Poetry Journal

Back when I taught 5th grade, poetry was used frequently in our classroom. We used poetry as a way for students to work on their fluency. Students would answer comprehension questions, act out the poems with peers, or draw imagery from it daily. When I home-schooled "A" for a short while I knew I wanted to give him the same exposure, but at a primary level. At Just 4 Teachers I found what I was looking for, a poetry journal where kinder kids can highlight sight words, work on their reading, and do an art project for each poem. 

Now that "A" is older and no longer home-schooled I still wanted to introduce him to amazing poetry. We still work in the journal but we do more comprehension type questions rather than look for sight words. I also pick harder poems for him to read. 

 Here is his most current page for All Things Bright and Beautiful by Cecil Frances Alexander

I am loving this artwork. We used our Easter colored egg shells as a mosaic for the flowers.

This page is for the poem At the Seaside by Robert Louis Stevenson. The sandcastle is made on sandpaper.

 Primary Page (see highlighted sight words): My Robot Does My Homework by Kenn Nesbitt 

(robot made with markers, aluminum foil & buttons)

 Primary Page: Thanksgiving (great way to tie in seasonal poems). 

Art made with lunch sack & construction paper. 

 1492 Poem with a color pencil drawing he made from step-by-step instructions

 Primary Page: Another seasonal/holiday poem called Trick or Treat. 

He made a trick-or-treat house from his leftover trick-or-treat candy loot.

 Primary Page:  Poem titled I Talk With The Moon with and handprint painted owl

 Primary Page: Scarecrow poem with cut construction paper art

 Primary Page: Leaves poem with abstract marker art

First one we ever did:  Poem is called Harvest time with apple print art. 

Check out the link above because she has the cover and some of the primary poems (like Harvest Time above) available as a free printable to get you started if you have younger kids. For older kids just search websites for popular kid poems. I will make sure to show you if we do any cool ones in the future.To read more about the importance of reading poetry to your child and tips to get started I recommend this quick article titled Celebrating Poetry, from PBS.

Exploring Color

"A" has been asking me for months what different colors mixed together make. Which is funny because we have worked on primary colors in the past, but its good to relearn things to help aid recall and build schema. This week I drew some circles on a piece of paper and wrote the names of some colors under them. Then "A" would paint the two colors and then after mixing the two tell me what the new color they made was. I got the idea for this from kirarts blog. Here is "A" working on it:

I wanted to include more than the first three traditional color mixes.

If your child likes computer games there is a Curious George game that is great for color mixing and exploring color. There are only four colors to choose from and you have to pick when colors and the amount. George mixes it up and you can paint a coloring sheet. It took me some time to figure out how to make the color for Curious George himself but I did it. To play Mix and Paint go to PBSkids.org.

"A's" finished picture (all painted using only white, blue, red, and yellow)

Then because "A" loves water play so much I broke down and let him play with water glasses & food dye. I totally let it be kid-directed and let him have at it. This is so hard for me to do (especially because he used almost ALL of the dye). When he was done with the mixology I gave him some syringes so he could work on filling them with liquid and then squirting tit into one of our silicone ice trays. This was great fine-motor skill work for him and encouraged him to remain focused.

We got the tray from Ikea for about $2.50

After the ice cubes were made we did a little ice painting. The "paint" is very subdued and similar to watercolors. Since this was such a sensory activity I could have "B" participate. He wasn't in a mood so he only played with the ice a short while, but I popped them back in the freezer for another day. I am looking forward to more "messy play" with "B" as I learn more about his diagnosis of Sensory Processing Disorder. I was happy it was an activity that the whole family could participate, instead of leaving poor "B' out to watch big brother.

Aren't they pretty!

One of the ice painting masterpieces

Lastly, I wanted to show you a cute book we found by Melani Watt (one of our most favorite children's writers) called Leon the Chameleon. It has a great color theme-along with other important themes like feelings and friendship. This book in particular encourages critical thinking. Why would a chameleon be afraid if they turned into the opposite color of what they were standing on? To hear my 5 year-old read the first few pages watch the video. So proud of my reader!!!!

Literacy Bags

I am slightly obsessed with the idea of literacy bags. I heard about them a few years back and hope to write a grant to make them when I have a class of my own one day. A literacy bag is basically a book bag that is themed. In each bag are books that fit the theme, a manipulative that fits the theme, an activity or journal to do something hands-on, and more. They are a great tool to encourage reading with families. Imagine my surprise when I found out my public library just made them for the public to check-out! I can't be more excited!!!

