https://padlet.com/christiangoofball/hg54b75zptag5kcl Launchpad en-us 2022-08-29 21:22:40 UTC 2022-11-20 02:48:41 UTC hello@padlet.com https://padlet.net/icons/png/1f63b.png christiangoofball https://padlet.com/christiangoofball/hg54b75zptag5kcl/wish/2275308066 Title
Author
Main Idea
Supporting Details
Estimated Grade Level

]]> 2022-08-29 21:31:11 UTC https://padlet.com/christiangoofball/hg54b75zptag5kcl/wish/2275308066 christiangoofball https://padlet.com/christiangoofball/hg54b75zptag5kcl/wish/2275325833 Well-Being, I struggle with anxiety
Humor. It gets me through the day
Financial Stability, I have a big heart and often help others financially while I am struggling.]]> 2022-08-29 21:59:58 UTC https://padlet.com/christiangoofball/hg54b75zptag5kcl/wish/2275325833 christiangoofball https://padlet.com/christiangoofball/hg54b75zptag5kcl/wish/2275361163 The snowy Day
By Ezra Jack Keats
A child enjoys the fresh snow
The child sleds down a hill and watches a snowball fight. The child does not understand why his snowball melted in his coat pocket in his house.
Estimated kindergarten to 3rd grade]]> 2022-08-29 23:01:13 UTC https://padlet.com/christiangoofball/hg54b75zptag5kcl/wish/2275361163 christiangoofball https://padlet.com/christiangoofball/hg54b75zptag5kcl/wish/2303474802 Universal Design for Learning is a framework to guide educators in designing learning experiences and environments that remove barriers to meet the needs of variable learners.

We will support all students, those who need more support as well as those who need more challenge.

UDL applies neuroscience to provide a framework to support the range of learners that exists in a typical classroom.

Examples are: sidewalk curb cuts, automatic doors, door handles instead of knobs

UDL helps students with, hearing differences, learning differences, visual differences, physical differences, attention differences, communication differences, disengaged, gifted students, cultures and backgrounds, with or without documented disabilities.

Supporting accessibility
Embracing diversity
Design for inclusion

Provide options, for how the material is presented to the learners, how the learners can interact with the material and concepts, and options for how learners can express what they know and what they've learned.

Learning, and transfer of learning, occurs when multiple representations are used , because it allows students to make connections within, as well as between, concepts. In short, there is not one means of representation that will be optimal for all learners; providing options for representation is essential.”

]]> 2022-09-19 17:45:23 UTC https://padlet.com/christiangoofball/hg54b75zptag5kcl/wish/2303474802 christiangoofball https://padlet.com/christiangoofball/hg54b75zptag5kcl/wish/2303498211 Phonemic Awareness, phonics, fluency, comprehension, vocabulary.]]> 2022-09-19 17:59:20 UTC https://padlet.com/christiangoofball/hg54b75zptag5kcl/wish/2303498211 christiangoofball https://padlet.com/christiangoofball/hg54b75zptag5kcl/wish/2303505059 Phonemic is hearing, identifying, and manipulating sounds and words, the audio part of reading. Rhyming words, and syllables, from beginning to middle and ending and blending together words.]]> 2022-09-19 18:03:38 UTC https://padlet.com/christiangoofball/hg54b75zptag5kcl/wish/2303505059 christiangoofball https://padlet.com/christiangoofball/hg54b75zptag5kcl/wish/2303507656 Phonics connection between letters and sounds, recognizing letters and sounding out words, phonics patterns and, silent letters.]]> 2022-09-19 18:05:18 UTC https://padlet.com/christiangoofball/hg54b75zptag5kcl/wish/2303507656 christiangoofball https://padlet.com/christiangoofball/hg54b75zptag5kcl/wish/2303512246 Fluency, reading at an appropriate speed, proper voice and proper pronunciation, 
3 aspects, speed, and accuracy help comprehension and proxiety is reading with emotion and expression and intonation is the pitch of voice.]]> 2022-09-19 18:08:12 UTC https://padlet.com/christiangoofball/hg54b75zptag5kcl/wish/2303512246 christiangoofball https://padlet.com/christiangoofball/hg54b75zptag5kcl/wish/2303514751 4th skill comprehension: Comprehend what you read, listening comprehension, 2nd part, is reading comprehension, students are reading themselves, prediction summarizing and analyzing, deep meaning of the text.]]> 2022-09-19 18:09:48 UTC https://padlet.com/christiangoofball/hg54b75zptag5kcl/wish/2303514751 christiangoofball https://padlet.com/christiangoofball/hg54b75zptag5kcl/wish/2303516247 5th vocabulary is defining and fusing new words, expanding vocabulary helps with comprehension of words. 
using root words to figure out the meaning of new words. ]]> 2022-09-19 18:10:42 UTC https://padlet.com/christiangoofball/hg54b75zptag5kcl/wish/2303516247 christiangoofball https://padlet.com/christiangoofball/hg54b75zptag5kcl/wish/2303712178 Phonemic awareness, 6 types
Explicit instruction
Substitution
Deletion
Addition
Segmentation
Blending
Phoneme Isolation

