International Literature Book Blog #2

Malala's Magic Pencil
Written by Malala Yousafzai
Illustrated by Kerascoet
Published by Little, Brown and Company on October 17th, 2017
Genre: International Literature, Autobiography
Number of pages: 48



Overview 

   This is a true story about Malala Yousafzai and her fight for womens' education in Pakistan. In this story she wishes for a magic pencil to be able to draw whatever she needs, including making everyone happy, erasing the smell of garbage, and sleeping an extra hour. As she grows older and wiser throughout the book, she realizes that there are more important things to wish for. Malala eventually decides she's going to work hard to make her wishes come true instead of wishing for a magic pencil to do it for her.
   Kerascoet beautifully illustrated this retelling of such a captivating true story. This is a great way to show a younger audience the worldview that inspired Malala, and now inspires many others, to have hope and fight for what they believe in.

"This is a wonderful read for younger students that will also provide insight and encourage discussion about the wider world. ... The simplicity of Yousafzai's writing and the powerful message she sends, make this book inspirational for all."

―School Library Journal

"Kerascoët's bright, reportorial watercolors match the text's directness and sincerity, adding gold embellishments to give Malala's hopes and optimism a radiant physicality. The Malala in these pages is both approachable and extraordinary."

―Publishers Weekly 

Lesson and Activity

Content Area: Social Studies, Multiculturalism

Standard: 6 ) Distinguish their own point of view from that of the narrator or those of the characters. [RL.3.6]

24 ) Write narratives to develop real or imagined experiences or events using effective technique, descriptive details, and clear event sequences. [W.3.3]

Model: Read the entire book out loud to students twice with no interruptions.

Guide and Scaffold: After reading the book out loud to the students the first time, ask them about what questions they may still have. Tell them to think about those questions while reading the book to them the second time.

Discussion: Discuss the sequence of events with students. Ask them to share a time they stood up for something they believed in.

Activity: Ask students to draw and write about what they would do if they had a magic pencil and share it with the class.

Reading level: 3-4
Interest level: K-4

Sources: https://www.amazon.com/dp/0316319570?_encoding=UTF8&isInIframe=0&n=283155&ref_=dp_proddesc_0&s=books&showDetailProductDesc=1#product-description_feature_div
https://alex.state.al.us/standardAll.php?grade=3&subject=ELA2015&summary=2
https://www.booktable.net/book/9780316319577

International Literature Book Blog

The Great Race: Story of the Chinese Zodiac
Written and illustrated by Christopher Corr
Published by Lincoln Children's Book on January 4th, 2018
Genre: International Literature
Number of Pages: 32




















Overview

   Many, many years ago, in China, there were no years or days. One day the Jade Emperor decided to hold a Great Race to find a way of measuring time. Twelve animals compete to cross the river and have a year named after them.

  This book is a wonderful way to introduce the Chinses New Year and Chinese Zodiac to early elementary students. The illustrations help to beautifully retell the zodiac story and help to further integrate the Chinese culture. The fun and brightly colored pictures practically jump off of the page. Students will be more than interested and engaged in this colorful tale.

This is an easy introduction to the Chinese zodiac for young students. Recommended"

- School Library Connection

"In retelling the traditional tale, Corr skillfully weaves in traits associated with some of the animals. Corr's distinctive folk-art style gouache illustrations are fun, bright, and bold....a good choice for classroom read-alouds...A visually fun and vibrant retelling of the Chinese Zodiac."

- School Library Journal

Lesson and Activity

Content Area: Social Studies, Multiculturalism

Standard: 11 ) Identify the traditions and contributions of various cultures in the local community and state. (Alabama)

Model: Read the entire book out loud to students twice with no interruptions.

Guide and Scaffold: After reading the book out loud to the students the first time, ask them about what questions they may still have. Tell them to think about those questions while reading the book to them the second time.

Discussion: Ask students to name all of the animals that they remember from the book. Ask students to discuss the different qualities of each animal. Explain that the 12 Chinese zodiac animals include a rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, goat, monkey, rooster, dog, and pig. Explain that every year has a specific animal associated with it. Remind students of the qualities and characteristics they discussed about each animal and tell the students how people born on the year of each animal are thought to have that animal's particular qualities and characteristics.

