Great Book for Reluctant Readers!

Reading is my passion and I want to pass it on to others, especially my children.  At age 8, my daughter still has a hard time with fluency.  I have incorporated literacy based activities into our summer plans.  A great teacher resource is FCRR.org.  This free website breaks down the 5 components of reading into grade levels up to 8th grade and gives a plethora of activities to encourage reading skills.  I've used it in internship and with my own kids.

To add to the activities, I'm constantly on the look out for great books that will hold her interest (that is the most important!) and at her reading level.  Our favorite this week is:

"The Cat on the Mat is Flat" by:  Andy Griffiths and illustrated by Terry Denton.  What fun!  She says it is a mix of Dr. Seuss and David Pilkey (the author of Captain Underpants).  I see where she gets the combination, each chapter focuses on a word family (AT words, ED words, OG words, AK/ ACK words) and can really twist your tounge if you read them too fast!  The action isn't exactly politically correct (the rat chases the cat around the mat with a baseball bat) but very funny for the right sort of kid (she is exactly the right sort of kid!)
Other favorites are:

BOB Books

We have had series one and two for a while and she's a bit bored of them, but they are great and I recommend them to anyone from 3 up.

, 
MayBelle and the Ogre by: Bethany Roberts... The twins LOVE this book.  If you look in the back of it where the library stamps the return dates, about 1/2 of them will match to my calendar of due dates!  One read it a few years before her sister, but that's OK, I love seeing it back in the house!  We missed you MayBelle!

and Ling and Ting by;  Grace Lin.  This was rented from the library on an impulse and it's perfect!  It's all about the life of identical twins.  Although my girls are not identical, they could relate to it a lot!!  This is the first book my reluctant reader read fluently (after hearing her sister read it)... I almost cried!

I'm still hopeful a summer of extra reading time will bring her up to speed!!

As for my other daughters:
The twin sister to my reluctant reader is now into "Diary of a Wimpy Kid".  Onto her third book of the series she thinks they are soooo funny and nicely reads them to her sister!
 

My 11 year old has recently been allowed to read the twilight series.

Yes, I had conflict with this but I decided she needed to read the books before seeing the movies.  I rationalized with myself that it would take her forever until she got to Breaking Dawn so she would be old enough to understand the R-rated material (well, very minor R-rated material/ probably PG-13).  Oh silly mommy!  She has now started Eclipse, the third book in the series.  Funny though, they started to talk about marriage and how Bella didn't want people to think she was the kind of girl who "Needed" to get married out of highschool.... she begged me to come up to read it to her and thanked me for not letting her read this when she was 9~  I love my sweet girl!

An update to the book file!

Yes, I know I haven't been on here for quite some time.  Life as you know is busy.  I have been wanting to post for quite some time, and something else pops up in what I thought was a free moment.

The book file was a labor of love.  It took much of my time to chose just the right books and just the right summaries.  I do wish I had spent more time with it, but I did all I could do with the time I had to work with.  I can see myself adding to the summaries as I read a good book and tucking it away for those students who cannot choose a good book.

My choices as you know were hard to make.  I tried to choose my favorites from each genre but some were chosen for sheer convenience.  I will share my table of contents with you and with all my thoughts and experiences with the stories in blue.  Enjoy!

Biography:
Shirley Temple Black:  Actor and Diplomat By:  Jean F. Blashfield (K-4) What a life story!
Our Eleanore:  A scrapbook look at Eleanore Roosevelt's Remarkable Life By:  Candance Fleming (5-8)
I'll admit, these Biographies were rushed.  The Shirley Temple book was dated but did provide lots of information I didn't know before.


Caldecott:
Sylvester and the Magic Pebble By:  William Steig (K-4) *Classic!  Good message :)
Rapunzel By:  Paul O. Zelinsky (5-8) *A surprise love for me!

