3321 PRESENTATION: ????

The last presentation - was not clear at all. I don't even know what it was about much less what the name of it was. It was very poorly presented.

3321 PRESENATATION: AMELIA EARHEART

The Amelia Earheart presentation was based on a true story. I like that it started with Amelia's interview on a talk show. The power point pictures were vivid and informative. I liked that much of her childhood was covered in the interview because that is usually left out and we do not really get to know the person's way of life. This presentation was cute, well prepared as well as presented.

3321 PRESENTATION: ESPERANZA RISING

Esperanza Rising was presented very nicely. It was about a rich girl who had to learn to transition her lifestyle and be able to live in the blue collar way of life. After her father died, she and her mother were robbed from their rightful inheritance by an uncle. Her mother refused to marry him and Esperanza agreed with her mother. Thus causing them to run into a world they had never known before.

I believe that is what is occuring to alot of people today due to the economy. Esperanza had to adjust in not having the finer things in life and go to work as well as her mother; but through it all Esperanza became strong and rose above all she thought was the worst thing that could have happed to her and her mother. The activity was cute as well.

3321 PRESENTSTION: THE DIARY OF ANN FRANK

The Diary of Ann Frank was very, very interesting and informational. The Power Point that showed the pictures of the concentration camp were horrid, but that is good because that is what it was meant to do. I liked the presentation because it was based on a true story. Ann Frank lived, suffered, dreamed, and died not fulfilling her dreams like so many people. The horrible thing is that Ann Frank died at a very young age; in her early to mid teens. But through her diary she will live for generations to come.

The activity was to the point and made a person think of what Ann Frank and others went through to stay alive. It felt like being boxed in alive in a coffin. I believe that the dreams Ann Frank had are what kept her alive even if it was for those few years. I think the presentation was very well prepared and presented.

3321 PRESENTATION "LA LLORONA"

I have heard of the "La Llorona" since childhood, but I never new the history of the story until now. The presentation was done beautifully. It really brought out the details of this story and how it originally started. The costumes and the background art work really enhanced the setting and heritage of the people involved in the original story.

I liked the activities because they involved the audience. Another thing that I liked was the reading of the PowerPoint information; it elaborated so much regarding the entire story. It also related this story to myths, folktails, and legends very well. Similar events that have occurred in this century were related to this story which really causes us to think that perhaps this is not just a story, myth, or legend. I think the whole presentation was very well done.

3321 MON. NIGHT ARTICLE: WHAT IS SHARED READING?

Shared reading is when the teacher and the students have the opportunity to unit in the reading and re-reading of a great story, discussing the pictures, and connecting the context with the meaning of the story. It consists of a careful choosen large book and story that the students really like so they will be excited about reading and enjoy it as well. In this time of shared reading a large group of students follow along with the teacher as she models good reading skills, behaviors, strategies, and engages the students to use theirs as well.

This article has helped me to truly realize how important shared reading is and how important the teacher's part is; not only in the class room, but at home as well. A child's first class room is their home and their very first teacher is the person at home that reads to them. Making the shared reading a fun experience is what helps to ground a child in becoming a reader for life and possibly a writer also. In my past experience, I recall a student retelling a story he heard me read to the class. He retold parts of it to himself as he played during free time. I noticed it, but never really connected it to shared reading since I did not know what it was called.

One thing that really caught my eye in this article was the Respecting & Responding to Learners Section. The little girl "Sarah" in the article was never told to be quite, to stop acting silly while her mother read to her, to be still, nor corrected in a negative tone of voice. Unfortunately this is what happens all too often in class rooms today. Children are not permitted to express their individuality, their interpretation of a word or phrase they are simply told to be quite, or wait. This can cause a child to be turned off from the story, get mad, or feel that his or her opinion or comment is not of any value. In shared reading is how children learn to pronounce words, and follow the story without loosing interest and get bored. It is how the students relate the reading to thier own life, as well as increase in thier involvement in future reading of that same story. Learning while having fun in reading should the number one key factor. I believe this will keep children interested in reading for a life time.

3321 MON. NIGHT CHAPTER 11

Shared reading is one of my favorite things to do as a teacher. I feel it gives the teacher and students that one-on-one opportunity to develop a closer relationship. I particularly like to do the voices of the characters in the story. I feel this makes the characters come alive and the students enjoy the story more and pay attention even more so. I never had someone read to me as child at home, nor do I recall being read to at school in my early years in elementary, but I'm so glad I can read to my students and that is why I want to make it memorable to them.

Shared reading is a great asset to a curriculum; it gives the students opportunity to develop their language skills by reading and re-reading along with a the teacher. Using the Big books (I think) is the best way to do this because the students can see the letters and words better and can be stimulated to participate as they see the huge pictures in relation to the story. They also wont get frustrated so quickly as with smaller books because the visuals are larger and easier to see.

I believe shared reading is great for the special needs students since they need a routine of repetition; reading and re-reading a story will help them remember the characters, places, what happened, who did what, and the conclusion. The teacher decides how much to read and where to stop and ask questions to see if they are really catching on to the story. Activities relating to the story helps them to repeat the story format and re-tell it to themselves. Having the students work in small groups would be great because a lot of autistic children live in their own world and need this contact with their peers. This also gives those with speech difficulty an opportunity to develop their language skills.

There are different ways the shared reading can be brought forth. A teacher could us the computer and screen, big books, as well as small books, and the overhead projector. I would say whatever works best for your class use it. There are so many features a teacher can use to get the students involved in shared reading. The section on Focusing on Text Features and Reading Strategies is great; this section alone has given me ideas I want to implement in my future class. The Typical Shared Reading Lessons and the Critical Components of Typical Shared Reading Lesson Series sections are a great help in planning lessons to fit the needs of students.

3321 MON. NIGHT CHAPTER 10

I believe that reading aloud is important because children not only enjoy this time with the teacher or whom ever is reading to them, but because memories are established at that moment. Starting to read-aloud to the very young is essential because these are the formative years. It's also the perfect time to instill good reading habits in children that can continue for a life time.

I believe some of the best series of books to read-aloud are The Dr. Seuss Series, The Eric Carle Series of Books, Clifford The Big Red Dog Series, and The Magic School Bus Series to name a few. These series of books have a rhythm sound that help the very young get used to sound alike words; others teach moral values, and still others teach about the world around them. Each of these series of books have connections to each book in the series. These connections help the children remember, relate, and connect the words to the author as well to the other books in the series.

Read-aloud is critical in all age groups because learning is a continual process in a persons life. "It is considered "seed money" in reaching tomorrow's parents." states Jim Trelease in his book The Read Aloud Handbook. Reading aloud to the very young before starting school develops several aspects of literacy such as: interest in reading, language development, building vocabulary, developing listening comprehension, understanding different kinds of sentence structures, learning how language is used in books, developing a sense of story, and fostering an awareness of the world.

It is never a waste of time to read-aloud to older children because as I said before learning is an on going process, and the benefits of it is increased listening comprehesion, and the introduction of new vocabulary words. Of course books for older children need to be carefully considered. These children need to be challenged and thier interests in the book / story stired up. The teacher must know the book she or he is going to read-aloud if that teacher is to bring a lesson out of it. Thus, the teacher must know what he or she wants to get out of it and why. Most importantly, the teacher must how to read-aloud, and it should not always be for learning either. Fun should have its place in the read-alouds "enjoyment of literature is key,but ways to learn more about it can flow naturally from carefully thinking through the prupose and intent of the read-aloud."