Activity: Have students express what they have learned about the Chinese zodiac animals by making an animal mask for their favorite Chinese zodiac animal and act out their specific characteristics and qualities. 

Reading level: 2-4
Interest level: Pre-k - 4

Sources: https://www.education.com/lesson-plan/chinese-zodiac-animals/
https://www.amazon.com/Great-Race-Story-Chinese-Zodiac/dp/1786030659
https://www.kirkusreviews.com/book-reviews/christopher-corr/the-great-race-corr/

Here are some great videos to further explain the Chinese New Year and the Zodiac Signs:

Diverse Perspective Book Blog #2

The Name Jar
Written and illustrated by Yangsook Choi
Published by Dragonfly Books; Reprint edition on October 14th, 2003
Genre: Diverse Perspective Fiction, Children's Literature
Number of Pages: 40



Overview 
   Being in a new school is hard enough, but imagine also being in a new town and new country. Unhei is the new kid in school who just moved from North Korea with her family. As every kid would be, she is worried and anxious about making friends and the other kids not being able to pronounce her traditional Korean name.  During the first day of school, instead of introducing herself, she decides to pick a new name. Deciding on a new name is a whole new adventure!

   This is a wonderful book to introduce diversity, multiculturism, and acceptence of differences. Students can become aware of idividuality and self acceptance while also learning about friendship. This would be a great way to integrate different cultures into your classroom! Xangsook Choi (author and illustrator) created beautifully simplistic illustrations that enhances the readers experience. Students will adore this book!

“Unhei's reflection and inner strength are noteworthy; cultural details freshen the story." 

- The New York Times

“Beautifully written and illustrated.” - Philadelphia Times

“Interweaving several issues into this touching account and delicately addressing the challenges of assimilation.” 

- Kirkus Reviews

Lesson and Activtiy 

Content Area: Self-Acceptance, Confidence, Kindness, Multiculturalism

Standard: 3 ) Describe how characters in a story respond to major events and challenges. [RL.2.3]

6 ) Acknowledge differences in the points of view of characters, including by speaking in a different voice for each character when reading dialogue aloud. [RL.2.6]

15 ) Identify the main purpose of a text, including what the author wants to answer, explain, or describe. [RI.2.6]

Model: Read the entire book out loud to students twice with no interruptions.

Guide and Scaffold: After reading the book out loud to the students the first time, ask them about what questions they may still have. Tell them to think about those questions while reading the book to them the second time.

Discussion: Discuss the importance of acceptance, differences, and diversity. Ask students to identify the characters motivation to change her name and why she ended up deciding against it.

Activity: Discuss the importance of names, cultural diversity, tolerance, and self acceptance. Read other books on the subjects, such as, Crysanthemum by Kevin Henkes, My Name is Sangoel by Karen Lynn, and The First Thing My Mama Told Me by Susan Marie Swanson. Set out a variety of book with baby names and meanings. Do "What's Behind Your Name" activity shown below.

Reading level: Grades 1-4
Interest level: Grades K-3

Sources: 

https://www.dogobooks.com/the-name-jar/book-review/037580613X

https://www.scholastic.com/teachers/blog-posts/alycia-zimmerman/what-s-name-back-school-literacy-unit/

https://www.teachingbooks.net/tb.cgi?tid=11998&a=1

 

Diverse Perspective Book Blog

Marisol McDonald Doesn't Match

Written by Monica Brown
Illustrated by Sara Palacios
Published by Lee & Low Books Inc. in 2011
Genre: Diverse Perspective Fiction, Children's Literature
Number of Pages: 32

Overview

   Marisol McDonald stands out among her peers because she is "mix-matched". She has firetruck red hair, nut-brown skin, and enjoys wearing polka dots and stripes. Others around her try to tame Marisol's mix-matched choices, however, this Peruvian-Scottish-American girl cannot be tamed.

   This book is a wonderful celebration of multiculturalism and individuality. Through the vibrant and fun illustrations and descriptive text, the illustrator and author portray Marisol's personality and heritage in a creative and non-conformist way. Sara Palacios, who illustrated this lovely book, was born and raised in Mexico City and shows her knowledge of the culture in her colorful images. Each page is covered with interesting and detailed images that help to depict Marisol's mix-matched life. By integrating this book into your class story time, you will be giving your student the opportunity to learn more about multiculturalism, diversity, and originality.

