Book #17

More Than Anything Else by Marie Bradby.

One of my nieces just finished kindergarten.  She had an amazing first year of school.  She came to understand being responsible, having goals, and growing academically.  "More than anything else" she wants to be reading "chapter" books.  She knows if she can read those books, then she is a REAL reader.  For her age, she is one of the strongest readers.  However, she wants to be even better.

More Than Anything Else tells about a boy who wants to learn to read.  He wants to read like the man who reads the newspaper to others.  If he could read, he'd be the best reader and teach others to read.  Not all students have this drive to excel in their education.  I dream for the day when every student wants to be even better.  Until then...

Book #16

Why Mosquitoes Buzz in People's Ears by Verna Aardema.

So far, this summer has had wonderful temperatures.  There have been no 100 degree days.  However, there are lots and lots of bugs.  Driving home one night, my windshield was a graveyard for insects.  Most interesting, there was a lightning bug that saw it's death on my window.  It was very strange to see it's glow last for about 15 minutes afterwards. 

I have to say that I am not a fan of mosquitoes, like the majority of people.  This book is the cumulative tale of how mosquitoes came to buzz in ears.  The animals blaming one another is hilarious, yet realistic to how humans react.  Well, I blame the mosquitoes for this buggy weather!

Book #15

The Babe & I by David A. Adler.

Being a lifelong Indiana resident and an Indiana University graduate, I love cheering on my beloved Hoosiers in all sports (especially basketball).  I have been amazed at how well the IU baseball team has performed this season.  They are making history as I type.  They are winning and reaching far into the post-season (farther than ever before).  

With baseball on my mind, I had to read a baseball themed book.  However, I love this book more for it's setting, New York during the Great Depression.  It has fascinated me how people survived during those difficult times.  This book demonstrates how heroes, like Babe Ruth, gave these struggling people hope and enjoyment during sad, sad times.  

So, here's to America's favorite pastime, happier times, and the Hoosiers!  Go IU! 

Book #14

Cookies: Bite-Size Life Lessons by Amy Krouse Rosenthal.

What a creative book!  A perfect find for those who bake, create, or just consume cookies.  The book defines important words, like patient, respect, and trustworthy, with a twist in which those words are associated some way with cookies.

In the same manner as the book, here is a definition of my own:

LEARN means,  

Mastering the art of baking cookies by taking cooking classes, assisting your mother, or attempting it on your own.  So, crack those cookbooks! 

Book #13

Hurricane by David Wiesner.

I saw on the news today that hurricane season is among us.  Tropical Storm Andrea is approaching (or has approached) Florida.  Living in Indiana, I don't have much experience with tropical storms or hurricanes.  I know tornadoes.  

However, last summer, I took my first Disney World vacation.  At the same time, Debby was visiting.  Tropical Storm Debby, that is.  How rough the rain and wind were, fighting me as I attempted to have my first glimpses of that place where dreams come true.  Luckily, the storm wasn't around my entire trip.  But, for those families who lost so much from natural disasters, life is not be the same.  

This book is much more light-hearted.  It shows the before, during, and after of a storm.  It also illustrates a child's understanding of the aftermath.  You see how children cope, in a positive and imaginative way, with the storm damage.  

Book #12

This Plus That: Life's Little Equations by Amy Krouse Rosenthal.

In April, I was honored to hear Amy Krouse Rosenthal speak.  She was fascinating!  After hearing her, I was moved to be more creative and carry through some of my ideas.  

I think I was most excited to have her autograph my book!  It is such a thrill for me to have an author autograph a book written with her (or his) hands and mind.  For me, authors have a "rock star" status.

You might see a few more Amy Krouse Rosenthal books on my Book-a-Day Challenge (hey, even my first book is a Rosenthal book).

Book #11

Dragons Love Tacos by Adam Rubin.

This past school year, we all read to reach a goal of 1,000,000 minutes of reading.  We earned scales to build our Marlin dragon.  Although we didn't reach this goal, we focused so much on reading.  I read to the classes throughout the year to remind them to keep reading and earning dragon scales.  So, I read different dragon books.  I missed out on Dragons Love Tacos, though.  Funny, yet simple.  However, remember what is important!  Dragons love tacos, but beware of spicy salsa!

Book #10

Hot Fudge Pickles by Marilyn D. Anderson.

