This year we are going to put a different spin on the typical advent calendar. We are going to use books to countdown to Christmas!
The past few weeks I have been gathering together 24 Christmas stories I want to share with my kids this holiday season. I plan on wrapping each book individually. Starting on December 1st, we will choose one book to unwrap and read each day.
The only book that cannot be opened until December 24th is The the Night Before Christmas. It will be marked with "DO NOT OPEN UNTIL CHRISTMAS EVE".
Here is a list of the books we will be reading this season:
The Night Before Christmas by Clement C. Moore
Christmas Tree Board Book by DK
My First Christmas Board Book by DK
10 Trim-the Tree'ers by Janet Schulman
Christmas in the Manger by Nola Buck
The Spirit of Christmas by Nancy Tillman
The Night Henry Ford Met Santa by Carol Hagen
Santa Kid by James Patterson
Auntie Clause by Elise Primavera
Santa's Book of Names by David McPhail
There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed Some Snow by Lucille Colandro
A Christmas Tree in the White House by Gary Hines
Merry UnChristmas by Mike Reiss
Olive, The Other Reindeer by J. Otto Seibold
Over the River and Through the Wood by Lydia Maria Child
Llama, Llama Holiday Drama by Anna Reudney
A New Improved Santa by Patricia Rae Wolff
How Santa Got His Job by Stephen Krensky
Polar Express by Chris Van Alsburg
A Orange for Frankie by Patrica Pollacco
Why I Love Christmas by Daniel Howarth
Bear Stays Up for Christmas by Karma Wilson
Snowmen at Christmas by Caralyn Buehner
Home for Christmas by Jan Brett
I am super excited to start this tradition with my kids. I plan on switching out a few books each year, but there are some on the above list that will always be in our advent calendar.
I know it is only November and we have not even made it to Thanksgiving yet, but I wanted to share this idea early in case you want to try it! It takes awhile to gather all the books!
What books would be on your top 24?
Saturday, November 5, 2011
Wednesday, October 26, 2011
Otis
My husband stumbled across the cutest book this weekend when we were at a local bookstore! Otis, by Loren Long, is a great story and I have a feeling it is going to be an instant classic.
Otis is a friendly little tractor who helps his farmer every day on the farm. Otis is a hard worker, but at the end of the day he likes to play! He loves leapfrogging bales of hay and rolling down the hills. One night as Otis is getting ready to go to sleep the farmer brings a new calf into the barn. The calf instantly takes to Otis and they become best friends! Then one day the farmer brings home a new yellow tractor. The farmer makes Otis sleep outside so the yellow tractor gets parked in the stall near the little calf. The little calf does not like the yellow tractor and misses Otis. On a hot summer day, the little calf wanders off to the mud pond to cool off. She ends up getting stuck. The yellow tractor tries to get her out of the mud pond, but its loud sound just scares the little calf and she sinks deeper and deeper. Otis hears that his little friend is in trouble and putts his way to the mud pond.
Will Otis be able to rescue his friend? You will have to read the story to find out!
This is a great book for building schema through text- to- self connections. Since this is a story about friendship children can easily make connections to their life. They can also make connections to wanting the newest toy on the market and forgetting about some of their old toys. This is also a great book to create inferences. The reader has to infer (use text clues and background knowledge) how Otis and the little calf feel. The reader can also make predictions as to what might happen next in the story!
Go grab this book and read it to your child. I know they will love it! If your child ends up wanting more Otis stories, do not worry there is another one: Otis and the Tornado.
Some questions to guide you thinking conversation:
1. Read to: "...the scared little calf drifted off to sleep" and ask your child: Can you think of a time when you were too scared to go to sleep? What helps you get to sleep when you are scared? What do you predict is going to happen next in the story?
2. Read to: "And the calf made the games of ring-around-the-rosy all the better" and ask your child: How do you think Otis and the calf feel about each other? Why do you think this?
3. Read to: "Then he moved the big yellow tractor into the stall next to the little calf" and ask your child: How do you think Otis feels? What do you think is going to happen to Otis?
4. Read to: " ...but she could not get him to play like the old days" and ask your child: Why do you think Otis does not want to play with the calf?
5. Read to: "The farmer was fit to be tied. Who could save the little calf" and ask your child: What do you predict is going to happen?
6. Read to: "...Otis putt puffed from around the barn and headed straight toward Mud Pond" and ask your child: What do you think Otis is going to do? Why do you think Otis decided to come and help?
7. Read to the end of the story. Ask your child: What lesson do you think the farmer learned? What lesson did this story teach you?
Enjoy reading this cute story with your child. If your kids are little like mine there is great news! Otis is available in a board book!