"I wrote this book because, like more than six million Americans, I’m multiracial. I’m the daughter of a South American mother and a North American father, and my childhood was spent in a close community of cousins, tíos (uncles), and tías (aunts).

Like Marisol McDonald, my cousins and I are mixed—indigenous Peruvian and Spanish mixed with Scottish and Italian and Jewish, not to mention Nicaraguan, Mexican, Chilean and African. One thing most of us do share are freckles. According to one of my tíos, the family freckles came from the time my abuelita (grandma) was stirring a big pan of chocolate on the stove—my tío reached for it and it splattered everywhere, leaving chocolate sprinkles on everyone’s faces and toes!

People sometimes ask us, “What are you?” and sometimes even say that we “don’t match.” But we know better. Our mothers told us that we are Americans, yes, but also citizens of the world. My life (and I’ll bet yours too) is bound up with the history of many peoples, and like Marisol McDonald, I open my arms wide and embrace them all."

                                                                                          - Monica Brown

   The quote above is directly from the author's notes on the last page of the book and explains the need for bilingual and diverse children's literature. When reading this books, students with diverse backgrounds will be able to relate and connect to Marisol on a personal level. 



Lesson and Activity

Content Area: Self-Acceptance, Confidence, Kindness, Multiculturalism

Standard: 1 ) Ask and answer questions to demonstrate an understanding of a text, referring explicitly to the text as the basis for the answers. [RL.3.1]
4 ) Determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in a text, distinguishing literal from nonliteral language. [RL.3.4]7 ) Explain how specific aspects of a text's illustrations contribute to what is conveyed by the words in a story (e.g., create mood, emphasize aspects of a character or setting). [RL.3.7]10 ) Ask and answer questions to demonstrate an understanding of a text, referring explicitly to the text as the basis for the answers. [RI.3.1]

Model: Read the entire book out loud to students twice with no interruptions.

Guide and Scaffold: After reading the book out loud to the students the first time, ask them about what questions they may still have. Tell them to think about those questions while reading the book to them the second time. 

Discussion: Ask questions to enhance close reading, comprehension, and develop a deeper understanding of the literature. Encourage students to refer back to the illustrations and passage in the book to support their responses. 

Activity: Point out that there are some Spanish words in the English text and some English words in the Spanish text, this shows that Marisol is comfortable using/mixing both languages. Ask students who are bilingual or are from bilingual/multicultural homes to share examples of the way their own family mixes and combines languages. Students could also learn some of those words from another language to incorporate into their own use. 

Reading level: Grades 2-3
Interest level: Grades K-3

Sources: https://www.leeandlow.com/images/pdfs/marisol_tg.pdf
https://alex.state.al.us/standardAll.php?grade=3&subject=ELA2015&summary=2
https://alex.state.al.us/standardAll.php?grade=3&subject=ELA2015&summary=2

Picture Book Perfection #2

Stand Tall, Molly Lou Melon
Written by Patty Lovell
Illustrated by David Catrow
Published by G.P. Putnam's Sons; 1st edition on August 27, 2001
Genre: Picture Book, Realistic Fiction, Children's Literature
Number of pages: 32



Overview 

   Molly Lou Melon is not an ordinary little girl. She has buck teeth, a bullfrog voice, and a short stature. Other people notice this as well, her grandmother, who encourages her throughout the entire book, and a little boy, who makes fun of her for her differences. Regardless of the teasing, Molly Lou Melon is unwaveringly confident and joyful.

   This is an outstanding book to use in the classroom to help teach students about acceptance, confidence, kindness, and awareness of what teasing and bullying are. The book is a great example of how to handle bullying or teasing situations. Molly Lou Melon continues to stay positive and confident regardless of how others treat her and address the problem in a nonviolent way. This is a wonderful book for children and even adults who worry about what others think of them. It encourages us to do things anyway, regardless of what others think or say.

