark Cassini and Jon Nelson
This awesome non fiction picture book has the COOLEST photographs of actual snow crystals.  I'm a huge fan of snow, and this is a book I plan to share with others interested in learning more about the fluffy white magical stuff!

Five Flavors of Dumb by Antony John
This young adult novel features a hard-of-hearing protagonist, Piper.  She's on track to attend Gaulladet University until her parents spend her college account on a cochlear implant for her profoundly deaf baby sister.  Piper accepts a challenge of managing a high school rock band (which she can barely hear!) to earn some cash and make a name for the band, Dumb.  Lots of rock references to Nirvana and Jimi Hendrix as this book takes place in Washington state.

Dinosaur vs. Santa by Bob Shea
I bought this raucous picture book for my youngest nephew.  I loved reading it with enthusiasm in e bookstore and clearly embarrassed my oldest daughter.  Dinosaur versus presents.....ROAR! Dinosaur opens the presents with gusto.  This one is a riot!

Back in the reading habit

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Hooray!  I've been reading L O T S of books since last week.  I'm feeling better about my reading (too bad I have a cracked filling and a stuffy head... but that's a different slice) !!!

Here are some books I read that are worth a shout out!

This adorable story by Paul Schmid finds Petunia in a power struggle with her parents over the animal she thinks would be a perfect pet.  My 4th graders cracked up at Petunia's verbal meltdown in the middle of the story.  I love the beautifully simple purple illustrations.

Elizabeth Levy has a great protagonist in Cassie.  She's a middle school girl with a retired football player for a dad.  Cassie bounces between mom's house and dad/stepmom's house.  Things get interesting when Cassie is asked to try out for the football team, even though she hasn't played since she was 7 in the Pee Wee league.  I love Cassie's perseverance.  

These were my favorites from this weekend's reading.  Next up on the to-read list (see my list on Goodreads) are:

Happy reading to all during this holiday weekend!  I'm so thankful for the time to spend with my family, friends and BOOKS!

Book love!

I went to the library today.  HOORAY!  It was a cool respite from the oppressive heat in Illinois today.  I had placed a book on hold and was hoping it was still on the reserve shelf, but it wasn't.  I raced back to the juvenile section and checked the shelf.

Not there.

I checked the computer.  "Being held for someone" was the status.

Back to the reserve department to interrupt the lady at the desk.

"I was 10 minutes from putting this book back into circulation. It's your lucky day!"

(Really, I have transportation and a library card - it's always my lucky day!)

The book I was lucky to get is See You at Harry's by Jo Knowles.

How do I describe this story?  It's realistic fiction, at it's best.  You believe that the characters could be the family that lives next door.  The emotions are raw, the experiences believable. The dialogue carries you quickly through the book.

I didn't want to rush through this book, but I had to finish it today.  I couldn't find a good stopping point. I had to keep reading.  I tried to choose my favorite character (Ran? Fern?  Holden?), but I couldn't.  I understood and could relate to them all.  

It's hard to describe what the story is about without giving away too much, but Holden is dealing with starting high school and fitting in, Fern is stuck watching her little brother on top of middle school woes.  Their family runs a restaurant and deals with stress on a daily basis.  You'll feel like you're part of the family as you read.

Don't miss this book!

They're coming TOMORROW!

Tomorrow I will host students in my resource classroom for the first time this year.  Many of them have visited or worked with me in past years.  Some are new to the school and my room.

I've been running around the house tonight -  gathering pillows, writing plans, and adding books to my already bulging book bag.

I can't decide what to bring and what to leave at home.  It's crazy - I'm not packing for a trip... I'm preparing for students, and school started weeks ago!

I dug out a book I created in my reading program about my life as a reader.  I found my childhood copies of Charlotte's Web and Blubber.  I'm completely bummed that most of my picture books are at my parents' house.

I can't wait to meet or become reacquainted with my students.  They are the reason I come to work every day, and I've missed them!

Now if I could just fall asleep....

August 10 for 10 Picture Books

I had my arm virtually twisted by Cathy Mere to join the fun of August 10 for 10 Picture Books.  I'll admit, I love to read  picture books, but I usually look to others to recommend them.  This is my top reason for participating - I can't wait to read everyone's posts!


I've picked the ten picture books that I hold near and dear to my heart.  You'll notice that none of them are new.  I came back to teaching when my now-teen daughters were in K and 2nd grade.  They helped me develop my read-aloud voices and styles, and I asked them to help pick great picture books they remember reading to add to my pile of school-read-aloud favorites.


Here are my 10 faves (at this moment... I'm quick to change my mind!) that I love to read aloud, in order of publishing year:

The Mitten by Jan Brett (1989) 
This is a favorite book of my 15-year-old daughter, as well as my students.  We love Jan Brett's detailed illustrations, and how she previews the story within each page's inset.  Other favorites written by Jan Brett include The Hat and Armadillo Rodeo because my students love the similarities between the stories and the characters.

Chicka, Chicka, Boom, Boom! by Bill Martin, Jr. (1989)

If you've never read this book with kindergarteners, you are missing out on a great experience.  I've managed to memorize this book because I've read it aloud millions of times over my 10 years of teaching and 15 years of parenting.  I had the pleasure of meeting Bill Martin, Jr. at a literacy conference.  He was a great man, completely invested in children's literacy.  In his many books he loves to play with words.  "Skit skat skoodle doot, flip flop flee, everybody running to the coconut tree!"

