Teacher Talk: Community Read Alouds

Hi there!

Today I want to introduce a new series here on Top Shelf Text: Teacher Talk! These posts will be more education-oriented than my typical children's literature posts, but they are also aimed at parents who want to bring more educational material into their homes!

I want to kick off the series with a list of books that I'm using to set the tone in my classroom this year. As teachers, we want to encourage our students to work together as a community of leaders, learners, and friends. Many of these books will help to facilitate discussions about how best to treat others, to treat ourselves (positive self talk!) and to life each other up in the face of challenges. I think the true aim of all teachers is to help make the world a better place, and to me doing that starts with modeling those behaviors (be the change you wish to see) and using literature to show students how to do the same.

The Smallest Girl in the Smallest Grade by Justin Roberts & Christian Robinson

Talking Points: compassion, kindness, being an active bystander

Essential Questions: If we decided to make our school and our world a better place, what kinds of things could we do? What would make you feel happy to come to school each day?

Going Places by Peter and Paul Reynolds

Talking Points: creativity, teamwork

Essential Question: What does this book teach us about working together? What would happen if everyone approached new challenges in the same exact way?

Rude Cakes by Rowboat Watkins

Talking Points: manners, kind/unkind behaviors

Essential Questions: What was the difference between the rude cakes and the giant cyclopses? Which one would you rather be friends with, and why?

Iggy Peck, Architect by Andrea Beaty & David Roberts

Talking Points: teamwork, pursuing personal interests, second chances

Essential Questions: Did Iggy give up when he was told that there was no place for architecture in second grade? What happened when Miss Greer kept an open mind?

Ordinary Mary's Extraordinary Deed by Emily Pearson & Fumi Kosaka

Talking points: acts of kindness, community

Essential Questions: What acts of kindness could we do in this classroom and in our school community?

Do Unto Otters: A Book About Manners by Laurie Keller

Talking Points: manners, individual differences

Essential Questions: How can we use the ideas from Do Unto Otters to write our classroom rules?

I'll be using many of these books over the course of our first two weeks and then at regular intervals throughout the year to keep my students thinking about what kind of actions make for a positive classroom culture.

I want to also add that, because I am a substantially separate special education teacher, the stigma that we try to prevent in schools is often directed at my students. Some of them look different from their typically developing peers, and some look the same but act differently. Teaching children (both in school and at home) to treat everyone with kindness has become increasingly important to me as I teach in a classroom of students who really need extra TLC. I hope that encouraging parents and other teachers to use literature to teach kindness in the classroom will help to make our world just a little bit safer for all children.

Do you have a book that you'd like to add to this list? Comment below! I'm always looking to grow my collection!

Happy Reading!

-Madeleine-

More Summer Reading Lists!

Is your summer reading list growing out of control already? 

No? 

Just me, then.

School is officially out (we wrapped up the year just yesterday) and I am both incredibly sad about having to say goodbye to my students, mentors, and friends, and incredibly excited for a few weeks of non-existent to-do lists and the beginning of a new chapter! More on that later.

If you're still looking for books to add to your stack of summer reads, I've rounded up a bunch of lists from some of my favorite book bloggers and fellow bookworms. If your list is already monstrous (like mine), then you might want to look away. This post is not going to help you narrow anything down because it is chock-full of even more alluring reads.

I recently posted my 2016 Summer Reading Challenge and Kids' Summer Reading Challenge, both of which I'm completing this summer (along with trying to read most of the summer reading recommendations for my students). I recognize that I'm not the best at completing reading challenges or sticking to my TBR lists, but I'm trying my best to make this summer more about intentionally reading. For that reason, I'm thinking about times of the day when I tend to be scrolling on my phone or watching mindless television, and replacing those moments with time spent reading (or listening to) a book.

I wanted to share a few summer reading lists that I've bookmarked for myself this year, so that you can have even more options when it comes to crafting your own list for this summer.

17 Big, Fat Books for Your Summer Reading // Modern Mrs. Darcy is one of my favorite sites for finding new reads, and Anne's podcast is also my top pick to listen to when I head out for a long walk. I definitely have a few books on this list that I'd like to read, and I think Anne's right when she says that there's no better time for a behemoth of a book than in the summer.

2016 Summer Reading Guide from Anne Bogel (Modern Mrs. Darcy) // Each year, Anne puts together an extremely cultivated and organized summer reading guide. This is the first year that I've browsed it thoroughly, and you can bet that I'll be using it to fill some of the categories for my own challenge this year. (She also has a yearlong reading challenge that is similar to mine in its flexibility). Anne reads hundreds of books (no joke) to make this list, so you know that when she recommends a book, she really means it.

