Monday, April 10, 2017

It's Monday! What are you reading?

I've been saving this Texas 2x2 book for spring reading--P. Zonka Lays an Egg, by Julie Paschkis.  
The colors just shout "Spring!", and the unusual name got my kindergarten students asking questions before I even opened the book.  P. Zonka spends her days gazing at the wonders of nature while her coop-mates are busy laying eggs.  Will she ever lay an egg of her own?

Be sure to read the short author's note at the end of the story for a short explanation of "pysanka", the Ukrainian tradition of decorating eggs--a timely story for this holiday season.

The girls in my fifth grade Book Lunch Bunch raved about Finally by Wendy Mass:
Rory is about to turn twelve,  and plans on cashing in her list of items and experiences that her parents kept denying by saying "when you're twelve."  My Lunch Bunch readers said that they could totally understand Rory's situation, especially when dealing with an overprotective father.  Finally is a fun, relatable read for fifth grade girls...and maybe for their parents, too.

This week, I'm going to start reading A Poem in Your Pocket (Mr. Tiffen's Classroom Series) by Margaret McNamara, illustrated by G. Brian Karas, in celebration of National Poetry Month.
Mr. Tiffen's class is hosting an author visit from a poet, and the students are busy learning about poetry and writing their own verses to share.  Elinor wants to write the perfect poem, but just can't seem to meet her own standards of perfection--until the visiting poet helps her to speak from her heart.  With tips from Mr. Tiffen on writing poetry and celebrating A Poem in Your Pocket Day--April 27th this year--this is a great book to share with students at all elementary levels.

It's a rainy Monday here in Austin, Texas; what are you reading while staying dry indoors?


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