Top 10 Books for December





There are so many "days" in December to recognize it is sometimes hard to fit all of that wonderful learning into such a short teaching month. I have compiled a list of books that are not all holiday themed but relate to a special day in December. I hope you find something new to teach your students about this month.

Here is my December list, in order of the date of the special day.



December 1st is Rosa Parks day. I chose this book in honor or Rosa Parks because I think it tells her story beautifully!















December 4th is Cookie Day. I love this story by Jan Brett so I thought it was the perfect book for Cookie Day. After reading Gingerbread Baby you can share some cookies with your students.











December 6th is Mitten Tree Day. It is believed that this day came about because of this heartwarming story about Sarah and her mitten tree. There is a great lesson to be learned from this story as well as some fun activities you can do involving mittens.









December 6th is also St. Nicholas day. This book shares a great lesson on what it means to give at Christmas. The story is set in today's times so your students will be able to relate, and also come away with an important lesson on giving.











Hanukkah starts on December 8th and what a great book to read in honor of Hanukkah. This is a wonderful tale of courage and strength and believing.
















December 12th is Gingerbread House day. I found this great book on how to make no bake gingerbread houses with simple instructions. This book and making these houses could lead to a great How To writing!















The poinsettia is such an iconic symbol for the Christmas holiday season it is quite fitting that December 12th is also Poinsettia Day. Tomi dePaola does a great job in this book introducing the poinsettia and how it came to be part of the holiday season.












December 13th is National Cocoa Day. This can be such a fun day in your classroom with so many activities on line available for you to do in your class. I thought I would add this book to my list because I love The Bailey School Kids. It is such a fun series and if you have students that are ready for chapter books, this is a great book to read out loud to introduce your students these fun books.








 


I cannot have a top 10 list for December without adding The Polar Express, so I have attached it to December 25th, Christmas Day. It just goes without saying that this is a W*O*N*D*E*R*F*U*L book!









December 26th is the start of Kwanzaa and this is the perfect book to introduce your students to what Kwanzaa is all about.










I am adding an extra book into my top 10 because December 26th is National Thank You Note Day. I think too many kids are not taught to send thank you notes for gifts they receive. So, I picked this book, Splat says Thank You! If Splat can take the time to write a thank you, then maybe your students will do the same :)









I hope my list of December books has inspired a great lesson.


Happy Reading!





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Thumbs up Thumbs down #10


Another Thursday, another Thumbs up Thumbs down post. Read here for the back story of why I started this.


Thumbs up to Mary at Sharing Kindergarten for her blog post called Writing Freebie. She is offering a great Christmas themed Write Me Three activities with word walls. Go on over and grab your copy.
Sharing Kindergarten

Thumbs up to Linda at Primary Inspiration, Happy "Blog-iversary"! As a thank you to her blog stalkers she has a great Winter Sight Word packet she is giving a way for free. 

Primary Inspiration
 
Thumbs up to Donna at Math Coach's Corner for a great post on Keep the End in Mind. She has a fun freebie as well as a link to her review for the book Small Steps, Big Changes: Eight Essential Practices for Transforming Schools Through Mathematics. Basically, her review of chapter 1 will make you feel good about having your kids play the freebie game she has available...it is a win win for all :)

Thumbs up to Donna at Peace, Love and Learning for her blog post Reading with Stars This is such a great idea, you just have to go see for your self what the post is all about!!


Thumbs up to my little doggies. They make me laugh and smile every day!


 


Thumbs down to my neighborhood school closing! This is the school that my kids went to, where I did my student teaching, where I sub regularly, where I tutor and where all my teacher friends work. They just got word last week that at the end of the school year. The district is going to put all the kids in the neighboring elementary school and displace all the teachers, no priority given to those teachers. We are all heartbroken and sad that our family is being broken up.

Thumbs down to all those people that leave their shopping carts in parking spaces. I am sorry but it doesn't take but an extra minute to walk the darn thing to a cart return. Think of it this way, you will walk a little bit more, but those extra calories you burn will allow you to have that extra cookie you really want but know you shouldn't!


Is there anything happening around you that is a thumbs up or thumbs down. Don't be shy, share your "oh yeahs" or "oh my's".