Owen by Kevin Henkes (1993)
Everyone can relate to Owen.  He treasures his fuzzy yellow blanket and carries it everywhere.  Mrs. Tweezers, his nosy neighbor, keeps insisting that Owen's parents break him of his blanket habit.  I love Owen's great imagination (Captain Plunger!) and his devotion to Fuzzy.  Cheers to Owen's mother for having an "absolutely wonderful, positively perfect, especially terrific idea" that helps Owen keep Fuzzy in a covert way.

Night Tree by Eve Bunting (1994)
I am a HUGE fan of Eve Bunting books.  She has such a way with words and descriptions, and her stories are not shallow.  This book is about a family searching the woods for a Christmas tree.  I usually avoid holiday books in my classroom, but this one has the family connecting with nature.  I can't go through December without reading this gem.  My favorite pre-reading activity for this book is to give students a list of words found in the story (lantern, hoots, thermos, popcorn) and ask them to make predictions about the setting and plot.

Duke the Dairy Delight Dog by Lisa Campbell Ernst (1996)
I was introduced to Lisa Campbell Ernst's books during a professional development session on vocabulary.  This book is the adorable story of Duke, a stray dog, who just goes "ga-ga" when he sees the Dairy Delight ice cream shop.  He refuses to leave, much to the chagrin of Darla, the owner of the shop, who can't stand anything unclean.  This book is a longer read aloud, but it's a great story with a sweet ending.

Scrambled States of America by Laurie Keller (1998)

Kansas is bored.  He doesn't like to live in the middle of the United States.  He'd rather switch places with a state in a more exciting location like....Hawaii!  I love this book because the states have great personalities, there's excellent dialogue, and it's just plain funny.  The follow up book is The Scrambled States of America Talent Show.  Your intermediate students will get a big kick out of this book.

Diary of a Worm by Doreen Cronin (2003) 

My 13-year-old daughter picked this book (and it's sequels, Diary of a Spider and Diary of a Fly) as her favorite picture books.  Our copy is falling apart as it's been read and reread many times.  The idea of a worm keeping a diary is funny enough, but the entries are so clever.  Our pick for best entry is June 15, "My older sister thinks she's so pretty.  I told her that no matter how much time she spends looking in the mirror, her face will always look just like her rear end."

Take Me Out of the Bathtub by Alan Katz (2003)

My coworkers tease me about this book (and it's sequel, I'm Still Here in the Bathtub).  I love a book you can sing!  As a kid, I would change the words to songs to be silly or complain.  This book is meant for me!  The students love it, and they beg for more every time.  Don't worry about your musical ability - the kids won't mind!

A Fine, Fine School by Sharon Creech (2004) 

Sharon Creech is a fine, fine chapter book author, and here is one of her three picture books.  My students usually hear this book at state testing time.  We're all so stressed and wanting to fit everything in, and I joke that the principal has decided to make us go to school on Saturdays (you should hear them complain!).  My insightful students feel bad for Tillie's brother, and we adore her dog, Beans (wait until you see him knitting!).  This is a fine, fine read! 

Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus by Mo Willems (2004)

I couldn't leave out the Pigeon.  If you haven't read a Mo Willems book, you are missing out!  The Pigeon really wants to drive the bus, and your job (as reader) is to make sure he doesn't.  This read aloud calls for lots of audience participation, and I've seen even 5th graders chuckle when listening to this book.  Don't miss Mo's other great books about Piggie, Elephant and Knuffle Bunny.

Thanks for reading all the way through my list.  I'm sure I'll read more books (I saw one today - Dear Teacher by Amy Husband - that is completely adorable) and I'll add them to my list.

Happy reading!

Poetry Frenzy

I am very thankful for my public library!  Today I had a wide-eyed stare from the gal at the check-out counter.  "Wow, that's a lot of books!" she proclaimed.  Working as a team, we had the pile of titles back into my book bags in a flash.

At my school this week we are hosting a poetry night.  I am ready with books!!  We plan to read aloud poems, and have parents and children read poems together (and enjoy the great illustrations).  Then we will see what happens when children and parents write poems together.

Before all this happens, I get to enjoy my stack of poetry titles, many by authors I haven't read before.  I plan to post my favorites.

It may be April 30th, but I wish you ...
Happy National Poetry Month!

Love This Book, Loved That Dog

Love That Dog by Sharon Creech is among my top ten favorite books.  I have read it with a few of my small groups over the years.  This time Love That Dog might be a tricky read.  It's great for poetry month.  It's written in verse, and students can totally relate to Jack and his dislike of writing.  You might think, "Tricky?  Why?"  Well, it's about a boy, his dislike of poetry, and his dog.  Sniff.
Our black lab, Candy, lived to the ripe old age of 16.  She was a crazy puppy when we adopted her and chewed many things.  She didn't have great manners and nearly bit your finger when you gave her a treat because her eyesight was terrible.  These memories were conveniently forgotten when she was gone.
Loved that dog.

I warned my 5th graders that there is a sad part in the book regarding the dog.  I tried not to give anything away, but they caught on.  One student shared a sad dog story with the group.  I explained that I used to have a dog.  One student immediately recommended I get a puppy.  I replied that puppies make me tired!

I think this will be a great read for my small group of students.  It's too bad that most of them haven't experienced the happiness (and challenges) of having a pet.  I told them how excited I am to share this book with them.  It will be our first book and author study.  Wish us luck!