Phoneme Isolation: Getting students to be able to identify different parts of a word. What is the first sound of the word, Isolate the B in Bat to form the beginning of the pronunciation.

Phoneme Blending: Have students blend the sound that they hear to make a word

Phoneme Segmentation: Segment the individual sound they hear to make a complete word. Blend the words together.

Phoneme Addition: A phoneme to a word to make a completely new word. Add an N to the word Bar for Barn.

Phoneme Deletion: Take away a phoneme to a word to make a new word. Take the G away from Grow and get Row.

Phoneme substitutions: Replace and Substitute letters to form new words. Replace the B in ball and replace it with an M for mall.

Reading Fluency: means reading smoothly, accurately, at a good rate, with expression and understanding of what I read.

Practicing Fluency as you read helps you make meaning, so you will have stronger comprehension.

The key parts to reading fluency are, accuracy, phrasing and punctuation, rate and expression.

Reading Accuracy: Read the words correctly, fix your mistakes, use strategies to puzzle through words.

Phrasing: Read words in phrases of 3-4 words at a time. No robot reading.

Punctuation: Pause at periods and commas
Read with excitement when you see an exclamation point
Raise your voice at the end when you see a question mark
Read like the character when you see quotation marks.

Rate: Not too fast or too slow, Read the way you talk.

Expression: Read with feeling, Read the way the character would say it.

Day 1 Explicit Phonics Instruction : Blend words
Day 2 Decoding the Graphemes in text
Day 3 practice nonsense word fluency. Color the real words and x out the nonsense words
Day 4 and 5, practice with phonics games or wheel of fortune]]> 2022-09-19 20:37:41 UTC https://padlet.com/christiangoofball/hg54b75zptag5kcl/wish/2303712178 christiangoofball https://padlet.com/christiangoofball/hg54b75zptag5kcl/wish/2303720825 From the University of Denver, “Inclusive Pedagogy is a student-centered approach to teaching that engages the wealth of intersecting social identities and positionalities that all students bring to the classroom.”

From the University of Chicago, “Inclusive pedagogy refers to the ways that courses, classroom activities, curricula, and assessments consider issues of diversity in an effort to engage all students in learning that is meaningful, relevant, and accessible.”