Best,

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A Kwanzaa Miracle by Sharon Shavers Gayle -Teaching Ideas


A Kwanzaa Miracle is a story about loss and friendship. Mrs. Jackson is a grumpy neighbor that doesn't want to take part in the Kwanzaa celebration that all the neighbors are planning. The kids in the building are afraid of Mrs. Jackson and when Darryl and Ashley hit her window with a snowball they are extra nervous, especially when she has them come into her home. As Darryl and Ashley are in Mrs. Jackson's home they soon discover that Mrs. Jackson is not mean, she is just lonely, she lost both her daughter and her husband. After leaving Mrs. Jackson's home they tell their mom and dad that they want Mrs. Jackson to be their honorary ancestor for their Kwanzaa celebration. All the neighbors think this is a wonderful idea. At the Kwanzaa celebration Mrs. Jackson is surprised to see her sister there, because she lives so far away. Mrs. Jackson is so happy and thankful to all her neighbors and most especially Darryl and Ashley, she said they gave her a "Kwanzaa Miracle"!

This is a heartwarming story that is a good introduction into the Kwanzaa holiday. I hope you have this book or can find it to share with your students. I have created a problem/solution freebie to go with the book if you decide to share it with your class.

Below are the reading skills, strategies and ideas that could help in creating a very meaningful holiday lesson.

Reading level: 4.5
Theme: kindness
Genre: fiction

Suggested Vocabulary: mound, loomed, Kwanzaa, Umoja, unison, honorary ancestor, honored, festivities,

Reading skills and strategies:
  • Asking questions - {possible questions before} What is Kwanzaa? I wonder what the miracle might be. {possible questions during} I wonder why Mrs. Jackson is so mean. I wonder what some of the things were that they did to get ready for Kwanzaa. {possible questions after} I wonder who celebrates Kwanzaa. I wonder when Kwanzaa is celebrated.  **Remember to have your students answer/reflect their questions.
  • Author’s point of view – 3rd person. Be sure to find 3 pieces of evidence to support this.
  • Beginning, middle, end - {most important event from beginning} The author made Mrs. Jackson seem so mean. {most important event from middle} Mrs. Jackson asked Darryl and Ashley come into her house. {most important event from end} Mrs. Jackson’s sister showed up for the Kwanzaa celebration.
  • Cause and effect – Why do you think Mrs. Jackson is so mean? Because she is sad about her daughter and husband. Why did Mrs. Jackson invite the kids in? Because they hit her window with a snowball and it reminded her of her daughter. Why did Ashley and Darryl decide to have Mrs. Jackson as the honorary ancestor for Kwanzaa? Because the discovered that she was nice and lonely and sad. Why did they invite Mrs. Jackson’s sister? Because it would make Mrs. Jackson very happy. Why did Mrs. Jackson say that they gave her a Kwanzaa miracle? because she was very sad and lonely for her own family so having her sister come celebrate and naming her honorary ancestral grandmother made her feel like she had family.
  • Character analysis - describe Mrs. Jackson {looks like, feelings, thoughts, character}
  • Character changes – Mrs. Jackson seems to be very grumpy and mean at the beginning of the book but at the end she is very happy and gracious. Talking about her daughter and husband and then having her sister come to the Kwanzaa celebration helped Mrs. Jackson not be so grumpy.
  • Compare & contrast – Kwanzaa with Hanukkah or Christmas
  • Connections - {possible text-to-self connections} having a neighbor that is not very nice. Having an important celebration. Making friends with someone that is not so nice. Surprising someone with a nice gesture.
  • Drawing conclusions & inferencing – Why did Mrs. Jackson say they gave her a Kwanzaa miracle? {text clues} Mrs. Jackson was missing her daughter and husband. Mrs. Jackson’s sister came to the Kwanzaa festivities. Ashley and Darryl named Mrs. Jackson honorary ancestral grandmother.  {what I know} Whenever I see family I haven’t seen in a long time it makes me happy and when I receive an honor it always makes me feel so happy. {my conclusion} I think Mrs. Jackson said they gave her a Kwanzaa miracle because she got to see her sister and she felt like she would not be lonely anymore.
  • Main idea & details - {main idea} Kwanzaa was getting close and all the neighbors were trying to get ready for the celebration. {details} They had a meeting about what they should do for Kwanzaa. They decided on naming an honorary ancestor. They had to figure out who that honorary member should be. They had a great party.
  • Plot - the turning point or climax in the story was when Darryl hit Mrs. Jackson’s window with a snowball.
  • Predict – What do you think the story will be about? Why do you think Mrs. Jackson is so mean? Who do you think they will pick as their honorary ancestor? What do you think Mrs. Jackson is going to do to Darryl and Ashley when she invites them in to her house? Do you think Ashley’s sister will come? Do you think Mrs. Jackson will be happy at the party?
  • Problem & solution - {problem} Mrs. Jackson is a grumpy old woman. {solution} Ashley and Darryl decide to make her the honorary ancestor for their Kwanzaa celebration.
  • Sequencing – Mrs. Jackson speaks to Ashley and Darryl about leaving their toys on the walkway. It is time for the Kwanzaa meeting. They decide to have an honorary ancestor at their celebration. Darryl and Ashley hit Mrs. Jackson’s window with a snowball. Mrs. Jackson invites the kids in. Mrs. Jackson shares her pictures of her daughter and husband with the kids. Ashley and Darryl go home and ask their parents if Mrs. Jackson could be their honorary ancestor. Everyone is preparing for the Kwanzaa festivities. Darryl escorts Mrs. Jackson into the party. Mrs. Jackson sees her sister and they hug. They name Mrs. Jackson honorary ancestral grandmother. Mrs. Jackson is very happy.
  • Story elements - list title, author, characters, setting, beginning, middle, end, or problem & solution.
  • Theme - sometimes sadness makes people do or say mean things but a little kindness toward that person can make them happy again.




