Book Club Start-Up

I'm happy to be a member of a couple of book clubs.  My face-to-face book club meets every couple of months, and I always look forward to it. It's always a good time because over the years, we have really discussed some great titles and had lots of fun! Of course, I'm also a proud member of the Nerdy Book Club!

But when I started my grade level book club at school, I had to try something different. This book club would be open to the entire grade level, and choosing a book would be a challenge since preferences are so varied!

So this is what I came up with:

• We meet once a week for 30 minutes. (Our school sets aside time on Friday for students to explore different activities.)
• We don't discuss one book in particular, but instead we discuss the books  are reading, and reading in general.
• We meet as a whole, then break up into clusters to share summaries and ask questions.

Over the weeks, I've really enjoyed meeting with this club. I've tried to make it a fun time for them, showing them book trailers, introducing them to new books, and creating book hype for upcoming releases. I found, though, that what the students really enjoyed was just talking to other readers! (We started an Edmodo group so the book-sharing can continue!) And, they also requested time to read!

On Monday through Thursday, anytime I see any of the Book Club members who are not in my class, I usually mention our upcoming meeting and tell them how much I look forward to seeing them. I'm seeing them mention it to each other, too.

This past Friday, one of the members said this: "I wish book club was for a whole hour!"
Starting a book club has been such a rewarding experience!

A Special Book That Keeps On Giving

This book isn't a new release. It's been out since January 17th of this year. But The One and Only Ivan seems to be the title I am consistently recommending to anyone looking for a quality middle grade book. Ivan is first in my mind. . along with another book I will blog about later.

I read it as soon as I could get a copy. I'm not sure if it was on Jan. 17th or not. Sometimes my bookstore doesn't have the new releases on release day. Sometimes I have to wait for a book (something I don't like to do).  I read it in two sittings, and I cried in both. I was affected enough by the book to feel like I needed to share it with others.
In February, I blogged about about Ivan and in my post I was torn between sharing it with individual readers or making it my next read-aloud. I decided to let it be passed around, and it's been read/loved by more than half of my class. I've also shared it with my grade level book club. Students exchange thoughts about it on Edmodo--saying things like "You have to read this book!" and " I LOOOOVEED this book!" When 4th graders are recommending a book to others, adults should take notice.

Ivan is a gorilla who lives in an arcade. People pay to come see him. He's used to that. He has friends (Stella and Bob), and he's grown accustomed to not thinking about his family or his previous life.

But Ruby (a baby elephant) comes along and things change. Through this new tender heart, Ivan sees his existence in a new way. Don't new friends do that for us? Doesn't a new person in our midst cause us to look at our lives in a fresh way?

It's a novel told in verse. Words are skillfully assembled here. Katherine Applegate makes us feel what Ivan feels with beautiful language like this:
"In my new life as a human, I was well-tended. I ate lettuce leaves with Thousand Island dressing, and caramel apples and popcorn with butter. My belly ballooned.
But, hunger, like food, comes in many shapes and colors. At night, lying alone in my Pooh pajamas, I felt hungry for the skilled touch of a grooming friend. . ."

This book is cleverly structured. It is art with story and syllable. It creates a moving image in your mind that engages your heart, too.

Buy two or three copies. You'll give one away, share one, and keep one for yourself. Just save yourself the figuring-out of this. I've done it for you.

It's Monday! What Are You Reading?

On Mondays, I love to join Jen and Kellee over at Teach Mentor Texts by linking up to their great meme and blog.

Here's what I read this week:


Graphic Novels:
Jellaby: Monster in the City by Kean Soo

I read the first Jellaby a couple of weeks ago, and I had been eager to get the second book in the series. Thanks to my fabulous school librarian, I did! I enjoyed it and finished it quickly. However, it feels like there should be more! I wish there were a third book.


Around the World by Matt Phelan

This book is a trio of true stories about adventurers who set out to travel around the globe: Thomas Stevens (bicycle with a big front wheel), Joshua Slocum (sailboat), and Nellie Bly (who is determined to travel around the world in 80 days). Their stories are told in graphic novel format with some pages of solid text. I learned a lot from this book, and the stories were very interesting. Matt Phelan's work here as author/illustrator is very impressive. I want to read more about these explorers!

