Genre Presentations

I really enjoyed all of the genre presentations that we have seen in class. This week my favorite was the Giving Tree. I am a little partial to this one because it is one of my favorite stories. I can read the story over and over and over and cry ever time (I know silly). Wendy did a great job narrating the the video from youtube. I was curious and visited the website to listen to the 1973 version of the story with the Author Shel Silverstein. I really liked the crowns you all made and am going to use this idea in my classroom when I introduce this Author.
I think everyone did an awesome job on the presentations.

Genre Presentations- Happy Thanksgiving

This tuesday we saw two genre presentations. I really liked the story Down the Back of the Chair. I thought this was a super good story and I liked the project you had for the class. Having the class decorate the chairs and what might be found down the back of the chair is a good idea. I think children would love doing this and I am curious as to what children might come up with.
Good job on the presentations. Everyone has good ideas and I can't wait to see next weeks presentations.


Before I end this blogs I want to say Happy Thanksgiving to all my classmates and to Ms. Pickett. Enjoy the days off!

Genre Presentation Tikki Tikki Tembo and Martina the Beautiful Cockroach- Author Carmen Agra Deedy

On the 19th of November my group presented our genre project. We chose to do multi-cultural literature as our genre. At first I really wanted to do our presentation on Martina the beautiful cockroach however, I was persuaded to do Tikki Tikki Tembo a Chinese folktale. For our presentation we retold the story of Tikki Tikki Tembo using an awesome background and pictured stick puppets. For our background music we googled free Chinese music and found the perfect song. Our group met on several occasions and did a lot of planning on who would do what. The day that we videoed we took hours to do one complete run-through of the story without laughing. After we had a complete video I got to use Movie Maker to make the movie. For added fun we added bloopers and out-takes. Overall we had an awesome time completing this project. I feel like the outcome of our presentation was great.

After we presented Tikki Tikki Tembo I played the unabridged version on Martina the beautiful cockroack. Visit the link below to learn more about this character and the author Carmen Agra Deedy.

http://www.beautifulmartina.com/

Carmen Agra Deedy-

She was born in Havana, Cuba. Deedy has been a writer for over 20years. Her books include Agatha's Feather Bed, The Library Dragon, The Yellow Star, and of course Martina the Beautiful Cockroach. She created the character Martina because of her love for Cuban folklore. She has received numerous awards and honors.

Mid-Childhood - Early Adolescent Literature

Here are some of my favorite books geared to older kids.


The English Roses
Book Summary:
The English Roses (Madonna, 2003) is a wonderful story about the English roses a group of girl named Nicole, Amy, Charlotte, and Grace. They are four friends that do everything together. Together they have picnics, dance parties, play sports, and most importantly dislike a girl named Binah. The four girls are jealous of her because she is beautiful, smart, and well liked by everyone. However despite knowing that Binah was sad and lonely they could not get themselves to invite her over because they could not get past the jealousy. One day while at Nicole’s for a sleep over Nicole’s mother asks why they never invite Binah and ask the girls to think about how unfair they are being. The girls feel guilty and fall asleep thinking about what Nicole’s mother has said. When they fall asleep they all have the same dream and see that Binah lives alone with her father and has to do all the chores and cook dinner alone. The girls learned that Binah’s mother had die many years ago and that she did not have everything the way the girls thought. When the four friends woke up they talked and decided that they needed to become friends with Binah. The girls slowly began to invite Binah to be with them and slowly all became inseparable. .
Critique:
This book can be used to foster friendships among students. The story shows that you should not make unfair judgments about people you do not know. Although the girls thought they knew about Binah’s life they were unaware of the hardships she was faced with. I loved the illustrations in this book and the fact that the background of the pages were in London. The illustrations are very colorful and the pages are completely covered.



The Bracelet
Book Summary:
The Bracelet (Uchida, 1976) is a story about a Japanese-American girl who is forced to leave her home along with her family during World War 2. Emi and her family had to move to an internment camps as a result of the war between the United States and Japan. Emi and her family are very sad to have to leave there house, their neighbors, and their friends. Right before her family was going to leave Emi gets a visit from her best friend Laurie. Laurie gives Emi a bracelet so Emi would remember her. Emi promises to always wear the bracelet to never forget her best friend. As the family departs to the internment camp Emi uses the bracelet to find strength and to conquer her fears. When they finally settle in to their room Emi realizes that she no longer has the bracelet on. Emi is heartbroken and begins to think of her friend. Emi realizes that she does not need the bracelet to remember her best friend but instead has the memories within forever.
Critique:
I feel this is a great book to teach how friendships can give you strength during hard times. This book would also be good to use when teaching about the war and injustices. The book has great illustrations and the content of the story shows what it must have been like for thousands of Japanese-American. I feel that this is a subject often hidden from our history. One thing I didn’t like about the story is that the readers do not get to hear what happen to the character Emi.

