Life Lesson #7 (Summer Edition)...

The Power of Literacy

*I ran across this video when I was preparing a lesson for my summer school class.

*This "short" story took my breath away and brought tears to my eyes.  Yes, I'm a softy!

*What a powerful message this brings!  I literally watched it several times in a row.

*This will be a video clip that I will share with my class this coming school year.

*Anyone can do anything they want once they put their mind to it.

*Enjoy and you might want some Kleenex close by for the ending of the video...

Trailer Thursday #53...

The Thicket:  A Path Begins by J.A. White (Middle-Grade Novel)

The Adventures of Beekle:  The Unimaginary Friend by Dan Santat (Picture Book)

Comics Squad:  Recess by Various Authors (Graphic Novel)

Natchez Burning by Greg Iles (Adult Novel)

The Maze Runner by James Dashner (Young-Adult Novel)

Wonder Wednesday #53...

Wonder Wednesday - The Love of Reading (Part Nine)

*This is the ninth of an on-going series I'm going to post each Wednesday.

*I love posting on Wednesdays because it is all about the WONDERS of books, reading, and all that comes with it. 

*Toward the end of the school year, I had my students respond to some questions I had about their reading lives.  



*Each student filled out a reading survey with six questions to answer.

*I will post their thoughts here on Wednesdays throughout the summer.

*One of my most favorite things to do as an educator is to get feedback from my students.

*Here is a look at a couple of my students' responses from the survey I gave...


STUDENT #17 - Avery

Before I was in fourth grade I thought that reading was good
because I kind of liked doing it.  

Now that I'm almost done with fourth grade I think that reading is even better
because I have read so many different kinds of books.  

This year I learned that as a reader I will only read good books
because otherwise I won't read them.   

To me reading is okay
because sometimes I'm in the mood to read and really enjoy it and other times I'm not.  

As a reader I'm most proud of reading the book Wonder
because it was a very long book and I thought I couldn't read it, but I did.  

The best thing about reading is finding good graphic novels
because they are good and fun to look at.   


STUDENT #18 - Wilson

Before I was in fourth grade I thought that reading was hard
because I hardly read at all.  

Now that I'm almost done with fourth grade I think that reading is okay
because it is easier for me and I have found some books

This year I learned that as a reader prefer reading comics or graphic novels
because I think they are easier for me and more interesting.  

To me reading is medium
because it is easy sometimes and hard sometimes.  

As a reader I'm most proud of reading more this year than I did before
because I feel like it is easier for me now.  

The best thing about reading is learning
because I like learning about new things.  

Comics Squad: Recess! by Various Authors...

How I Heard About It:  It seems like this book has been talked about for over a year.  Many of my Twitter "pals" raved about this new graphic novel that was going to be released this summer.  I finally got my hands on it and was excited to see what all the fuss was about.  

What It Is About:  This is a graphic novel, but different from other graphic novels because it is a collection of short stories by a variety of authors.  All of the stories have "recess" as their theme.  Many of the stories are well known like Babymouse, LunchLady, and several others.  Each story has a "mini-adventure" that is similar to the longer individual graphic novel books.

What I Thought Of It:  Comics Squad:  Recess  was a completely enjoyable read.  I can now see what all the "fuss" was about.  This collection of stories lived up to all the hype.  I loved how the book centered around the theme of recess.  It was also fun to visit past characters from many different graphic novels.  After finishing the book, I knew it was going to be a hit in my classroom.  

Who Should Read It:  If you (or a student) likes graphic novels, then this is definitely a book you need in your collection.  This particular book would be perfect for a third, fourth, or fifth grade classroom.  Having multiple copies of it would be great because it needs to be in the hands of the reader so they can take in all the awesome graphics along with the text.  I'm so excited to "book talk" this new book to my students this fall.  

Rating:  5 STARS out of 5 Stars 

Treat Tuesday #53...

Treat Tuesday - Reeses Peanut Butter No Bake Bars

*When I found this recipe via Facebook, I was thrilled!

*My wife was also thrilled because even I could bake these.

*I absolutely love Reeses Peanut Butter so they are a new favorite for myself and the family.

*Enjoy!

Ingredients…
*1 cup salted butter (melted)
*2 cups graham cracker crumbs
*1/4 cup brown sugar
*1 3/4 cup powdered sugar
*1 cup peanut butter
*1/2 tsp. vanilla
*1 (11 oz) bag milk chocolate chips

Instructions…
1. Combine all ingredients, except chocolate chips in a medium sized bowl. Stir until the mixture is smooth and creamy.

2. Pour peanut butter mixture into a 9 x 13 pan.

3. Melt chocolate chips in the microwave (at 50% power) for 1-2 minutes. Stir chocolate and pour over the peanut butter mixture. Spread chocolate with a spatula. To even out chocolate, tap pan on the counter.