http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Problem-Solutions-inspired-by-A-Kwanzaa-Miracle

IT'S FREE!!

Happy Kwanzaa!


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Merry Christmas Stinky Face by Lisa McCourt - Teaching Ideas


In typical fashion Stinky Face is filled with questions. He worries about the Christmas tree blowing away, his snowman melting, Santa losing a boot and the reindeer's antlers getting stuck in the tree branches that hang over the roof. His mom is very reassuring and has an answer or solution to all of his questions and worries. In the end, Stinky Face and his mother leave Santa all the things he might need if anything were to go wrong on the night he delivers his gifts.

Many of your kids will identify with the questions Stinky Face asks, because they are typical "little kid" type of questions. Such a fun read aloud, I hope you have it and share it with your students!

Here is a list of reading skills, strategies and ideas you can utilize while creating a meaningful holiday lesson.

As a fun center activity I have created a true false comprehension game that your students will love.

Reading level: 3.1
Theme: winter holiday
Genre: holiday fiction

Suggested Vocabulary: coat rack, icicles

Reading skills and strategies:
  • Asking questions - {possible questions before} I wonder why he is called Stinky Face. I wonder what this story is going to be about. {possible questions during} Why is he asking so many questions? Will all these things really happen? {possible questions after} Will Santa really need all the things Stinky Face and his mom left for him? **Remember to have your students answer/reflect their questions.
  • Author’s point of view – 1st person. Be sure to find 3 pieces of evidence to support this.
  • Author’s purpose – entertain {evidence} The illustrations are very silly. There is no such thing as a Christmasaurus and Santa would never lose his boot. All these thing make a very entertaining story.
  • Beginning, middle, end - {most important event from beginning} Stinky Face started asking his mom a lot of questions about things that might happen. {most important event from middle} Mom had very good answers for each of his questions. {most important event from end} Mom and Stinky Face left all the things that Santa might need, just in case.
  • Cause and effect – Why would Stinky Face and his mom sit outside and make snow cones? Because that is how they would move all the snow that was blocking their door. Why would they have to use the coat rack as a Christmas tree? Because the wind might blow their tree out the front door. Why would they put a snowman in their freezer? Because the snowman would follow Stinky Face inside and start to melt. Why would a Chrismasaurus help them put up their Christmas lights? Because they were too short to reach the top of the house. Why would Santa need a saw? So he could cut the branches that the reindeer’s antlers might get stuck in. Why are they leaving a pair of snow boots for Santa? So he can wear them if he loses one of his.
  • Character analysis - describe Stinky Face and or his mom {looks like, feelings, thoughts, character}
  • Drawing conclusions & inferencing – On the last page of the story, what do you think Santa is thinking when he sees all the stuff and reads the note? {text clues} Stinky Face and his mom left Santa a lot of things. Santa is shaking his head and smiling as he is looking at all the stuff. {my conclusion} I think Santa sees the stuff and understands why it was left so he feels thankful and maybe a little surprised.
  • Main idea & details - {main idea} Stinky face is worried about so many things happening. {details} He is worried about the Christmas tree blowing out the front door and his snowman following him inside and melting. Stinky Face is also worried about Santa losing one of his boots.
  • Predict – What do you think is going to happen in the story? How do you think they would get out of their door? What do you think they would do if their tree blew away? How would they help the snowman that was starting to melt? How do you think Santa would get the reindeer's antlers unstuck from the branches? Do you think Santa’s boot would fall off while he is driving his sleigh? What do you think Santa is going to do when he sees all the stuff they left for him?
  • Problem & solution - {problem} Stinky Face is worried about so many things. {solution} Stinky Face’s mom has a solution for every problem Stinky Face thinks of.
  • Sequencing – Stinky Face has many questions. What if they couldn’t open their front door? What would they do if the Christmas tree blew out the door? How would they save the little snowman? How would they reach the top of the house to put Christmas lights up? How would Santa get the reindeer’s antlers out of the tree branches? What if Santa lost a boot? What if his lips got chapped or the sack ripped or the reindeer's need their fur brushed. Stinky Face and his mother leave out all the things Santa might need, just in case.
  • Story elements - list title, author, characters, setting, beginning, middle, end, or problem & solution.
  • Strong thought – Why is Stinky Face asking so many questions?
  • Summarize - {someone} Stinky Face {wanted} wanted to ask a question {but} but he asked a lot of questions {so} so his mom answered all of them. {then}They then left all of his mom’s answers to his questions on the table for Santa. 
  • visualize – What do you see as something that could go wrong on Christmas Eve?