Fantasy:
Don't let the Pigeon Drive the Bus By:  Mo Willems (K-4) *Great for early readers, we love all his books!
The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane By:  Kate DiCamillo (5-8) *Beautiful story, one of my 8 year old's still speaks about it

Folklore:
Paul Bunyan By:  Steven Kellogg (K-4) *Steven Kellogg's pictures bring this folktale to life!
Fairypedia By:  Alisha Niehaus (5-8) *My oldest is still a believer!  If you haven't seen the "pedia" series that brings children's favorite themes to life I encourage you to check them out!  A beautiful book, the presentation will make you believe this is a true gathering of facts... quite interesting!

Historical fiction:
Viking Ships at Sunrise (Magic Tree House #15) By:  Mary Pope Osborne (K-4) *we had a hard time choosing a K-4 historical fiction book. I had my Magic Tree House fan choose for me.  
Number the Stars By:  Lois Lowry (5-8)  *I would say this is a Junior high book, a child's look at the Holocaust and loss of innocence.  We also had to read this in Social Studies methods class which made it convenient   

Holiday
Roses are Pink, your feet really stink By:  Diane De Groat (K-4) *One of our funny go to Valentine's Day books!  
A Christmas Carol By:  Charles Dickens (5-8)   *We all know the story... a classic!

Multi Cultural:
Why Mosquitoes Buzz in People's Ears By:  Verna Aardema (K-4) *Another book that's been in our collection for years!  We love the colors and message of how misunderstandings happen.  I drive the kids crazy because I tell them it could all be solved if one of the animals just questioned the animal who offended him!
Tikki Tikki Tembo By:  Arlene Mosel (5-8) *Yes for grades 5-8!  Picture books can be used at any age level.  I used this one in my internship.  The teacher was doing a unit on Asia in her history class so I used this book in Language Arts.  Great message and great cross curriculum!  

Newberry:
The Tale Of Desperaux By:  Kate Di Camillo  *If you've seen the movie I do hope you read the book first.  Books are usually soooo much better, and Desperaux is no exception.  This was a read aloud in my daughter's 2nd grade class and here at home.  
Witch of Blackbird Pond By:  Elazebth George Spear (k-4) *We picked this last year at Border's reading incentive program.  My 11 year old picked it because it was about a witch, I didn't let her know I knew it wasn't about magic.  She loved it and has started to explore historical fiction books.... not that I don't love fantasy but expanding our selections is a good thing!

Non-Fiction:
Why are all families Different? By: Mary Atkinson (K-4) *I've  had this in my collection since I worked in daycare, back in the days before twins.  It's a simple answer to questions that kids ask.  We like the pictures.  I had a hard time picking a non fiction book for grades K-4... if you have a good one let me know!
Our Countries Presidents  By:  Ann Busum (5-8)  *Picked because it includes Barack Obama, (and because I had a huge unit due on Presidents for Social Studies Methods) this has great pictures, anecdotes, and facts about our countries Presidents.  

Poetry:
Jesse Bear What will you Wear? By:  Nancy White Carlstrom (K-4) *My very favorite preschool / kindergarten book!!!!  Sweet pictures, fun rhythmic verse.... I read it over and over not too many years ago and I was happy I could include it in my book file. 
A Child's Garden of Verses By:  Robert Louis Stevenson (5-8) *Picked for the upper grades because of the  hard words and historical period.  I've loved this book since I was a child and I've used it in all grade levels.  I'll confess, I carried this around in my teens / 20's to keep me happy... waaaaay before having kids!

Realistic Fiction:
Purplicious By:  Victoria and Elizabeth Kann (K-4)  *the second in the Pinkalicious series.  We love and own them all but I picked this one because of the message.  Again... a favorite!  
Because of Winn Dixie By:  Kate Di Camillo (5-8) *This is read in the younger grades more often than 5-8th and there are many works of realistic fiction that are perfect for this genre.  I picked it for convenience and I know many 5th graders at this reading level.  It is a beautiful sweet quick read.  

