After incredible reading moments, thousands of people voting, countless hours spent thinking, and much discussion had, the moment is finally here….the reveal of the books we will read aloud and connect through. The choices of these books were not done haphazardly. Picking our books for the Global Read Aloud is never easy, in fact, I […]
via And the Winners Are…Global Read Aloud Choices 2018 #GRA18 — The Global Read Aloud
I can’t be more excited about this. October can NOT get here fast enough. The book selections are amazing. Thank you, Pernille Ripp, for putting this all together.
I often get asked for handouts for the Global Read Aloud and finally found the time to create some. So feel free to pass these along or make them your own, just make a copy and edit as needed. Note: These are specific to this year and do not have active links in them. Let me know if there is anything essential missing.
The GRA FAQ handout: Meant for handing out to teachers and others that will participate in the project. Please go here.
The GRA Home handout: Meant to be sent home with students to explain what the Global Read Aloud is. Please go here.
The GRA Tools handout: Meant to showcase a few tools facilitators may want to use with their classrooms. Please go here.
The word “Underdog” is all the rage at the moment, thanks to the Philadelphia Eagles and their spectacular season. In case you haven’t been following football, the Eagles have beaten the odds and these underdogs are on their way to The Superbowl. According to the Urban Dictionary, the definition of underdog means, “someone who is hardly noticed, kind of the opposite of popular or the best, but not exactly the worst, one that is expected to lose a contest or struggle, one that is at a disadvantage.”
Now I am no fair weather fan – no sir indeed! I’ve been a diehard Eagles’ fan ever since I was a wee little girl plopped up on her daddy’s lap rooting for the home team. Being the eldest of 5 girls, my dad had to share his love of the game with someone. I learned about the game of football at an early age just by spending time with my dad and poppy. And of course, they were Eagles’ fans. It was a family tradition. But as a grown woman, I could have easily given up on this team. I mean they have certainly disappointed and frustrated their fans over the years, but I am not a quitter – no way, no how – I’ve always had a passion for the underdog, those whose prospects look bleak.
Even when selecting books to read, or movies to enjoy, I’ve always seemed to gravitate to stories about characters who overcame the odds. Maybe it’s the ultimate cheerleader in me or just my tenacious personality that will not allow failure of any kind to overshadow my goals and dreams. Failure my friends is not the enemy here, it is exactly the opposite; It is the catalyst that propels you to victory. Lessons learned are those that are hard-fought but which make victory that much sweeter. Stay focused on the prize, use your strengths to strengthen your weaknesses, and above all stay humble. So whether you’re an Eagles’ fan or not, you’ve got to admire those underdogs.
Oh yes, on Superbowl Sunday, I’ll be wearing my green – hooting and hollering. Without a doubt, I’m definitely, most assuredly rooting for my team regardless of what the odds are. More than anything, of course, I want to see that Lombardi Trophy in the hands of my Eagles’ players, but if the odds don’t work out in their favor – I still LOVE my team, and I am incredibly proud of their performance this year. You’ve got to love an underdog. Go EAGLES!
M
y apologies to everyone because this post is dreadfully overdue. Back in August, yes I did say August, Vivian Kirkfield invited author Melissa Stoller as her guest. In case you’ve been living under a rock and you’re not familiar with Vivian Kirkfield, she is an author and champion in the KitLit Community. Each week on her blog, here, Picture Books Help Kids Soar, Vivian interviews a Picture Book Author and in exchange, the author Will Write for Cookies, or some other concotion of tasty delights to tempt your tastebuds. And if the readers are lucky, there will be a giveaway as well. The Universe smiled and the stars were on my side, so fortunately for me – yahooie, I was one of those lucky winners that received a copy of author Melissa Stoller first Chapter Book, Return to Coney Island.
I first met Melissa as a classmate in Susanna Leonard Hill’s Making Picture Book Magic Class, here. We became immediate friends and formed a posse of three others which later became our own critique group. Since then, Melissa has gone on to publishing her first picture book, due out in 2018 and her chapter book series, The Enchanted Snow Globe Collection, of which Return to Coney Island is the first in the series. This is a sweet intergenerational chapter book that weaves curiosity, a little magic, adventure, time travel and the love of family together. Snow globes have always had a mysterious quality to them – capturing one moment in time – and Melissa captures that in her story. A great read for both kids and adults alike. Any time spent with your grandparents is always special. This weekend, Emma and Jack had no idea just how special it would be. “Let’s Read it Again,” is what you’ll hear. Return to Coney Island is a wonderful addition to any home library or school classroom. I loved it and so will you. If you’d like to learn more about this fabulous author and all around wonderful person, you can connect with her at https://www.melissastoller.com/blog
By
Tracy Potash
Editor’s note: In the April 2017 issue of Choices, we told the story of Lexi Brock, a multiracial teen who discovered a new sense of purpose while working on a school assignment. Tracy Potash—one of our fantastic teacher advisers and a language arts intervention teacher from Pennington, New Jersey—shares how she used the article to inspire her own students.
Have you ever had an “Aha!” moment that was so powerful it touched your very soul, turned your world upside down, and propelled you into action? That is exactly what happened to 18-year-old Lexi Brock, who’s featured in the Choices article, What Are You?
My middle school students and I were inspired by this young lady’s spirit. As an English teacher, I was elated that my students connected with the article and wanted to search for quotes that they also felt a connection to and that reflected who they were, just like Lexi did. So I developed the following lesson, which included a modified version of the assignment given to Lexi as a tenth-grade student.
