You’re probably already aware that, worldwide, one of the most pressing environmental issues we face today is that of plastic pollution. However, did you know that infinitesimal amounts of plastic debris have accumulated in such way that five continent-like gyres have formed in our planet’s oceans? Dangerous gyres that endanger every ocean bound organism living… Read more »
Tool Box
Map Art Lab: 52 Exciting Art Explorations in Mapmaking, Imagination, and Travel
Taking a trip this summer? Why not preserve the memories of your travels in a creative, project-based way? Map Art Lab: 52 Exciting Art Explorations in Mapmaking, Imagination, and Travel is filled with plenty of intriguing labs that can do just that! Co-authored by siblings Linden McNeilly and Jill K. Berry, this book offers fifty-two… Read more »
Dozen of Cousins by Shutta Crum, illustrated by David Catrow
Dozens of Cousins is a rollicking, frolicking, phenomenally active story about a band of multi-aged cousins joining together for their annual family reunion. Told in verse, the actions of these wild ‘beasties’ rumble off the page and straight into the reader’s hearts. Inspired by a poem written by Shutta Crum about her childhood escapades, the… Read more »
The Good-Pie Party by Liz Garton Scanlon, illustrated by Kady MacDonald Denton
Moving is never easy for a child. The anticipation of loss can be overwhelming, most especially the loss of friendship. The fear of losing friends and the worry that, perhaps, the child might not find friends as dear as those she is leaving behind can be down-right depressing. The Good-Pie Party addresses these all-too painful issues… Read more »
Poetry Tools
Poetry is the language of our hearts and souls. It’s both meaning and music. It’s rhyme and rhythm, surprise and sound. Poetry is language compressed. It’s precision, image, and part of our common cultural language. For all these reasons, kids need poetry as much as anyone. Search the keyword “Poetry” on the Common Core State Standards Initiative… Read more »
The I Survived Series by Lauren Tarshis
Touted as one of the most enticing series for reluctant readers, Lauren Tarshis’s I Survived series hits the ground running! These books make history come alive with sizzling passion and panache. The success of this series lies not only in expert storytelling depicting exciting historical details, but also in Lauren’s ability to emotionally connect her readers… Read more »
Graphic Organizers – An Educator’s Dream Tool
Graphic organizers are some of the most beneficial tools around to help teach complicated literary concepts such as theme, text structure, chronology, and sequencing – to name just a few. Also known as knowledge maps, cognitive organizers, or concept diagrams – graphic organizers provide a visual opportunity to grasp complex learning and instruction. And, they’re… Read more »