Science Fiction
June 29, 1999 By David Wiesner (K-4) *Gotta tell ya, I couldn't think of a science fiction book so I searched google.  I picked this book purely because of the date.  June 29th is the twins B-day, 1999 is the year Sunshine was born.  I was pleasantly surprised by how wonderful this book was!!!!!  Great pictures and a fun read!   You have to check out the rest of David Wiesner's books... Floatsam and Tuesday are AMAZING as well!!!!!  Oh yes, I think I have a new favorite!  
Hunger Games By:  Suzanne Collins (5-8)  *My 7th graders recommended this one.  It's a really good series but be careful, you'll get sucked in to the storyline!  

Author:  Kate Di Camillo  

*We had to pick an author then collect all their books and write summaries about them.  The ones with a "-" were used in the book file as well and cross referenced here.  A girl with a time crunch does what she has to do!!!  I LOVE Kate Di Camillo!  She has such a wide range of reading levels and genres.  Her story is inspirational, check her out at: Katedicamillo.com 


Mercy Watson Series: illustrated by my Favorite Maine Author / illustrator Chris Van Dusen (who is left out of the file because his books are a mixed genre.  His picture books are amazing, you must read him if you haven't yet!!!!! I digress, sorry!)  Mercy Watson is perfect for reluctant or beginning readers.  We love the pig who loves hot buttered toast!!!!
Tiger Rising *This one was alright, she tried for an older version of Winn-Dixie.  It's realistic fiction.  I wasn't thrilled at the ending, but you decide!
Bink and Gollie:  *At the time the file was written this was her newest series.  At least I hope it's a series!!!  Another fun read perfect for reluctant readers.  One of those books we really must by because we rent from the library often!!!!
The Magician's Elephant:  Was pleasantly surprised, I had never heard of this book before starting this book file.  Sweet story!  Fantasy fiction of course but very cute! 
-Because of Winn Dixie:  Realistic fiction.  I didn't say it before but this is another one that is better than the movie!
-The Miraculous Journey of Edward tulane:  Fantasy, sweet and beautiful story of a porcelain rabbit.
-Tale of Desperaux:  Fantasy:  The unlikely hero wins!  LOVE IT!


I hope you enjoyed this listing.  There are many many more books I love and could have used.  I didn't give you the publisher's names or summaries because of space.  If you cannot find them elsewhere let me know!

The Book File

Did you hear the "Dun.. Dun... Dun" adding mystery and dread to the title??  In elementary education many fear these words "Children's Literature Book File".  In many institutions, the Children's lit class comprises of reading 100 books.  At this little college in Southern Maine, they do things differently.  We read 24 books, 2 from each genre (one from K-4, one from 5-8) and 2 books from each category (same age range).  We then either do a single lesson, or a mini-unit lesson on the book, being sure to have one of each in each of the 12 categories / genres.  I think I'd rather read 100 books, not because of the extra work but because of the choices!

I hold both advantages and disadvantages above my "Younger Peers" in this class.

The advantages: 

1.  I LOVE BOOKS!  I have been collecting children's books since I was a child and throughout my adult life.  I have over 2,000 -- it's a bit of an obsession! 

2.  I have kids who love books!  I use them to help me with picking the best book for each area.

3.  I get along very well with my librarian.  That's big, huge!

The disadvantages: 

1.  I LOVE BOOKS!  (yes, as a disadvantage!) I own many high quality books, many award winners.  How can I choose just one per category / genre?  It's like picking a favorite child.  I can't do it.  It might make me cry!   

How can I pick one High Quality realistic fiction book for grades  K-4... Impossible!!!  Purplicious?  Ramona Quimby?  Junie B Jones?  OH SOOOOOO MANY!  And Fantasy... oh, I can't even go there!  Will Harry Potter feel left out if I choose Percy Jackson instead??  They are like my children.  Everyone is precious!

2.  I own a gender bias library.  Can you say "Girl Power"???  I am a girl, my three children are girls, I can't help it!!!!    There is no rule saying it has to be balanced, however; it should be shouldn't it??  Therefore,  can I really have "American Girl -The keeping and caring of you" as my non-fiction title??  Probably not, but it is our favorite!   

