Thanksgiving Picture Books
What are your favorite Thanksgiving picture books to share in the classroom? I have been building my collection over the years and am ready to share some great books with you!
Thanksgiving at the Tappletons’
Thanksgiving at the Tappletons’ is a delightful book that reminds readers about the true meaning of Thanksgiving. I want to share a few activities and a writing craft you can pair with this story.
I’m Stretched by Julia Cook
Children and adults today are busier than ever. That’s why it is so important to recognize the signs of stress and have multiple strategies for managing time as well as stress. I’m Stretched by Julia Cook does a fantastic job of sharing realistic ways kids can work through the stress in their lives. I want to share more about this book along with a few activities you can try.
Coding Capers: Luci and the Missing Robot
Coding Capers: Lucy and the Missing Robot is an adventure story that also teaches coding terminology in a way kids can understand. This STEM-friendly book would be a great addition to your classroom library. I want to share a set of discussion questions and an activity you can pair with this book.
Bonaparte Falls Apart
If you’re looking to add another story to your Halloween book collection, check out Bonaparte Falls Apart by Margery Cuyler. This is a story about friendship, humorous mishaps, and creative problem solving. It’s sure to be a bone-a-fide hit with your kids! Here are some activities you can pair with this spooktacular story.
Scarecrow Books and Directed Drawing
Are you ready for fall? We are! We recently visited our local library to refresh our book collection. While we were there, I grabbed a handful of scarecrow books to read. After we enjoyed a few of the books, I showed my kids how to draw their very own scarecrows. I thought I would share some of my favorite scarecrow books and a directed drawing with you.
Bully B.E.A.N.S. by Julia Cook
Bullying is happening in schools more often than we’d like to admit. Not only do we need to teach our students what bullying is (and isn’t), but we need to ensure our students have the skills and strategies to stand up to bullies. Julia Cook has recently updated her book Bully B.E.A.N.S. Not only does this book help children identify bullying, but it offers strategies for those who are targets and bystanders. I have a few activities you can pair with this story, too.
The Awfulizer by Kristin Maher
Has your mind ever been filled with doubts or negative thoughts about your self-worth? It’s more common than you think! The Awfulizer is a story that helps show children that shame is a powerful emotion, but one that can be conquered with the right strategies and support. Here are some activities you can pair with The Awfulizer.
Children’s Books About Inventions
Do you have students in your classroom who love to build, tinker, and create? You may have a future inventor or engineer on your hands! Here are some of my favorite children’s books about inventions to help encourage those creative minds! These books are also a great addition to your STEM/STEAM book collection.
Using Novels with Small Groups
Have you thought about using novels with small groups, but aren’t sure where to start? It is definitely possible to do so in the primary grades! Here’s how I got started using chapter books with my second graders during my small group time.
School’s First Day of School Activities
School’s First Day of School by Adam Rex is a great story to read while welcoming your students to a new school year. In this story, it’s the first day of school and everyone is feeling nervous – even the school! This book is a great way to jump start a conversation about those first day jitters. Here are some activities you can use with this story.
The Recess Queen Activities
At the beginning of the year, it is important to establish your expectations, routines, and procedures. This includes the playground. The Recess Queen is a great book to help start a conversation with your students. Here are some activities you can pair with The Recess Queen.