Final Reflection

I found this class to be very helpful especially when we took the time in class to discuss books we had read or genre/text sets where provided as resources to us. I learned a great deal not only about reading and how to teach some books that may be difficult but also myself as a reader, and how I chose books too. With my knowledge from this class I was able to be more productive with reading choices and such for other class activities and meeting with my reading buddy for Block A. I found it difficult to sometimes say what I wanted in class because of other students but in the end I was able to see not only my point-of-view on things but also others.

Miss Spider's Wedding

Miss Spider's Wedding by David Kirk

ANy book by this author is sure to be a favorite for adults and children alike. This one tells a great story of Miss Spider meeting a boy spider that she happens to like a great deal. Along the way however, a spider who likes her does not like the fact that she has found another spider and wants to get rid of him. Eventually the bad spider is gone and Miss Spider is able to be with her beloved Holley. They are married at the end of the story and the best part of this story is the rhyming and poetic writing that the author uses. It makes the story come alive along with the vibrantly colored pictures and fun insect characters.

My Teacher's in BIG Trouble & My Dog Ate My Homework

My Teacher's in BIG Trouble & My Dg Ate My Homework by Bruce Lansky

These two books of very funny poetry are great for children of any age. They have many poems throughout and are great for kids to relate to. As their are children trying to get out of going to school, not going to bed and the lunch ladies, there is sure to be something the will please every writer. These poems are also all illustrated with greatly detailed black and white sketches that help to further the readers love of the poem. I would recommend these for your classroom as well as the other poetry books by this author.

Love The Dog

Love That Dog by Sharon Creech

This book is quite a quick read and starts off with a little boy named Jack with his frustrations to write. His responses to his teacher are what make up this book and interestingly enough it is quite easy to follow with only one side of the conversation each time. He finally finds a poem he greatly enjoys and because of this he is able to better focus his writing about his dog. Although he states in the beginning that "boys don't write poetry, girls do!" he finds a love and pleasure in writing his own poetry.

The Wonder Book

The Wonder Book by Amy Krouse Rosenthal

This is one of the most extraordinary books i have read in a long time. THere is such great poetry and rhyming on each page that is also filled with an illustration that makes the poem or story even better. With so many things packed in this book that children can relate to it is perfect for using in your classroom. This book can be opened at any page and enjoyed all the same. I DEFINITELY recommend this great book!

You Read to Me, I'll Read to You

You Read to Me, I'll Read to You by Mary Ann Hoberman

I have never seen a book quite like this one that does a great job not only at being able to interest kids in poetry but also expressing voice and conversation in a written piece, something that many teachers struggle to teach and show. Each poem or story most often is told with two people. With different colored texts for each person, one reads the purple text and the other the magenta text. If there happens to be blue text, it makes it even more fun because the students are able to read it together and then continue on with their "conversation". If this book has you or your students interested their are many more like it in different versions from the same author.

Tales of Famous Americans

Tales of Famous Americans by Connie and Peter Roop

I think that this book is a great introduction to some of the people in our history that built, changed and challenged us all as a nation. These stories begin with things that kids can connect with and understand such as where they grew up and their childhood. Then they can learn more as they read about the accomplishments and stories behind such people as Pocahontas and Harriet Tubman to Helen Keller and Mia Hamm. I think this is a great resource to any classroom as many children have heard about these people within the pages but may not know why or who they really are. With dates and pictures that help you learn, i really liked this book myself.