Common Core standards:
RI.7.1, RI.7.2, RI.7.3, RI.7.4
The Steps:
Step 1: Student participated in the pre-reading activity Skim – Scan – Preview, Click Here which is a quick and effective method for increasing comprehension. First, students complete a visual scan of all the graphic information presented, including photographs, headings, subheadings, graphs/tables, and attention-grabbing fonts. Next, they’ll scan and find specific information, such as boldface words, subheadings, numbers, maps, timelines, and specific facts. And finally, they’ll read the first sentence or two of each section to grasp the overall picture of the piece.
For another pre-reading strategy featured in our Idea Book: Why You Should Try Text Mapping With Your Class
Step 2: After the pre-reading activity, we read the article together. While we read, I asked them to consider: What the big ideas were in the article? See the vocabulary & comprehension activity sheet Click Here
Step 3: Students considered the following prompt/s:
What are the topic(s) of the article? Think of it as the Author’s Purpose for writing the article. What are the big ideas that stand out?
Possible answers:
Step 4: Now for the inspiring part! Students were given the task to find a quote that in some way represented them or that they felt a connection to. Then, they had to write a five to eight sentence paragraph about why they chose it. I shared a quote of my own with the students as an example.
Step 5: Students perused the gallery of inspirational quotes chosen by their peers. As they focused on the quotes/paragraphs, they were instructed to comment in writing on as many as possible, using a friendly letter format. Believe it or not, there was not one duplicate quote!
Conclusion: In all my years of teaching, I’ve never before had my students write for an entire period without complaining, but my students were mesmerized by the gallery. In fact, this activity was so enjoyable, they actually requested to continue reading and responding for another class period! Plus, they developed stronger connections to their classmates and learned things about them that they did not know beforehand. What a moving experience!
May 16, 2017
click here Whoa, That’s Amazing!
Title: Journey: Based on the True Story of OR7 – The Most Famous Wolf In The West
Author: Emma Bland Smith
Illustrator: Robin James
Published: Little Bigfoot, an imprint of Sasquatch Books, October 11, 2016
Themes/Topics: Believing in something and taking action, conservation, geography, exploration, wolves.
Opening:
“The wolf took one last look at his mother and his father. This sweet-smelling forest of pines and firs had always been home. But he was grown now. Most of his brothers and sisters had already left to start their own families. It was time for him to do the same.”
Brief Synopsis: A “Journey” you won’t soon forget! Emma Bland Smith blends a beautiful true story about a wolf named, OR7, with a fictional character that relates to the young reader, and she brings them on an incredible journey they won’t soon forget. The wolf’s travels are followed closely by the media and captures the attention of young Abby, a budding conservationist, and animal lover. Abby is intrigued so she tracks the wolf’s travels throughout Oregon. When he reaches California, many fear he could be in danger. Abby decides to become involved. She enters a local radio station contest to name the wolf, and she wins! The wolf’s name is Journey.
Why I Like This Book: This is a wonderful story on so many levels, especially the idea that anyone, at any age can make a difference and become involved. OR7 and Abby were meant to touch each other’s lives. This journey has a pulse and heart of its own. This story also highlights the importance of the role we play in our environment and the synergy between nature and humans. The illustrations also add to the wolf’s journey. Nicely done. Emma does a fabulous job telling the story and she includes a valuable teacher’s resource guide in the back of the book as well. She did such a great job with the extensions, that I for once did not have much to add. A must have for every bookshelf and classroom. I LOVE this book!! Awesome job, Emma!
Extensions for the book:
It Must Be Friday! ♥
I am fortunate enough to be part of a fabulous group of bloggers who enjoy reviewing picture books. Accompanying each review are extensions – resources and/or activities. Interested in seeing more: To view a complete list of the plethora of books that have already been reviewed, click here on Susanna Leonard Hill’s FABULOUS website!
Title: Tommy James – The Littlest Cowboy in Reckon
Author: Maria Ashworth
Illustrator: Andrea Peixoto Emmerick
Published: Spork – A Division of Clear Fork Publishing – February 7, 2017
Themes/Topics: Recognizing your strengths, acceptance, believing in yourself
Opening:
“Tommy James was the littlest cowboy in the town of Reckon. Crawling into small spaces was easy. Climbing under tight spaces was a breeze. Hiding behind tiny things was a breeze.”
Brief Synopsis: Tommy James is the littlest cowboy in the town of Reckon so crawling, climbing and hiding in teeny tiny places is easy for him. He always enjoyed being small, until one day someone big and mean came to town. Bo Jones is his name, and he is determined to make Tommy James feel even smaller. But what Bo Jones doesn’t realize, is what Tommy James lacks in stature, he makes up for with heart and wit. Never underestimate a cowboy with passion and brains!
Why I Like This Book: Not only is Tommy James the littlest cowboy in the town of Reckon, but he is also the cutest too. He knows who he is and he never lets his shortcomings stop him from being a cowboy, and in the process, he teaches the town bully a thing or two about acceptance and partnership. A rootin, tootin good story with a rough and tough message dusted with heart. Be sure to lasso your copy today. Yeehaw!
Tommy James YouTube link: Tommy James
Extensions for the book:
| Primary | |
| Vivid verb search | |
| Sight word search | |
| Character dialogue posters | |
| Cowboy word list |
It Must Be Friday! ♥
I am fortunate enough to be part of a fabulous group of bloggers who enjoy reviewing picture books. Accompanying each review are extensions – resources and/or activities. Interested in seeing more: To view a complete list of the plethora of books that have already been reviewed, click here on Susanna Leonard Hill’s FABULOUS website!
Click 
TCP WRITES 
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