About a month ago our library started Sophie Reads. Sophie is our library mascot (don't as me why). There are over 25 different themes ranging from siblings, feelings, trains, dinosaurs, pond, bears, and more. The literacy bags include 4-5 picture or board books (geared for ages 1-5), a video or music CD, a manipulative (like a puzzle or dolls), a book for adults (normally parenting related), and a page of songs to sing or finger plays related to the theme. Here is the one we just got for Transportation:

The books

The puzzle included (just right for my little tot)

List of songs and finger-plays, along with a DVD

The book for adults FYI: This book has great ideas

The bag all the materials go in. This is considered only ONE check out!

This literacy bag is perfect for my toddler and can get me back on track with implementing 5 A Day Books in a easy way. To read more about 5 A Day Books go to the Imagination Tree to learn more. That being said my 5 year old also really loves the bags (he normally picks the themes). If your library doesn't have them you can make them yourself and adjust them to the age that works for you. As I mentioned I want to make them for my class of upper elementary students. For example, I may make a cloth bag with a Ancient Egypt theme. I could include various levels of Non-Fiction books and some easy fiction (I am thinking something they could read in a week), Ancient Egypt Toob toys (Toobs are great for these), and maybe an activity where they write some hieroglyphs.Their really is no limit to ideas. Most of the things you could get at garage sales or used book stores. I'm getting all excited again! Here is an amazing website with fabulous ideas from a teacher named Mrs. Madden.

Mrs. Madden's bags she made for students. Can't wait to do this!!!

100 Books in Kindergarten

I recently ran across a list of 100 Books in Kindergarten should read. It is compiled by the Children's Librarians of Libraries of Middlesex. It is organized into ten different categories ranging from books that rhyme, animal stories, Folk/Fairy Tales and Flights of Fancy. There are a lot of list out there like this.  I particularly like this list because the poster has boxes to check off as you read them and then a spot for your child to list their three favorites. Being from a library background I have to say this list is a pretty good start. It was written in 2008, so some of the newer great stories aren't on it. However, one of my resolutions this year is to make sure my son has heard each story on this list. I am ashamed to admit that he has only been read 26 out of the 100. Time to get busy!~

If you would like to print out this poster yourself click here. Happy Reading!

Magic Tree House

If you are looking for a good chapter book to introduce your emerging readers look no further! I normally recommend children who are ready to start reading chapter books start with the Magic Tree House series, by Mary Pope Osborne. There is over 45 books that have a brother and sister duo (Jack and Annie) go on adventures in a magic tree house. All they have to do is look in a book and wish to go there. Some of the places they go are dinosaur time, the rainforest, ancient Egypt, old Japan, the World Fair in Paris, Pompeii right before the volcano explodes, the ice-age and more. There really is something for all interest and because the characters are both a boy and a girl it appeals to both genders. If the child finds a book that really interest them Mary Pope Osborne's husband wrote a non-fiction companion to the books so they can do a little research! Each book is about ten chapters and is at a 2nd grade reading level.

Well, my son is NOT at a 2nd grade reading level. However, he has at the age he will sit for chapter book read-alouds. Some books I have done as a read-aloud are Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane (my favorite book of all time), The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe, Beasts of Clawstone Castle, and Because of Winn Dixie. That being said sometimes he wants to hear a story when I am not able to read to him. What then?- books on CD of course! This is my favorite thing to do in car rides. I put the speakers on the back and pop in a book on CD. I normally choose stories that are only about an hour to read, so they hold his attention and he doesn't have to recall too much information when we have to pause the book. Our favorite books to hear in the car-the Stink series (Judy Moody's brother),  the Dinosaur Cove series, and Magic Tree House (of course). We get a collection of eight stories on five disks from our local library.

Whenever I do a read-aloud I try to do some comprehension component. I was thrilled to find that Magic Tree House has a pretty great website. You give your child a log-in and then you put in your email address. Then they have their own tree house they can decorate. You also can go on a mission (a game) that has you go to four different locations in their books. Answer questions, earn points & medals, and then a cool artifact to decorate your tree house with. Here is my son's tree house and the objects on the right are from his missions!