   David Catrow, the illustrator, paints imaginative illustrations for readers. Using bright and exciting colors. Each picture attracts attention and drives students to want to know more about what happens next.




Lesson and Activity

Content Area: Bullying, Confronting Fears, Self Esteem, Confidence, Kindness

Standards: 9 ) Actively engage in group reading activities with purpose and understanding. [RL.K.10]
8 ) With prompting and support, compare and contrast the adventures and experiences of characters in familiar stories. [RL.K.9]
1 ) With prompting and support, ask and answer questions about key details in a text. [RL.K.1]
17 ) Describe the logical connection between particular sentences and paragraphs in a text (e.g., comparison; cause and effect; first, second, third in a sequence). [RI.3.8]
12 ) With prompting and support, describe the connection between two individuals, events, ideas, or pieces of information in a text. [RI.K.3]

Model: Read the entire book out loud to students twice with no interruptions.

Guide and Scaffold: After reading the book out loud to the students the first time, ask them about what questions they may still have. Tell them to think about those questions while reading the book to them the second time. 

Discussion: Ask students to discuss cause and effect. Why did Molly Lou's grandma tell her to "Smile big and the world will smile right alongside you?" What do you think that means? Why did the child at her new school think she was good at football? How come Ronald Durkin brought Molly Lou a penny?

Activity: Ask students to visualize. Molly Lou showed Ronald Durkin and the other kids the things that Ronald teased her about are all the things that made her special. Pick three things unique about yourself and visualize how it makes you feel special. Ask students to draw a picture and/or write these things. Hang artwork in the classroom or in the hallway. 

Reading level: Grades K-3

Interest level: Grades 2-4

Sources:
https://alex.state.al.us/standardAll.php?grade=0&subject=ELA2015&summary=2 
https://www.booksource.com/Products/Stand-Tall--Molly-Lou-Melon__0399234160.aspx
https://www.dogobooks.com/stand-tall-molly-lou-melon/book-review/0399234160
http://museumofdisability.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/4.-LESSON-PLAN-Stand-Tall-Molly-Lou-Melon.pdf
http://thepicturebookteachersedition.blogspot.com/2013/09/stand-tall-molly-lou-melon-by-patty.html

Integrated Arts In Early Childhood Education

Integrated Arts Digital Portfolio

Here is a Digital Portfolio I made for my 21st Century Teaching and Learning class. This presentation has many great resources for how to integrate the arts into the Early Childhood curriculum. Enjoy!

 
DIY Integrated Arts Crafts

Creative Movement Cube

 This was super easy and cheap to make.

Supplies:
Styrofoam cube
Cardstock
Scissors
Hot glue

I personally made each of the activities in a word document. I just typed the activity and inserted clipart underneath it. Once it was all printed out, I laminated it and cut it out, then hot glued each one onto the sides of the cube.

Classroom Use:
You can use this as a fun and interactive activity for creative movement. Have students roll the cube like a dice and do the activity it lands on.

http://choices4children.blogspot.com/2013/10/move-like-animal-cube.html

Drama/Theater Puppets

These were surprisingly easy and fun to make!

Supplies:
Felt
Scissors
Marker
Hot glue
Googly Eyes (optional)

I printed out the template from the website below and used it to cut out each piece of the puppets. Then, I hot glued them together and drew the mouths or noses on and added googly eyes! Super simple and cute!

Classroom Use:
These can be used for so many different things!

• They can enhance storytelling time or read aloud time. 
• They can be used for drama/theater. 
• Students can use them to help express themselves.
• Used as an interactive activity during centers.

https://30minutecrafts.com/2018/01/no-sew-felt-puppets.html

Sensory Letter Activity

Originally, I started to make the road letters myself but ended up printing out the road letters that were already made on the website below. However, if you want to make them yourself, I'll list the supplies below.

Supplies:
Cardstock
Black or grey construction paper
White or yellow marker or paint

Cut each letter from construction paper and glue them onto white cardstock. Add white or yellow road lines to each letter. Laminate each one (optional).