Picture Books:

Fancy Nancy: Poet Extraordinaire by Jane O'Connor
Fancy Nancy and the Posh Puppy by Jane O'Connor
Fancy Nancy: Bonjour, Butterfly! by Jane O'Connor
Knuffle Bunny: A Cautionary Tale by Mo Willems

On Friday after school, I sat in our school library and read these books. They were quick, fun reads, and it was a perfect start to my weekend! I think the Fancy Nancy: Poet Extraordinaire book is great for National Poetry Month. Check it out!

I also read the YA novel See You At Harry's by Jo Knowles! I will write about this one in next week's post.

I am still reading Opening Minds by Peter H. Johnston. It's one of those books in which regular stops are necessary for the reader. I pause every couple of pages to process my thoughts. I am so very aware now of the dialogue in my classroom. Conversations are an opportunity for more learning.

What will I read this week?
I've checked out Chomp by Carl Hiaasen, and, of course, there are my TBR piles.

Happy reading to all of you!

It's Monday! What Are You Reading?

It's Monday, so I'm joining Jen and Kellee over at Teach Mentor Texts to discuss what we are reading this week!

This week I read the following books:

Seasons by Blexbolex

My school library had this one.
This was a really unique picture book. The illustrations are vivid and clean. Most pages each have one word printed across the top:

Some pages have one word across two pages.

I think the pages can inspire some good discussions. How do the pages go together? Do the pages connect to tell a story? These are some of the questions I will ask when I share the book with my class.
I had fun trying to figure it out. I don't think it's a perfect book, but it's not like any book I've seen before.

Marty McGuire Digs Worms! by Kate Messner

This is a nice chapter book great for 2nd-4th grades. It's the 2nd in the series, and tells about Marty, a third grader who loves to explore and learn. Her class is participating in a contest and Marty's entry project provides her with challenges and lots of opportunities for fun. I loved the project time her class had, and as a teacher, I could appreciate the goings-on in this classroom. I'm purchased this copy and I'm adding it to our classroom library!


I am also reading Opening Minds by Peter H. Johnston.
It's a book about the language we use in classrooms. The dialogue between student and teacher is essential to learning. I haven't finished the book, but it's really made an impact on my teaching already. If I choose my words carefully, my students will think more deeply. I can even craft discussions where I am a participant, but not the leader. This is something I have already seen in my classroom. I would love to learn how to sustain this.



I also read Breaking Stalin's Nose by Euguen Yelchin. It was a Newbery 2012 Honor Book. I've been meaning to read this for a while. I gave it 5 stars on Goodreads and I will be sure to blog about this one in a future post.



I also read BOY + BOT by Ame Dyckman (review coming soon). I loved this book!

At some point, I've got to get back to the Nerdbery Challenge. There just have been so many books I've been wanting to read! Perhaps summer will be the time to get back to it!

Make Good Use of the Moments

I'm reading Peter H. Johnston's new book OPENING MINDS. It's all about the language of our instruction. As a result of reading this book, I am more thoughtful and intentional than ever about the words I use when I interact with students. I am always considerate and respectful, but I'm now thinking more specifically about how I craft a response. Could I inspire deep thinking just by how I answer questions and comment on student replies?

Yes.

Students reveal their personalities and ideas to us when they share their thoughts.
Each time a student speaks, it's an opportunity for the teacher to learn something about them. Many times, this has helped me gear instruction, or meet a student's particular need.
When I respond to students, I try to do so in a way that validates their thinking, supports their expression, clarifies a point, or evokes another thought. I am constantly being inspired by my students.

It's not easy, and it takes practice. But I am learning so much about what classroom dynamics can truly be about. I am excited everyday about what I will discover.

It's Monday! What Are You Reading?

It's Monday! What Are You Reading?" is a weekly meme hosted by Jen and Kellee over at Teach Mentor Texts. I try to participate every Monday.


It's becoming easier for me to make time for reading. I see it as prepping for the  week as much as writing my lesson plans. If I don't read for a bit, I feel like something is missing. What if a student asks me about the very book I am reading? I have to be ready.

In preparing for this post, I find it necessary to go back to Goodreads to remember everything I've read. I managed to read these books this week:

Trash by Andy Mulligan
(A very dark, heartbreaking story about children living in poverty--This one's also a middle school/young adult book in my opinion.)

Magic Cake Shop by Meika Hashimoto: I think there are several students in my class who will love this book! An over-the-top fantasy involving an evil plot! And cupcakes!