]]> 2022-09-19 20:46:50 UTC https://padlet.com/christiangoofball/hg54b75zptag5kcl/wish/2303720825 christiangoofball https://padlet.com/christiangoofball/hg54b75zptag5kcl/wish/2303836374 Walter the Farting Dog
William Kotzwinkle and Glenn Murray
Nobody wanted a dog that farted all the time until he saved burglars from emptying the house, the night before Walter was going to the pound. Illustrations gave great supporting details as you could tell the age of the children and the intensity of the dog fart. Estimated 1st grade]]> 2022-09-19 23:17:44 UTC https://padlet.com/christiangoofball/hg54b75zptag5kcl/wish/2303836374 christiangoofball https://padlet.com/christiangoofball/hg54b75zptag5kcl/wish/2314211487 By Arlene Mosel
The main idea is that extra long names are not practical and they can be a nuisance in more than one way. By reciting Tikki Tikki Tembo's  full name, precious seconds were lost in the rescue attempt, after Tikki Tikki Tembo-no Sa Rembo-chari Bari Ruchi-pip Peri Pembo fell into a well.
Grades Pre-K to 3]]> 2022-09-26 18:34:34 UTC https://padlet.com/christiangoofball/hg54b75zptag5kcl/wish/2314211487 christiangoofball https://padlet.com/christiangoofball/hg54b75zptag5kcl/wish/2350051365 By Erin Dealy
Peter the easter frog loves Easter so much that he decided to hand out his own Easter Eggs. He insists that he's the Easter bunny, however, turtle, cow, dog, and squirrel don't believe it. Peter runs into the real Easter bunny in a tunnel. The Easter bunny is not happy that Peter is posing as the Easter bunny.
1st to 4th grade]]> 2022-10-21 02:45:01 UTC https://padlet.com/christiangoofball/hg54b75zptag5kcl/wish/2350051365 christiangoofball https://padlet.com/christiangoofball/hg54b75zptag5kcl/wish/2350113100 By Julie Rowan Zoch
Jack the Hare responds poorly to being called rabbit by fellow desert animals, despite being none too accurate with his own depiction, by referring to the ground squirrel who calls him a rabbit as a chipmunk.  A coyote sneaks up on the hare and refers to him as a rabbit and in response, Jack punches the predator's lights out. The hare puts that chipmunk in his place. Except, the chipmunk is actually a squirrel. The book pokes fun at lookalike animals that we all love. It also has a lesson on appreciating differences and standing up for what you know to be true about yourself.
Kindergarten to 3rd grade.]]> 2022-10-21 03:42:42 UTC https://padlet.com/christiangoofball/hg54b75zptag5kcl/wish/2350113100 christiangoofball https://padlet.com/christiangoofball/hg54b75zptag5kcl/wish/2351350643 By E.B. White
Fern is horrified to hear that her father plans to kill a new piglet, the runt of a litter born just that morning, with an axe. She manages to convince her father to spare the piglet but it is now her responsibility. It is nothing eight-year-old Fern can’t handle. Fern names the piglet Wilbur and feeds him from a bottle. One day the sheep breaks it to Wilbur that the farmer is fattening him up to kill at Christmas. One day Wilbur met Charlotte, a spider, that is clever and well-spoken. The pig and the spider form an unlikely friendship.

Charlotte begins building a web with words that promote Wilbur as a superstar. With the help of Charlotte and Fern. Wilbur's life is spared.
4th and 5th Grade

]]> 2022-10-22 01:01:49 UTC https://padlet.com/christiangoofball/hg54b75zptag5kcl/wish/2351350643 christiangoofball https://padlet.com/christiangoofball/hg54b75zptag5kcl/wish/2351380755 By Mellissa Higgins
What to Expect When Someone You Love Goes to Jail is a children’s book that tells the story of a young bunny nicknamed Sketch. Sketch is a young boy whose father, is taken to jail and sentenced to six years in prison. The book covers the arrest, social workers, bullying, visiting prison, etc.
Sketch must deal with the painful reality of witnessing his parent being taken away in handcuffs, dealing with peers mocking his pain and a major change in his family dynamic.

The Illustrator uses a book full of colorful pictures to explain the steps that a child goes through when their parent has gone through prison. 
1st to 5th grade.]]> 2022-10-22 02:09:42 UTC https://padlet.com/christiangoofball/hg54b75zptag5kcl/wish/2351380755 christiangoofball https://padlet.com/christiangoofball/hg54b75zptag5kcl/wish/2351386737 By Kelly Barnhill
This novel is an enchanting modern fairy tale that will draw you into its mysterious world of witches, a swamp monster, and a magical girl named Luna.

The people of the protectorate live under a cloud of sorrow. They carry on with their daily lives in the knowledge that each year, on the day of sacrifice, they must leave the town's youngest child in the forest for the witch. If they don’t, they are sure the witch will destroy them all.