You can find this game in either one of my stores.


http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Merry-Christmas-Stinky-Face-True-False-Comprehension-Game

Merry Christmas!


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Inspiration


A cornucopia of fun, concentration and beautiful art. Today I was lucky enough to work in a class that started this great project. They started with a photocopy of a cornucopia and they used torn tissue paper with a starch and water mixture to adhere it to the paper.

The room was filled with focused students trying to rip the tissue paper to the correct size and shape to fit the intricate details of the picture. 


Needless to say, many of the students were not able to finish the project while I was there, but I have no doubt that they will be beautiful when they are done!

It is truly I*N*S*P*I*R*I*N*G to see that some teachers still fit art into their overly scheduled day!

Blessings!

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Hershel and the Hanukkah Goblins by Eric Kimmel - Teaching Ideas




This is a great Hanukkah story about courage, strength and creativity. The story starts with Hershel arriving in town on the first night of Hanukkah and finds that there are no menorah's lit. The villagers explain to Hershel that there are goblins that haunt the old synagogue on the hill and they HATE Hanukkah. Hershel tells the villagers that he is not afraid and that he will take care of the goblins so that they can celebrate Hanukkah. Hershel is at the synagogue for 8 days and he successfully scares away or outsmarts each goblin that comes. On the last night the King of the Goblins comes and frightens Hershel, but he stays strong and once again outsmarts the goblin. Because of Hershel's strength and creativity he saves Hanukkah!

I hope this is a book that you have and share with your students, it has such a great message. Below are all the skills, strategies and ideas that you could use to get your kiddos thinking.

At the bottom of this post is a link to the differentiated, skills and strategies packet that I created for this book.


Reading level: 3.2
Theme: creativity and imagination, bravery and courage
Genre: fables/folk tales