3321 MON. NIGHT CHAPTER 9

Nonfiction has come a long way. It has changed tremendously, today it includes maps, articles from the newspaper, how to do books, cookbooks, the Internet and much more. The authors of nonfiction have the same criteria as those who write fiction. I used to have trouble differentiating between fiction and nonfiction and now with the faction books it seems to add to the situation. Still, The books that are faction tell of so much. These are books that give information, that tell true stories about people and add fictional details to move the story along. They also introduce important facts and make the narrative more dramatic. The good part is that you are given hints to recognize if a book is nonfiction. Hints such as the area where the ISBN is located; if you see "juvenile literature" most likely it is nonfiction. Still the designation of a book being "juvenile literature" can mean it is a blending of both nonfiction and faction so watch out.

The elements of a nonfiction book are: The Format tells how it works as a whole. Size and Shape mirror what the book contains. The Book Covers and Endpapers help to draw the readers and the endpapers provide visual clues to the books content. The Typeface and Distinctive Markings are to enhance the appearance of a book. Visual Information is critical it helps the reader to clarify and understand the content. The Access Features helps readers acquire information regarding the book. Accuracy is considered the most important of the elements of a nonfiction book because that one book may be the only book from where a student can get information on a particular topic that is why it has to be accurate.

The Style is important was well; it has to draw a reader into the book and make it unforgettable. The Leads and Conclusions of a nonfiction book are important because the lead engages the reader while a good and effective conclusion helps the reader transition to the next chapter smoothly. The writers of nonfiction use Sentence Structure and Vocabulary so that the reader is not baffled by hard or difficult language and so the book is memorable and understandable to the reader. Figurative Language is used by each writer in his or her unique way and is used to give clarity and meaning to what is written. Clarity is important because without it a book may fail. Organization is critical because the writer has to know what structure is best for the book because it supports a reader's comprehension of the information he or she is getting from the book.

I like the Concept Books section because this information can be used to teach younger and special needs children the foundational elements that they will need later on in their education. I think the Informational Picture Storybooks can also be used in these classes as well. The example book Chicks & Chickens is a great book to use in regards to the Life Cycle series in a curriculum.

3321 MON. NIGHT 33rd AUTHOR

The Magic School Bus series of books are written by Joanna Cole & Buce Degen. These books are informative and scientific books that teach children at a young age about their world. These books are Faction and for children 4-9 years of age.

Some titles in this series are The Magic School Bus Lost in the Solar System, ... At the Waterworks, ... Inside the Earth, ... Inside the Human Body, ... On the Ocean Floor, ... In the time of the Dinosaurs, ... Inside a Beehive, and more. The cover of each book tells you right off what it is about. With clear, gigantic pictures, The Magic School Bus Inside the Earth starts at the beginning of the school day as each book does. As the teacher announces what the lesson for the day and the homework will be the students seem disappointed that it is not going to be something fun and exciting. As it turns out, the teacher Ms. Frizzle is no ordinary teacher. She is the type of teacher we all wish we had. She is fun, adventurous, cookie, she dresses funny, and yet, she is very knowledgeable about the topics she teaches, and she loves field trips.

In this book the students are suppose to bring a rock to school - this is their homework because their lesson is on earth science. Little do they know of the adventure Ms. Frizzle is about to take them on; talk about hands on learning. As a teacher you will appreciate the colorful and precise pictures, the facts on the topic, and the the easy to read dialogue and information given in not only in this book but in each book. It is worth having the collection of these books.

Joanna Cole has written over 250 books ranging from her first book Cockroach to her famous series Magic School Bus. Cole was born in Newark, New Jersey, and grew up in nearby East Orange. She loved science as a child, and had a teacher that was a little like Ms. Frizzle. She attended the University of Massachusetts and Indiana University before graduating from the City College of New York with a B.A. in psychology. After some graduate education courses, she spent a year as a librarian in a Brooklyn elementary school.

http://www.magicschoolbus.com/
http://www.scholastic.com/

3321 MON. NIGHT 32nd AUTHOR

The Ten Boom family were devoted Christians who dedicated their lives in service to their fellow man. Their home was always an "open house" for anyone in need. Through the decades the Ten Booms were very active in social work in Haarlem, and their faith inspired them to serve the religious community and society at large.

During the Second World War, the Ten Boom home became a refuge, a hiding place, for fugitives and those hunted by the Nazis. By protecting these people, Casper and his daughters, Corrie and Betsie, risked their lives. This non-violent resistance against the Nazi-oppressors was the Ten Booms' way of living out their Christian faith. This faith led them to hide Jews, students who refused to cooperate with the Nazis, and members of the Dutch underground resistance movement.

On February 28, 1944, this family was betrayed and the Gestapo (the Nazi secret police) raided their home. The Gestapo set a trap and waited throughout the day, seizing everyone who came to the house. By evening about 30 people had been taken into custody! Casper, Corrie and Betsie were all arrested. Corrie’s brother Willem, sister Nollie, and nephew Peter were at the house that day, and were also taken to prison. Out of her family memebers, Corrie ten Boom was the only one to come out of the prison.

Corrie ten Boom received many tributes. She was knighted by the Queen of Holland. In 1968, the Holocaust Museum in Jerusalem (Yad Vashem) asked Corrie ten Boom to plant a tree in the Garden of Righteousness, in honor of the many Jewish lives her family saved. Her tree stands there today. In the early 1970's Corrie ten Boom's book THE HIDING PLACE became a best seller and World Wide Pictures released the major motion picture "The Hiding Place." Corrie went on to write many other inspiring books and make several evangelical videos. These books and videos tell of her family's life story and their work in serving the Lord.
This book is Historical Fiction and for the youth and -.
http://www.corrietenboom.com/

3321 MON. NIGHT 31st AUTHOR

Chicken Soup for the Soul Series of books are written by Jack Canfield, Mark Victor Hansen, and Kimberly Firberger is the editor of the series. These authors collaborate in putting together stories that touch peoples heart, minds, and lives. Some of the books in the series are: Chicken Soup for the Christian Soul, ... for the Kid's Soul, ... for the Mother's Soul, ... for the Pet Lover's Soul, ... for the Surviving Soul, ... for the Teenage Soul, ... for the Soul at Work, and ... for the Soul: The Cancer Book, and many more.

The reason I like these books is because the stories are stories that really could happen or happened to someone. Each book has several chapters on one topic. Chicken Soup for the Teenage Soul for instance has 101 stories of life, love, and learning. These authors encourage for people such as you and I to send in our stories and they might be added to one of their books - depending on the topic. So we too have the opportunity to be writers though our life experiences. This book is Contempory Realistic Fiction and for the youth.

For more than 30 years, Mark Victor Hansen has focused solely on helping people and organizations, from all walks of life, reshape their personal vision of what's possible. His powerful messages of possibility, opportunity, and action have helped create startling and powerful change in thousands of organizations, and millions of individuals worldwide.

The Chicken Soup idea was just one of many that has propelled Mark into a worldwide spotlight as a sought-after keynote speaker, best-selling author and marketing maven. His credentials include a lifetime of entrepreneurial success, in addition to an extensive academic background.

He is also a prolific writer with many popular books such as The Power of Focus, The Aladdin Factor, Dare To Win, and others. Mark has also made a profound influence through his extensive library of audio programs, video programs and enriching articles in the areas of big thinking, sales achievement, publishing success and personal and professional development

http://www.chickensoupforthesoul.com/

3321 MON. NIGHT 30th AUTHOR

Come and See is written and illustrated by Linda Schaefer and it is about Mother Teresa. Mother Teresa was a devout Catholic Nun who was led to by God to serve Him in India. She started the Missionaries of Charity Organization through which she served God in comforting and caring for the needy, the sick, the poor, the lepers, and the dying.

