Blog Posts - MESSY TECH

Over the ocean by taro gomi

7/8/2020

In this simple and beautifully illustrated book, the narrator wonders about the world. She wonders about what is beyond her sight and her understanding. Great mentor text for asking questions and increasing global awareness.

Writing ideas: Students make books with their own questions and ponderings.

Seamus's Short Story by Heather Hartt-Sussman and Milan PavloviC

7/8/2020

I love this story for so many reasons! In this book, Seamus is short and is having a hard time being short in what he sees as a tall world. When he tries on a pair of his mom's high heels, he finds an answer for his dilemma. In the end he understands that sometimes it is good to be tall and sometimes it is good to be small. This story chips away at stereotypes and helps students identify with their own uniqueness. The illustrations are captivating and humorous.

Assalamu Alaikum by by Harris J and Ward Jenkins

7/8/2020

This is a book that was created from a song by Harris J. It is more of a poem than a story. It shows how to be kind and live your life to the fullest. Assalamu Alaikum is Arabic for "peace be upon you."

Writing ideas: Rewrite the chorus. What are other words that mean "peace be upon you". What does "peace be upon you" mean to you?

Hair! IT's a family affair

7/8/2020

When Macy is asked to tell her classmates about her family, she focuses on their different kinds of hair.

This story has certain words that are in blue and are bold. Why do you think the author chose to highlight those words?

What is a family affair for your family? (cleaning, playing, gardening)

Show this beautiful Oscar awarded short movie by Matthew A. Cherry along as a companion:

Elena's Serenade

6/16/2020

Elena wants to be a glass blower, but her dad says that she is too little and only boys are glass blowers. Elena takes off on a journey to become a glass blower. She meets different animals along the way. She has brought a pipe with her and makes music as she travels and helps the animal.

This book has BEAUTIFUL illustrations and the writing is lyrical. Possible themes are overcoming obstacles, helping others, finding your strengths, and achieving your goal. I highly recommend this book!

Goggles by Ezra Jack Keates

8/8/2019

Writing Ideas
Write using one word as your title

Why Do You Cry? (Not a Sob Story) by Kate Klise

8/8/2019

The power of three
Ideas: Why do you laugh? Why do you get angry? Why do you smile? etc.

Do Unto Otters: A Book About Manners by Laurie Keller

8/8/2019

I love this book! It is written in a humerous, non-didactic way. I am going to use this book at the beginning of the year.
Culture: Lists of ways to say different things in different languages
(like "Thank You" and "Excuse Me")
Ideas: Create own manner book as a class
(Story Bird?)
How authors get ideas: One theme

Tiptoe Tapirs by Hannin Kim

8/7/2019

This story is great because the tapirs are chased by the leopard, but in the end the tapirs help him. BOY How to walk quietly in line.

Who Wants a Tortoise? by Dave Keane

8/7/2019

From Amazon:
Could there be any better pet than a puppy? One young girl is about to find out. From beloved author Dave Keane and acclaimed illustrator K.G. Campbell, a laugh-out-loud story of unexpected friendship!

When the spunky, loveable narrator receives a tortoise for her birthday, instead of the cuddly puppy she’s longed for her entire life, she’s more than a little disappointed. But while her new lump of a pet isn’t what she dreamed of, it doesn’t take long—between tortoise-on-skateboard walks, sparkly shell makeovers, and a lemonade stand selling chances to hold a real life tortoise—for the little girl to change her mind—sort of. But when her pet goes missing, all she wants is to be reunited with her new best friend.

Argumentative Writing
Speech Bubbles
Lists

Jill A. Hostetler

I love books so much! My particular loves are children's books and professional books that catch my fancy. One thing that keeps me happy and sane as a teacher is being able to get tons of books from the library and share them with my students. I have tried different ways to keep track of my books, but here's another attempt. We'll se if I can make this one fly!

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