The Hundred Dresses
Book Summary:
The Hundred Dresses (Estes, 1973) is a wonderful story of two girls who feel guilt for teasing a girl. Peggy and Maddie along with many other girls tease a poor polish girl named Wanda. Peggy who is somewhat of the ring leader questions Wanda asking her “How many dresses do you have?” Wanda always answers with the same response “I Have one hundred dresses?” Although Maddie knows the teasing is not nice she stands by allowing the teasing to continue. One day the girls arrive at school eager to find out who has won a classroom drawing contest. When they arrive they enter the classroom filled with one hundred drawings of beautiful dresses drawn by Wanda. The teacher announces that Wanda has won the contest immediately following this announcement the teacher reads a letter to the class written by Wanda’s father. The letter states that Wanda will not return to school because they are moving. Maddie and Peggy both feel awful after learning the girl who had to endure the teasing has moved away. The girls feel remorseful and are very saddened to find out they will never be able to apologize. Critique:
This book is a great book to use to teach that peoples’ lives are not always as they see. This book briefly touches on prejudice of people who are different. I really liked the chalk drawings from this book but feel that other illustrations could have enhanced the setting for the book. The feelings of the characters are displayed through the writing in a great way. I could completely understand the way Maddie was feeling.

Charlotte's Web
Book Summary:
Charlotte’s Web (White, 1952) is about a little girl named Fern who discovers her father is going to kill a runt pig. She begs her father to let her keep the pig and raise him. Fern names the pig Wilber and spends all her time with her new friend. Once Wilber is too large to live in the house he is sent to her Uncles farm. Wilber is sad at the farm and wants a friend desperately. During one long night he is greeted by a tiny voice that says she will be his friend. The following morning Wilber is introduced to a friendly spider names Charlotte. It becomes apparent to Fern, Wilber, Charlotte and the other animals that Mr. Zuckerman plans to slaughter Wilber during the winter. Charlotte assures Wilber that she will do everything she can to make sure Wilber stays safe. Charlotte spins amazing words to show the farmer that Wilber is some pig. Charlotte works very hard on a series of words to ensure Wilber he will not be killed. One day while at the fair Charlotte tells Wilber that she will soon die and that he must take her egg sack back to the farm. Charlotte works all night despite her weakness to complete one last word. This final act of kindness from Charlotte finally ensures Wilber will not be killed.
Critique:
This book can be used to show the risk friends will take to help those who are special to them. It displays more than one friendship. The character interaction shows special relationships. Although this is a sad story it also heartfelt the way it shows the special relationships. This story describes the animal interaction and the farm and deals with everyday life in the country. The great illustrations help the reader to visualize the setting.


Because of Winn-Dixie
Book Summary:
Because of Winn-Dixie (Camillo, 2000) is a book about 10 year old India Opal Buloni who moves to Florida with her father. Opal has already had sadness in her life because her mother left her and her father. Opals father a preacher is always preoccupied and often leaves Opal alone. Opal finds herself living in a new town alone and without any friends. While at the grocery store she comes across a dog who has wondered into the local Winn-Dixie grocery store. To save the curious dog from being sent to the pound Opal decides to keep the dog that she names Winn- Dixie for obvious reasons. Winn- Dixie and Opal quickly become inseparable and find many adventures around town. With the help of her dog Opal begins to become friends with people in the town who are curious about her dog. Opal become friend with Otis from the pet store, Miss Franny Block the local librarian, an old woman who everyone is scared of Gloria Dump, The Dewberry brothers, and a shy girl named Amanda. By the end of this heartfelt story Opal unites all her friends together to celebrate their friendship. During this celebration a storm causes them indoors. When they are all inside away from the storm they realize that Winn- Dixie is not around. This event brings Opal and her distant father together. After a heart to heart between father and daughter the two return to their friends only to find Winn- Dixie there.
Critique:
This is a good book to help students realize how easy it is to find friends and build relationships when you explore. This book is also a good book to show not to judge from the outside but instead give people a chance. I like the details of the story and how the dog brings everyone together. Because of Winn-Dixie (Camillo, 2000) has been given many honors and awards including 2001 Newberry Honors. This book was later adapted into a motion picture.

