I love sharing stories with our kindergarten, first, and second grade classes in the Book Nook of our library!
Our first graders have been listening to First Grade Dropout by Audrey Vernick, illustrated by Matthew Cordell.
First we talk about the meaning of "dropout"--a timely topic, since this coming week is "Education-Go Get It" week in our school district. Then we put our thinking caps on and list reasons why a first grader would want to drop out of school. After reading the book, we make personal connections with times we've been so embarrassed at school that we might not want to return.
I want to give a shout-out to Mrs. Mury's students! Her book clubs have been coming to the library to make book trailers using our Next Gen iPads. One of her book clubs was so excited after reading Bad Unicorn by Platte F. Clark that they just had to come down to the library to talk with me about it--and convinced me to buy a club set of the next two books in the trilogy to add to our Literacy Library.
On a personal note, I'm now juggling two books! I'm still reading The Book of Joy by His Holiness the Dalai Lama and Archbishop Desmond Tutu, but now I've added a YA fantasy to my daily reading:
Every generation, triplet girls are born in Fennbirn. They are separated at an early age and raised to enhance their natural powers--one to withstand poisons, one to control the elements, and one to commune with and command flora and fauna. But only one can be queen...and the other two must perish. Three Dark Crowns by Kendare Blake has got my attention for the long weekend!
It's a Martin Luther King, Jr holiday weekend! What are you reading today?
First Grade Dropout looks adorable--can't wait to check it out to use with some first graders! I've also never heard of Bad Unicorn but it definitely looks like one that will hook my upper elementary readers--it has also been added to my to read list. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteBad Unicorn is a great, fun read that has been a hit with boys and girls alike. A carnivorous unicorn, time travel, magic, technology, martial-arts trained girl--something for everyone! Thanks for stopping by!
DeleteThanks so much for sharing First Grade Dropout with your students! (Current first-graders may be happy to learn that before school starts in the fall, there will be a follow up: Second Grade Holdout.)
ReplyDeleteThank you for visiting my humble little blog, Ms. Vernick! I will certainly pass the news along to my Book Nook classes; they will be excited about the sequel!
DeleteMy son wanted to drop out of grade one after his first week. He came home to tell me that he had decided to quit school. His teacher was too scary. There were many conversations with her, but I wish I had listened to him and taken him out of that classroom. Sometimes children know best. I'm glad your kids are enjoying Bad Unicorn. I wasn't impressed by it, but thankfully, I'm not the target audience.
ReplyDelete"Mean teacher" was one of the reasons the students came up with for dropping out; sorry your son had such a rough time! I had a bit of difficulty keeping up with Bad Unicorn's setting and time changes, but the fourth grade boys were very excited.
DeleteOh I am reading The Book of Joy too, and enjoying it immensely! - Myra from GatheringBooks
ReplyDeleteIt's so inspiring! Wisdom from elders, to be sure.
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