Each year a good witch by the name of Xan comes to the clearing in the forest to rescue a baby abandoned by the people of the protectorate. She doesn’t question why they leave a baby there, but she knows she must save it. She delivers these ‘star children’ to the people of the free cities on the other side of the forest, where they are raised in loving families, never knowing they were abandoned.
5th grade +

]]> 2022-10-22 02:23:27 UTC https://padlet.com/christiangoofball/hg54b75zptag5kcl/wish/2351386737 christiangoofball https://padlet.com/christiangoofball/hg54b75zptag5kcl/wish/2391170045 By Brigit Young
Marianne Blum has given up on ever being a good student. She simply can’t see the point of studying or doing schoolwork. she ends up in Mr. Garcia’s algebra class, and she learns that flunking math means failing all of eighth grade. Not going to high school with her best friend Skyla is unfathomable. Marianne joins a quiz team to help her studies. Marianne discovers the joy in hard work and how to use her gifts for everyone’s benefit. promoting hard work and believing in oneself is an evident theme. 5th grade.]]> 2022-11-20 01:00:12 UTC https://padlet.com/christiangoofball/hg54b75zptag5kcl/wish/2391170045 christiangoofball https://padlet.com/christiangoofball/hg54b75zptag5kcl/wish/2391171244 By Suzie senior
Families of bugs gather to celebrate the grand opening of a new bug hotel. When a slug slides through the open doors and asks for a room, the manager refuses. his is a hotel for insects only If all the insects all are still welcome in spite of their differences, why can't the slug be welcome, too? this book follows the opening of a new hotel for bugs. After one potential guest is refused for being too different, the others challenge the manager's rules by reminding her that each guest has something unusual or unique about them. The insects cheer for one another's unique qualities, some visible and others not so noticeable from the outside. Though the story centers on this conflict, the vibrant illustrations and celebratory feel of the story keep the story positive and encouraging. Recommended for preschool and early elementary-aged readers.]]> 2022-11-20 01:06:05 UTC https://padlet.com/christiangoofball/hg54b75zptag5kcl/wish/2391171244 christiangoofball https://padlet.com/christiangoofball/hg54b75zptag5kcl/wish/2391172226 By Ann Whitford Paul
What could be more fun than trick-or-treating? In this delightful book, young readers will discover the wonder of Halloween through the eyes of animals. Papa Crocodile carves a pumpkin with a wide smile. Mama and Owlet hang cobwebs on the trees while Vulture Chicks scatter skeleton bones around old tombstones. Soon the animals dress for Halloween, with Owlet waddling around in mummy tape while Little Leopard wears stripes. Armadillo offers chocolate ants, elephant hands out candied leafy plants, and raccoon comes to the door with his famous garbage-fudge squares. At the end of the story, Owlet and his mother read scary stories together and feel brave, feather to feather. In this magically crafted book, young readers will discover what happens when animals celebrate Halloween. With delightful illustrations and lyrical language, this story is destined to enchant Halloween lovers of all ages. 3-5th grade.]]> 2022-11-20 01:10:26 UTC https://padlet.com/christiangoofball/hg54b75zptag5kcl/wish/2391172226 christiangoofball https://padlet.com/christiangoofball/hg54b75zptag5kcl/wish/2391173815 Patricia Newman
This book tells the story of dam removal from the Elwha River in Washington state. The river is a life force for all flora and fauna. The Lower Elwha Kllalam Tribe, also known as The Strong People, depends on the river.  In 1790, white settlers came to the area and took over the land. Looking to create towns, they built dams on the Elwha to provide people with electricity. Scientists worked together to ensure the dam removal would help the environment in the best way possible. Riddled with rich information, teachers can use this resource in specific content areas. The book contains embedded vocabulary and definitions in the artwork. 5th grade.]]> 2022-11-20 01:17:13 UTC https://padlet.com/christiangoofball/hg54b75zptag5kcl/wish/2391173815 christiangoofball https://padlet.com/christiangoofball/hg54b75zptag5kcl/wish/2391174945 Casey Lyall