Shared Reading

After reading this article I have made connections with what I have been learning her at Texas A&M since last year. One of the most important thing is to make the environment safe and comfortable for student reading. Another important factor is to allow students to choose what they read and to have a variety of interesting material available. Students who are given a choose become excited and motivated to read. Variety of books need to be available also for reinforcement of content that is being explored in the classroom.

Wax Museum- With non-fiction picture books

During class my group and I used Picture books by David Adler to create a wax museum or meeting of the minds. We used a picture book of Sojourner Truth, Sacagawea, Harriet Tubman, and Helen Keller. Prior to this class we all read our books and created timelines of the life of each historic woman. We took turns presenting our person as if we were the person. After each of us shared our story we discussed new thinks we found out about this person. I would love to use this in my classroom one day. Scholastic has a series of these picture books and I could introduce students to these historical figures then allow them to expand on what they know. I think students would be engaged by getting to know each important person.

Chapter 8- Elements of Fiction and Authors

This was one of my favorite chapters so far. I loved the books that were presented throughout the chapter. This chapter discusses the types of fiction which include contemporary realistic fiction, historical fiction, fantasy, and science fiction. We did a good project about what fiction means to us. One thing I found interesting was that everyone had a different idea about what fiction is or what thought they think of when they think of fiction. Page 187 discourse of fiction is a good page to know. Overall I really loved learning about this topic.

Doreen Cronin- Diary of a worm
She was born in Queens and grew up in Long Island. Doreen Cronin was a practicing attorney before her first book was published. Prior to attending law school she had drafted the barn yard tale that would one day be her first book. She tried for several years to get her books published only to be rejected numerous times. Once she gotr accepted and have her book published she quit her career in law and decided to become a full time author. She now lives in New York. Her newest series of books includes Diary of a worm, Diary of a spider, and Diary of a fly. Doreen Cronin has a website but it is under construction.



Tedd Arnold- Super Fly Guy
Born in Elmira, New York and grew up on a farm in Pennsylvania. He received a degree in Fine Arts from the University of Florida. His wife brought on his interest in childrens books and he was inspired to write his first book for his son. He has published over 50 books that he has written and illustrated. He has received many honors and awards for his work.
www.teddarnoldbooks.com

Chapter 7 Picture Books and Authors

Chapter 7-Picture Books
Pictures books are books that are enhanced and often told with the help of the illustrations . Picture books begin with the text that is then sent to an artist who adds pictures based on his or her interpretation. Picture books are not for any specific age group nor are they in any particular genre. These books offer many art media used to create the pictures. Information on the source of media used can be found on the copyright page. There is a range of styles of illustrations offered for picture books that include Cartoon art, Expressionistic art, impressionist art, naïve or folk art, realistic art, and surrealistic art. Picture books can be used to get students discussing the books because of the art as well as to promote higher order thinking and promote writing for wordless books.

Patricia Polacco- Chicken Sunday, January Sparrow, The trees of the dancing goats

Patricia Polacco was born in Lansing, Michigan. When she was very young she moved to Oakland, California. The book Chicken Sunday is written about a family she spent much of her time with in California. Polacco has studied in the United States and Australia. Polacco has received her bachelor's and masters degrees in Fine Art and her Ph.D. in Art.
visit her website to learn more: http://www.patriciapolacco.com/

Kay Winters- My Teacher for President, Voice of Ancient Egypt, Colonial Voices- Hear them speak

Was born in Trenton, New Jersey. She loved reading and used books as a constant companion as her family moved from place to place. She received a bachelors degree in Education from Arcadia University then a Masters in Education from Wheelock College. Mrs., WInters taught 2nd grade for several years. Her first article was published in Highlight magazine. She continued teaching and moved to Pennsylvania. After several years she left her teaching career and began to write full time. She has received several honors and awards for her work.
visit her website: www.kaywinters.com

Carnegie Read Aloud

Today in class we watched a video of a teacher conducting a read aloud to her classroom.
Ms. Meyers conducts the read aloud sitting in a chair in front of her students who are on the rug. The teacher begins by engaging the students with the book selection of an author previously heard in the classroom. The teacher reads Strega Nona by Tomie dePaola. Ms. Meyers probes the students to make text-to-text connections as well as predictions about the story. As the teacher reads she observes the students who are making connections. She pauses from her reading and gives the students an opportunity to share ideas. The students quickly make connections to other books by the same author and have lots of ideas to share. After resuming the reading she again pauses and asks the students to discuss ideas with a partner.
The students really benefit from this interaction with other students. Although the video did not show responses from all the students individually when they were talking in partners all the students were involved.
Although these students were elementary age read-alouds can be a beneficial, and engaging for all grade levels.

