Encourage your children to select both fiction and nonfiction text to read this summer. Since nonfiction reading is generally harder for most children than reading fiction, we can help our kids be more successful by teaching them specific comprehension strategies. When I taught 4th and 5th grade, about 90% of kids tested at a nonfiction or expository […]
Elementary
Delightful Picture Books That Celebrate Hair
Some kids grow up not liking their hair, right? These books might help change that — particularly for African-American kids. It’s both representation and affirmation. You’ll also read a cautionary tale about NOT combing your hair as well as a funny story about copying other people’s hairstyles. Comment below if you have any favorites or […]
10 Chapter Books Featuring Kids in Foster Care
Do your kids know about foster care? Or are in foster care? No matter your children’s life experience, chapter books like these about kids in foster care are important to read. For kids who are in foster care, they might see that they are not alone. They’ll see that other kids have gone through foster […]
Wonderful New Picture Books, July 2019
Get ready to learn about some amazing new picture books — you’re going to want these for your homes and classrooms. Impressive New Picture Books, July 2019 The King of Kindergarten by Derrick Barnes, illustrated by Vanessa Brantley-Newton BACK TO SCHOOL Don’t miss this delightful book of positive presuppositions about the first day of school […]
Guerrilla Tactics for Struggling or Reluctant Readers
Do you have a struggling or reluctant reader? I do, too. Which is why I’ve developed some unusual strategies over the years to get my kids to love reading; strategies that fit with their unique personalities. My tactics to encourage a love of reading do not involve punishments or rewards –unless the reward is a […]
Must Read Chapter Books From the New Shelf
I’m excited to share with you some great new middle grade books that I think you’ll want to use in your classrooms and with your kids at home. New Chapter Books (2019) Boy at the Back of the Class by Onjali Q Raúf REALISTIC / SOCIAL JUSTICE / REFUGEES When a new refugee boy […]
10 New Picture Books About Identity and Culture, Summer 2019
Picture books about identity and culture like these can help us be better people because they introduce new ways of thinking or prompt reflection leading to personal growth. I love that about books, don’t you?! Picture Books About Identity and Culture, Summer 2019 I Will Be Fierce! by Bea Birdsong, illustrated by Nidhi Chanani PERSONAL […]