Good News, Bad News

I never know what to expect when I read a simple picture book to my 4th graders. Since we've been doing a lot of social-emotional work this year, I thought I'd take a chance, and I'm glad I did! They giggled the whole way through the story! (It helps if your teacher is being extra dramatic;)

Rabbit and Mouse head out on a picnic and positive Rabbit finds the silver lining in every one of Mouse's gloomy clouds. But even he can't withstand the constant onslaught of negativity forever and when Mouse loses it in a moment of anger, Rabbit gives in to the blues. Mouse is so shocked that he quickly finds a way to cheer up his friend, and soon they are both looking on the bright side.

Jeff Mack uses only 4 words in this book, but those four words get the point across loud and clear. His illustrations are simple and clear and works with the text in a way that makes it easy for young children to understand what is happening.

This is a great story to start conversations about friendship, positive attitude, and to just plain enjoy!

Little Treasures

I've had this bulletin board up for several months (FREE from Digital Divide and Conquer). As the students exhibit one of these friendship qualities, they can fill out a form to add to our bulletin board. As I was taking things down today, I noticed these gems:

I think this is my favorite :)

The Sign of the Beaver

Our class is finishing up our historical fiction genre study and this is the book I've been reading aloud to them during lunch each day. I've been using this in my 4th grade classes for years and every time I read it, I remember all the reasons I enjoy it so much. By time we reached chapter 3, this year's class was completely engrossed and silent as I read (not a state in which they typically exist ;)

1. Elizabeth George Speare - this author has historical fiction chops! This novel won 3 awards: a Newbery Honor Citation, the Scott O'Dell Award for Historical Fiction, and the Christopher Award. She also received the Laura Ingalls Wilder (pause here for appropriate fangirl dance) for her "enduring and distinguished contribution to children's literature." Other well-known works are The Witch of Blackbird Pond, Calico Captive, and The Bronze Bow.

2. This story absolutely entrances children. I'm never sure how each class will respond, after all, this was published well before 9 year-olds began dressing and behaving like celebutantes. But Speare is a master storyteller who does not indulge in protracted descriptive paragraphs that young readers typically skim or ignore. Using direct language sprinkled with some vivid figurative language, she crafts a tightly woven story of friendship, prejudice, and growing up. Readers will be holding their breath to see how things turn out for our hero, Matt.

Twelve year-old Matt is left in the Maine territory to watch over his family's new home while his father returns to Massachusetts to fetch the rest of the family - mother, sister, and brand new baby.

While he waits, and the expected 6 weeks turn into months, Matt is robbed, has a life-threatening accident, and discovers that the nearby Native Americans - the clan of the Beaver - have been watching him and saved his life. He and the chief's grandson are forced to spend time together and grow from grudging companions into true friends.

The events have led to interesting discussions in our class about differences in lifestyle between then and now, attitudes toward Native Americans (called Indians throughout this novel) at the time, the instinct for survival, and honoring our responsibilities.

If you haven't read this book, check it out of your local library today! It will be well worth your time.