4. Refrigerate bars for one hour. Cut while bars are still cool. Enjoy!

Treat Tuesday:  Adult Novel

Until They Bring The Streetcars Back by Stanley Gordon West

*A novel with St. Paul as its setting.  Excellent story!








Treat Tuesday:  Middle-Grade Novel

Remembering Mrs. Rossi by Amy Hest

*One of the most touching middle-grade novels I've ever read.








Treat Tuesday:  Television Show/Series

"United States of Tara" on Showtime

*I really enjoyed watching the few seasons of this series that were available.  Quiet interesting!

Treat Tuesday:  Movie

"Beaches" with Bette Midler and Barbara Hershey

*My wife and I saw this years ago when it came out.  We were both puddles by the end of the movie.  Everyone needs a best friend like these two were in the movie!

Treat Tuesday:  Music

Wind Beneath My Wings by Bette Midler (From the movie Beaches)

Treat Tuesday:  Photograph

*How cool is this picture.  I just LOVE it!

*This picture to me represents their entire relationship.

*I just hope my wife and I have that when we are their age.

*Maybe he gets a ride back to the car after they are done grocery shopping???  

Squish #6: Fear the Amoeba by Jennifer L. Holm & Matthew Holm...

How I Heard About It:  Squish is a favorite graphic novel series in my classroom.  I was excited to see the sixth edition on the book shelves this summer.  I of course picked it up to add to the collection this fall.  

What It Is About:  This sixth adventure follows the same format as the first five graphic novels.  In this installment Squish learns he is fearful of a movie that all of his friends want to see and continue to see.  He finds himself in a dilemma whether he should be honest with them or if he should fake it and just be miserable and fearful during the movie.




What I Thought Of It:  As is the entire series, this newest graphic novel was quite enjoyable.  I like the format of the comic book hero with his story and how it relates to what is going on in Squish's life.  Another great aspect of this book/series is that there is always a lesson to be learned from the book.  Some readers think graphic novels like this have nothing to offer, but they couldn't be more wrong.  I'm excited for my new fourth graders to get their hands on this book.

Who Should Read It:  In my opinion the Squish series is perfect for the third, fourth, and fifth grade classroom.  Because it is a graphic novel, it definitely needs to be read by an individual so they can take in the graphics along with the text.  If a young reader enjoys graphic novels, then you need to put this book in their hands.  Happy Reading!  

Rating:  4 STARS out of 5 Stars 

Music Monday Summer Edition #7...

"Wicked" from Broadway

*I wasn't sure what music I was going to post today until #Titletalk last night.

*As part of the discussion about books, the topic of music somehow came up.

*Readers were noticing that the Broadway hit "Wicked" is mentioned in several middle-grade novels.

*Wicked is one of my most favorite Broadway shows.  

*We have seen in several times, including in New York City.

*Here are just a few "gems" from the show.  Enjoy...

It's Monday! What Are You Reading (7/28/14)...

Thanks to Jen and Kellee for hosting this idea on their site.  Here is a link to their site...

                

 http://www.teachmentortexts.com/

Books I Read this Past Week…

The Secret Hum of a Daisy by Tracy Holczer

*5+++ STARS out of 5 Stars

*This is the fall book club selection for #ABCT!

*Middle-Grade Novel

I'll Be There by Holly Goldberg Sloan

*5 STARS out of 5 Stars

*Young Adult Novel

Squish #6:  Fear the Amoeba by Jennifer L. Holm & Matthew Holm

*4 STARS out of 5 Stars

*Graphic Novel

Comics Squad:  Recess by Various Authors/Illustrators

*5 STARS out of 5 Stars

*Graphic Novel







Books I Will (continue to) Read this Week…

The Ask and the Answer by Patrick Ness

*My young adult novel

All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr

*My adult novel

The Thickety:  A Path Begins by J.A. White

*My middle-grade novel

Bad Magic by Pseudonymous Bosch

*My middle-grade novel

Friend Friday #52...

Hi!  I’m Megan and I'm reading the book called The Valiant Guest of the Misfit Menagerie written by Jackqueline Resnick.  

I think this book is fun because there is a lot of adventure in it and it is an interesting story.  

My favorite part in the story is the end of the story because I liked how the story came to an end and how great things happened for all the characters.  

The character that I liked best is Smalls because I like Smalls, he is fun and always knows how to lead the way.  I feel like Smalls sometimes.  

I think the author wrote this book because she wanted to have fun writing a children's book.  

I would recommend this book to my friends because it is a great, fun, mysterious, and adventurous story.  It has it all for kids.  

Reading to me is fun because I LOVE going into other worlds.  


*Megan was one of my most avid readers in my 4th grade class this past school year.
*She is a bit like me and always had more than one book going on at a time.
*I could always count on Megan to attend our "Breakfast with Books" book clubs.
*This was one of the books we read for our book club.  
*She has such a way with her words and I think she captured the novel quite nicely.  