Classroom Use: 
Have students use hot wheels cars or their finger to trace over each letter. This is great to help them learn their letters and can even be used with numbers and punctuation, as well.
https://www.giftofcuriosity.com/product/road-letters/

Teaching in the Now

Technology Integration

   In our ever-growing technology-based society, many schools and educators are looking to integrate technology into their everyday classroom curriculum. However, some may have questions and concerns about this notion and ask if this is actually a good idea. I have a better question, why would we not want to take advantage of the enormous variety of resources and information at our fingertips? 

  Technology is an incredible way to take students from being just engaged in their work, to being fully immersed and empowered. With the use of technology, students are given the opportunity to create and explore. This helps them to be able to go much deeper into their learning than just the surface level that they have currently been reaching through worksheets and written exams. Not only that, but technology allows us, as teachers, to be able to share our lessons and ideas with others around the world. You can help your students learn, while also helping students from all over the entire world learn and be able to have the education they deserve.

  Before getting too deep into this, we need to first formulate our standards for what effective technology integration really is and is not. If we are only using technology as a means of turning in assignments and reading information that can already be accessed in textbooks, then how is that any different than a classroom without technology? Just using technology in the classroom is not enough. If there is no real impact or change in student learning, then technology is not being effectively integrated. 

  Another big part of technology integration is its ongoing and never-ending growth. Technology is rapidly evolving and demands its users to learn just as rapidly. If you are not willing to constantly embrace change and continuously grow with the advances in technology, then you will not be able to keep up with the needs of your 21st-century classroom. 

   Once these needs are met, students will have no excuse not to feel empowered and encouraged to take learning into their own hands. This can help with maintaining a "flipped classroom" setting or just help students with a variety of learning styles. Students who are usually shy and timid when it comes to sharing their ideas and creations can now use different mediums to share their voices in ways that are more comfortable for them. 

   With technology, the possibilities are endless. Our students and students around the world deserve nothing less than to have an enormous amount of knowledge and recourses to help guide them in all of their learning endeavors. Below is one app that I have researched that can help any educator to start more effectively integrating technology into the classroom. As George Couros said in The Innovators Mindset, "Learners are the driver; technology is the accelerator". 

Happy Teaching! Enjoy!

ShowMe Interactive Whiteboard App

Price: Free (Offers in-app purchases)

Have you ever wanted to create fun and effective tutorials for your students to be able to watch from anywhere? Have you ever wanted to have an enormous variety of resources for lessons right at the tip of your fingers? If so, this is the app for you. ShowMe, the interactive whiteboard app for iPads, allows educators and students to be able too easily create voice-over lessons and share them with the public.

Impact on Student Learning 

• Since this app is simple and easy to maneuver, students can use it confidently and be empowered to take control of their own learning. Instead of making a lesson and presenting it to students for them to memorize and later regurgitate on a written exam, let the students take charge. Students can create lessons for other students with materials and information given to them. This encourages critical thinking, creativity, communication, and collaboration among students. 
• Not only can students take charge, but teachers can create a "flipped classroom" setting. Once videos of lessons are created, students can then watch them at home, allowing more time for collaboration and project-based learning in the classroom.
• ShowMe is not limited to any one subject area. This app can be used for any subject, at any time. You can easily use this interactive whiteboard to record lessons in math, history, science, grammar, or any number of subjects. By easily changing the background picture, you can go from a whiteboard background for a math lesson to a map background for a geography lesson.
• Visual and auditory information can be received through this app. This is a great tool for students who need a variety of learning strategies to be able to effectively process and comprehend the information given to them.
• ShowMe had a free website that has an enormous variety of videos created on almost every subject that can be used in and out of the classroom. What better way to share and connect with other teachers across the globe than by being able to watch and upload innovative and creative lessons?

                 Tutorial:

 

More Great Educational Apps

Nearpod - Interactive presentation and assessment tool. Great for virtual field trips!
Seesaw - Great for student and teacher portfolios.
Epic! - Online classroom library.
ABC Mouse - Learning platform.
Kodable - Computer science curriculum for elementary students.
Puppet Pals 2 - Storytelling app.
GoNoodle - Website/App designed to get students moving.
Prodigy - Game to help students learn math skills.
BrainPOP - Interactive animated videos and activities.
Augmented Reality - Great way for students to interact virtually with the world around them.
Shadow Puppet Edu - Create videos that aid in educational experiences.