I'm linking up with The Teacher Wife and her fun linky party about picture books. Even though I'm in 5th grade, I still utilize picture books. They can be very powerful mentor texts for writing and reading. My kids even enjoy gathering around on the carpet for a fun read aloud. The shortest books can lead to the best discussions!
Chester, Chester's Masterpiece, and Chester's Back!
The Chester books are absolutely hilarious. The cat, Chester, is having an open conversation with the author Melanie about who actually wrote the story. There are three books about Chester and I recommend buying each one. They will crack up your kids and YOU while reading!
I was introduced to Leo Lionni's book in college during my science course. My professor read it aloud and led us into a discussion about how each of us have a different schema and perception of ideas. I used this story with my scientists this year when we talked about what a scientist is. It is a fun one to read!
The Lemonade Club (or any Patricia Polacco book)
The Lemonade Club is an absolutely beautiful story. Like most of the Polacco's books, there is a personal connection to this heartbreaking but triumphant story. I have goosebumps thinking about it.
Actual Size by Steve Jenkins is an awesome nonfiction book. Each page is filled with images of ..well.. you can imagine the actual size of animals. My second AND fifth graders absolutely loved it. They were always picking Jenkins' books off the shelf to read in their free time.
Faith Ringgold is another one of my favorite authors. Her books are very powerful and lead to great discussions. This particular book is about a dream a little girl has about her Aunt Harriet Tubman. It's a great introduction to talking about what the Underground Railroad was and how important it is in our history.
What are YOUR favorite picture books to read with your students?
Ohmigoodness, I found Chester at the library last year and my kids LOVED him!!
ReplyDeleteJust found your blog :)
Susan
T.G.I.F. (Thank God it's First Grade!)
Chester looks great! I'm adding him to my list.
ReplyDelete~Heather
http://themeekmoose.blogspot.com
I agree. Picture books can and should be used with older kiddos. I'm so intrigued by the Harriet Tubman book. We read an article about her each year and I always do an inference lesson with a poem about her, so that looks like the perfect thing to add to my Harriet Tubman collection. Awesome!
ReplyDeleteAmanda
The Teaching Thief
Faith Ringgold has SEVERAL really great books. She has another on Martin Luther King Jr. as well. She's phenomenal.
DeleteLOVE books. Use picture books in 5th grade too.
ReplyDeleteI will admit that I have never read the first four. Adding them to my list now!
I came across your blog recently, and I love your writer's notebook ideas. I teach 4th grade writing in Texas, and I will be stealing some of them! Thanks for the inspiration... I've nominated you for the Versatile Blogger Award. Please stop by my blog to pick it up!
ReplyDelete- Sarah
writeonfourthgrade.blogspot.com
Oh wow! Thank you Sarah!
DeleteI've never read the Lemonade Club. Thanks for posting about it!
ReplyDeleteThe Dalton Gang
I love "Actual Size!" My kids are just astounded by it! They are always passing it around having their friends check it out!
ReplyDeleteMake sure to stop by and enter my giveaway
-Courtney
2ndgradesnapshots.blogspot.com
What great ideas for my classroom this fall!
ReplyDeleteActual Size-a must for any classroom! Thanks for your recommendations! Smiles and stop by anytime!
ReplyDelete