So, yesterday was the official kick-off of the Keep Portland Weird festival here in Paris, which meant that I had a reading/screening in the...
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Next week my students will examine fossils found in rocks. This book could be a nice extension of the fossil investigation. It blew my mind years ago when I learned that petroleum is made from decomposed fossils. When we are in the Personal Essay unit I plan on rereading parts of this text to show how the writer weaves in her opinions and supports them with facts.
The beginning of the book explains how petroleum is made and how it has been used throughout history. Throughout this section the phrase, "They still didn't use much" repeats. The author argues that gasoline and other petroleum products are not inherently evil. After all, the reason why we still have forests and whales is connected to the invention of distilled petroleum. I like how the book ends with the question, "What ways can you think of to help?" After the read aloud students could brainstorm ways to use less gasoline.
Night of the Gargoyles might be a nice book to read on or prior to Halloween. It's spooky but not too creepy. It's also a good book for introducing the idea that there are different perspectives other than our own. A lot of writers have created fabulous stories by considering the perspective of animals, objects, insects, etc. (ex. James and the Giant Peach, Charlotte's Web). This could then lead to a discussion about using personification in our writing.
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I purchased this book at JFK while waiting for my flight to Portland. The rhyming chants in the book caught my eye. It seems like it will be a fun book to read aloud. I like how the book promotes having an active imagination. However, I don't feel I'd be comfortable reading this book aloud without encouraging my students to think critically about whether or not the book is culturally sensitive. When Skippyjon becomes a chihuahua he starts speaking in a Spanish accent--which means ending most of his words with -ito. He doesn't say 'big' he says 'beeg'. The author isn't trying to create an authentic Mexican character. She's trying to write a story about a character who likes to play pretend. At any rate, this book could be great to read or reread during a critical reading study. For more information about finding good read alouds for the classroom check out my blog: 365readalouds.wordpress.com
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Deeanna has commented on (3) products.
What's So Bad about Gasoline?: Fossil Fuels and What They Do (Let's-Read-And-Find-Out Science: Stage 2) by Anne F. Rockwell
Deeanna, September 26, 2009
For teachers who may buy this book:Next week my students will examine fossils found in rocks. This book could be a nice extension of the fossil investigation. It blew my mind years ago when I learned that petroleum is made from decomposed fossils. When we are in the Personal Essay unit I plan on rereading parts of this text to show how the writer weaves in her opinions and supports them with facts.
The beginning of the book explains how petroleum is made and how it has been used throughout history. Throughout this section the phrase, "They still didn't use much" repeats. The author argues that gasoline and other petroleum products are not inherently evil. After all, the reason why we still have forests and whales is connected to the invention of distilled petroleum. I like how the book ends with the question, "What ways can you think of to help?" After the read aloud students could brainstorm ways to use less gasoline.
Night of the Gargoyles by Eve Bunting and David Wiesner
Deeanna, August 18, 2009
Night of the Gargoyles might be a nice book to read on or prior to Halloween. It's spooky but not too creepy. It's also a good book for introducing the idea that there are different perspectives other than our own. A lot of writers have created fabulous stories by considering the perspective of animals, objects, insects, etc. (ex. James and the Giant Peach, Charlotte's Web). This could then lead to a discussion about using personification in our writing.(0 of 1 readers found this comment helpful)
Skippyjon Jones by Judith B Schachner
Deeanna, August 16, 2009
I purchased this book at JFK while waiting for my flight to Portland. The rhyming chants in the book caught my eye. It seems like it will be a fun book to read aloud. I like how the book promotes having an active imagination. However, I don't feel I'd be comfortable reading this book aloud without encouraging my students to think critically about whether or not the book is culturally sensitive. When Skippyjon becomes a chihuahua he starts speaking in a Spanish accent--which means ending most of his words with -ito. He doesn't say 'big' he says 'beeg'. The author isn't trying to create an authentic Mexican character. She's trying to write a story about a character who likes to play pretend. At any rate, this book could be great to read or reread during a critical reading study. For more information about finding good read alouds for the classroom check out my blog: 365readalouds.wordpress.com(0 of 2 readers found this comment helpful)