"'Come and See is more than a phrase used by Mother Teresa - it is a challenge to enter a world that can be harsh, frightening, painful, disappointing, and seemingly never ending- and at the same time full of joy and hope.'" states Linda Schaefer. Mother Teresa not only started a Home for the dying within twenty-four hours where a time of devotions is also held, but she also lifted up an orphanage, and the Gandhiji Prem Nivas Leprosy Center in 1958. She also created villages where the lepers could live and work in peace be self-sufficient and raise their own food.

Though Mother Teresa died in 1997 at the age of 87, the Missionaries of Charity continues due to the devotion of the nuns Mother Teresa trained in Calcutta, India. Today the Missionaries of Charity organization is not only in Calcutta, India but all over the world. Through, Linda Schaefer's illustrations you can see the agony, hunger, as well as the peace the people receive from Mother Teresa and the nuns, love and compassion that is poured out to them. You can also see and read pages written by Mother Teresa from her daily journal. This book helps you to appreciate the world you have and to see that even the lowest of the low are not forgotten by God. It is Fiction and for 12 years old and older.

Linda Schaefer is a photographer by trade, and an artist by intuition is recognized by magazines and newspapers alike. Her work has appeared in the New York Times, Catholic Digest, Time and Newsweek, the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Parade Magazine, Paris Match, GQ, the Los Angeles Times, and Stern to name a few. Her career started as a journalist for CNN in 1985, but she soon found that she couldn't’t loose her first love – still photography. While doing freelance for the Associated Press she decided this would be her full - time occupation. But her passion for documentary work, along with the fact that she had lived in Brazil during her childhood, led her to explore and photograph the Amazon.

In June of 1995, Linda Schaefer had her first contact with Mother Teresa, who was visiting Atlanta. Schaefer Traveled to Calcutta several months after meeting Mother Teresa, and had the rare opportunity to document the work of the Missionaries of Charity. Thousands of photographs later, select images of that experience were selected for inclusion in this book.

http://www.lindaschaefer.com/
http://www.motherteresaofcalcutta.com/

3321 MON. NIGHT CHAPTER 8

For the first time I am understanding what Fiction is, how important it is to read, and how important it is to have books that students can relate to. I think books that are Fiction, Contemporary Realistic Fiction, Historical Fiction, and Science Fiction are about the most important books students can read.

Fiction, for instance, is important because it illuminates truth. Many of the books that are fiction are written from the authors life, what he or she has learned from experience they have walked through, and what he or she has learned from investigating and researching a certain topic. Still, fiction can be imaginative, but how true to life it is is determined by the genre.

In Contemporary Realistic Fiction there is a wider range that is covered. For instance, in its genre people, animals, and events are included because of the possibility that the people and animals could actually exist, and the events could actually occur. Another reason I think this type of book is important is that students like to read about other children who are similar to themselves and what they might be going through or have gone through. It helps them feel like they are not alone.

Historical Fiction is a gem, I think, because it keeps the past alive. Those who write historical fiction have a deep love and respect for the past. They want to keep it alive by doing extensive research to acquire detailed information to write the truth about people, an event, or a place to enrich the book. And when an illustrator creates the pictures to an Historical Fiction book the book comes alive and draws the reader into the book.

Science Fiction offers the possibility that it could happen. Though writers have a tough assignment in this area of writing, they accept the challenge and "they speculate about future technology and advances in human knowledge while writing a plausible story."pg. 180. The writers imagination, creativity, and adventurous attitude must be in line with their writing to make their story attract and keep the reader. Their description of the topic of their story must be believable so that the readers believes the whole story and no dump the book half way.

As I read this chapter I see that there is Fiction for every level of readers. As well for every topic a reader might enjoy. I really like the section of Good Critical Questioning and Word Sorts; it helps to have a list of questions ready and an activity for the reading time in case I should be absent. I can also see how I can use the Storyboards to help my students remember elements of the book and story. Making reading time fun helps keep the students attention and interest in reading alive. That is why I like the Literature-Based Board Games section on page 210. Figure 8.7 gives great information on the Literature-Based Board Games, and it starts on page 210 - 211 and it includes adaptions which are needed for Special Needs students.

Graphic Organizer

http://www.eduplace.com/
This is another website for Graphic Organizers. It has fabulous graphics and charts and it has them in Spanish as well. Some of the charts are ISP (Information, Source Page), KWL, KWS, Planning Chart, it also has a Goal Reasoning Web Chart, and there are much more. Alot of these charts can be used in Science, Literature, Research, Problem Solving, and more. Check out the Classroom Resources for Teachers: this Graphic Organizer is a play-land for teachers.

3321 MON. NIGHT 29th AUTHOR

Under The Snow shows how animals that live in fields, forests, ponds, and wetlands survive in the heart of winter? Lyrical language and soft, lovely watercolors introduce young readers to a hidden world under the snow. This book satisfies the National Educational Standards. It has won the Junior Library Guide Selection, and the Pacific Northwest Booksellers Association Award Nominee Reviews. Under The Snow is about Nature, it is Nonfiction, and for the ages of 4 -8.

Author Melissa Stewart states,“Many authors have written books about hibernation. But I wanted children to know that many animals stay active all winter long—even under the snow." After doing alot of reach and making an attempt to write a manuscript, Stewart could not get what she wanted on paper.

On a frigid winter night in 2004, Melissa Stewart dragged herself out of her house to hear author-illustrator Timothy Basil Ering speak at an event sponsored by the Foundation for Children’s Books. "Ering was so engaging, charismatic, and his energy was so contagious that I was inspired to take another stab at my manuscript as soon as I got home." ,states Stewart. She finished the new draft and took it to her critique group meeting the next night. She made some changes and mailed it to her editor the next day. Six months later, her editor called her to say the book had been accepted for publication."

As a child, Melissa Stewart often accompanied her father and brother on long walks through the fields and forests near their rural New England home. Melissa’s father asked a simple question that sparked her life-long fascination with the natural world: "Do you notice anything unusual about the trees in this part of the woods?"

Melissa Stewart never considered writing professionally until one of her biology professors suggested it. At the time, Stewart was doing a senior research project that involved sequencing fruit fly DNA. Professor K. Williams showed Stewart a related article in Discover magazine and told her she could have written the piece. Stewart knew Professor Williams was right, and suddenly, her future path stretched out before her.
http://ww.melissastewart.com/ (click on: Melissa Stewart's Science Clubhouse)

Graphic Organizers

Graphic Organizers
I found this Graphic Organizer website and as I was going through it I thought,"WOW!!! what an awesome way to teach Science, Math, Literature, and Writing." At this time in our class we are going into the life cycles. So this Graphic Organizer comes at the perfect time. I really like the literature frame works because it gives you different frames for different stories.I can see where

I can use it on an over head projector, and even on the screen by the internet. By using it on the overhead projector, I would have to copy pictures so the students will be able to see the sections of the life cycle of a butterfly. This would go along with the written portion of the life cycle on the internet. As I repeat it daily, and the students read along, and do an art project, sequence pictures of the life cycle, bingo game, and have literaure circles, the students will have the opportunity to talk about the life cycle stages. In this manner I believe the students will grasp a greater concept of the life cycle. This would also add technology to the curriculum.

Another website that has great grahic organizers is http://www.softschools.com . In this website you select and build your own graphic organizer; it also has so much more such as teacher sharing, subject area, and teahcer resources. Check it out.

Graphic Organizers

http://www.graphicorganizers/
This is a website for Graphic Organizers. This one takes you to a number of websites that are great for the education field. There are websites on how to make: certificates, worksheets, literature outlines, and much more.
One website is called Graphic Organizer for Teachers. It gives you graphs and charts, sequencing graphs, storytelling graphs, and much more. It also has KWL and KWHL printables. In the miscellaneous area, it has a beautiful map of the United States and a number of different graphs a teacher could use in a variety of lessons. Check it out.