*Here is a book trailer for the first novel in this series!

I'll Be There by Holly Goldberg Sloan...

How I Heard About It:  A couple of days ago I saw a discussion on Twitter about a new book coming out in August.  It is called Just Call My Name by Holly Goldberg Sloan.  After some quick investigation I learned that is the sequel to I'll Be There.  After summer school earlier this week, I stopped by the local book store and purchased the book so I was ready to read the sequel later in August.  

What It Is About:  Emily is a high school student with two wonderful parents.  Her mother is a nurse and her father is a music teacher.  They wish she had some musical talent, but sadly she does not.  This truth is apparent when Emily sings "I'll Be There" at a church service.  While she knows she shouldn't sing and has tremendous nerves, she performs anyway.  As she is performing she notices a young boy in the last row of the church.  She has never see him before, but he is so striking that she can't take her eyes off of him.  In return he can't stop looking at her either.  There is an instant connection.  After some time, Emily learns his name is Sam Smith and his upbringing has been quite different than her own.  Sam is raising his younger brother Riddle who has had emotional and physical issues since he was a young boy.  There father has his own issues as he hears "voices" inside his head.  The three of them are temporarily living in the same town as where Emily and her family live, but Sam knows they won't stay here long.  They never do.  As Emily's family gets closer to Sam and Riddle, their father decides it is time to leave town.  Emily is devastated by the separation and has a hard time adjusting back to high school life.  Back on the road Sam and Riddle must fight for their lives to survive the wilds of nature and the "wilds" of their father.  

What I Thought Of It:  At almost 400 pages, you can say that I totally loved this book since I was able to finish it between Monday and Thursday of this week.  I loved the story line.  I loved the characters.  I loved the theme of survival and "being there" for other people.  The novel was a fast read and pretty much kept me on the edge of my seat wanting to know what was going to happen next.  The relationships that were built between the characters throughout the story were heartwarming, touching, and emotional.  This was a great find and I'm so looking forward to the next book coming out in August.  

Who Should Read It:  Being a young adult novel, it is perfect for high school and college readers.  I also think it will make an excellent read for any adult reader that enjoys a great well told story.  Now that I have finished the book, I think it is also appropriate for middle-school readers.  There really isn't anything that is "questionable" in the novel.  If you are looking for a fast-paced interesting story, look no further.  This is the book for you!  Happy Reading...

Rating:  5 STARS out of 5 Stars 

Trailer Thursday #52...

A Camping Spree with Mr. Magee by Chris Van Dusen  (Picture Book)

El Deafo by CeCe Bell (Graphic Novel)

The Secret Hum of a Daisy by Tracy Holczer (Middle-Grade Novel)

*The part related to this book starts at 21:00 minutes

I'll Be There by Holly Goldberg Sloan (Young Adult Novel)

Close Your Eyes, Hold Hands by Chris Bohjalian (Adult Novel)
*This is the current #ABCT (Adult Book Club on Twitter) Selection!

Life Lesson #6 (Summer Edition)...

Great Life Lessons from Famous Teachers

*I love to teach.  I love being a teacher.  I love lessons.

*A long time ago, I learned that some of the most important lessons I can teach are not in the manual.

*During a school year I try to install many different life lessons within my students.

*I want them to be great, positive, contributing members of society.

*This video captures many important life lessons.

*Enjoy!!!  

#ABCT (Adult Book Club on Twitter) Fall Selection 2014...

The #ABCT Fall Selection 2014

*I know we haven't even had our fifth #ABCT on August 5th, but I'm just too excited to keep this news to myself.

*For the next selection of the #ABCT (Adult Book Club on Twitter) we are switching gears a bit.  The first five selections were adult novels.

*For the fall book club pick, we are heading into middle-grade novel territory...





How #ABCT Came About:In November, 2012 I came up with the idea of the #ABCT (Adult Book Club on Twitter).  It was during a Twitter discussion on #titletalk that I realized how wonderful it would be to bring together teachers, librarians,  educators, authors, and all other adult readers and form an online book club.  I knew we were reading lots of middle-grade novels, picture books, and other resources for our children, but what about "feeding" ourselves with a delicious and engaging adult novel.  So began the #ABCT.  We have read five adult novels as a Twitter community and have even had some of the authors join us during these discussions.  Here are the novels we have covered so far...

First book:  Life Among Giants by Bill Roorbach
Second book:  Me Before You by JoJo Moyes
Third book:  Schroder by Amity Gaige 

Fourth book:  We are Water by Wally Lamb
Fifth book:  Close Your Eyes, Hold Hands by Chris Bohjalian

The Invite Sent Out:   I invite all Twitter readers, their friends, and anyone else we can spread the word to; to join us for the sixth book club selection for the #ABCT.  It would be wonderful to get as many readers as we can to read the new book club selection, Tweet their thoughts while they read, and meet on Twitter for the book club discussion.  We all enjoy reading those books for our young readers and I know we can enjoy a "big person" book just as much.  So get the word out, join the fun, and read this sixth selection for the #ABCT!

