If you are teaching in primary, I recommend a collection of Kevin Henkes books. They are great for connections as well as examples of strong writing. I particularly like the pace of his stories, as there are slower parts, quicker parts, and surprises. Look beyond his mouse stories as well because this is where some of is deeper, personal writings come in. I was surprised at how much my second graders loved the story of the boy who visits his grandfather for the summer. A fine piece of writing as well in the emotions it invokes about vacation and time with your family, etc. I use these at the beginning of the year to talk about connections/ideas/organization. Later, I love to use Cynthia Rylant for synthesizing in both reading and writing workshop. I point out again the pacing of the stories, how she writes about what she knows and loves from her youth, word choice, etc. She also "wraps" her stories many times with what she begins with, so that the story almost appears full circle. Just some thoughts, Julie
On Jul 15, 2007, at 9:06 PM, Maggie Dillier wrote: > Hello all! > I am new to the listserv and newish to teaching - I'll be starting my > second year this year! I love teaching reading and writing, but I feel > my instruction could be so much better. I have read Mosaic, STW, > Atwell, Calkins, et al., and have the framework down, and now it's > time to fill in the details. > > Specifically, I am looking for wonderful picture books that can serve > double duty in many, many minilessons (reading AND writing, probably). > I have read all the recommendations in the various books, but I am > overwhelmed by the number. I would like to buy those dozen books that > we'll return to again and again. Do you have any recommendations?? > Thanks in advance for your help! > > ~Maggie > 5th GT, Irving, TX > > -- > Maggie Dillier > > "If you want to build a ship, don't herd people together to collect > wood and don't assign them tasks and work, but rather teach them to > long for the endless immensity of the sea." (Antoine de Saint-Exupery) > > _______________________________________________ > Mosaic mailing list > [email protected] > To unsubscribe or modify your membership please go to > http://literacyworkshop.org/mailman/options/ > mosaic_literacyworkshop.org. > > Search the MOSAIC archives at http://snipurl.com/MosaicArchive. > _______________________________________________ Mosaic mailing list [email protected] To unsubscribe or modify your membership please go to http://literacyworkshop.org/mailman/options/mosaic_literacyworkshop.org. Search the MOSAIC archives at http://snipurl.com/MosaicArchive.