3321 MON. NIGHT 28th AUTHOR

After his infamous fall Humpty's confidence is shattered. Will he ever get his groove back? "Humpty Dumpty sits in a chair while all the kings horses and all the kings men laugh at him through the window of his house. He used to climb rocks, today he won't dare..."

Humpty Dumpty Climbs Again is written by Dave Horowitz. It is an up dated version of the famous fairy tail. Check out the reason that causes Humpty Dumpty to leave his house and what gets him to climb again.

This book can be used for Social Studies in regards to relationships, peer pressure, and to build up a childs self-esteem. Its humor and beautiful illustrations makes it to be a funy and eggistential tale of Hope and Redemption. This picture book is for the elementary level. Although the level recommended is 1,200 ft. (You can hear the story on u-tube on Horowitz website).

Dave Horowitz grew up in Smithtown, New York in the 1970s. In school instead of paying attention he drew pictures of his teachers. He then went to a famous art college in Rhode Island and studied coloring. He moved to New York City and worked next door to the Twin Towers. There he learned how to climb rocks and got fired. Then he climbed rocks. Horowitz moved up to the Hudson Valley and then to California and then to New Hampshire and then back to the Hudson Valley. Where he got a job as a “professional” rock climber. He go too old for that, but he still lives in the Hudson Valley where he writes and illustrates picture books. "So far so good…" so he says.

http://www.horowitzdave.com/

3321 MON. NIGHT 27 th AUTHOR

Written by W. Nikola-Lisa, Bein' With You This Way is a best-selling picture book and an "ode to diversity" as one reviewer called it. It has won the Jane Addams Honor Book Award and the Parents Magazine Best Book. This book is a rap-style prose poem, expressively illustrated in colored pencil. It is about a racially mixed group of children enjoying a sunny day at the playground. They soon discover the virtues of racial diversity and, at the same time, the basic identity of all human beings. this pictue book is for ages 3 - 8.
W. Nikola-Lisa is a former elementary school teacher, a very important point, because that is how his interest in writing for children started. Reading to second graders year-in and year-out generated the impulse to write books for young readers. That was over two decades ago. Since then Mr. Nikola-Lisa has published more than twenty books, all picture books for young readers, pre-K through 5th grade. Mr. Nikola-Lisa has also written books tht are translated in Spanish; one book is Llega La Noche.
http://www.w.nikola-lisa.com/

3321 MON. NIGHT 26th AUTHOR

Young Pele is an inspiring story of how a poor Brazilian boy who kicked rocks down roads and dribbled balls made from rags went on to become the greatest soccer player of all time. This book as won the NAACP Image Awards nominee in 2008, the Starred Review, Book list Top 10 Sports Books for Youth in 2008 as well.
Young Pele is written by Lesa Cline-Ransome. Lesa Cline-Ransome has written a number of biographical books about young athletes. As well as a book about Helen Keller's life, and poetry. With illustrations by her husband James Ransome which are superb, Lesa Cline-Ransome books are a must to have for the youth. Young Pele is a Fiction and for the youth.

Lesa Cline grew up in Malden, MA, a suburb just outside of Boston, the daughter of two nurses and the youngest of three. She consider herself very fortunate to have grown up with a mother who loved to read. Each week her mother would take her to their local library so that her mother could stock up on books. As Cline grew older she ventured off into the children’s section and gather up her own collection of books to check out. Through her mother she realized that reading could become a wonderful escape and writing even more so. When Cline's mother gave her a diary as a gift, she first filled the pages with the “very important” details of her life adventures with her friends, secret crushes and the many ways in which her family drove her crazy. Then she began creating her own stories.

Lesa Cline became interested in children’s books the year she married James Ransome. He was working on illustrating his first book which allowed both of them to look at picture books in a new way. When they browsed through the books in bookstores, he studied the illustrations, and she read the stories. Lesa Cline-Ransome eventually completed a graduate degree in elementary education and through her coursework became truly immersed in children’s literature.

While at home and after the birth of their first child, James Ransome would constantly suggest that she start writing for children. He had tons of ideas for books. When he showed her a collection of stories about champion athletes. Lesa read the section on Satchel Paige, the Negro League pitcher, she was captured. Between her daughter’s naps and her another pregnancy, she read and researched and wrote for nearly a year before an editor at Simon & Schuster decided to take a chance on Satchel. Four years, four books and four children later and Lesa Cline-Ransome is still writing. Her husband does amazing illustrations for the books she writes as well. Check out their website to see more of her books, awards, his illustrations, and more.
http://www.jamesransome.com/

3321 MON. NIGHT 25th AUTHOR

In The Small Small Night, Kofi can't sleep in his new home in the United States, So his older sister Abena soothes his fears about life in a different country by telling him two folktales from their native Ghana about the nature of wisdom and perseverance.

Jane Kurts uses stories she heard from a friend from Ghana, and weaves them into a lovely story about wisdom and perseverance. Kurtz also captures the way an age-old oral tradition emerges. A strong addition to any collection, this book is a must buy for communities with African immigrant families. Rachel Isadora's vibrant illustrations, drenched in color, capture the African settings, the folkloric animals, and the love between brother and sister to complete the enchantment. This book is a Contemporary Realistic Fiction and for ages 4 -8.

Jane Kurtz was born in Portland, Oregon, but when she was two years old, her parents moved to Ethiopia. Jane grew up in Maji, a small town in the southwest corner of the country. Since there were no televisions, radios, or movies, her memories are of climbing mountains, wading in rivers by the waterfalls, listening to stories, and making up her own stories, which she and her sisters acted out for days at a time. By the time Jane came back to the United States for college, she felt there was no way to talk about her childhood home to people here. It took nearly twenty years to finally find a way - through her children's books.

Now she often speaks in schools and at conferences, sharing memories from her own childhood and bringing in things for the children to touch and taste and see and smell and hear from Ethiopia. "It's been a healing and inspiring experience," she says, "to reconnect with my childhood and also be able to help people know just a little of the beautiful country where I grew up." Jane Kurtz has written a number of books that are inspirational, motivating, and that causes a person to think about their own situations. One such book for example is Pulling The Lion's Tail which is inspired by a traditional Ethiopian tale. It is a book of patience, and learning to cope with the expectancies of life. Check out her website for more of her fantastic books, awards, biography, and more.
http://www.janekurtz.com/

3321 MON. NIGHT 24th AUTHOR

The book Johnny Appleseed is written by Jane Kurtz. In this simple little book early readers get a feel for what Johnny Appleseed did with his life and how he helped people by planting seeds and by giving them baby trees to plant." Kurtz introduces newly emergent readers to the historical John Chapman. Kurtz caps her short, rhythmic text with an invitation to "Clap your hands for Johnny Chapman. Clap your hands for Johnny Appleseed!" An appealing way to open discussions of our country's historical or legendary past. This traditional story of Johnny Appleseed is fun and captivates the children's attention as well as involves them to participate in Johnny's adventures as he travels through the country side. This book is for ages 6-8.

As a future teacher of Special Needs children I can see myself using this book in a social studies and science lesson. In a social studies lesson I would use it in relationships with people. I would ask questions such as: What did Johnny Appleseed travel the country doing? Why do you think he liked helping people? As you have walked in the school halls, how could you help someone you might see? Who does helping someone make you feel? How do you think that person feels to have you help him or her?

In a science lesson I would ask them where do apples come from? Why do you think Johnny Appleseed chose apple seeds to plant? Would apples grow if we planted watermelon seeds, or pear seeds, or carrot seeds? For an experiment I would target easy and fast growing seeds such as grass, or onion seeds and follow the growth pattern. Of course I would have to modify for these students, but it would be worth it. I believe this book offers a great deal of discussion opportunity for the students to get invloved in.