Otis is a friendly little tractor who helps his farmer every day on the farm. Otis is a hard worker, but at the end of the day he likes to play! He loves leapfrogging bales of hay and rolling down the hills. One night as Otis is getting ready to go to sleep the farmer brings a new calf into the barn. The calf instantly takes to Otis and they become best friends! Then one day the farmer brings home a new yellow tractor. The farmer makes Otis sleep outside so the yellow tractor gets parked in the stall near the little calf. The little calf does not like the yellow tractor and misses Otis. On a hot summer day, the little calf wanders off to the mud pond to cool off. She ends up getting stuck. The yellow tractor tries to get her out of the mud pond, but its loud sound just scares the little calf and she sinks deeper and deeper. Otis hears that his little friend is in trouble and putts his way to the mud pond.
Will Otis be able to rescue his friend? You will have to read the story to find out!
This is a great book for building schema through text- to- self connections. Since this is a story about friendship children can easily make connections to their life. They can also make connections to wanting the newest toy on the market and forgetting about some of their old toys. This is also a great book to create inferences. The reader has to infer (use text clues and background knowledge) how Otis and the little calf feel. The reader can also make predictions as to what might happen next in the story!
Go grab this book and read it to your child. I know they will love it! If your child ends up wanting more Otis stories, do not worry there is another one: Otis and the Tornado.
Some questions to guide you thinking conversation:
1. Read to: "...the scared little calf drifted off to sleep" and ask your child: Can you think of a time when you were too scared to go to sleep? What helps you get to sleep when you are scared? What do you predict is going to happen next in the story?
2. Read to: "And the calf made the games of ring-around-the-rosy all the better" and ask your child: How do you think Otis and the calf feel about each other? Why do you think this?
3. Read to: "Then he moved the big yellow tractor into the stall next to the little calf" and ask your child: How do you think Otis feels? What do you think is going to happen to Otis?
4. Read to: " ...but she could not get him to play like the old days" and ask your child: Why do you think Otis does not want to play with the calf?
5. Read to: "The farmer was fit to be tied. Who could save the little calf" and ask your child: What do you predict is going to happen?
6. Read to: "...Otis putt puffed from around the barn and headed straight toward Mud Pond" and ask your child: What do you think Otis is going to do? Why do you think Otis decided to come and help?
7. Read to the end of the story. Ask your child: What lesson do you think the farmer learned? What lesson did this story teach you?
Enjoy reading this cute story with your child. If your kids are little like mine there is great news! Otis is available in a board book!
Tuesday, October 18, 2011
Apple Pie ABC
It has been forever since I shared a book! I apologize. It is not due to a lack of great books to share, that is for sure! I have purchased so many great books in the past few weeks, but life has just been too busy to stop and write about them!
A few weeks ago, my babies turned one. The babies received a great gift from some great friends: two apple trees and two books about apples. One of the books, Apple Pie ABC by Alison Murray, is simply delightful!
Apple Pie ABC is an alphabet book. It is one of the finest alphabet books I have EVER read. I like it so much because it actually tells a story (with little text) and it calls upon the reader to infer! Alphabet books getting young children to infer! What is not to love?
The premise of the story is simple: an apple pie is placed upon a table. The little pup in the story wants to eat the pie in a bad way, but the little girl in the story knows that he is not supposed to eat it! The author takes the reader through an alphabet journey in the dogs quest to eat the pie. He does everything he can think of to get his paws on it. I love that the author uses a wide vocabulary throughout the book. When sharing this book with your child, be sure to stop and talk about new vocabulary!
Since the text is sparse throughout the story, it is up to the reader to infer (use text clues plus background knowledge) to what the pup and the little girl are feeling and thinking. This is also a great story to work on text-self connections. I think we can all relate to wanting something yummy fresh from the oven!
Have fun reading! I bet you want to bake an apple pie after reading this book!
A few weeks ago, my babies turned one. The babies received a great gift from some great friends: two apple trees and two books about apples. One of the books, Apple Pie ABC by Alison Murray, is simply delightful!
The premise of the story is simple: an apple pie is placed upon a table. The little pup in the story wants to eat the pie in a bad way, but the little girl in the story knows that he is not supposed to eat it! The author takes the reader through an alphabet journey in the dogs quest to eat the pie. He does everything he can think of to get his paws on it. I love that the author uses a wide vocabulary throughout the book. When sharing this book with your child, be sure to stop and talk about new vocabulary!
Since the text is sparse throughout the story, it is up to the reader to infer (use text clues plus background knowledge) to what the pup and the little girl are feeling and thinking. This is also a great story to work on text-self connections. I think we can all relate to wanting something yummy fresh from the oven!
Have fun reading! I bet you want to bake an apple pie after reading this book!