Tis the season of hot fudge sundaes!  This book tells of a new invention, hot fudge pickles.  The story is humorous, but I have always been intrigued by it because the author lives near my hometown.  To think an author could be living nearby has always mesmerized me!  It inspires me to try my hand at writing, too!

Book #9

Oh, the Places You'll Go! by Dr. Seuss.

Today, I went to a graduation party.  This book has become a standard for graduation gifts.  It is the perfect story about life's trials.  Most importantly, we must remember that WE make our own choices.  Despite "hang-ups and bang-ups", being alone or scared, and getting mixed up, we can still "move mountains."  Thank you, Dr. Seuss!

Book #8

Night of the Gargoyles by Eve Bunting.

Late night storms woke me a few nights ago.  It made me think about what happens regularly during the night, as I'm sleeping.  This book goes right along with my thoughts.  What does happen at night with museum gargoyles?  Great story from a fantastic author!

Book #7

Miss Rumphius by Barbara Cooney.

I had the honor of spending time with my sweet nieces.  Miss Rumphius is inspiring as Great-aunt Alice shares her wisdom with her great-niece.  I hope I can inspire my nieces as they grow older and more intelligent.

Book #6

Santa's Book of Names by David McPhail.

In the spirit of visiting Santa Claus, Indiana, I chose to read a Santa book.  My grandparents lived in Santa Claus when I was younger.  It was wonderful to see places I have fond memories of from childhood.  Also, Santa's Book of Names celebrates learning to read (thanks to Santa).

Book #5

The Year of the Panda by Miriam Schlein.

We must go to great lengths to save what we cherish most.

Book #4

Roxaboxen by Alice McLerran.

We all have special places.  I hope you can enjoy your place this summer!

Book #3

Mississippi Bridge by Mildred D. Taylor.

Tragedy bringing all people together.  We definitely have seen this happen recently.

Book #2

What Pete Ate from A-Z by Maira Kalman.

This is not your typical alphabet book.  Pete, the dog, eats all kind of things.  Some edible, but most not.  Amusing book about a well-loved dog.  The end is cute, too!

Book #1

Spoon by Amy Krouse Rosenthal.

Everyone is special in their own way.  Love who you are!
(Thank you to the MCCSC Literacy Coaches for this book.  We had an end of the year book swap.  I left the swap with this book and am very happy with my new book!  Great idea, Kari Rickerby!)

Book-a-Day Challenge

This summer, I am joining the Book-a-Day Challenge.  I will do my best to read a book each day during summer.  I might read a picture book, chapter book, education book, or "fun" book.  Today, May 25, is my first day.  My reading will continue until August 6, the last day of summer.  That's 74 days and 74 books!  I will use some flexibility.  One day, three days might be read.  Some days, no books.  In the end, there will be a lot of reading.  That's the focus!  :)

If you are interested in following what I'm reading, check out this blog to see my latest read.  I will also post on Twitter (@eandersoniu).

Let the reading begin!

*If you also join the Book-a-Day Challenge, let me know.  I would LOVE to see (and read) what others are reading!

Book of the Month: Freedom Summer

Warmer days.  Birds chirping.  Grass growing.  Summer is nearly here.  With that in mind, our Book of the Month is Freedom Summer by Deborah Wiles.  This story is about two boys, Joe and John Henry, who are very similar.  However, there is one important difference:  Joe is white and John Henry is African American.  In 1964, being African American meant you were not able to do things other children could do.  For John Henry, this meant he could not do everything Joe did. 

The book takes readers through the summer of integration.  Laws were passed where everyone was allowed to go into stores, swim at the pool, or eat at restaurants.  Joe and John Henry were glad to see changes made, like the pool being opened to all.  However, not all people were following the new laws.   Despite the intense events occurring, how powerful it was to see two boys with a friendship stronger than any prejudice.   

Deborah Wiles uses such descriptive words , no illustrations are needed to picture her story.  Her words help you feel the summer heat.  Her words  show you the ache of injustice shown towards John Henry.  So much discussion could come from her writing of that summer in 1964. 

I am sure everyone is looking forward to summer, for many reasons.  It was awesome to see the united force at Marlin reading, sharing, and spending time focused on literacy.  Here’s to next school year and our reading community!

HAPPY SUMMER!

Bloomington Reads

Bloomington Reads! begins this week.  Throughout the week, reading activities are planned all over the city. Check out the activities listed below.  Attend one activity or attend them all!  Celebrate reading in our wonderful city with other literacy lovers from the community.