Countdown by Deborah Wiles
Great historical fiction about the 60s. I loved the story and the writing! (I see it as more appropriate for middle school/young adult.) The main character is so endearing, and it gives a wonderful portrait of a family made stronger during challenging times.

This week's reading:
I am not sure what to read next! I'm leaning toward Breaking Stalin's Nose by Eugene Yelchin (Newbery Honor Book for 2012).  Check back tomorrow to see what I choose!

Sunday Musings

I ordered this book  last November because I'd heard so many great things about it:

OVER AND UNDER THE SNOW by Kate Messner


But for some reason, I never got my copy. I kept getting notices that it had been back-ordered or something or other, so finally, I just cancelled my order.
But that didn't feel right--- I knew I was supposed to read it!
In the meantime, I'd read two other books by Kate Messner: Marty McGuire and Sugar and Ice (both of which I loved).

Then, a couple of weeks ago, I walked into my school library (probably to check out a book) and there, on the new books cart, I saw IT. I froze in my personalized Toms slip-ons.
Motionless.

I practically screamed.

When I spot a book I've been wanting, I just get so happy. It's the same feeling I get when one of my students says or does something particularly wonderful/insightful, or when I find a pair of great shoes in my size. . and on sale. .

The happiness is indescribable. .and only book readers like me can appreciate it. 

Back in the library, my wonderful librarian wasn't alarmed with my subdued expression of joy because she was used to me being book happy!

So, I was the first person to check it out. I didn't even give her time to put it on the shelf.

And I loved it.

It is a wonderful picture book that shows the world above and under the snow . It's filled with rich sentences like this: "Over the snow, the fire crackles, and sparks shoot up to the stars." Or  like this: "Under the snow, a black bear snores, still full of October blueberries and trout."  Beautiful, right?
While you are reading a good story, you're also really getting a science lesson about the 'subnivean zone' . (This is in the the author's note which is packed with very interesting facts.) The illustrations are beautifully done by Christopher Silas Neal. Each page adds a layer of learning.

I know it's April, but I plan to share this book with my class now because it's wonderful. Order it now so you'll have it for winter!

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This week, I'm continuing with poetry! I plan to collect everyone's poems in a podcast to share with our school. This goes right along with my focus on curriculum design. What can I do to increase the level of engagement in my class? I want my students to leave a legacy (as Alan November says).  We need to create things that mean something to someone!  (Hint: Worksheets won't do!)
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Friday Reads

I really love cupcakes.  I think they are the most perfect dessert ever. Small and sweet, they always come in the prettiest colors, too. So when I saw this book at the library, it got my attention.

Isn't the cover pretty?

The Magic Cake Shop by Meika Hashimoto
Published: Oct. 25, 2011
Publisher: Random House Books for Young Readers

Really, the book got my attention because it was in the new books section of my local library, and it looked like it could be an interesting middle grade book. I read it in one day. It's part fantasy, part adventure. It's about a girl with spoiled parents who never let her eat anything tasty! She's sent to live with her mean uncle and while she is with him, she comes across Mr. Crackle's Cake Shop--a place of heavenly tasting treats. This is where the adventure starts! I have some readers in my class who will love this book! It reminded me of PIE by Sarah Weeks.

I've been waiting to read this picture book for weeks! I ordered it, and it finally came in.

C.R. Mudgeon by Leslie Muir (illustrated by Julian Hector)
Published: March 6, 2012
Publisher: Atheneum Books for Young Readers

I really loved this book! It's about a hedgehog set in his ways. He's a creature of habit and does the same thing every day. He likes order. Then Paprika moves in next door. She's a squirrel, and she shakes things up with her music, and her lively, fun ways! The book is about friendship and how change can be a good thing! Julian Hector's illustrations are so wonderful, too!

My next read? I'm not sure! Check my blog tomorrow to find out.

Poetry Month Continues

I've been reading about Poetry Month on Twitter, so I have chosen to celebrate all month long. My students seem to be enjoying poetry more, and many are either writing their own poems (unassigned--which I love!) or they're checking out poetry collections to read (again, unassigned)! So, I thought I'd introduce spine poetry to them on Friday.

After a quick mini-lesson on the concept/idea, we took our iTouches to the library and started to work. Here are three versions:

My students really were engaged in the activity, and I saw them "revise" their titles many times. Here's another:

And another:

My students all loved the activity, and many of them said "This is fun!"  
They were comparing their poems, helping each other find/substitute titles, and uploading pictures. We will finish up on Tuesday!

