If you know me at all, you know I'm a bit of a rebel. Nothing big like ducking jury duty or parking in reserved spaces or anything. But in the classroom, I am prone to question things. I know there are a ton of great back-to-school titles out there. Chrysanthemum, the Kissing Hand, First Day Jitters-and I have used these books with my kiddos. Particularly because I'm looping, but also because I think they are commonly used and don't like to repeat books/activities others have done, I am going to have a different theme this 1st week. I want the kids to think about themselves-what makes them unique and also stress classroom community and teamwork. I'm going to use:
Both Elmer and Ferdinand are about characters that are themselves-no matter what. I think that will be a great thing to encourage discussion that first week.
Working together saves the day-definitely want a model for the tons of cooperative group activities we are going to attempt this year.
The stuffed animals work together to find a missing blanket. Just look at the illustrations-doesn't it make you want to just cuddle with them!
Classic story about 2 characters who think they have nothing in common and bicker--then of course, everything changes when they begin to spend some time together.
I just ADORE this book! I just discovered it when I was teaching summer school and going through the stories on Story Online to see if there were any good ones on there that went along with the lesson I was planning. (This is it if you want to listen to it: http://www.storylineonline.net/wilfrid/fullscreen_yt.html). This story is about memories and how important they are. We adopt a nursing home every year and will again this upcoming year, so I really want to do some activities with this story where the kids are recording their best memories!
I love WGMP too! Such a sweet story! I like your list of books. We usually do The Kissing Hand, but your idea for something different is awesome!
ReplyDeleteWhat a great list of books! I get tired of the typical ones, too. I think this would be great for my kiddos. I get to teach a class of 1st and 2nd grade highly gifted kiddos this year! :)
ReplyDeleteColleen Patton
Mrs. Patton’s Patch
I might copy you! I love the idea of starting with characters who stay true to themselves. I was also going to do ones about Kindness since that is my theme for the year. Be Kind. Thanks for the great ideas!
ReplyDeleteKimberley
First in Maine
It's like you took the words right out of my mouth! I'm looping too this year plus I try not to do the typical things over and over every year. I am so thankful to have found this list from you. I'm going to dig out some of these books now and get some ideas together.
ReplyDeleteI understand being a rebel. I'm not one outside of the classroom, but in the classroom is another thing. I love your book choices!
ReplyDelete❀ Tammy
Forever in First
Great book choices. I especially love Wilfrid.
ReplyDelete