A witch is in the kitchen filming a cooking show on how to make Frog Soup. She puts the cauldron on the fire and adds all of the necessary ingredients one by one. Well, all of them except for one. Unfortunately, the ingredient she is having trouble getting into the cauldron is the most important. A spoonful of frogs is meant to enhance both the flavor and the color of the soup. However, the witch has problems getting any frog to stay on the spoon! She chases them through the kitchen, she tries to trap them with a pot, and she even tries to use two spoons, all to no avail. The frogs bound out of the TV studio, and the witch is soon chasing them through the park, spoon in hand. As she slips, the witch comes up with a new solution: pickles! Back in the studio kitchen, a more tired looking witch declares that pickles are the perfect substitute and, just like that, the soup is complete and ready to be shared with friends—even frogs! The vivid illustrations engage readers, so children will need time to examine the pictures to watch the frogs jump around and enjoy the witch’s resulting frustration. Young children might be able to read this story to themselves, as the vocabulary is pitched at their level and the illustrations add momentum to keep the story moving forward. Imaginative readers could tell the story through the pictures themselves! A fun Halloween read with a satisfying twist. 3-5th grade.]]> 2022-11-20 01:22:36 UTC https://padlet.com/christiangoofball/hg54b75zptag5kcl/wish/2391174945 christiangoofball https://padlet.com/christiangoofball/hg54b75zptag5kcl/wish/2391177198 By Kim Norman
Halloween night is notoriously filled with creatures of all kinds, from the sweet to the spooky; and what better way for them to arrive than to the tune of The Ants Go Marching? This delightful board book turns the traditional. The Ants Go Marching song into a Halloween anthem, complete with ghosts, ghouls, and mummies who all climb to the top of a hill together beneath the light of a harvest moon. this story includes frequent repetition and intentional font shifts that will engage young children and enhance their understanding of both the spoken and written word. Additionally, the song naturally counts from one to ten and provides children with an introduction to basic math concepts. A wide array of monsters is featured in this book, each of which has a cheerful and child-friendly appearance despite its famously scary reputation. Lots of color and detail are found on the pages of this book, as well, which will entice readers of all ages. This is an imaginative and entertaining selection for Storytime and bedtime routines around the Halloween holiday; it is a delightful addition to both classroom and home library collections. 3-5 grade.]]> 2022-11-20 01:31:30 UTC https://padlet.com/christiangoofball/hg54b75zptag5kcl/wish/2391177198 christiangoofball https://padlet.com/christiangoofball/hg54b75zptag5kcl/wish/2391177997 Catherine Newman
What Can I Say? is an engaging, inclusive, and informative how-to book written to help kids interact with others, stand up for themselves and talk about the hard things. There are myriad examples of what to say and how to say it in a wide range of situations from how to greet people, how to maintain relationships and friendships, how to have conversations, and how to be a member of society. Each topic is comprehensive and digs deep into all the aspects of, for example, how to compromise, how to argue, how to be right or wrong, and how to persuade someone. The book maintains and models inclusivity, explaining what to do if you don’t feel included by the book, and acknowledging that we don’t all have every answer. It also acknowledges that social situations can be awkward or embarrassing and does not shy away from difficult topics or conversations. In addition, it discusses the warning signs of when someone is mistreating you and what to say and do in those situations. This book has a chatty, friendly tone and engages with humor when needed. The short informal sentences are interspersed with emojis, and colorful bold fonts emphasize important points and memorable quotes. Pop quizzes also provide a fun way to review each chapter. This is a great book to share with a middle schooler. It gives content for conversations that might be awkward and is a chance for adults and kids to share their experiences. 5th grade]]> 2022-11-20 01:35:18 UTC https://padlet.com/christiangoofball/hg54b75zptag5kcl/wish/2391177997 christiangoofball https://padlet.com/christiangoofball/hg54b75zptag5kcl/wish/2391178505 Mr. Fish is on his way to a birthday party when he runs into Willa Whale, a worrier. She has many fears about the party and might not want to go. Mr. Fish is a good friend with some words of wisdom and ideas for his friend to try. Will she make it to the party, or will her worries be bigger than a whale? It is not often that we confront fears and worries head-on with our young ones, but this book bravely and simply acknowledges that worries happen, how they can make us feel, and some ideas of what to do when we start to worry. The lyrical text goes beautifully with the illustrations in the traditional Pout-Pout Fish style. This book makes a great read-aloud book for any preschool or kindergarten classroom. It is a wonderful addition to any library and an excellent resource to start conversations about feelings and expand the social-emotional health of our young readers. 5th grade.]]> 2022-11-20 01:37:35 UTC https://padlet.com/christiangoofball/hg54b75zptag5kcl/wish/2391178505 christiangoofball https://padlet.com/christiangoofball/hg54b75zptag5kcl/wish/2391179144 Susan Ewing