My principal asked that I help out with the morning announcements on Friday. We have a great team of student newscasters that put on a wonderful announcement show, so I just stepped in to be a sort of guest anchor. I took the opportunity to mention that April was National Poetry Month and to share a poem. I hope someone who was listening was inspired to read/write poetry. I was a little nervous at first, but I did okay! It was a great learning experience, and it gave me an idea for another school project, too.

One lesson I learned about being a teacher leader: if your principal asks you to fill a needed role, it's a good idea to say yes! You never know what you will learn!

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I'm currently reading The Magic Cake Shop by Meika Hashimoto.

It's Monday! What Are You Reading?

 

Ever since I began this teaching/book blog, I have worried about having enough to write about! But I blog anyway because I know blogging is my way of contributing content to the world--rather than just consuming it.  

On Mondays, though, I worry less about what to write because I link up with Teach Mentor Texts (Jen and Kellee) on their Monday meme.

And that's a comforting thing!

My reading was a little lighter this week. I finally finished Accidental Adventure #1: We Are Not Eaten By Yaks by C. Alexander London.  It definitely is an adventure!

It reminded me of the Lemony Snicket books.

My students and I were mostly reading poetry books this week because we started celebrating Poetry Month a little early! (We're writing poetry this week, and I look forward to it.)

I managed to read Lunch Lady and the Mutant Mathletes before I shared it with my class. It's the funny seventh installment in the graphic novel by series by Jarrett J. Krosoczka. I loved it!

Then I settled in for the weekend and read these books:

Nerd Camp by Elissa Brent Weissman

I really loved this book. It celebrates nerdiness! It's about a boy who goes to a summer camp for gifted students. The main character learns that being yourself is what you're supposed to be! I'm a nerd, so this book really appealed to me.

Because of Mr. Terupt by Rob Buyea

I loved this book, too. It reminded me of Wonder in a way because of the different viewpoints in each chapter and the challenges the students face. It's about a special teacher and his impact on his class.  I think it's more for middle school than upper elementary. I couldn't put it down. I love to read books about teachers and school.

Then I headed to the library and checked out (and read) these picture books: 

Along a Long Road by Frank Viva

Bailey by Harry Bliss

Zoozical by Judy Sierra

Bed Hog by Georgette Noullet

The Big Wish by Carolyn Conahan

Sea of Dreams by Dennis Nolan

Library Lily by Gillian Shields

Homer the Library Cat by Reeve Lindbergh

My favorite of all of these was Along A Long Road by Frank Viva. It's a very unique picture book with a simple story. Very memorable.

Now I am reading Jellaby By Kean Soo. It's a very interesting graphic novel that a fellow 4th grade teacher recommended. My library only had the first one so I'll have to wait to read the second one.  I'll blog about that one!

Have a great week of reading!

Poetry Share Session

On Friday, my students and I had a particularly wonderful day. It was the kind of day teachers dream about. The kind of day where great things happen--things that you could never predict. Wonderful things.

Each student had chosen a poem previously in the week. I asked them to find a poem they could connect with in some way. I told them I wanted them to practice it well enough to share it on Friday in front of the class. They headed to the library in their groups of 3 with iPod Touches in hand. They found the poetry section, pulled a book from the section, then and selected a poem. With the iPod Touch, they took a picture of the book cover. They copied the poem in their Writer's Notebook.

On Friday morning, each student took turns sitting in the chair in front of the room. With the beginning of each poem, I was always pleasantly surprised. The poems were all touching or funny or intriguing or suspenseful. Each reflected something about the person who shared it.

But that's not where the magic stopped. After each poem, students made really wonderful comments about the poems. Or they asked very thoughtful questions.
"A good message!" said one student.
"Where did you find that poem?" asked several.
"Poetry is awesome!" said another.

I let the discussion unfold naturally. I stepped in occasionally to move the session along or clear things up. But for the most part, my students were leading the way, taking turns, or asking and responding to questions. I was merely the facilitator. They were listening to one another, debating points politely back and forth, and having the kind of fruitful discussion adults might have themselves.

And the end of the session, one student said: "This has been a great day!"

There were many more comments like that, and many more questions that were so perfectly worded. I smiled with happiness at each moment, thinking to myself: This is just about the best moment of teaching a teacher could ask for.