On top of the game and tree house component the website has a passport. For every book you read you answer three comprehension questions. If you get them right you get a stamp in your passport. They have it for all the books and the non-fiction companion books as well. Here is one page of my son's passport so far:

So if you are looking for something to hold your child's attention, and a fun learning component to go along with it, I highly recommend these books and the website. I do have to say that the comprehension questions are only knowledge base in the Bloom's taxonomy (I will write a whole post about this-I promise). What this means is that your child is just recalling information and not a lot of critical thinking is taking place. That is really my only negative comment about the whole thing.

Popcorn Sight Words

I found the game POP for Sight Words recommended in either the Family Fun magazine or Scholastic for Teachers. I immediately wanted it for "A". The thing is it ranges from $10-$20 and with me Student Teaching (AKA not bringing home any bacon) it wasn't in the cards. I decided to make one for myself. Cost-$1.99!!!

The one for sale by Learning Resources

 "A" got sent home his first set of 25 sight words. I typed them up with a popcorn graphic in the background. I typed each word twice (one with a capital letter for the beginning and one with a lowercase letter). I also typed 6 popcorn with the word Pop on them. I then printed it out on card stock that I had around the house. I cut them out and put them in foldable cardboard popcorn boxes that I got in a set of 4 for $1.99 at Target. The great thing is when the next set of words comes home I will add them to the already existing ones. It grows as his learning does.

My very own version

The way you play the game: Each person draws a card from the box (without looking). The say the word and add it to their pile. If you grab the word Pop you have to put your pile back in the box. The person with the biggest pile wins. This game could go on FOREVER, so we put a time limit on it. What is great is the Pop cards even out the playing field. My son actually won even though he is an emerging reader because I kept drawing the Pop. The ratio of Pop cards should be about 1:10. When you put your pile back don't include the Pop cards-set the used ones aside.

I have seen other variations of this game with apples with the Pop being Rot instead (those have a worm on them). I also think there is a version with Firecrackers or something with Pop being Bang. Look around and search what you like best, but my son is learning his sight words!

P.S. I just found an online game version of this exact same game at Fun4the Brain called Popcorn Words.

Winn-Dixie

When "A" started school this year he was handed a free copy of Because of Winn Dixie by Kate Dicamillo. It turns out his school has what is called an All School Read, where ever child gets the same book and a reading schedule. This way it encourages parents to read with children, all the children in the school have read the same book so book discussion can take place, and it creates an environment that supports literacy. I had never heard of an All School Read but I love the concept. When I saw what book it was I got even more excited. I love Kate Dicamillo. She is such a powerful writer but she kids still find her accessible. She wrote my favorite book of all time: The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane. Her books have nuggets of wisdom that really resonate with adults.

When I read aloud a big chapter book to my five year old I find it beneficial to stop every two chapters and recap. I normally ask some comprehension questions at this time to make sure it isn't above his understanding. I lucked out and found some great tri-fold questionnaire that goes along with the book at an elementary school. The tri-folds are full of graphic organizers and really utilize Bloom's Taxonomy type questions. If you are unfamiliar with Bloom's Taxonomy it is a tiered system educators use to increase levels of cognitive thinking. For example it goes from applying to analyzing to evaluating. You can find comprehension questions to ask for each tier and more explanation anywhere on the web.

At the end of the book we watched the movie. Mostly we just watch the movie and enjoy it, but sometimes I point out things by saying "Did this happen in the book?" When the movie is complete we made a Venn Diagram. This is something I started when we did our Lion, Witch, Wardrobe read aloud. "A" wisely said he liked the book better, but some of the funniest scenes in the movie where ones not in the book. "A" laughed so hard he fell off the couch when the goat head-butted the police car.

When we were all done we did a little creating (the highest tier of Blooms). I took a white paper plate and put some yellow accordian fold things on the side. My goal was for it to look like a large piece of candy. In the book Littmus Lozenges are talked about quite a deal. They are a candy created by a man who felt so much sadness in the world after the Civil War that he wanted to put something sweet into it. When he made the candy he put all of his sorrow into it. So when people eat the candy they taste the sweetness and sadness all at once. I had "A" decorate the plate with what his sweetness and sadness would be, making his own Littmus Lozenge.

Some of my favorite quotes from the book (all from Gloria Dump-LOVE that character)

"You know, my eyes ain't too good at all. I can't see nothing but the general shape of things, so I got to rely on my heart. Why don't you go on and tell me everything about yourself, so I can see you with my heart."

"You can't always judge people by the things they done. You got to judge them by what they are doing now."

