Tips, Titles and Tools for Teachers
Instructional Resources for Literature
In this week's newsletter, I am including resources for reading workshop with a focus on literature. I have some new book titles to share, as well as blog posts and resources. Enjoy!
I am already working on a collection of poetry resources to kick off National Poetry Month next Friday!
Happy Reading,
Shelly
A Must Read for All Grades!
In the primary grades, Snappsy is the perfect introduction to narration. The text is designed around a snarky conversation between the narrator and the main character (Snappsy). So much fun! Snappsy would be a fun mentor text in writing workshop, too!
In the upper grades, I would use Snappsy to have students analyze the role of the narrator, especially when (s)he is unreliable!
Here's a great blog post from the author, illustrator and editor about the creation of this incredible book! http://blaine.org/sevenimpossiblethings/?p=3992
I have a copy of Snappsy that I am more than willing to share with any classroom! I highly recommend it!
Check out a fun book trailer about Snappsy:
http://www.ew.com/article/2016/02/02/snappsy-alligator-did-not-ask-be-this-book-trailer
Blog Posts and Resources for Reading Workshop
Supporting Independent Readers and Independent Reading by Jennifer Serravallo
I highly recommend checking out this link!
AWESOME Prompts and Questions to Improve Comprehension
Taking Guided Reading Instruction to the Next Level
http://edublog.scholastic.com/post/taking-guided-reading-instruction-next-level?linkId=21653902
http://www.readingrockets.org/article/sharing-wordless-picture-books
Questioning That Deepens Comprehension
http://www.edutopia.org/blog/questioning-that-deepens-comprehension-douglas-fisher-nancy-frey
Fluency Resources from Achieve The Core (Grades 2+)
http://achievethecore.org/category/411/ela-literacy-lessons?filter_cat=1153&sort=name
20 Strategies for Motivating Reluctant Learners
http://ww2.kqed.org/mindshift/2016/03/03/20-strategies-for-motivating-reluctant-learners/
Digital Resources
First Person vs Third Person Narration
Primary Book Recommendations
For Fans of Elephant and Piggie
Fun Read Aloud Series
Excellent Read Aloud Series for Grades 2 and Up!
New Middle Grade Novels for Read Aloud
Fun Story From Fenway's Perspective
From GoodReads:
Fenway is an excitable and endlessly energetic Jack Russell terrier. He lives in the city with Food Lady, Fetch Man, and—of course—his beloved short human and best-friend-in-the-world, Hattie.But when his family moves to the suburbs, Fenway faces a world of changes. He’s pretty pleased with the huge Dog Park behind his new home, but he’s not so happy about the Evil Squirrels that taunt him from the trees, the super-slippery Wicked Floor in the Eating Room, and the changes that have come over Hattie lately. Rather than playing with Fenway, she seems more interested in her new short human friend, Angel, and learning to play baseball. His friends in the Dog Park next door say Hattie is outgrowing him, but that can’t be right. And he’s going to prove it!
Beautiful Story Told In Alternative Perspectives
From GoodReads:
Pax was only a kit when his family was killed, and “his boy” Peter rescued him from abandonment and certain death. Now the war front approaches, and when Peter’s father enlists, Peter has to move in with his grandpa. Far worse than being forced to leave home is the fact that Pax can’t go. Peter listens to his stern father—as he usually does—and throws Pax’s favorite toy soldier into the woods. When the fox runs to retrieve it, Peter and his dad get back in the car and leave him there—alone. But before Peter makes it through even one night under his grandfather’s roof, regret and duty spur him to action; he packs for a trek to get his best friend back and sneaks into the night. This is the story of Peter, Pax, and their independent struggles to return to one another against all odds. Told from the alternating viewpoints of Peter and Pax.Mystery Set in Maine!
From Amazon:
In the coastal village of Maiden Rock, Maine, Quinnie Boyd's teacher has disappeared. Quinnie thinks it's a kidnapping case, but her mom, the town sheriff, just thinks the teacher has left town. Still, Quinnie's going to follow her instincts that something's wrong.
Her investigation takes her through a damp and smelly marsh, a lobster pound, and more of Maine's messiest places. She even gets help from her glamorous new neighbor, Mariella. As the girls hunt for clues around Maiden Rock, they encounter a cast of unlikely characters. And if Quinnie's hunch is right, the search may lead them right into danger . . .
Shelly Moody
Atwood Primary School
Williams Elementary School
Email: smoody@rsu18.org
Twitter: @shelmoody