Suggested Vocabulary: latkes, synagogue, menorah, dreidels, rabbi, outwit

Reading skills and strategies:
  • Asking questions - {possible questions before} I wonder what the story is going to be about. I wonder what Hershel is going to do with the goblins. {possible questions during} I wonder why the goblins hate Hanukkah so much. I wonder why the goblins don’t scare Hershel. {possible questions after} I wonder if the goblins will come back. **Remember to have your students answer/reflect their questions.
  • Author’s point of view – third person. Be sure to find 3 pieces of evidence to support this.
  • Author’s purpose – entertain {evidence} There are no such things as goblins. The illustrations of the goblins are funny. It is silly when Hershel squishes an egg and tricks the goblin into thinking it was a rock. All these things make an entertaining story.
  • Beginning, middle, end - {most important event from beginning} Hershel arrives to the village and learns that there will be no Hanukkah because of the goblins. {most important event from middle} Hershel is able to scare away all the goblins and light the menorah. {most important event from end} Hershel tricks the King of the Goblins and breaks the spell.
  • Cause and effect – Why are there no menorahs lit on the first night of Hanukkah? Because the villagers are afraid of the goblins. Why does Hershel tell the villagers he will get rid of the goblins? Because he wants to have Hanukkah. Why is Hershel able to trick the goblins? Because they are not very smart. Why does the first goblin leave? Because he is afraid of Hershel squishing him like a rock. At the end of the story how come there are so many menorah’s lit? Because it is the last night of Hanukkah and Hershel was able to defeat the goblins.  
  • Character analysis - Describe Hershel {looks like, feelings, thoughts, character}
  • Connections - {possible text-to-self connections} Celebrating Hanukkah. Lighting a menorah. Being brave when something scary was happening. Wanting to help someone even though it would be scary.
  • Drawing conclusions & inferencing – Why do you think the goblins hate Hanukkah so much? {text clues} the goblins have scared the villages so badly they won’t celebrate Hanukkah. The goblins try to scare Hershel away so he won’t light the menorah. The goblins were very mean and unfriendly. {what I know} I know that Hanukkah is about the rededication of the Holy Temple and makes people happy. {my conclusion} I don’t think the goblins want the villagers to celebrate Hanukkah because it makes them happy and the goblins don’t want anyone to be happy.
  • Main idea & details - {main idea} The story is mostly about Hershel outsmarting the goblins and saving Hanukkah. {details} Hershel squishes an egg between his hands and tricks the goblin into thinking it was a rock. Hershel makes another goblin believe there is a spell on the pickle jar. Hershel tricks the King of the Goblins into lighting the menorah.
  • Plot - the turning point or climax in the story is when Hershel outsmarts the King of the Goblins and gets him to light the menorah.
  • Predict – What do you think the story is going to be about? Do you think Hershel will be able to break the spell? Will Hershel be able to last all 8 nights in the synagogue with the goblins? How do you think Hershel will scare the second goblin? After hearing the voice of the King of the Goblins do you think Hershel will run away or will he stay and face him? Will the King of the Goblins figure out Hershel’s plan?
  • Problem & solution - {problem} The goblins won’t let the villagers celebrate Hanukkah. {solution} Hershel tells the villagers that he will rid the synagogue of goblins. One by one Hershel rids the synagogue of the goblins.
  • Story elements - list title, author, characters, setting, beginning, middle, end, or problem & solution.
  • Summarize - {someone}The villagers {wanted} wanted to celebrate Hanukkah {but} but the goblins wouldn’t let them {so} so Hershel said he would break the spell and when he did the villagers could {finally} finally celebrate Hanukkah. 
  • Theme – There are a couple of different lessons to be learned from this story. Your faith is stronger than the evil/meaness in others. Hershel had faith that he could break the spell of the mean goblins, and he did. Using your imagination can help solve your problem. Hershel had to outsmart the goblins and when he did the villagers’ problem was solved.



http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Reading-Skills-Strategies-Packet-inspired-by-Hershel-and-the-Hanukkah-Goblins


Happy Holidays!

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Thumbs up Thumbs down, Thanksgiving Edition


Another Thursday, another Thumbs up Thumbs down post. Read here for the back story of why I started this.


Thumbs up to you! My blog is a year old and you are what makes it all worth it. I love sharing my obsession of picture books with you. Thank you for your continued support, comments and presence.

Thumbs up to those few bloggers that helped me in the beginning and I still turn to for support and questions. I so enjoy seeing your avatar pop up in places I visit because I know you are sharing your love and support with others.

Thumbs up to The Teaching Blog Traffic School and Charity Preston. TBTS has given me that extra nudge to do things I didn't know I should do.

Thumbs up to my family for putting up with my countless hours on the computer. We are finally seeing some success to all my hard work.

Thumbs up to Thanksgiving dinner! It is my most favorite meal of all time! I love everything about it, planning it, cooking it, sharing it and most of all eating it....YUMMY!

Thumbs up leftovers!
 


Thumbs down to the after Thanksgiving dinner dishes!

Thumbs down to tight pants!








Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

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Super Cyber Sale Monday AND Tuesday at TpT


If you are looking for some great deals, then you will want to shop TpT on Monday and Tuesday for up to 28% of in participating stores.

Everything in my store will be on sale, so make sure you come by and grab the items you have been wanting while they are on sale. Here are a few of my new items.

 A complete differentiated reading skills and strategies packet for the Gingerbread Baby by Jan Brett.
 A differentiated reading skills and strategies packet for the book Hershel and the Hanukkah Goblins by Eric Kimmel. This packet has a smaller selection of reading skills and strategies.
A fun true false comprehension game for the book Merry Christmas Stinky Face by Lisa McCourt. This makes a great center or small group activity!

Don't forget to shop early and fill your cart with the HUGE number of awesome products available, that way on Monday and Tuesday all you have to do is buy and SAVE!

Thanks to Michelle at
Photobucket
for putting this linky party together. If you would like to join, visit her sight and get all the details!

Happy shopping!









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