Jane Kurtz was born in Portland, Oregon, but when she was two years old, her parents moved to Ethiopia. Jane grew up in Maji, a small town in the southwest corner of the country. Since there were no televisions, radios, or movies, her memories are of climbing mountains, wading in rivers by the waterfalls, listening to stories, and making up her own stories, which she and her sisters acted out for days at a time. By the time Jane came back to the United States for college, she felt there was no way to talk about her childhood home to people here. It took nearly twenty years to finally find a way - through her children's books.

Now she often speaks in schools and at conferences, sharing memories from her own childhood and bringing in things for the children to touch and taste and see and smell and hear from Ethiopia. "It's been a healing and inspiring experience," she says, "to re-connect with my childhood and also be able to help people know just a little of the beautiful country where I grew up."
http://www.janekurtz.com/

3321 MON. NIGHT 23rd AUTHOR

In the novel The Art Of Racing In The Rain, Enzo, is the unforgettable canine narrator of this bittersweet and transformative story of family, love, loyalty, and hope. Enzo is a philosopher with a nearly human soul, and he's gained a wealth of knowledge from hours spent in front of the TV. This book is a heart-wrenching, yet deeply funny and uplifting story. It has a captivating look at the wonders and absurdities of human life as only a dog could tell it. This book is Fiction and for all ages.

Garth Stein is the The author of The Art Of Racing In The Rain now published in 23 languages. The Art of Racing in the Rain was the #1 Book Sense selection for June, 2008, the Starbucks spring/summer 2008 book selection, and has been on the Indie Bound bestseller list since its publication. Stein has also written two other novels, "How Evan Broke His Head and Other Secrets" and "Raven Stole the Moon", plus the play, "Brother Jones". He has also worked as a documentary filmmaker, and directed, produced, or co-produced several award winning films. He lives in Seattle with his family and dog Comet.
http://www.garthstein.com/
http://www.borderbooks.com/

3321 MON. NIGHT CHAPTER 13

I like the idea of literacy circles because of what they are composed of. They are composed of four or five students of mixed abilities. This means that all literacy circles are equally matched and none are less composed than the other, so all students have equal opportunity to learn, participate, and understand as much as they possibly can.

On page 305, I like the ways a teacher involves all the students from the very beginning. First she highlights some aspects of the books to get their attention. Second she invites students who have read some of the books to comment on those books. Third she has an election and the students vote on their favorite books. Fourth she makes a final list and the students vote once again. Fifth the students are grouped by their choice of books and at times the circle groups may have to be adjusted.

Part of the reading is the learning of new vocabulary words that some members of the group know and others do not. Because some students in the group know the newer words they can help their peers come to know them and their meaning as well. This helps the group become independent form teacher intervention. The confidence of reading aloud and listening skill develop during this time where as at any other time the students may shut-down. Writing journals help develop the students writing abilities as well as their critical thinking.

The discussion exercises are a great way for the speech area to develop and for their speaking confidence to grow. So you know that the Literature Circles and Special Needs Learners section on page 312 is one of my favorite sections. Still, even 5 - 7 year olds can participate in literary circles. So I believe no child has to be left out of a literary circle.

3321 MON. NIGHT CHAPTER 7

I like the definition of Picture Books = the marriage of literature and fine arts into a unique literary form. In picture books the reader has the awesome privilege of experiencing the creativity of two separate individuals the writer and the artist. Since there is such a variety of picture books available we can find picture books for different audiences.
Picture books are categorized as "form," not genre. Which genre it exemplifies is usually up to the teacher or librarians to determine. I have never considered the start of the picture books before, so I found it interesting that they started long before books were even put together. On page 148 it is stated that, "Early humans left their picture stories on the walls of caves, many of which still survive. Some of these ancient pictures may have been writing systems with recurring symbols that were meaningful to the community that used them."
Illustrations are very meaningful. The illustration"illuminate" the written word, it gives it life, and meaning. Learning to look more deeply and more thoroughly at how illustrators do this increases our appreciation and knowledge of how picture books work. We learn the importance of how the art and words interact to enrich each other.
Picture books have several visual elements. These are: line-lines show movement, shape, and texture. Color reflect the plot, tone or mood of characters, or euthanizes cultural aspects and the setting of the book. Colors also affect us in feels such as feeling calm, quiet and peaceful.
They also lighten or darken the scene in a story. Shape depict mood or setting, or represent cultures accurately. Texture causes us to be a part of the story and this helps readers to respond to the story. Design or Composition is important, when a design is weak viewers often feel that they are looking at an incomplete, incoherent, or boring picture. The design is complete when the size of the cover, the text, the quality of the pages, the artwork all come together in harmony in the book.
Still, a picture book must be composed carefully. It takes as much work to write a picture book as it does to write a novel. In a picture book an author must have the same quality of story as a novel, but in a smaller amount of space. It is worth the hard work of writing a picture book because it can be enjoyed by all ages and used to teach higher level students. For example, by using wordless picture books a teacher can help develop writers in the intermediate and middle school grades. Critical literacy can be developed in the higher levels as well. Since many picture books are written from an author's personal life, students can learn to write their own books from their life experiences. I have learned so much from this chapter alone, I look forward to learning more from the rest of this book.

3321 Mon. Night 22nd AUTHOR

The author of this book is Marcus Pfister. Pfister was born in Berne, Switzerland, where he lives today. He is perhaps best known for his series of books featuring Rainbow Fish, which has been published in more than thirty languages around the world. In addition to the American Booksellers Association award for the first Rainbow Fish book, Pfister has also received the prestigious Critici in erba Prize at the Bologna Children's Book Fair, as well as the Christopher Award for creating books that "affirm the highest value in the human spirit."

These books are easy to read, full of color, and adventure because this little fish does not leave the underdog alone. In this particular book Rainbow Fish To The Rescue, Rainbow Fish and his friends come across a punie little striped fish. He was considered an outcast because he did not have a flashing scale like the rest of the fish. Though Rainbow Fish worried about losing his fiends he comes to the aide of the little outcast. Fearing that the little striped fish would be attacked by the shark that attacked him and his friends; he sets out to help the little striped fish. Does Rainbow Fish lose his friends? Read the book and find out. Rainbow Fish is for Pre-schoolers and Kindergarten.

http://www.north-southbooks.com/ (click on Rainbow Fish - than click on Marcus Pfister)

3321 MON. NIGHT 21st AUTHOR

Yo Vikings is based on a true incident that occurred to Judith Byron Schachner's daughter. Her Daughter Emma has a very imaginative mind that will not quit. When she prepared to give a report about The Viking Explorer Erik the Red, she took off on a voyage of discovery. The more she learned the more went into her journal. She made herself a Viking helmet out of foil and rename herself Red Emma.

After the Liberian shows her a newspaper ad for a 29 foot Viking ship Emma and her brothe set out to get it. She offers $128,00, two baseball cards, and a fox tooth, and low and behold she gets it. The ship arrives at her backyard along with a TV news crew and her classmates all dressed as vikings. Yo Vikings is Written by Judith Byron Schachner. This book is Fiction and for the elementary level.

Growing up Judith's family didn't have much money. Her mother was very ill, and to make matters worse, Judith was extremely shy. All my teachers complained that "Judith needs to speak up in class, Judith needs to improve in arithmetic, and Judith needs to finish her work on time." But no one complained about her artwork. On paper she drew herself a world where mothers were healthy and teachers were kind. Her life was perfection in pencil.