100 Picture Books to Read This Summer // Janssen is another favorite book blogger of mine. She used to be a children's librarian and is now a stay-at-home mom, so you know she's got the knowledge to pick great books for your kids this summer. I'm taking this list with me to my next book sale to scope out titles for my classroom next year, and of course, I'll be using it to influence my library picks all year long.

Your Ultimate Summer Reading List from Real Simple Magazine // This is a favorite publication of mine, so I definitely trust their judgement. There's quite a few books on here that I haven't heard of before too!

ALSC Summer Reading List // This is a great resource for summer reading lists tailored to specific age groups. I'd recommend printing it out and bringing it to the library with you this summer! This is the list that I'll be following to keep up with my students' recommended summer reading.

Education World's Summer Reading Lists & Booktivities // This is another great resource for parents/teachers and also includes ideas for activities to keep kids excited about reading!

Looking Forward To: Fall Middle Grade Books

Today is our first day of school and I am all aflutter with nervousness and excitement for the new school year! We've been working away in our classroom to set up and though I've been in the building for several weeks now, today is going to be a whole different story! I'm channeling some of my favorite teachers from childhood (my sixth grade teacher and Ms. Frizzle come to mind) and I already can't stop smiling! Fourth grade, here I come!

Other things I'm looking forward to lately? This list of middle grade books arriving this fall!

I have to say that since I've starting working with publishers, I love that feeling of being able to read a book before the general public, but the best feeling is being able to rave about those reads to all of you. I love helping to launch books and I look forward to each month's new reads with lots of anticipation. That doesn't mean, however, that I'm privy to every new book before it comes out. In fact, I've come across a slew of upcoming books lately that have positively piqued my interest. It's not likely I'll be getting around to them very soon, but I'm still very tempted to pre-order quite a few of them. (Those pre-order prices are hard to beat!)

A Curious Tale of the In-Between by Lauren DeStefano // Published September 1, 2015

A Sliver of Stardust by Marissa Burt // Expected publication: October 20, 2015

A Pocketful of Murder by R.J. Anderson// Expected publication: September  8, 2015

The Weaver's Riddle: Mist & Whispers by C.M. Lucas // Expected publication: September 21, 2015

The Peddler's Road by Matthew Cody // Expected publication: October 27, 2015

Any of these catch your eye? Have a middle grade book that you're looking forward to reading this fall? Share below!

Have Courage & Be Kind {Celebrating Cinderella}

Remember how I mentioned recently that I am a lover of fairytales? Well, I mean that in a big way. Nothing captures my heart more than a classic tale of a princess and the triumph over evil forces. Sometime long, long ago, I drank the Disney juice, and I haven't been able to get enough of the fairytale culture since.

Us Disney superfans have something to celebrate this weekend: the arrival of the new Cinderella, starring Lily James and Richard Madden (hello, Robb Stark, you're looking well) as the handsome prince. The moment we first heard the announcement, I seriously considered buying a plane ticket to Chicago to celebrate the occasion with my equally-fairytale-obsessed besties, Allie & Sam.

You can watch the trailer below:

Simply magical, right??

I did quite a bit of reading about the origins of our favorite fairytales last summer for my honors project this year, and I love how the original tales (which came from oral traditions) have inspired and informed so much writing. I thought a booklist was in order, one that celebrates the original tale of Cinderella and the many, many works that it's inspired since its publication back in the 17th century. 

Normally, when I curate a booklist, I stick to one main audience. Since fairytales are something that readers of all ages can enjoy, I thought I'd mix it up and include a few books for readers from preschool all the way through young adulthood. I know quite a few adults who really enjoy these kinds of stories from the YA genre, so if you're a little older than the target audience (like me), don't be afraid to dive in!

For Young Readers (Preschool & Elementary):

Glass Slipper, Gold Sandal by Paul Fleischman // A collection of Cinderella traditions from around the globe. This book weaves together the unique tales from places as different as Zimbabwe and Ireland into a story that demonstrates the universality of the fairytale. For parents who want to share a more worldly view with their children!

Cinder Edna by Ellen Jackson // A quirky fracturing of the original tale. Cinder Edna (Cinderella's neighbor) isn't lucky enough to be rescued by a godmother and a handsome prince, but she perseveres due to her own resilience and go-getter attitude. This one's for families who aren't fans of the "damsel in distress" formula. A feminist and funny take. 

Cinderella by Barbara McClintock // A classic retelling with an added Parisian element and gorgeous, detailed illustrations. For fans of the original. 

Cinderella Skeleton by Robert D. San Souci // A childhood favorite of mine. A rather Tim Burton-esque fracture, with the same uplifting message: that kindness and virtue conquer all. Definitely one to add to your Halloween collection too! 

Seriously, Cinderella is So Annoying! by Trisha Speed Shaskan // A fractured version, from the perspective of the wicked stepmother. A great opportunity for discussions about the fact that there are always two sides to every story.