Sixth Book Chosen:   Being on Twitter has been one of the best things I've ever done.  I have come across some of the greatest teachers, educators, librarians, other readers, and authors.  My original goal of the #ABCT was for readers who normally read middle-grade material and/or young adult material, take some time and enjoy an adult novel.  After reading The Secret Hum of a Daisy by Tracy Holczer on Sunday, July 20th (Yes, I finished the entire book in one day) I knew this had to be the next selection for the book club.  This is one of the best middle-grade novels I have read in a long time.  It took me on an emotional ride and left me thinking about and missing these incredible characters.  I reached out to the author via Twitter to let her know how much I enjoyed her novel.  After a few Tweets and Direct Messages back and forth, I had the newest selection for this Twitter book club.  She and I are extremely excited to have people read this book for the first time, or reread it, and meet with us in September to discuss.  

When is the Book Club:  To give everyone a chance to read the book and to give teachers/educators the much needed time to start their school year, we will have the book club on Thursday, September 18th at 7:00 PM CT.  I know many of my Twitter pals have wanted to be a part of this book club, but don't read adult novels as much because they spend most of their time with middle-grade books.  Here is your chance to join in on the fun of #ABCT.  So, get yourself a copy of this incredible novel (with a beautiful cover and pages), read and experience the magic of Grace, and meet us in September to discuss the novel with the author herself.  Happy Reading…


**Here is my review/thoughts about the novel that I blogged about a few days ago…

The Secret Hum of a Daisy Review/Thoughts

Wonder Wednesday #52...

Wonder Wednesday - The Love of Reading (Part Eight)

*This is the eighth of an on-going series I'm going to post each Wednesday.

*I love posting on Wednesdays because it is all about the WONDERS of books, reading, and all that comes with it. 

*Toward the end of the school year, I had my students respond to some questions I had about their reading lives.  



*Each student filled out a reading survey with six questions to answer.

*I will post their thoughts here on Wednesdays throughout the summer.

*One of my most favorite things to do as an educator is to get feedback from my students.

*Here is a look at a couple of my students' responses from the survey I gave...


STUDENT #15 - Salma

Before I was in fourth grade I thought that reading was boring
because I had better things to do.  

Now that I'm almost done with fourth grade I think that reading is good
because I have learned to read interesting books.   

This year I learned that as a reader I prefer chapter books (AKA novels)
because they are way more interesting.  

To me reading is fun
because I like to read.  

As a reader I'm most proud of reading good books
because I never finish the boring ones.   

The best thing about reading is when Mr. Andrus reads to us
because it is fun to listen to great stories that I couldn't read on my own.  


STUDENT #16 - Joey

Before I was in fourth grade I thought that reading was fun
because I read really good books.  

Now that I'm almost done with fourth grade I think that reading is also fun
because I read some great series books, especially Percy Jackson.  

This year I learned that as a reader I am good at reading
because I read some really big and long books, like the Percy Jackson series.  

To me reading is awesome
because it is the best thing in the whole school day.  

As a reader I'm most proud of everything
because I do everything equally well.  

The best thing about reading is the plot
because it is the best part of a book.  

Treat Tuesday #52...

Treat Tuesday:  Lazy Cookie Cake Cookies

*I love cookies!

*I love cake!

*Put them together and you have the most tasty treat ever!!!






Ingredients...

1. *1 box yellow or white cake mix
   * 2 eggs beaten 
   *5 T melted butter
   *2 C mini chocolate chips

Directions...

-Mix together

-Refrain from eating it raw

-Put in a greased 9×13 pan

-Bake at 350 for 20 minutes

Treat Tuesday:  Adult Novel

The Secret Hum of a Daisy by Tracy Holczer

*Even though this is a novel for young readers, I think all adults need to read it as well.  So powerful...

Treat Tuesday:  Middle-Grade Novel

The Secret Hum of a Daisy by Tracy Holczer

*My most recent read and I can't stop thinking about it.

Treat Tuesday:  Television Show/Series

"Dexter" on Showtime

*One of my all-time favorite series.

Treat Tuesday:  Movie

"The Green Mile"

*I remember being blown-away by this movie the first time I saw it.

*Absolutely incredible!!!

Treat Tuesday:  Music

"Classic" by MKTO

*I can't get enough of this song.

*Just plain summer fun!!!  

Treat Tuesday:  Photograph

"Beach Library"

*Ok, how cool is this picture!!!

*This would certainly be a beach that I would like to visit and spend time.