Ben Franklin and the Magic Squares

Benjamin Franklin was a kid once. Apparently, he amused himself by constructing "magic squares"; these special grids house one numeral per square, and total the same sum whether you're adding vertically, horizontally, or diagonally. This Step Into Reading + Math text creatively integrates mathematics with reading and social studies.

Georgia for Children

It's a little dated, but the simple paragraphs and coloring pages integrate social studies, reading, and art. Definitely homework worthy, especially for those new to Georgia.

Daily Comprehension July

Rube Goldberg was the man behind the machine. This American cartoonist was born on July 4th, 1883. How did he wind up becoming a beloved American cartoonist? Read the book to find out. Or stop by his webpage.

50 Great Americans

Anne Schraff's short reading selections cover well known figures such as Sacajawea and Andrew Carnegie, as well as lesser-known figures such as Jessie Benton Fremont. Alongside her husband, Fremont was writer who helped California establish statehood. Each short story in this collection is followed by an activity, i.e. matching, comprehension questions, and a class discussion guide.

June Daily Comprehension

"You have the right to remain silent. Anything you say can and will be used against you in a court of law..." The Miranda Warning. Ernesto Miranda's 1963 arrest, confession, and subsequent guilty sentence lead lawyers to advocate for just suspect treatment which entails a full disclosure of suspect rights. I've certainly taken those rights for granted; who knew that my grandparents, aunts, and uncles could have been tried in court without ever hearing this infamous line? Despite Miranda's second chance in court, justice still sent him to prison. You'll have to read the full entry for June 13th to find out why. 

Daily Comprehension: May

I should have posted this a week ago. Better late than never!

April: Daily Comprehension

It's April! Time for another round of date-specifi non-fiction reading passges to boost comprehension.

Ready to Go Lessons: Reading & Writing Grade 3

This text is a little advanced for my 3rd. graders, but these neatly organized lessons are excellent inspiration! It's always good to have an extra lesson plan on hand.

March Daily Comprehension

Happy St. Patty's! I wish I had a more exciting book to post today. Remedia Publications's March is a great way to incorporate reading with the content area social studies. Each daily reading covers an event or person in history. Cultivating a habit of  remembering has far reaching benefits for all readers.