Chapter 3 and 4 and author profiles

Chapter 3-Understanding What we Read: Comprehension, Vocabulary & Discussion.

The most important aspect for reading is comprehension. Without comprehension students are not gaining any information or knowledge but simply decoding words. There are several ways to assist students to increasing comprehension. One is to activate or supply prior knowledge. This may be accomplished by allowing students to discuss topics and share ideas. Students also need to increase their lexicon for a better understanding of reading. After reading teachers need to assess comprehension of reading. There are several way to check understanding having the students retell the story, story maps, comic strips, sketch-to-stretch, think-alouds, and dramatic recreations are all fun ways students can work together and share ideas.

Chapter 4- Responding to Literature

The way a student responses to reading has to do not only with motivation and interest of the text but also with the developmental stage of the student. It is important when offering text that the books are age appropriate and to the level of readiness.
Readers response to text varies with the connection students have to the text. It is important to offer the students text that is of interst to them as well to allow the students to choose what they want to read. Making a personal connection to the text is also important when the students see their culture or belief in a book. Students should be engaged in text and get lost in the reading so learning is fun and interesting.

Children Literature

Here are a few books from many of my favorite authors.

Chato's Kitchen
By: Gary Soto

Grade Level: 2nd -3rd grade

Book Summary:
Chato’s Kitchen (Soto, 1995) is a hilarious bilingual story about a cat that tries to surprise a family of mice but instead gets an even bigger surprise. The story begins one day while Chato is hunting for something to eat. Chato hears the sound of little feet coming from next door and discovers new neighbors moving into the house next door. Chato invited the new family of mice over for a tasty dinner. The unknowing mice accept the offer not knowing Chato’s plan to make then the main course. After the mice accept the offer they remember that a friend is expected to come over and ask Chato is they could also bring the friend over for dinner. Chato thinks he will have a larger meal than first expected. To the surprise of Chato and his hungry cat friend Novio Boy the extra guest turns out to be a dog. The tale come to an end as all new found friends sit down to enjoy a great meal no mice included.

Teacher Use and Critique:
This book contains some Spanish words within the text. At the very beginning of the book there is a Spanish/English glossary to explain the words used in the story. This book can be used to show how having all sorts of friends help in life. The story is set in East LA and the author really sets the tone for this story by using Spanish slang to set the mood. I think this book would be greatly enjoyed by bilingual students.



Horton Hears a Who!
By. Dr. Seuss
Grade Level: 2nd -3rd grade

Book Summary:
Horton Hears a Who! (Seuss, 1954) is one of many Dr. Seuss classic collection of stories. This story features Horton who hears a very small voice on a speck of dirt. Although no one believes Horton’s crazy idea of little people on a speck of dust he is convinced he must protect the speck. After placing the dust on a clover he discovers the speck is home to a town of who’s from Who-ville. Horton is determined to save his new friends despite those around who do not hear the who’s. After having the speck taken away Horton searches for hours until he finds the clover that carries the speck. Horton tells his new friends that they must speak up to avoid an unavoidable death. Horton helps the who’s prove they exist and continues to protect them from harm.

Teacher Use and Critique:
This book can be used during a Unit celebrating Dr. Seuss. This book shows how someone can stick up for someone else to protect them from harm. Besides displaying friendship this book also encourages everyone to speak up and be heard. Although this book has great illustrations it only uses three colors. Red, White, and Blue can be seen on every page. This book has been featured in a full length movie as well as a short movie adapted from the book.