Cinderella Stays Late by Joan Holub // The first in a series that takes place in Grimmlandia, this story sets Cinderella as a new girl at Grimm Academy. Her evil stepsisters tease & embarass her, but she ends up as the hero in the end. A great lesson on girl power & treating others well!

Cinderella at the Ball by Margaret Hillert // For beginning readers (ages 6+), this is a great retelling for independent reading!

Cinderella Stories Around the World by Cari Meister // Another collection of Cinderella versions from many different cultures. I love the illustration style of this one!

For Middle Grade Readers & Young Adults:

{Psst! Parents: it's up to you to make a judgment call when it comes to these categories! Some of these books are recommended for grades 7 and above. Personally, I know many middle-graders that are mature enough to read books way above their level, but if there's a question of appropriateness, I suggest checking out the recommended reading level first!}

Mechanica by Betsy Cornwell // A Kindle-only book that's set to be published in August, this unique retelling has been on my watch-list since January. In this, Cinderella is cast as a wildly talented inventor. For those who like the damsel-saves-herself type!

Ella Enchanted by Gail Carson Levine // A classic and perfect choice for girls' bookclubs! In this, Ella is fierce and fights against her curse of obedience, and instead of being rescued, it is she who rescues the prince.

Cinder by Marissa Meyer // A very unique take on the classical tale, with a Cinderella who's actually a cyborg, and a science-fiction future in which earth is in really, really big trouble. 

Princess of Glass by Jessica Day George // A royal exchange program, a competition between a servant & princess for an eligible prince, and a fan base that loves this author's retellings (this is the second in her fairytale series). Definitely worth checking out!

Bound by Donna Jo Napoli // When I stumbled upon this retelling, I let out an "Ooooh." Now this looks like a fresh take to me. Take the story of Cinderella and mold Chinese culture around it. Xing Xing is bound as a servant to her stepmother and sister, whose feet are bound and whom Xing Xing must take care of. Throw in money troubles and a desperate search for a husband, and you have a new perspective that maintains the core values. 

The Masked Slipper by Jessica Lorene // A setting in which the characters are aware that they're living in a fairytale? I'll take it. Nicolette is being forced to marry a not-so-prince-charming, and she's realized that somewhere along the line, her fairytale went awry.

There are so many amazing versions of this tale in picture-book and novel form, I could probably add forty more to this list and it would still barely make a dent in the number of available versions out there! I saw ones from every culture, every time period, and some great fractured perspectives as well! I could curate a whole library full of these books. Did one catch your eye? Do you have one to add to the list? Share your thoughts below!

Happy Reading!

Valentine's Day Booklist for Kids

Can I just preface this by saying: I love Valentine's Day and I'm not ashamed of it. I love that we get an extra-special day each year to celebrate the ones that we love, and I think that the essence of Valentine's Day isn't confined to just significant others; it applies to all family members, to best friends, and especially to the little ones in our lives. My mother still makes sure to send me a little box of love each year for Valentine's Day, and I know I'll be celebrating this holiday with my own children in the future. Valentine's Day give us something to celebrate during one of the hardest months of the year; around here, at least, it feels as though winter is never-ever-ever going to end, and I certainly appreciate a little boost of something bright and cheery. I'm also a year-long super fan of all things pink and floral, so I happen to love it when shelves are stocked with everything in my favorite color. (Plus, there's the chocolate, and you can't go wrong with that.)

So, in the spirit of celebrating love and extra kindness, I've put together a booklist of fifteen fun reads to share with your favorite littles. Most of these can also be found at your local public library, so if you're not into the idea of curating a holiday-themed collection of books, they are easy to borrow just for the weekend!

Pinkalicious: Pink of Hearts by Victoria Kann

Cranberry Valentine by Wende & Harry Devlin

Happy Valentine's Day, Mouse! by Laura Numeroff

Splat the Cat: Funny Valentine by Rob Scotton

Olive, My Love by Vivian Walsh

Mia: The Sweetest Valentine by Robin Farley

The Day It Rained Hearts by Felicia Bond

Clifford's Valentine's Day by Norman Bridwell

Franklin's Valentines by Paulette Bourgeois

Pete the Cat: Valentine's Day is Cool by Kimberly and James Dean

Snowy Valentine by David Petersen

The Yuckiest, Stinkiest, Best Valentine Ever by Brenda A. Ferber

The Berenstain Bears' Funny Valentine by Stan & Jan Berenstain

Fancy Nancy: Heart to Heart by Jane O'Connor

Amelia Bedelia's First Valentine by Herman Parish

Show the littles in your life that everyday is a day to celebrate love, and then treat them to some extra TLC time featuring a stack of love-themed reads & a (small) pile of their favorite treats!