Monday, February 16, 2015

Mr. Putter and Tabby Ring the Bell




Title: Mr. Putter and Tabby Ring the Bell
Author: Cynthia Rylant
Copyright Date: 2011
Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company

Possible Theme: School, Pets, Show-and-Tell, Elderly

Personal Response: The Mr. Putter and Tabby books by Cynthia Rylant are one of my favorite book series for first graders. There are many in the series and they are written at a perfect reading level for a young student just becoming confident in their abilities. The stories star the lovable Mr. Putter, Tabby, Mrs. Teaberry, and Zeke. These two elderly friends, along with their furry companions, get into the funniest predicaments…often begun by reminiscing about their younger years. This one features a school theme perfect to read at the beginning of the year.

Student Journal Entry: Write about your pets. Do they do any special tricks? Pretend you could bring your pets to school for Show-and-Tell. Write about their reactions to your classroom and friends.

Activity (Art or Other): Have a Show-and-Tell afternoon. Bring in a picture of your pet (or a favorite stuffed animal) and tell why you love them. 


Check out Cynthia Rylant’s website HERE.


Sunday, February 15, 2015

The Magic School Bus Fights Germs




Title: The Magic School Bus Fights Germs
Author: Kate Egan
Copyright Date: 2008
Publisher: Scholastic Inc.

Possible Theme: Germs, Health, Sickness

Personal Response: I loved watching the Magic School Bus television show when I was a child. It made learning fun! Now there are chapter books and easier leveled books featuring the same adventure filled field trips that break the information down into learnable chunks. This book gives great information on bacteria, blood cells, antibodies, and antibiotics. Come back to the bus with Ms. Frizzle and Liz for a dose of educational entertainment!

Student Journal Entry: Make a KWL chart about bacteria. 

Activity (Art or Other): Washing your hands is a good way to stay healthy and germ free. Make a poster informing others about good hygiene. Hang it in your classroom for all to see. 


Go to this Magic School Bus website to play some fun games and activities HERE

Tuesday, February 3, 2015

Secret Agent Splat!




Title: Secret Agent Splat!
Author: Rob Scotton
Copyright Date: 2012
Publisher: Harper Collins Publishers

Possible Theme: Mystery, Detectives

Personal Response: Silliness abounds when Splat has to search for the duck thief. This book is cute for introducing the Mystery genre to young students. Children will enjoy the emersion duck theme, which is hinted at so often in Splat books. Read this one in the dark with flashlights for extra effect!

Student Journal Entry: Think of something you lost recently. How did you go about finding it?

Activity: Mystery Treasure Hunt for Ducks. Buy some rubber ducks at the store. Hide them somewhere in the classroom and leave clues to the whereabouts. 

Monday, February 2, 2015

Splat Says Thank You!




Title: Splat Says Thank You!
Author: Rob Scotton
Copyright Date: 2012
Publisher: Harper Collins Publishers

Possible Theme: Appreciative, Friendship 

Personal Response: Another wonderfully creative Splat book that focuses on being appreciative of friends. This book is a story that encourages students to value all the things that friends do to make their lives better. If books had relatives then this book would be The Giving Tree’s silly little brother. 

Student Journal Entry: Seymour is Splat’s best friend. Who is yours? Write about a time they helped cheer you up.

Activity: Make a friendship book.