Tuesday, September 20, 2011
Grandpa Green
Last week as I was perusing the bookstore, I stumbled across a precious children's book. Grandpa Green by Lane Smith is a sweet and sentimental book about family history and love. In this book a little boy shares the events of his Grandpa's life. The story is simple, yet it explores complex topics such as aging, memory loss and the power of family history.
This is a great book for both adults and children. I guarantee it will touch your heart - especially if you have a loved one who has experienced memory loss. It is a great conversation starter to talk to your children about the difficulties of aging.
Because it is a story about family, it is a great book to make text-self connections. As you read the book with your child, relate parts of the story to your child's grandma or grandpa. It would be great to even create your own "Grandpa Green" story with events from your family history.
Grandpa Green is a keeper! It is one that now has a spot on my bookshelf!
This is a great book for both adults and children. I guarantee it will touch your heart - especially if you have a loved one who has experienced memory loss. It is a great conversation starter to talk to your children about the difficulties of aging.
Because it is a story about family, it is a great book to make text-self connections. As you read the book with your child, relate parts of the story to your child's grandma or grandpa. It would be great to even create your own "Grandpa Green" story with events from your family history.
Grandpa Green is a keeper! It is one that now has a spot on my bookshelf!
Thursday, September 8, 2011
The Man Who Walked Between the Towers
After the attacks of September 11 there was a movement to try and explain the events to young children in the format of picture books. The Man Who Walked Between the Towers by Moricai Gerstein is one of those books; however, it does not focus on the fate of the Twin Towers. Rather, it focuses on a time when the Towers brought a sense of wonder to the world!
This is a great book to work on building schema (background knowledge) and creating inferences. Many children have heard of the Twin Towers and know they were destroyed, but many do not know the excitement the Towers created when they were being built. This book provides readers the opportunity to share in the magic of the Twin Towers. This is also a great book for creating inferences. To make an inference, the reader must take his/her own background knowledge and pair it with clues from the text. There are many opportunities in this story to predict what might happen next!
Some questions to guide your thinking conversation:
1. Read the first page of text. Stop and ask your child: How tall do you think the buildings were? Use some landmarks your child might be familiar with to help them understand how tall the Towers were.
2. Read to "Maybe if I dressed as a construction worker..." and ask your child: What do you predict is going to happen next?
3. Read to "Then they carried everything up one hundred and eighty stairs to the roof" and stay to your child: Wow! That is a lot of steps! Do you think you could climb 180 stairs and carry 440 pounds? What does this say about Phillippe?
4. Read to "It was seven-eighths of an inch thick" and ask your child: How big do you think seven-eighths of an inch is? Put your index finger and middle finger together and show you child what an inch looks like? Would you walk on a rope that skinny so high up in the air? How do you think Pillippe feels?
5. Read to "Police Saw it, too." and ask your child: What would you have done if you were there?
6. Read to the end of the story and ask your child: Why do you think the author wrote this book?
The Man Who Walked Between the Towers won the Caldecott Medal in 2004. You know it is a good book when it wins the Caldecott! The story is based on a true event! In 1974 Philippe Petit, a French aerialist, decided he had to tightrope walk between the Twin Towers. He asked the Towers' owners for permission, but he was denied. However, this was not enough to stop him. He disguised himself as a construction worker and climbed his way to the top of the Towers. After reaching the top, he strung wire between the Towers and began his amazing feet!
This is a joyful story about the Twin Towers. Your child will be amazed this is a true story!
This is a great book to work on building schema (background knowledge) and creating inferences. Many children have heard of the Twin Towers and know they were destroyed, but many do not know the excitement the Towers created when they were being built. This book provides readers the opportunity to share in the magic of the Twin Towers. This is also a great book for creating inferences. To make an inference, the reader must take his/her own background knowledge and pair it with clues from the text. There are many opportunities in this story to predict what might happen next!
Some questions to guide your thinking conversation:
1. Read the first page of text. Stop and ask your child: How tall do you think the buildings were? Use some landmarks your child might be familiar with to help them understand how tall the Towers were.
2. Read to "Maybe if I dressed as a construction worker..." and ask your child: What do you predict is going to happen next?
3. Read to "Then they carried everything up one hundred and eighty stairs to the roof" and stay to your child: Wow! That is a lot of steps! Do you think you could climb 180 stairs and carry 440 pounds? What does this say about Phillippe?
4. Read to "It was seven-eighths of an inch thick" and ask your child: How big do you think seven-eighths of an inch is? Put your index finger and middle finger together and show you child what an inch looks like? Would you walk on a rope that skinny so high up in the air? How do you think Pillippe feels?
