Scholastic Encyclopedia of Women in the United States

Encyclopedias generally read alphabetically, but this on is understandably categorized by time and theme. The impressive anthology of women spans the 1500s to the 2000s. Chapter headings such as "Growth and conflict"--1800s-1880s; "Hard Times, Tough Choices" -- 1930s-1940; and "Woman Power!" -- 1970s to 2000s unite woman across the decades under a common theme.

The 50 Great States: A Hands-on Learning Game and Thematic Unit

Hooray for the United States! My sister and I loved this tune growing up:

What did Delaware to Georgia’s party down in Maryland?
She wore a New Jersey that Virginia bought in Michigan.
Did you see that Tennessee did see a saw in Arkansas?
For this silly song of states, Iowa big apology!

- Silly Song of States

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. 

e. e. cummings: complete poems 1904-1962 & i thank you God for most this amazing...

He doesn't punctuate his sentences. I was aghast by this celebrated author's poor of mechanics until mom explained that "he did that on purpose".  Really??? The next logical question was whether or not I could throw out upper case too...i attempted as much when she wasn't looking.

e.e. cummings was my mother's favorite. I love the fact that my meat and potatoes, future-home-maker-of-America thoroughly appreciated cummings' modern style. His work is dear to my spirit as well -- particularly this piece (hear the author's own reading). Eric Whitacer's composition for SATB is beautiful (of course), but Gwyneth Walker's SSA captivates me every time I hear it. Incidentally, cummings' burial site is located in the region where I will soon dwell. This move is a major uprooting, a cause for reflection and thanks.

i thank you God for most this amazing... (65)

e.e. cummings

i thank You God for most this amazing
day:for the leaping greenly spirits of trees
and a blue true dream of sky;and for everything
which is natural which is infinite which is yes

(i who have died am alive again today,
and this is the sun's birthday;this is the birth
day of life and love and wings:and of the gay
great happening illimitably earth)

how should tasting touching hearing seeing
breathing any--lifted from the no
of all nothing--human merely being
doubt unimaginable You?

(now the ears of my ears awake and
now the eyes of my eyes are opened)

Garage Sale 2.0 #3: The Kingfisher Young People's Book of Music

What is music? Where did it come from? How has humanity produced music over time? This introductory text provides an overview of the above. The authors cover the science of sound as well as various instruments created throughout history. While there is a "world music" section, the emphasis is predominately western. This is a draw back, but an awareness of music's development in the West is essential to college prep. 

Journal of Scott Pendleton Collins: A World War II Soldier, Normandy, France, 1944

Walter Dean Myers thrusts the 21st. century reader into the heat of the Normandy invasion. Scott Collins' journal follows the gritty battle through the perspective of a young American soldier. This engaging first-person narrative builds background knowledge that brings social studies to life.  Myers' poignant depiction of the soldier's life allows readers relate to the many youth who fought and sacrificed for this nation.

As an avid Dear America fan, I picked up this book back in the day, skeptical about the plot of a boy's "journal".  My first thought after reading a few entries was this is better than "Saving Private Ryan." I always wanted to get inside the characters heads, and Myers finally took me there. Though this is the only title I've read in the My Name Is America Series, I am confident that this series is a wonderful way to achieve content area literacy.  Plus, every American child needs to know and feel that they are a part of this country's grand narrative. Instructional texts alone are not enough to foster that awareness. Rich historical fiction such as Myers' work engages readers holistically, leaving them poised to discover their role in the American story.

Reading Level from Lexile: 810L

Garage Sale 2.0: #2 Paper Clip Jewelry

Here's another art instructional...because everyone needs a pair of paper clip earrings : ) My students will be exercising their creativity to recycle classroom materials. Conservation, grade-school style!  I'll be looking for more ideas at the Decatur Arts Fest today. 

Garage Sale 2.0 #1 Draw 50 Baby Animals

Drawing isn't for everyone. If you know a student who struggles to produce basic sketches, this book may be for him or her. Step-by-step illustrations are always helpful for visual learners. I'm attempting to expand the variety of texts in my library. The new additions include books about art, sports, and music. Speaking of which, I'm off to the Decatur Arts Festival this afternoon. Who knows what treasure awaits!

Someday You'll Write

Elizabeth Yeats began her writing career as an illiterate girl who cherished stories. She went on to become a distinguished 21st. century author, winning the Newbery Medal for Amos Fortune, Free Man. I remember reading that novel for school...I think Mom may have read it aloud.

Mom championed writing from day one. I recall her challenging me to write in my diary every day, "even if it is just a few sentences." That was at 8 or 9 years, when journaling every day was a still a novel idea. She passed this self-starter book along sometime during my elementary years. Oddly enough, I've never actually read it. A page here and there, yes -- but never a whole chapter. It has remained on my shelf, throughout six moves, college, and grad school.

I'm sure you've heard the saying, "It's the thought that counts." Cliché though it may be, I'm inclined to agree.  She thought I should write. She believed that I would write. She invested her life into cultivating my love for narrative and print...among other things :)  I'm giving the book another go tonight; perhaps someday I will write.

Happy Mothers Day 

Penny Lee Leonhard

June 1, 1951 - February 2, 2010

Motivational Units for Spring: A Good Apple Seasonal Idea/Activity Book for Grades 2-6

Wise teachers anticipate spring fever and plan accordingly.

Puzzles, plays, personality tests, projects, puppet patterns -- you name it. If it starts with a p, this book has it. The other letters make an appearance too.  

I Thought My Soul Would Rise: The Diary of Patsy, a Freed Girl, Mars Bluff, South Carolina, 1865 (Dear America Series)

Can I just say how much I love the Dear America Diary series? For the die-hard curious (or ultimate snoop) such as myself, there's nothing like being able page through someone's innermost thoughts. That's not all -- story's such as Patsy's offer a life-like glimpse into the past.  Did I mention that next to English/Language Arts, Social Studies is my favorite subject? Oh Dear America, you do both so well!

Joyce Hansen is a wonderful fiction and non-fiction writer. She infuses her works with a since of hope, carrying the theme across centuries and culture.

Fallen Angels

Rotting feet. Sticky forehead, arms, legs, and back. Haunting screams. Devastating visions. Walter Dean Meyers brings the Vietnam war into the present in the this tale about a young Black man's service. I tasted, felt, heard, and smelled the battle when I first read Fallen Angels. Well chosen words convey the bitterness of war more profoundly than any movie ever could.


Reading Level from Lexile: 650L