Once the
monthly book is given to the room, we can start to foster book talks around the
school. The goal is to have a Marlin school-wide reading community. Through the
books, all Marlin students will have a connection to one another. Similar
reading strategies taught in the classrooms will allow for collaboration among
all students (and teachers, too). Classroom book buddies will have relevant
conversations when meeting together. Marlin visitors could look at the Book of
the Month bulletin board, enter a classroom, and begin a conversation with a
student about our book. Videos and
photos will document the classes sharing the books together (whether it be reading,
writing, or creating). The intention is
to have the videos or photos displayed on our Marlin announcement
television.
There are
many reasons for choosing Those Shoes as our first book. One, with our
anti-bullying focus, this book shows how one boy will do just about anything to
conform and avoid being different from others. Two, the book expresses the joy
of giving to someone in need. Most importantly, the powerful lesson is
determining the difference between want and need, especially in a time of
economic struggle. The book illustrations complement the story and help bring
this meaningful message to life.
Lace up “those shoes” and let’s start building a Marlin
reading community!
Thinking about Those Shoes with Mrs. Harding's class