5. Read to "Police Saw it, too." and ask your child: What would you have done if you were there?
6. Read to the end of the story and ask your child: Why do you think the author wrote this book?
Thursday, September 1, 2011
New York's Bravest
New York's Bravest by Mary Pope Osborne is a story about Mose Humphrey. Who is Mose Humphrey? He is America's first urban folk hero.
During the late 1800's NYC was hit with a string of fires in its' wooden buildings and wharves. The story of Mose, a fictional character, developed from the heroic efforts of all the volunteer firefighters.
As the story goes, Mose was larger than life. He was always the first to a fire and could swim the Hudson in two strokes. Mose always saved the day. However, one day Mose met a fire that burned a hotel to ashes. After that fire, Mose was never seen again. Rumors flew about Moses whereabouts. Was he in Dakota? Mining in California? No. Mose never left NYC. His spirit still lives inside all firefighters.
Mose represents courage and strength of firefighters throughout history. Mary Pope Osborne dedicated her story about Mose to the 343 New York City firefighters who gave their lives to saves other on 9/11. Every time I read this story, I get choked up. Some books, even though meant for children, impact adults on a different level. For me, this is one of those stories!
New York's Bravest helps build background knowledge. Children are able to make text-to-self and text-to-world connections when reading this book.
Questions to start a conversation with your child before reading the story:
Questions to start a conversation with your child after reading the story:
During the late 1800's NYC was hit with a string of fires in its' wooden buildings and wharves. The story of Mose, a fictional character, developed from the heroic efforts of all the volunteer firefighters.
As the story goes, Mose was larger than life. He was always the first to a fire and could swim the Hudson in two strokes. Mose always saved the day. However, one day Mose met a fire that burned a hotel to ashes. After that fire, Mose was never seen again. Rumors flew about Moses whereabouts. Was he in Dakota? Mining in California? No. Mose never left NYC. His spirit still lives inside all firefighters.
Mose represents courage and strength of firefighters throughout history. Mary Pope Osborne dedicated her story about Mose to the 343 New York City firefighters who gave their lives to saves other on 9/11. Every time I read this story, I get choked up. Some books, even though meant for children, impact adults on a different level. For me, this is one of those stories!
New York's Bravest helps build background knowledge. Children are able to make text-to-self and text-to-world connections when reading this book.
Questions to start a conversation with your child before reading the story:
- Discuss the concept of a tall-tale. Who are some of your favorite tall-tale characters? What traits do they have in common?
- What do you think it means to be brave?
- Can you think of a time when you were brave?
Questions to start a conversation during reading.
- As you read, look for traits that make Mose larger than life.
- Read to "they grew silent" and ask your child: Where do you think Mose might be?
- Read to "Truth is, Mose is right here" and ask your child: What do you think the old- timer means?
Questions to start a conversation with your child after reading the story:
- What did Mose do that was brave?
- How are firefighters today like Mose? How are they different?
- Go back and read the Historical Note and Dedication. Why do you think Mary Pope Osborne dedicated this story to the firefighters on 9/11? How did they show bravery?
Sunday, August 28, 2011
September 11th, 2011
This year marks the tenth anniversary of 9/11. It is a day that changed the United States, and the rest of the world, forever. September 11th is now a National Day of Service. The Day of Service was developed to provide a constructive way for individuals to remember and pay tribute to those lost and injured on 9/11. The goal is to help rekindle the sprit of unity that followed after the attacks.
This year, there is an opportunity for teachers and students to pay tribute to all those who lost their lives in the tragic events of that day. The goal is for teachers and students to participate in charitable events and/ or do a good deed. Remember, a good deed can be something simple. It does not have to be elaborate. Scholastic has put together a great set of resources for teachers. It is full of lesson plans and activities discussing the events of 9/11.
The events of 9/11 are not easy to talk about with young children. A great way to share information about the events of 9/11 is through story. Three of my favorite books that help jumpstart conversation about 9/11 are:
The Man Who Walked Between the Towers by Mordicai Gerstein
New York's Bravest by Mary Pope Osborne
Fireboat by Maira Kalman
Throughout the week I will share each book in detail. Until then, go grab your copy!
This year, there is an opportunity for teachers and students to pay tribute to all those who lost their lives in the tragic events of that day. The goal is for teachers and students to participate in charitable events and/ or do a good deed. Remember, a good deed can be something simple. It does not have to be elaborate. Scholastic has put together a great set of resources for teachers. It is full of lesson plans and activities discussing the events of 9/11.
The events of 9/11 are not easy to talk about with young children. A great way to share information about the events of 9/11 is through story. Three of my favorite books that help jumpstart conversation about 9/11 are:
The Man Who Walked Between the Towers by Mordicai Gerstein
New York's Bravest by Mary Pope Osborne
Fireboat by Maira Kalman
Throughout the week I will share each book in detail. Until then, go grab your copy!
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