In 1969, Massachusetts College of Art accepted Judith as a student despite her poor SAT scores. She graduated in 1973 with a BFA in illustration and went straight into the greeting card factories which included a stint at Hallmark. For five years she designed cute cards, sad cards, funny cards, and wedding cards. She was not having fun; in fact Judith never wanted to pick up a paintbrush again.

Then she met her husband, Bob, and for the first time in many years Judith could step off the 9 to 5 treadmill and devote all her energy to creating a portfolio of children's book art. That was until two little baby girls were born. Then motherhood became her favorite new job.
Over the years Judith read hundreds of books to her daughters. Inspired by the art and words, she was moved once again to finish her portfolio and take it on the road to New York. That's when she met Lucia Monfried. In 1995 she not only illustrated her first picture book, but she started to write and published her first book as well.
http://www.judithbyronschachner.com/

3321 MON.NIGHT 20th AUTHOR

What do you do when you’re the new girl at school? If you’re Lissy, you make a friend. A paper friend. And to Lissy’s surprise, her little origami bird opens his eyes and says hello! So she quickly makes more friends. And soon Lissy has more friends than she can count!
But what do you do when your friends have to leave? If you’re Lissy, you make another friend, but this time one that stays.
Colorful, imaginative, and charming, Lissy’s Friends is a fresh take on the importance of friendship. You can bring this book to life with the Lissy Doll which marks one of the few Asian-American dolls out there. This book is for ages 4 - 8 years.
Lissy's Friends is written by Grace Lin. She states on her blog, "I'm a children's book author and illustrator which means my secret life is full of drama, intrigue, adventure...and fuzzy bunny slippers.
http://www.gracelin.com/

3321 Mon. Night 19th AUTHOR

Ghost Wolf is written by Karleen Bradford. It's about a boy named Matt who went camping for the first time, but he isn't doing very well. Things go from bad to worse when he realizes that he has left his life preserver hanging on a tree, but where exactly? He remembers, and decides he has to go and get it before the Counsellor finds out. Bad idea! Find out what happens. This book is Fiction and for grades 1 - 3.
Karleen Bradford always loved to write. She couldn't even remember when she started. She states,"It must have been as soon as I could hold a pencil." She always loved to read, and has firmly believed that all writers are readers. When people ask her for advice on how to become a writer she says, "First of all, just write, write, and write some more. And the next thing is read, read, and read some more."
She started writing for children when she was married and had children of her own. Bradford began by writing short stories for them when they were very young and, as they grew up, so did her stories. She writes mostly for young adults now-historical, fantasy and contemporary novels. Becoming a grandmother has led her into new waters. And now she has just written her first picture book.
Find out about her other books, teacher guide section, awards, and more on her website.
http://www.karleenbradford.com/

3321 Mon. Night 18th AUTHOR

Sunshine, Moonshine, this beautiful poetic tale follows a boy throughout the course of his active day. From the morning when the shining sun wakes him until the moon shines on my pillow and says, "Good night to me." The out doors call and his summertime adventures are recorded. The full-color, full-page oil illustrations evoke a serene and beautiful seaside setting.
They are realistically rendered, and background details add to the enhancing of the entire book. Beginning readers will appreciate the large print and repetition, although some of the vocabulary (fireflies, among, mountains) may be challenging. Sunshine, Moonshine also makes a gentle bedtime story for toddlers and preschoolers. This book is written by Jennifer Armstrong, and is for the elementary level.
Jennifer Armstrong grew up in South Salem, New York. And by the age of six she knew that she was going to be an author. As a child she spent countless hours outside, making up adventure stories and acting them out. Armstrong is the winner of numerous awards for both fiction and nonfiction, and she has written more than 100 books for all ages, from pre-school through young adult.
After graduating from Smith College in Massachusetts, Armstrong worked as a ghostwriter for a bestselling teen series and began to write her own books. She has since written picture books, easy readers, chapter books, young adult novels, and nonfiction. History has been a recurring theme in both her fiction and nonfiction.
http://www.childrenliterature-meetauthor/illustrator.com (go to - authors! authors! children's book authors/illustrators on the web)
http://www.jenniferarmstrong.com/ poetry

3321 Mon. Night 17th Author

Teaming with life, coral reefs are among the most beautiful and unusual places in the natural world. Coral reefs are found in tropical waters around the world. From fringe reefs to barrier reefs to atolls, here is information about how the reefs are formed, how they grow, and how the many different kinds of plants and animals live in their special environment.
Coral Reefs is written by Gail Gibbons. This is one among several of her books that she has written about nature. Some of her other books are Tornadoes, Corn, Snakes, Elephants of Africa, and Dinosaurs to mention a few. These are Science Books and for the nature lover and scientist in the elementary level.
Gail Gibbons has been described as having a face that holds wonder like a cup." It is out of this natural curiosity for how things work and how things are made that she has based a successful career as an author and illustrator of children’s books. From life on a fishing island Surrounded by Sea to the history and makings of kites Catch The Wind, she has taught children – and adults – about the inner workings of things and places in our environment.
As a child growing up in Chicago, Gail was always asking how does that work?" She created her first picture book at the age of four. It was four pages long and bound together with yarn. Recognizing Gail’s artistic talents, her kindergarten teacher alerted Gail’s parents to it, and Gail began taking art lessons. Soon thereafter she started writing her own stories. After high school graduation Gail attended the University of Illinois where she studied graphic design. Upon graduation she went to work for a small TV station doing graphic work and later moved to New York City where she worked on " Take a Giant Step" the children’s show that was the forerunner to PBS’ "The Electric Company." The children that participated in the show were the first to suggest that Gail should create children’s books. And that is exactly what she did.
http://www.gailgibbons.com/

3321 Mon. Night 16th Author

Abe Lincoln was known for his kindness, but did you know he loved animals and children. And that he suffered deeply for the soldiers who were wounded or killed during the Civil War. You might not think that a president would have time for pets and the pleasures that animals bring, but Abraham Lincoln made time. He liked nothing better than to stroke a cat or kitten, and he sometimes ate his lunch in the White House with a little dog named Jip. Abe Lincoln Loved Animals is a unique book that tells about the human side of president Lincoln. This book is Fiction, and for anyone who would like to learn more about that unique side of Abe Lincoln.

Abe Lincoln Loved Animals is written by Ellen Jackson. As she states, "she was born in the days of woolly mammoths in Burbank,California."

As a child, Ellen wanted more than anything, to be a writer. But every time she wrote a story, her third grade teacher would say with a certain tone, "That's nice, Ellen, but you have to indent!" Indent? So she decided to give up writing until she learned the basics. But today she writes, "I can honestly say I indent as well as J.K. Rowling."

Ellen Jackson was a Psychology, History, and Philosophy major who ended up with a B.A. in English (UCLA), Teaching Accreditation (UCLA), and an M.A. in Counseling (California Family Study Center) with a specialty in early childhood development. She worked as an elementary school teacher, curriculum specialist, curriculum author, editor, and award-winning author of children's books. She also volunteered at the library and at a local homeless shelter.

http://ww.ellenjackson.com/

3321 Mon. Night 15th AUTHOR

In The We Work, readers are given a clear understanding of how machines operate. In his new book, The Way We Work, David Macaulay illuminates the most important machine of all—the human body. This book is about you and how and why you are what you are. Your body is made up of various complex systems, and Macaulay is a master at making the complex understandable. He shows how the parts of the body work together, from the mechanics of a hand, to the process by which the heart pumps blood, to the chemical exchanges necessary to sustain life.

This book is for you and everyone you know. It can serve as a resource for children, families, teachers, and anyone who has questions about how the body works. It is an engaging guide that introduces you to you. Readers will come away with a new appreciation of the amazing world inside the human body. When you open the cover you will see how David Macaulay builds a body and shows you The Way We Work. There is no other book like it. This is a Science book and for 10 years + and 5th grade +.