Young readers are introduced to the rich variety of Alaskan birdlife in this poetry picture book. Each poem consists of a series of rhyming couplets that focus on a bird’s unique characteristic: the willow ptarmigan’s seasonal coloring, the sandhill crane’s graceful dance, the yellow warbler’s memorable song, or the northern flicker’s creation of nesting sites for himself and a host of other birds, to name a few. Many of the poems introduce challenging vocabulary, such as “murmuration” and “pelagic,” which may be challenging for young readers, though both poems and illustrations usually provide helpful context. Fortunately, Ewing includes a glossary of “bird words” at the back of the book to help. The back matter also includes more details about each bird, including a delightful collection of names for a group of each bird (curious readers will be delighted to discover a group of hummingbirds is sometimes called a “bouquet” while a group of puffins can be a “circus”). Zerbetz’s bold linocut illustrations not only give vibrant details about the birds’ appearance but also showcase other elements of the rich Alaskan flora and fauna. This is a perfect book to share with young bird enthusiasts or to add a spark to a unit on biomes and natural habitats. Or, pair this book with Joyce Sidman’s nature poems, especially Winter Bees and Other Poems of the Cold, to explore poetry that celebrates the natural world. 5th grade.]]> 2022-11-20 01:40:17 UTC https://padlet.com/christiangoofball/hg54b75zptag5kcl/wish/2391179144 christiangoofball https://padlet.com/christiangoofball/hg54b75zptag5kcl/wish/2391179444 There’s a box in the middle of the forest with two holes in it—someone is hiding inside! All the forest animals have questions about the box, but when it begins to move, the biggest question of all is who is inside. Despite a warm welcome, whoever is hiding is not ready to come out yet. The friends of the forest all try to sympathize: maybe whoever is in the box feels different, or is having a bad day, or feels scared. To not frighten their new potential friend, they all take a step back and decide to put on an entertaining show, but whoever is in the box is still not ready. The forest friends don’t give up though, and the next day they have a party, but the box stays shut. The following morning, one by one, the animals nurture whoever is inside in their own way until a thunderstorm strikes. Not wanting to leave whoever is in the box all alone out in the forest to get soaked, they rush the box into Bear’s den. Feeling the care, a parrot flies out of the box and thanks the forest animals for being patient, and Owl assures that whatever happened, some friends can help. Gentle and soft illustrations match the tone of the book and pair well with the text. This makes a good read to help the more extroverted among us learn and remember to be patient with those who might be a little more timid and slow to open up. However, the message may be a little above the level of the audience, and the resulting explicitness is not as engaging. As a result, this is a book with a moral that will benefit from some discussion with a parent, caregiver, or teacher as its read. 5th grade]]> 2022-11-20 01:41:41 UTC https://padlet.com/christiangoofball/hg54b75zptag5kcl/wish/2391179444 christiangoofball https://padlet.com/christiangoofball/hg54b75zptag5kcl/wish/2391179707 Little Bee Books
Moms come in many shapes, sizes, and colors, but they are all special, as shown in this heartwarming picture book. The book depicts a diverse array of mothers and mother-figures engaging in a variety of activities with their children. The moms are frequently very active, whether they’re flying airplanes or making lemonade. They are shown at work in careers, such as being a boss or a doctor, as well as in nurturing roles around the house, making this book a wonderfully well-rounded depiction. There is also plenty of humor, showing that moms can be very silly and definitely know how to have a lot of fun, too. The illustrations are warm and comforting, showing diverse people, settings, and family structures. The book is also all-inclusive, reminding readers that some families might have two fathers or a grandparent in the main caretaking role instead. This celebration of motherhood will be beloved by children and guardians alike and will be a perfect title to curl up with and share together. 4th grade]]> 2022-11-20 01:42:45 UTC https://padlet.com/christiangoofball/hg54b75zptag5kcl/wish/2391179707 christiangoofball https://padlet.com/christiangoofball/hg54b75zptag5kcl/wish/2391180355 Ai Shi and her family desire a change in their life and to move from Taiwan to America. Her father’s papers are accepted, and he goes ahead of them. When her mother and her papers come through, they join her father in California. They are filled with hope and excitement at a new life, but also the sadness that goes with leaving family members behind. America is not what her family expected at all. They’ve used all of their savings to buy some property with a burger restaurant on it. Business is rough, and they can hardly make ends meet. Her parents work nonstop in the restaurant, and Ai Shi helps them when she is not at school. She’s doing her best to learn English as quickly as possible but