Reading with the Stars

This month, Marlin students are judging books.  A panel of three readers, who have all read the same book, are judging books on a scale of 1-10 (10 being the best book you've EVER read).  Be sure to stop by and visit the READING WITH THE STARS! board when you are at Marlin.  See what students are reading and how they are evaluating those books.

National D.E.A.R. Day at Marlin

Have you ever heard your child talk about D.E.A.R.?  Have you wondered what exactly is D.E.A.R.?

D.E.A.R. stands for "Drop Everything And Read" and is used in schools as a time for students to read on their own.

April 12 was National D.E.A.R. Day, a celebration of reading designed to remind people of all ages to make reading a priority in their lives.  At Marlin, we celebrated National D.E.A.R. Day by gathering together in the gym to read.  It was wonderful to see all students, teachers, and staff reading at the same time!

 

At the end of reading time, the 6th grade students and teachers danced the Marlin version of the Harlem Shake.  If you are interested in seeing the dance, there is video footage on the Marlin announcement television.

BOOK OF THE MONTH: DUCK! RABBIT!

What does this picture mean to you?  This month, our Book of the Month is Duck! Rabbit! by Amy Krouse Rosenthal.  This book shows how there can be two different perspectives from the same illustration (or text).  It will spark discussion about what students and teachers see when they look at the picture above.  So, what DO you see when you look at the picture? 

Amy Krouse Rosenthal is coming to Bloomington!  You can spend “An Evening with Amy Krouse Rosenthal” at the Monroe County Public Library.  On Monday, April 15, 6:30-7:15, Amy Krouse Rosenthal will be at the library for a special presentation and conversation.  Please let all Marlin students know about this amazing opportunity. 

You can register to attend by going to the following website:

http://www.monroe.lib.in.us/event/evening-amy-krouse-rosenthal. 

You can also learn more about Amy Krouse Rosenthal by visiting her website:  http://www.whoisamy.com.

FINAL MARLIN MARCH MADNESS RESULTS

We ended our Marlin March Madness reading competition.  The winners were announced on Monday, April 1.  Congratulations to Mrs. Fisher and Mrs. Hammersley's classes.  Their classes, together as a team, brought in the most scales in the final week of competition.  Way to read, Marlin students!

LATEST MARLIN MARCH MADNESS RESULTS

The Marlin March Madness reading competition is going strong!  This week (March 18-22) is round two.  The winners of round one moved on to round two.  All student teams read more than the teacher teams in round one, so this week students are "reading" against students.  Great job reading, Marlin! 

DR. SEUSS DAY

Our final day of Reading Week is Dr. Seuss Day.  Today, Marlin is representing Dr. Seuss by wearing red and white in many varieties.  Classrooms all over the building will be reading The Cat in the Hat by Dr. Seuss, too.

In addition to our dress-up days, students have been bringing in extra change to collect money for the Marlin Library.  The Marlin PTO has graciously agreed to match the amount of money Marlin students donate.  This week, we have collected $350.80.  This means Marlin has $701.60 to spend on books for the library!

The class that collected the most money today is having a special guest reader visit the classroom.  The guest reader will be visiting of the classroom of...Mrs. Somers-Glenn.  Congratulations to the kindergarten students and to ALL Marlin students for raising money for books!

Mrs. S-G's class sporting their red and white with their special guest reader!

TEAM DAY

We are celebrating Team Day today.  Students and teachers are showing team support by wearing their favorite team jerseys, T-shirts, and sweatshirts.  In the spirit of working together (like a team), we have read and listened to Horton Hears a Who.  Go Team Marlin!

Team togetherness!

MARLIN MARCH MADNESS

March is here!  And now, our Marlin March Madness reading competition has begun!  This month, Marlin students and teachers are competing to see who reads the most minutes and earns more dragon scales.  Students and teachers are on the teams listed in the bracket below.  Our competition will be in three rounds.  This week (March 4-8) is round one.  The winners of round one will move on to round two.  Our final winner will be announced on April 1.  Good luck to all the students and teachers.  Let's get reading, Marlin! 

HAT DAY

It's Tuesday, and that means it is Hat Day at Marlin!  Many different hats can be seen throughout the school. Students are also reading and hearing the book, The 500 Hats of Bartholomew Cubbins, for our Reading Week.  Take a peek at some of our hats.

Hats all around!