Born England he and his parents later move to Bloomfield, New Jersey. He attended Rhode Island School of Design. After that he received a bachelor's degree in architecture and vowed never to practice. After working as an interior designer, a junior high school teacher, and a teacher at RISD, Macaulay began to experiment with creating books.

Macaulay is perhaps best known for the award-winning international bestseller The Way Things Work, which was expanded and updated in 1998 and renamed The New Way Things Work. This brilliant and highly accessible guide to the workings of machines was dubbed “a superb achievement” by the New York Times and became a New York Times bestseller. Using a humorous woolly mammoth to illustrate principles, Macaulay offers even the least technically minded reader a window of understanding into the complexities of today’s technology. He uses this same humorous approach and uncanny ability to explain complicated systems in The Way We Work, which tackles the most intricate machine of all: the human body.
http://www.davidmacaulay.com/

3321 Mon. Night 14th AUTHOR

In the book Miss Little"s Gift Douglas is the youngest, smallest, and newest student in his second-grade class. Douglas does not like reading, nor to sit still, nor does he like Miss Little; especially when she makes him stay after class day after day, forcing him to sound out lines and blobs and squiggles when he’d rather be throwing a football. Miss Little has noticed something bout Douglas, but what is it? Because of this, she has chosen a book especially for him to learn from, why?
Award-winning author Douglas Wood — the boy in the story — alludes to scenes from The Little Island, the first book that enticed him to read, in a tale that will resonate with many children with ADHD. It is also a heartwarming ode to a special teacher whose gentle persistence changed one little boy’s life forever. This book is Fiction and for all ages.
Douglas Wood has been called Minnesota’s “renaissance man” — author, artist, musician, naturalist, wilderness guide. As a writer of books for children and adults he has almost two million copies in print, including the classics Old Turtle and Grandad's Prayers of the Earth. It has been said that Douglas Wood "leads his readers and listeners on a journey of self-discovery helping them to understand themselves and the world around them." Wood has won countless honors and awards such as: the Christopher Medal, ABBY Award, International Reading Association Book of the Year, Minnesota Book Award, Midwest Publishers Association Book of the Year, and more. Learn more about Douglas Wood's books, life, and mucic on his website.
http://www.douglaswood.com/

3321 Mon. Night 13th AUTHOR

Joe Gribnau is a proud fifth generation Montanan and currently works as an elementary school teacher. He received the inspiration for this book after asking his fifth grade class to write a new version of Night Before Christmas. I like the way this author took the version of his students serious and involved them in this book. Gribnau graduated from the University of Montana with a B.A. in elementary education and lives in Walla Walla, Washington, with his wife and two children.

Here is the classic Night Before Christmas tale with a new Rocky Mountain twist. With unforgettable names like Old Jed and Big Jim, this is the story of Old Saint Nick’s wild Western ride as he journeys across the night sky with a hoot and a holler and his eight flying cattle.
Why do you think Santa Claus' journey on Christmas was delayed? And making it necessary for this cowboy to show his captor the spirit of the season and save Christmas once again. This is a book for the elementary level.

http://www.joegribnaubooks.com/

http://www.salimaalikhan.com/ Illustrator

3321 Mon. Night Chapter 6

I agree with what the writer says about traditional literature. I say it serves a great purpose and should not be regraded as of no value. In the book it gives purposes why traditional literature is valuable. Some purposes are: it preserves significant events that define a group and shape its culture, it teaches values and the foundations of cultural beliefs to the young. Also, it explores human consciousness, and it entertains.
These stories have no particular author because they are passed down from generation to generation. Children should also know these stories because of the character, language patterns, and themes that are often referred to in in everyday life. Traditional stories, because of the origins, have elements that possess unique qualities that help distinguish one genre from others.
The elements are the plot, which is usually simple and often sequential, some are cumulative, that is, the events repeat. The setting, which are often deliberately vague, using description such as "Once upon a time?" Characterization, which is frequently symbolic and rarely developed as actual people with strengths. The style, because these stories arose from the oral storytelling tradition, they provide readers with the opportunity to hear the cadences and common expressions of the culture where the story originated. The theme and motifs, are not only to entertain by also to instruct; usually featuring themes important to the culture from which they originated. Variants occur because these stories come down to us through countless retelling over time, their details have changed and evolved.
I like the section called Guidelines for Selecting High-Quality Traditional Literature this section guides the teacher in how to select good quality traditional literature for the classroom. Storytelling is not only a great way to share a traditional story, but it can be modified to fit the audience. It is a great way for the special needs students to work on their listening skill, speech, relate to their peers. There are a number of activities a teacher could do with these students. One activity is to have a sequential line with the students. That is, to have each student tell the story one section at a time until the whole story is told. Another activity is to have them individually or in groups draw pictures of the story and tell it as they remember it. Still, a third activity is a picture strip of the story; have the students cut out and glue pictures of the story in sequential order.

3321 Mon. Night 12th AUTHOR

The Skirt is written by Gary Soto. It's about a young girl Miata who was a student of folklorico dancing. An unfortunate situation occurred when Miata forgets her shirt on the school bus. The adventure starts when she and her friend Ana go out to search for the shirt on a number of school buses. Will she get the shirt for her Sunday folklorico performance? Read the book and find out. This book is Contemporary Realistic Fiction and an easy to read novel for 7-11 year olds.
It is written by Gary Soto who was born and raised in Fresno Cal. He was the finalist for both the Los Angeles Times Book Award. He has received the Literature Award from the Hispanic Heritage Foundation, the Author Illustrator Civil Rights Award from the National Education Association, and the PEN Center West Book Award for Petty Crimes. He is the author of numerous poems which have appeared in various magazines. You can read more about Gary Soto and his interests and life on his website.
http://www.garysoto.com/

3321 Mon. Night 11th AUTHOR

Dave Horowitz was an average little boy. Instead of paying attention to his teachers he drew picture of them. He went to a famous college in Rhode Island and studied coloring. He eventually grew up and started writing and illustrating books for children.
Beware of Tigers is a poetic book. Its rhyming story is big, beautiful, and charming as the pictures. the main characters are two little birds who think they know it all and can trust even the untrustable. The pictures are huge and brightly colored just right to get the attention of the very young.
The story shows us that we should take into consideration the warnings given to us; but if we don not, it's always good to have a big friend to help out. This book is for the elementary level.
http://www.horowitzdave.com/

3321 Mon. Night Chapter 5

Poetry has a lot of elements that can be used in the special educational class. It consists of sound, rhyme, repetition, rhythm. I like what it says on page 91 about poets; it states that,"poets are crafters of language, carving and polishing their words until they create just the right image and sound." In this I see poets as artists and teachers. They both have to be creative to bring out just the right element they want out of the people they are reaching.
The rhyme can be used in the connection of words sound alikes and rhythm with instruments to connect words to the sound patterns of those instruments. Repetition is also used to ground what is being taught to these students, so I believe that poetry does have a place in this class. I like figure 5.2 which show how nature and every day experiences can also be used in poetry.
The sections Single-Poet collection, Single Poems in Picture Book Format, and Special Considerations for Young Children are a great assist to the special education class. Each section has its own feature as to how to bring out the poetry from within the students. Now I see that there are so many diverse ways that students can express poetry. The teacher would definitely have to have vision to incorporate these sections in the class; because without vision nothing will get done.