is ostracized at school for being Asian. Her family experiences hate crimes that damage their restaurant, and they seriously considering selling and returning home. As time progresses, the family befriends Tammy and Don and their two little girls. Tammy shows such kindness and warmth to the family, especially Ai Shi. When things get worse with neighborhood teenagers and their racism, Don takes matters into his own hands. This debut novel is a heartfelt story told in verse. Ai Shi’s story is an important one, and her character development is genuine and relatable. The story is a quick read, but one that catches a reader’s attention. This book is a great addition to upper elementary or middle school classroom libraries or as an assigned read in lower middle school classes. 3-5th grade]]> 2022-11-20 01:45:57 UTC https://padlet.com/christiangoofball/hg54b75zptag5kcl/wish/2391180355 christiangoofball https://padlet.com/christiangoofball/hg54b75zptag5kcl/wish/2391192417 Megan Dowd Lambert
Friendship is worthy of celebration every day of the week, as this heartwarming book demonstrates. The first in a series of books for each day of the week, it introduces best friends April and Mae, chronicling their routine of having a tea party on Sundays. Despite their differences, the pals find common ground, each contributing their special talents to the tea parties they enjoy, as Mae decorates and bakes, while April performs songs and dances. On one such day, the cheerful occasion is interrupted when April incorporates a new magic show into her performance. An errant ball from her juggling act knocks Mae’s favorite teacup to the floor, smashing it to pieces. Although this accident leads to an argument between April and Mae that threatens to sever their bond, the two learn to work through their hurt feelings, making thoughtful amends to restore their friendship. Dowd teaches positive social skills by describing the step-by-step process April and Mae take to acknowledge their emotions and heal the rift between them. For children learning to adapt to change, this book offers a reassuring message about how to successfully manage breaks in routine. In addition to being helpful for teachers seeking to promote socioemotional development in early childhood classrooms, this book will appeal to children with its warm, festive full-color illustrations and action-driven plot. Its short sentences, simple language, and onomatopoeia makes it an accessible and engaging easy reader. Embracing unity in diversity and guiding children in problem-solving, it is an endearing, joyous book to encourage kindness and forgiveness in young students. 4th grade]]> 2022-11-20 02:30:04 UTC https://padlet.com/christiangoofball/hg54b75zptag5kcl/wish/2391192417 christiangoofball https://padlet.com/christiangoofball/hg54b75zptag5kcl/wish/2391193866 Wafa' Tarnowska
Inspired by a true story, Nour's Secret Library introduces readers to Nour, a young girl who began a secret library in a basement while her hometown of Damascus was being destroyed by the war. Before the war entered her city, Nour and her cousin Amir planned to start their own secret society like the ones they read about in detective stories. After they had spent time thoughtfully planning and finally found the perfect location, the most unexpected thing occurred. A war that had broken out in Syria spread to their city. Quickly, everyone in town had to hide in basements with no electricity and little food. During the day, when the soldiers rested, Amir would go out to buy food as other people in the town did. When he went out, he saw books lying in the streets and decided to collect them. This gave Nour the idea to create a secret library in an abandoned basement where anyone could come and read. Nour and Amir shared this idea with their friends, and they came together to help gather all the books they could find. Shortly thereafter, they had countless stacks of books for their library. As soon as people heard about the library, they all came to read and borrow books. Nour and Amir's library became a shining light for the townspeople in the midst of great turmoil. Tarnowska's story does a great job of teaching children about the devastation that took place in Syria due to the war and gives children who have been personally affected a means to connect and feel seen. Additionally, the book contains meaningful illustrations that showcased the beauty and liveliness of Damascus and used color to highlight how even after the war, not all hope had been lost. 5th grade]]> 2022-11-20 02:35:45 UTC https://padlet.com/christiangoofball/hg54b75zptag5kcl/wish/2391193866 christiangoofball https://padlet.com/christiangoofball/hg54b75zptag5kcl/wish/2391194240 Barbara Nascimbeni
