New Twist for a New School Year

When my daughter and I co-authored this blog last year, our purpose was to introduce teachers to a wide range of children’s literature and suggest ways that teachers might use those books in their classrooms. This year, however, our focus is more on the teaching possibilities of books. It seemed natural for us to explore these possibilities for two reasons: first, because we can’t help it. When we look at children’s books, our first thought is about the story itself, but our second brain-blast is about how the book could help children learn about any and every curriculum component. Our second reason, is practical. I substitute teach and never enter a classroom without a pile of books and ideas about how I could use them. I never know if there might be a few extra minutes that need some kind of wonderful experience. Or sometimes I enter a classroom that’s not totally prepared because of an unforeseen predicament and the books are a perfect antidote to not-so-great plans. We hope these books bring joy and learning to your classrooms.

A Segue to Sequels: Sam the Most Scaredy-Cat Kid in the Whole World by none other than the amazing Mo Willems

Sam and his monster-friend, Leonardo were first introduced in the book Leonardo and the Terrible Monster. Despite some initial misunderstandings, Leonardo and Sam see the value of becoming good friends despite their differences. This book has all of Mo Willems’ trademarks including word play, surprise moments, and story enhancing illustrations. Sam the Most Scaredy-Cat Kid in the World features Sam and Leonardo, but also includes two new characters, Kerry and her monster-friend Frankenthaler. When two scaredy-cats kids meet up – nothing short of an amazing friendship ensues. Although, Sam the Most….., doesn’t have the same impact as Leonardo and the Terrible…, the teaching possibilities are endless.

1. Everyone has taught the lesson, 'How do authors tell about their characters?" – through dialogue, actions, descriptions etc. These two books are perfect minilessons to support such a lesson. Mo Willems uses all these strategies and even his illustrations are perfect mirrors into the characters' personalities.

2. Reluctant writers might find writing a third sequel to this pair a positive activity. Mo Willems has already given the characters’ identities and language peculiarities. Mimicking these might enable struggling writers to find their own voice.

3. Finally, look for the pigeon. Mo Willems includes his iconic pigeon in every book. For those kids who love to analyze things, have them find the pigeon and infer why Mo Willems put the pigeon where he did. Without asking Mo Willems why the pigeon is where he is, it’s hard to know, but so fun to try to analyze.

Understanding Perspective: School’s First Day of School by Adam Rex

It’s “School’s” first day….and how does that feel? Will the children like school? Will it be a good place once the children show up. Only the first day of school will answer those questions. As a teacher, this book seems perfect for introducing the concept of empathy. How does it feel to be the “school” and have children say, “I hate school.” Or despite the sad and hurtful comments, how does it feel to see kids learn and laugh and have incredible experiences. While this book is fantasy, in that a school does not have feelings, (at least I don’t think it does), it has so much potential for helping children understand that we don’t all see things from the same perspective and we need to be considerate of others feelings. The other teaching possibility (in my humble opinion) revolves around the janitor. He has self-respect, honor in what he does, and because he cares so much about the school he has importance. This is an important lesson in appreciating what others do and doing whatever they choose to do with honor and respect.

I Didn’t Know This Was A Series: Ada Twist, Scientist by Andrea Beaty

It’s about time that someone created books that encouraged kids to explore different career possibilities. A black girl seems to be a perfect protagonist in a book that explains the endless curiosity that causes kids to enter a scientific field of study. While this book is perfect for introducing the possibilities of careers in science, Andrea Beaty also has books to introduce children to architecture and engineering possibilities. As a teacher, it seems it is never too early to pursue possibilities for lifetime careers.