3321Mon. Night Chapter 4

I like this chapter regarding responding to literature because it really informs me of how children get when they are truly engaged in their book when they read. I used to think that when I would call a student and he or she did not respond to me it meant they were being rude. That is why I am trying to find books that relate to every area of life for my blog list; as it is stated in this chapter, "the places we've been, the people we've known, our ages-everything about us-influence how we respond to a book." pg.59.
Though I plan to teach special education, I like the idea of having books at the beginning of the school year and seeing which ones the students prefer by having them select the ones they like. Until now I did not realize how many things really influence children's response' to books. Now I understand why a student may be shy in not wanting to read out loud in class. Getting a child started early in life is important regarding getting him or her familiar with books, as well as respond to questions, discussions, and reading the book.
As I was reading regarding what a powerful influence peers are I got the idea of a class activity. The activity is to discuss the book before hand, read the book to the class, divide the book into sections as I read and ask questions. After wards divide the class into sections and hold conference time so each group of students can talk about the book, draw a picture, write words relating to the story, and then group by group each would talk about the story. I believe this would help in thier relation to peers, speech, writing, creativity, and memory; that is why I was really drawn to the Ativities for Deepening Children's Responses to Literature section on pg. 77-84.

3321 Mon. Night 10th AUTHOR

The World According To Dog is a book of poetry written by Joyce Sidman and co-written by several of Joyce's new found teen authors. These young friends contributed essays to the book. They held a "dog parties" to promote the book and meet new dog friends" in Minneapolis St. Paul. This book is for dog lovers of all ages of which I am one.

This book started with her dog. In a time of needed her dog was her comforter. when Joyce took her book of poems to her editor she asked a challenging question. That question was the "What if " question. What if teenagers wrote about their dogs and added to the book? Sidman knew she had an interesting challenge there. So she asked for help from librarians, school teachers, and even got on teen web sites and asked teenagers to write in about their dogs; an the essays with pictures poured in.

I believe this is one of the most beautiful authors I have had the privilege of writing about. Joyce Sidman is a humble person; I say this because she could have insisted on keeping this book to herself, but she did not. That is what a true mentor is. To invited, encourage, and welcome new talent to share in her books. We need more authors like Joyce Sidman.

Joyce Sidman started writing at a very young age. She started keeping journals as words popped into her head. Sidman believes in "time alone" she calls this "pondering time." This is a time where ideas, questions and solutions come. A time everyone needs, a time of no disturbances, silence, a time a person can see, listen, and learn of the world around them. She likes to use images and metaphors to write her poetry which comes easily to her. Sidman is a nature lover and that is where she gets her inspiration to write.

Come into Joyce's world of poetry it is for all ages.

http://www.joycesidman.com/

3321 Mon. Night 9th AUTHOR

Ramona is an enchanting and invigorating character in a series of books that Beverly Cleary has written. Thought out the series Ramona grows and experiences life to the fullest. Her older bother Beezus finds his little sister to be a pest at times. Still, Ramona gets into some unforgettable adventures in each book. Some books in the series of Ramona are: Beezus and Ramona, Ramona the Pest, Ramona the Brave, Ramona and Her Father, Ramona and Her Mother, and more. Cleary has books with different main characters and she also has books in Spanish. These books are for ages 10 - 12.

Beverly Cleary was born in Oregon where she lived on a farm in Yamhill with her family. Her mother arranged with the state library to send books to Yamhill; and she became the first librarian in that town. They moved to Portland where she attended grammar school and high school. Because she came from a farm she did not have environment to be a good reader. She was put in the lowest reading circle, but by the third grade she conquered reading and spent much of her time in books and in the library.

After graduating form college in Ontario, California and the University in California she went to the school of Librarianship. The work of a librarian brought her in contact with numerous children from the street. They captured her heart and she started a story hour in a park. Eventually the children asked her, "'Where are the books that tell about us?' And she responded with her first book." She and her husband Clearance Cleary eventually moved to California.

http://www.beverlycleary.com/

3321 Mon. Night 8th AUTHOR

Esperanza Rising is about a young Mexican girl who would be considered a rich girl. But when tragedy strikes her vision is changed for ever. Her mother and she have to move to a California labor camp where they have to foster a new way of life. Even among their own race they face the challenge of being accepted. Eventually Esperanza has to let go of the past and face the future with undaunting strength and realize the riches it holds for her. This book is Contemporary Realistic Fiction and is for 12 year olds and older.
This book is written by Pam Munoz, who has won countless awards. Some of her awards are: the Pura Belpre Medal, the Jane Addams Peace Award, an ALA Top Ten Best Book for Young Adults, and the Americas Award Honor Book to mention a few. Pam Munoz Ryan was born and grew up in California where she and her family still reside.
As a child she spent many of her hours in the public library because it had air conditioning. There is where she learned to love to read books. After graduating from college she wanted to work in a profession that had to do with books. She became a teacher and then an administrator. A friend of hers believed that Pam Munoz could write. Thus, began the journey that caused her to become an author.
http://www.pammunozryan.com/

3321 Mon. Night 7th AUTHOR

Where Do Balloons Go? is written by Jamielee Curtis. It is the kind of book I like. It stirs up the imagination, and adds creativity to a rather dull, painful, and negative experience. This book was inspired at an outdoor party. Curtis states, "... It started to rain and one little boy let go of his balloon and the other children followed suite. Looking up he asked his mother,'Where do the balloons go?'" At that moment she knew she had the beginning of a book. This book is Fiction and for the elementary level.

Jamielee Curtis moonlights as an actress and photographer. She is the daughter of actor Tony Curtis. Curtis' books talk about life lessons. Her motivation is that her books stimulate parents to discuss with their children the issues mentioned in the book they read together. Curtis' books are simple, clear, and connect to what is good and bad.

Some of her books include: Big Words For Little People, Is There Really a Human Race?, It's Hard To Be Five, Tell Me Again Of The Night I Was Born, and more. Her website offers her book list, fun and games, teaching resources, play the big word spelling game, and meet her illustrator.

http://www.jamieleecurtisbooks.com/

3321 Mon. Night 6th AUTHOR

Mr. Lincoln's Way is written by Patricia Polacco. This book is about a a boy who is a bully and is very prejudice. The new principle, Mr. Lincoln, has a very unique way of helping children over come their prejudice. He uses the beauty, differences, and simplicity of nature for this young bully to over come his. I would like to own this book myself. This is a book Contemporary Realistic Fiction and for all ages.

Patricia Polacco has written countless books including The Butterfly which is from and experience from her aunt Monique's life. I Hear The Sun is about a boys lonely, homeless life. He be friends Stephenie Michele who takes care of geese. Faith unfolds as the geese prepare to fly south for the winter and he says that the geese have invited him to go with them.

Patricia Polacco lived in Michigan and her family moved several times. Her family lived with her grandparents for a while. They turned to be some of her greatest inspiration for writing. Her parents divorced so she spent the school months with her mother and the summers with her dad. Instead of letting this situation bring her down she used it to her writing advantage. Polacco writes many of her books from her life experiences.

As a child, Polacco had difficulty in school. She didn't understand why she couldn't learn to read and do math like her classmates and was teased by a bully in her class because of this problem. She learn to read at the age of 14 years. Only then did she come to find out that she had a learning disability called dyslexia. Her teacher was the one that found out about her problem and got her the help she needed to succeed in school. Polacco states, "Now I know that being learning disabled does not means DUMB AT ALL." She understood that being learning disabled only meant that she had a different way of learning.

Like many other writers Patricia Polacco graduated with a degree of Fine Arts. At the age of 41 she started to put on paper the stories that her family told her, and the illustrating came into her easily since art was in her veins due to her disability. Polacco lives in Union City, Michigan and has opened her home and has writing seminars, storytelling festivals, literature conferences and more. She invites the public to come and take part in these events.

Check out her website and learn more about her life, books, activity ideas, and fun stuff.

http://www.patriciapolacco.com/