Gilbert the Great
By: Jane Clarke & Charles Fuge
Grade Level: 2nd -3rd grade
Book Summary:
Gilbert the Great (Clarke & Fuge, 2005) is a fiction book that shows a strong friendship between a great white shark and a remora. Gilbert the shark and Raymond the remora have been inseparable since Gilbert was a tiny pup. The two are suddenly forced to say goodbye when Raymond moves away with his family. Gilbert is brokenhearted and finds himself alone and unable to forget his friend. One day Gilbert’s mother takes him to a ship wreck to try to lift his spirits where Gilbert finds a crying remora. Gilbert befriends the remora and ask why she is crying. Rita the remora replies that she unexpectedly has moved with her mother and that she had to leave her best friend a shark. The two broken hearted friends realize that each has the other as the darkness that has been over them lifts opening up a new friendship.

Teacher Use and Critique: This book can be used by students who have recently moved or who have had friends move away. This is a great book to show that friends may leave but others come along. I feel that this book can be used to introduce or reinforce the idea of symbiosis. This is a good book to use to show the interaction of the two very different animals. One thing I did not like about this book was the fact that the Author did not mention the word symbiosis when telling the story.

Maya Angelou- Chapter 1 and 2

For this blog I will discuss the video we saw in class featuring Maya Angelou and Chapters 1 and 2. As always when I see Maya Angelou speak I always feel such admiration for her. After class I came home and re watched the video we saw in class as well as the rest of the videos. I loved that she has such a passion for poetry. During on of the many videos she says that College students should not go through school without learning about great American Literature. She says everybody should read everything. She has such great recommendations about poets. She quoted some of her favorite poems by memory.
Ms. Angelou makes such a connection with poems and really encourages people to read investigate great poems. I love when she quotes Terance saying "I am a human nothing human can be alien to me." Her discussion of this quote puts emphasis on the need for acceptance of humanity. She is ever so encouraging and recommends setting standards high.
Overall I truly love this interview and feel that Maya Angelou is one of the great poets.

Chapter 1- Believing in Living Literature

One key topic for this chapter is living literature. The textbook stresses that good instructors have a environment full of literature. I feel that it is important to not only offer the literature but to also grasp the interest of the students. During our discussion I found that it is very important to stay current and well read on various books and new books that are released. As a future teacher it is important to begin collecting books from all genres. The environment we offer in the classroom should consist of a comfortable inviting environment for all students.


Chapter 2- Culturally responsive classrooms

Teaching in American’s melting pot of culture puts an added responsibility on teachers today. This is a subject that is very important to me. I feel that one of the best ways to expose students to the multiple cultures of the students in the classroom is to have the students share their customs, value and beliefs of their home life. Funds of Knowledge (Moll,1994) expresses the belief that we must know our students better to value the knowledge and abilities that they bring with them to school. Teaching with this belief in mind will ensure that every student feels valued and equal.

First Blog- Children's Literature Authors

First Blog- Children's Literature Authors

Well this is my first blog ever. Since I do not have my book yet I am going to post about Children Authors. Since I began this journey to become certified to teach I have started a collection of books for my future classroom. I looked through some of my books and picked two of my favorite Authors.

Tomie de Paola-
Books by this author include: Legend of the Bluebonnet(1983), Strega Nona(1975), Adelita: A Mexican Cinderella(2002).

Awards and Honors include: Caldecott Honor Award, The Newbery Honor Award, New Hampshire Governor Arts Award of Living Treasures.

Interest Level: Lower Grades (K-3)

Tomie de Paola was born September 15,1934 in Connecticut. He loved stories and developed a love for books at a very early age. After high school he attended Pratt Institute in Brooklyn, New York. He has illustrated over 200 books, written over 100 books. He currently lives in New London, New Hampshire.

Visit his web site for more information and a full list of books by Tomie de Paola- http://www.tomie.com/




Laura Joffe Numeroff-
Books by this Author: The Chicken Sisters(1997), Dogs don't wear sneakers(1993), If you give a mouse a cookie(1985)

Honors/Awards/ Recognitions: Quill Award, Honored by Laura Bush for her If you give a... series, Oprah picked two of her books for her Kid's Reading List

Interest Level: Lower Grades (K-3)

Laura Joffe Numeroff was born July 14, 1953 in Brooklyn, New York. As she grew up she was surrounded by art, music, and books. She followed in her sisters footsteps and began attending Pratt Institute in Brooklyn for fashion design but quickly lost interest. She then began taking courses to follow her love for literature. She graduated from school and obtained a contract for her first book. She has written 30 books.

Visit her website for more on the Author and Teacher, Parent and Kid Links-
http://www.lauranumeroff.com/