And saving the best for last...

"There ain't no way you can hold on to something that wants to go, you understand? You can only love what you got while you got it."

5 A Day Books: Our 1st Week

As many of you know I am a HUGE proponent of books. I have worked in public libraries and elementary school libraries almost all of my adult life. Books (especially children ones) are a passion of mine! With my oldest I remember reading to him the second day we were home from the hospital and I never stopped. We have a ritual that we read a MINIMUM of three books before bed every night. This is a good amount according to Mem Fox in Reading Magic, a great book on the importance of reading aloud to our children and babies. A can testify that children who are read to on a consistent basis have better language and vocabulary skills, are more likely to want to read, and tend not to struggle with comprehension as do children who are not read to.

Now that I have said all that I have to shamefully admit I hardly ever read to my newest babes. He is in the room when I read books to his big brother but I can honestly count on one hand how many times I have sat down and read books just to him. Oh my I seriously am feeling horrible right now!  Over at The Imagination Tree I found just the accountability I need, a 5 A Day Book Challenge. What the challenge purposes is that children need to be children and they need to develop " TALK and LISTENING skills, rather than going straight for the technically advanced skills of reading and writing." What the challenge entails: 1) choose 5 books a week from your library or home (they recommend short books with heavy repetition or rhyming), 2) read the same 5 books every day for atleast one week, and 3) then move on to another 5 books the following week. The challenge is recommended for ages 2-6 but my older one would HATE this! He loves hearing new stories and would grow bored easily. However, this would be perfect for my 10 month old. To include big brother, who is learning to read, I will choose one book each week that he can read to his little brother. 

Getting ready for his 5 Books to be read to him!

Our Picks For Week One: 

1)Goodnight Moon by Margaret Wise Brown: I am sorry but I could not have this NOT be on the first week list for books reading to my baby.  It was the book I read to "A" that first week and it is just such a old favorite and standby. What can I say...it's a classic for a reason!

2) Hello, Animals by Smriti Prasadam: This is my pick from "A" to read to little brother. Each page basically says "Hello, _______" and the name of the animal pictured. The pictures are beautiful black and white with one colorful shiny element to each page. "B" really liked this one (and he normally is too wiggly to notice)!

3) I Love You Through and Through by Bernadette Rossetti-Shustak: We got this book for "A" for his 1st Valentines day. It is so cute! Some of my favorite lines: "I love your happy side, sad side, silly side, and mad side. I love you running, walking, silent or talking." It also talks about loving body parts which is great to point out to baby as you read them. The last line finishes with, "I love you yesterday, today, and tomorrow to." What is not to adore about this book.

4) Jamberry by Bruce Degen: Another favorite classic! This book is great for ryhming and cadence. It's weird that a book all about berries could be so popular and well loved, but it is! It has a real magic/fantasy quality to it and yet at the same time feels like down home comfort! I don't know how Degen does it by he does.

5) Ten Tiny Babies by Karen Katz: This is a library pick and I have only read it once so far. It is cute and has a counting chanting rhyme that is endearing. Each page introduces a baby doing something adorably active and it takes turning the page and seeing a side bar to finish the rhyme. The illustrations are funky but I think "B" was surprisingly intrigued. I have to say I kinda like this one!

Word Bingo with Coin Markers

While tutoring emerging readers sight word Bingo is often a favorite game. It is easy to find printable bingo cards or even to make them yourself. One of my favorite resource is the premade Dolch Primer Bingo cards (8 in total) at Bingo Card Creator. Playing sight word Bingo by itself is a great learning game but I wanted to add in an extra learning component. I decided to pull out my play coins. For "A" to have a Bingo (win the game) he needed to have over $1.00 on his card. I included one penny as the free space marker and the coin that would put it over the dollar mark. Then I gave him one quarter and different combinations of nickels and dimes. I had about $1.20 available to him, even though he only needed to reach $1.00. I was hoping he would figure out that if he went with dimes then he would need to look for less words, but he used all the nickels first. I think strategy will come later as he learns the coins better. I also introduced a hundreds chart to help with the counting of the markers. "A" has never used a hundreds chart before, but he was definitely intrigued. I love his "Aha" moment when he noticed tens were right underneath each other. It was through the use of the chart that I discovered he could count by tens (something he had failed to share with me before)! I really liked the use of reading and math integrated into the game. We will definitely be playing it again.