Frido the dog is back at it again in this wonderful sequel to Nascimbeni's first Frido Book, Home Alone. In this installment, Frido and his owner enjoy a day at the beach. When Frido's owner lays down for a nap, he decides to sneak off and have an adventure of his own. Through colorful and lively illustrations, we tag along as Frido tries out many different activities. He makes new friends, catches waves, fights sea monsters, dances, builds sand castles, and even finds himself a sweet treat to munch on. Bright visuals keep each page engaging and full of energy, many of which include labels that are useful for children to begin identifying the names of various objects. For example, one page depicts Frido snorkeling and labels all the different sea creatures that are swimming around him, such as a jellyfish, squid, and moray eel. In addition to this, the book contains a great selection of sound words to make readers feel as if they are alongside Frido. Specifically, when Frido tastes the salty sea water, he exclaims "YUCK", and when a bird rips a hole in Frido's inner tube, we read "POP." Finally, children are taught the importance of recycling as Frido finds a plastic bottle in the ocean and explains how it needs to be put in a recycling bin, a small but impactful detail. Hence, this book would make a stellar addition to any classroom or library. 4th grde]]> 2022-11-20 02:37:10 UTC https://padlet.com/christiangoofball/hg54b75zptag5kcl/wish/2391194240 christiangoofball https://padlet.com/christiangoofball/hg54b75zptag5kcl/wish/2391195185  Amy Flanagan
Mrs. R. Snugglesworth is very good—even, some might say, “The Best”—at many aspects of dog life. Running through sprinklers? Drinking from mud puddles? Enjoying a cheese sandwich found on the sidewalk? Nobody does it better! But, Mrs. R. is getting a bit bored with the usual dog engagements. She desires a challenge. Luckily, a run-of-the-mill trip to the dog park provides the answer. The precious, high-achieving pup is selected for jury duty, and she is hooked! Before you can say “Bow wow,” Mrs. R. enrolls in Wagsworth Legal Academy to prepare for her new career as a canine lawyer. Her desire be the Best Law Student is challenged by competitive fellow student Maple Lane, but Mrs. R. is determined to succeed and earn her degree. The first day of law school is hardly completed when she learns that her friend Pitter-Patter has been accused of a serious crime: Intentional Destruction of a Stuffed Animal. She feels compelled to offer help. With the trial date approaching quickly, she needs to find time to investigate, plan a defense, complete her studies, and get her law degree, or she will be in big trouble! Although loveable and well-intentioned, it seems impossible for Mrs. R. to fit law school and investigation into her canine schedule of naps, walks, snacks, play, and more. Fortunately, assistance comes from an unexpected but hilarious source, and all’s well that ends well in this gentle, good-hearted story. Flanagan’s story is an excellent selection for students ready to transition from picture books to chapter books, and it is a perfect next-step for readers of Meddagh’s Martha Speaks series. Davis’ black-and-white illustrations appear at the start of each chapter and, occasionally, within the chapters, conveying an amusing sense of each pooch’s personality. This book will have special appeal to any readers who have ever found themselves wondering what their pet is thinking; in fact, a good supplemental activity for the classroom might encourage readers to tell a short story about their own pet, or a pet they know. A winning combination of elementary detective mystery and pet humor worthy of top dog honors. 3-5th grade]]> 2022-11-20 02:40:26 UTC https://padlet.com/christiangoofball/hg54b75zptag5kcl/wish/2391195185 christiangoofball https://padlet.com/christiangoofball/hg54b75zptag5kcl/wish/2391195600 Margaret Williamson
We’ve all been told that our Earth is getting warmer. With increased air pollution, cutting down trees, and adding more and more pavement, the temperature is steadily rising. And, not just the planet alone: Human bodies’ temperatures can increase, resulting in heat stroke, and possibly more devastating illnesses. But, what can we do? This book introduces the concept of heat: its causes, the problem of a heat cycle, and what a person can do who is caught up in this type of temperature. The author also reminds us of the impact of temperature anomalies around the world. Roads and railroads can warp and buckle. Governments have had to distribute water to their citizens when rainy seasons don’t last as long as they have. Forests dry up and are victims of fires. Birds lose their food supplies. The author does show a rather bleak picture of the future of the world, but there are some stopgaps that she believes can make the temperature, if not continue to increase continuously, at least slowdown, to keep these devastating heat waves on a slower time frame. As an eye-opening look into what could happen, and some potential solutions that can be done to slow down the process, this book should be read by all, children and adults alike. We must all do our parts to understand how and why heat waves occur and try to both halt the effects of these incredible heat waves and keep ourselves as cool, and healthy, as possible. 5th grade]]> 2022-11-20 02:42:11 UTC https://padlet.com/christiangoofball/hg54b75zptag5kcl/wish/2391195600