Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Incorporating Reading and content areas
Here is a great idea! Take some time to research at the public libraries - content area topics. For example, 5th grade Social Studies studies A TON about the Civil War. I have created a text set of books that I have previewed and appear to be relevant and aligned with the SOL's. My philosophy is to work smarter not harder - WHY NOT incorporate history and science with reading each day!
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
blabberize
Well, as some of you know the blabberize site went down as soon as I posted by cool tools!!! In fact, this was for a project for a class at UVA and when we went to present, it was gone! So, now that it is back, watch them by pressing the arrow in the top left corner. They are funny and can be VERY enjoyable for everyone, including students! ENJOY!
Thursday, March 12, 2009
Book Review - Raising Dragons
Raising Dragons by Jerdine Nolen. Illustrated by Elize Primavera. Scholastic
Inc. 1999. 40 pages. $17.00
Raising a fire-breathing flying dragon named Hank is old hat for the wise African American farm girl in Raising Dragons by Jerdine Nolen. With colorful illustrations and beautiful acrylic paintings, this story hooks children of all ages from the cover and beyond. The young girl unmistakably does a remarkable job raising Hank from his birth, right from the rock she discovers until he creates such an audience that he must go to his rightful home of Dragon Island. Despite the many attempts of Ma and Pa to steer Hank away from their southern farm, the family is amazed to find this overgrown farm animal has useful qualities that they could never imagine!
The vibrant language, colorful vocabulary, and southern dialect, which is apparent due to the southern roots of Jerdine, lends itself to a vivid discussion and lesson which enables all children to experience this culture. Although some further explanation of the meanings of sayings such as "What in tarnation?" or "plum flabbergasted" may be necessary, children will chuckle at the incredible series of events that promote the possibilities and practicality of a large, yet lovable, dragon. Additionally, each page is a mini-story in itself and could be characterized as a tool for making predictions and discussions of the elements of fantasy.
Thematically speaking, Raising Dragons has many underlying premises which vary from friendship and hard work to determination. Working with one of these themes would reach all levels of children and adult learners who are open to adventurous, fantastic journeys that create curiosity and imagery beyond the pages. Raising Dragons is a sure hit in any classroom or home and will take all readers and listeners on an engaging exploration of the unknown..."There are some things you just know."
Inc. 1999. 40 pages. $17.00
Raising a fire-breathing flying dragon named Hank is old hat for the wise African American farm girl in Raising Dragons by Jerdine Nolen. With colorful illustrations and beautiful acrylic paintings, this story hooks children of all ages from the cover and beyond. The young girl unmistakably does a remarkable job raising Hank from his birth, right from the rock she discovers until he creates such an audience that he must go to his rightful home of Dragon Island. Despite the many attempts of Ma and Pa to steer Hank away from their southern farm, the family is amazed to find this overgrown farm animal has useful qualities that they could never imagine!
The vibrant language, colorful vocabulary, and southern dialect, which is apparent due to the southern roots of Jerdine, lends itself to a vivid discussion and lesson which enables all children to experience this culture. Although some further explanation of the meanings of sayings such as "What in tarnation?" or "plum flabbergasted" may be necessary, children will chuckle at the incredible series of events that promote the possibilities and practicality of a large, yet lovable, dragon. Additionally, each page is a mini-story in itself and could be characterized as a tool for making predictions and discussions of the elements of fantasy.
Thematically speaking, Raising Dragons has many underlying premises which vary from friendship and hard work to determination. Working with one of these themes would reach all levels of children and adult learners who are open to adventurous, fantastic journeys that create curiosity and imagery beyond the pages. Raising Dragons is a sure hit in any classroom or home and will take all readers and listeners on an engaging exploration of the unknown..."There are some things you just know."
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)