Those Sparkling Memories

I have been working on a great part of my job choosing and ordering new books.  This last week some of those orders arrived.  Each time I open a box of books it is a treasure hunt.  Oh I need to share this book with so and so.  Last year I wrote two grants to buy fiction and nonfiction mentor books that will be added to our school collection.

One of the first books I shared with my students was "Canoe Days by Gary Paulsen (1999).  The illustrations Ruth Wright Paulsen add depth to the wonderful prose.  The pictures portray the vivid descriptions. Great example of taking a memorable day and melding it with exquisite words.  

Before reading this book aloud - I selected approximately 20 words from the selection and broke them into 4 groups.  I wrote the groups on the board and had my 4th & 5th graders use them for an alphabetizing activity.  Once I started reading the story I could see the students' eyes light up as they made the connection to the vocabulary on the board and the selection I was reading.

All in all it is a great book to model for word choice and memories.  It can also be used as a "boys" book - I heard the "ahs" when I read the author's name.

Links you might like Two Writing Teachers and WritingFix

                                        

We Give Books - Online Reading

I was reading a post from Two Writing Teachers about a new program for children called We Give Books. Any child with internet access can read books online free. Each book they complete allows the program to donate a physical book to another charity. This really looks good. I hope you have a young person you can share this with.

I really like how We Give Books makes some suggestions about talking with children about their role in the giving process.

"One of the aims of We Give Books is to encourage the conversations with your child that will better ensure he or she becomes a life-long giver. As you consider the non-profit organizations from which you can choose, take time to talk through the goals of each charity and your reasons for selecting the one you do. 

As long as you’re a member, you can support as many campaigns as you like. We Give Books even keeps track of the books you’ve donated to each campaign fo you."

They have a large online library for people to choose from.  The books can be read more than once.  I would really encourage you to check out the blog Two Writing Teachers.  They share lots of reading Writing Connections.