I will be spending time at the library and talking to kids, teachers, and librarians.  I will fill in the gaps and round out the lists.  I will somehow make the tough choices...  The good news is it will be over in April! 

Quinzee Hut

During yesterday's storm the girls and I put my Winter Ecology class to good use. 

We piled the fluffy stuff (no good for snowballs) into a gigantic pile.  We found 10 inch sticks to push into the sides and top of the pile (to insure we didn't dig too much)  then let it sit for two hours.  Thanks to deconstructive metamorphosis, the snow sticks to itself. 

This is the second year we did this but the kids were still amazed it held together as we dug a hole and began to carve out a cavern in our snowpile.  After digging for what felt like forever, we had a nice shelter from the storm, complete with outdoor patio and turrets.  We had to do something with the excess snow :)

 It doesn't look like much from this picture but three kids and I fit inside! 

A wonderful day of play!

Remembering to enjoy the little things

As a child I constantly took time to appreciate the world around me.  Smells, sights, sounds.  Some called me a daydreamer, I viewed it as stopping to smell the roses.  As I've gotten older, I've lost touch with that ability.  Now life passes by at light speed.  Juggling three kids, a husband, and being a full time college student....  being busy is the nature of the beast. 

My oldest daughter is also a "daydreamer".  Lately, she has been pointing out  natural occurrences that make her smile.  They make me smile too.  These little messages from God help us stop and focus on what is really important.  (such as beautiful daydreaming daughters!)

This one came to us in the middle of a busy day.  We stopped at home between activities, as we were exiting the car she said "Hey mom, let me see your camera".  I gave it to her in the midst of stopping bickering twins from killing each other and bringing groceries into the house.  A few minutes later she made me look at this picture.  I didn't see it at first.  Then I smiled.  Wow, in the middle of the icy driveway laid a perfect heart.  Thank You God, I got the message :)

Re-Cap of 2010

Hello my long lost blog, how I have missed you so!  2010 ran past in the blink of an eye, with me just holding on for the ride.  Since it is my very first day of the "Me Time" portion of winter break (the kiddos had two weeks, now I have two "Me" weeks), and I really don't want to fold another piece of laundry or clean under the (still up and green) Christmas tree I thought I would catch you up on life.

I am halfway through my Junior year as an Elementary Ed. Major.  I have a 3.88 GPA- after receiving my first two B+s this semester.  I'm OK with it, really!  I know I tried my best and it's all I can do!

The three girlies are growing up fast!  My 11 year old just found out Hogwarts School for witchcraft and wizardry isn't real, thanks to the lack of a (real) owl delivered letter of acceptance.  Growing up is hard but she's taking it in stride.  She confessed last night that she still loves Harry Potter, even if it isn't real!

All three girls have auditioned and made the cast for an upcoming local play!  Two have speaking roles, one has the role of a child, but she tells me "that's OK I'm in more scenes!" 

The twins are still enjoying crafting, and are using their great imaginations!  Box robots, volcanoes, paintings, snowflakes, and other things leading to many many scraps of materials on my floor, have been created this year!  My favorites were the canvases given to me for Christmas.  With the help of Grammy, the girls each created paintings to coordinate with my newly painted kitchen (The weird fruit wallpaper is history!!!)

We rounded off our year with soccer, gymnastics, Girl Scouts (of course- I'm still leading!), rainbow girls, and a not so great experience with the flute.  Yeah, that's being returned this week!  Thank goodness!

My Hubby has taken up the guitar (into his second session of lessons) and each girl received one for Christmas!  He is making real progress and I hope the girls all enjoy it, especially the oldest after the flute fiasco!

Life is good, and I am truly blessed!
I'll end by wishing you all a happy, healthy New Year!  I hope for great and wonderful things for all of us!

School Days!

Ready or not... September has arrived!!!!  Gone are the lazy, hazy, albiet sometimes crazy, days of summer.  Here comes apples, backpacks, bedtimes and early mornings!  Let's hope we all survive!