SILLY SOCK DAY

Today, we are wearing our silliest socks for Marlin Reading Week.  We are also reading Fox in Socks to coordinate with our Reading Week.  Check out some of the craziest, funniest, silliest socks of the day.

 

Students showing their READING spirit this week!

BOOK OF THE MONTH: HOW TO HEAL A BROKEN WING

How to Heal a Broken Wing by Bob Graham is our March Book of the Month.  In this book, we meet a boy, his family, and a bird in need.  This story is one of “hope and healing.”

How to Heal a Broken Wing is a straight-forward story.  Bob Graham uses few words in his book, but his illustrations tell the real story.  As in the book Roller Coaster, we see so much in the illustrations; it may take multiple readings to completely understand what has happened in the story.

This month, let’s soar to outstanding reading!  Read in the classroom (of course), read at home, and even read during spring break (wherever you may go).  Here’s to a high-flying month of free-living reading!                

Marlin Reading Week

Next week, March 4-8, will be Marlin Reading Week.  Students will have dress-up days that honor Dr. Seuss books.  We will celebrate World Read Aloud Day on March 6 by having guest readers come to our classrooms.  Also, reading minutes from THE CLASSROOM can be added to our 500 minutes of reading.  Let's make Marlin Reading Week a week of fun, excitement, and most importantly, reading!

BOOK OF THE MONTH: EMILY'S ART

For February, our Book of the Month is Emily’s Art by Peter Catalanotto.  The book focuses on students learning about judges and being judged.  Sometimes, opinions of others can affect whether we win a race, contest, or science fair.  Hard lessons are learned when students realize that everyone has an opinion. 

Not only can we (as a reading community) connect with each other at Marlin, but we can possibly connect with this author.  If you are interested, Peter Catalanotto is on Facebook.  You can LIKE and follow him to see what is he doing.  You could also send him a message in hopes that he replies!

Here’s to a “picture perfect” month of literacy, learning, and loaning ideas.  We can make Marlin a true reading community!  Just reach out to others and the Marlin magic will happen!

LOVING LITERACY WEEK

It is LOVING LITERACY WEEK at Marlin!  This week, we are celebrating those books we LOVE.  We are discussing the difference between reading or enjoying a book and truly LOVING it.  We are also counting all types of reading for dragon scale minutes.  Students (and teachers) can read to self, read to someone, someone reads to you, or listen to reading.  Any method of reading can be added to the 500 minute reading log.

Marlin is also posting a LOVING LITERACY wall.  Both students and teachers will be writing a book title they LOVE on a LOVING LITERACY heart.  All the hearts will be displayed on the wall (located around the Marlin announcement television).

Let's make this week (February 11-15) a week to share and show others how much you LOVE to read!

Celebrating LOVING LITERACY WEEK!

Books we LOVE at Marlin        

LOVING reading in kindergarten

(tracking minutes read each day of the week)

Brand New Newbery and Caldecott Winners!

This morning, the 2013 Newbery and Caldecott Medal winners were announced.  Here are the winners AND books to add to your reading list:

The 2013 Newbery Medal winner is The One and Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate.

Newbery Honor Books:
Splendors and Glooms by Laura Amy Schlitz
Bomb: The Race to Build-and Steal-the World's Most Dangerous Weapon by Steve Sheinkin
Three Times Lucky by Shelia Turnage

The 2013 Caldecott Medal winner is This Is Not My Hat by Jon Klassen

Caldecott Honor books:
Creepy Carrots! illustrated by Peter Brown, written by Aaron Reynolds
Extra Yarn, illustrated by Jon Klassen, written by Mac Barnett
Green, illustrated and written by Laura Vaccaro Seeger
One Cool Friend, illustrated by David Small, written by Toni Buzzeo
Sleep Like a Tiger, illustrated by Pamela Zagarenski, written by Mary Logue

BOOK OF THE MONTH: ROLLER COASTER

Our first Book of the Month for 2013 is called Roller Coaster by Marla Frazee.  It focuses on riding on a roller coaster for the first time.  This book is a great tie-in to making New Year’s resolutions.  Many of us (students AND adults) are afraid to start new things or make changes.  Yet, if we do, we might find a new enjoyment!  This is an encouraging book for taking those risks.    

Please share any ideas you use with Roller Coaster.  One suggestion, from Mrs. Lewis, was to communicate ideas used with the book through Twitter.  Since everyone now has a Twitter account, it is possible.  What a fantastic way to use technology!

Let’s rock and ROLL with reading in 2013!