Home Feed
Home
Search
Search
Add Review, Blurb, Quote
Add
Activity
Activity
Profile
Profile
Killianfig

Killianfig

Joined January 2019

review
Killianfig
post image
Pickpick

I just finished this one today and it was absolutely fantastic. Fitzgerald manages maintain a “Gatsby-like” essence in this book as his description of needless extravagance and material excess is nothing short of mesmerizing. It was like reading a mixture of Gastby, The Most Dangerous Game, and Oceans 11. Such a fun, short read! Only 115 pages!

Ms.Bursey I heard it was super good !! I definitely have to check it out now 5y
DrSpalding I am proud of your additional readings! I truly enjoyed the Great Gatsby. 5y
4 likes2 comments
review
Killianfig
Bugs in Space | David A. Carter
post image
Pickpick

One of my favorite Science Fiction (SF) pop-up books “Bugs in Space” by David A. Carter is an amazingly visual book where the students discover different imaginary “space bug” creatures as they literally pop off the page.

Killianfig The pop-up visual aids for this book effectively compliment UDL strategies 1.1, 5.1, and 5.3. ESOL strategies 8 and 9 can also be used as students can create chronological lists on the bugs that were introduced. 5y
Killianfig Read Alouds (RA), Independent Reading (IR), Shared Reading (SR), Guided Reading (GR) and Storytelling (S) are all great exercises that will help compliment the pop-up features that the book has. I believe that this would be a great book as an introduction for early level students into the Science Fiction genre. 5y
Killianfig Here is a great creative writing Science Fiction lesson plan that can be adjusted for younger audiences: https://www.google.com/amp/s/larissapahomov.com/2017/07/24/unit-plan-science-fic... 5y
See All 6 Comments
WoodsKatie Pop up aids are so great for students! So great for elementary! Great post! 5y
Olsonashley19 I lived this as a kid! Pop ups engage and interest students so much 5y
DrSpalding While I love that you have identified many universal design principles, be sure to succinctly yet thoroughly describe how the EL and UDL strategies ALIGN with the book and resources you have selected. I love pop up books! 5y
2 likes6 comments
review
Killianfig
post image
Pickpick

I found this book “Buenas Noches Luna,”
a Spanish translation of the Modern Fantasy (F) children‘s story “Goodnight Moon”, written by Margaret Wise Brown and illustrated by Clement Hurd.

Killianfig The repetition and simply vocabulary/syntax of the book makes it a perfect Spanish teaching tool as UDL strategies 2.3, 3.1, and 1.1, and ESOL strategies 24 and 25 can be used effectively to display cultural and decoding information for the students. 5y
Killianfig I believe that this should be teacher-spoken in exercises such as Storytelling (S), Guided Reading (GR), and Read Aloud (RA) as students will be able to observe how the words are pronounced in Spanish. The simple pictures that go along with the text also create a perfect translation aid in Shared Reading (SR) or Independent Reading (IR) exercises. 5y
See All 6 Comments
JessicaRosell I love that you picked this book in Spanish instead of the English version. It's a great EL book that can be read and storytold (As you mentioned) in English and have the EL student hold onto the book. Thanks for the ideas! 5y
DrSpalding Wonderful idea to include a Spanish version of a high-quality picture book. 5y
Haleysantucci It‘s great that you included the Spanish version of this text! I think it would really benefit ELL students! Plus it‘s a classic so very kid will love it! 5y
3 likes6 comments
review
Killianfig
Funny Little Woman | Arlene Mosel
post image
Pickpick

Caldecott Award winning Traditional Literature (TL) novel “The Funny Little Woman” is a gem of a story retold by Arlene Mosel and Illustrated by Blair Lent. I remember picking this book from the library when I was a kid and my mom read it to me. The story is so cute and funny you can‘t help but be amused with every page.

Killianfig The story follows a woman on her journey to regain her dumpling who had rolled away. The story is packed full of Japanese traditional folklore so background info/culturally focused strategies such as UDL strategy 3.1 and ESOL strategies 24, 28, 4, and 5 would be very effective when using this book. (edited) 5y
Killianfig The simple dialogue seen in the story would greatly compliment any sort of Reader‘s Theater (RT), Storytelling (S), or Read Aloud (RA) activity. The beautiful illustrations will surely keep students captivated Independent Reading (IR) or Shared Reading (SR) as well. 5y
DrSpalding In total you read 11 books that were award winners. This one here has won for its amazing images and I love the cultural focus on Japanese tradition. Excellent choice. 5y
2 likes4 comments
review
Killianfig
The Polar Express | Chris Van Allsburg
post image
Pickpick

One of my favorite Caldecott Award winning books “The Polar Express,” a Modern Fantasy (F) book written by Chris Van Allsburg is a spectacularly illustrated, festive story, about a boy who goes on a magical train ride to the North Pole on the night of Christmas Eve.

Killianfig I think that the fact that there is a great movie to go along with this book, mixed-media UDL strategies such as # 5.1, 5.2, and 5.3 could be used to show the story through different modes. ESOL strategies 7 and 17 can also me used to help students map the linear story and display the story through real-life means. 5y
Killianfig I remember reading this book in elementary school and the teacher brought in hot chocolate and did it as a Real Aloud (RA) for our class. The many actions and characters the story has could be presented effectively through Storytelling (S), Reader‘s Theater (RT), Dramatic Reenactment (DA). The book is also simple enough to be comprehended through Independent Reading (IR) activities. 5y
See All 6 Comments
JessicaRosell I've never read the book, even though it's sitting on my shelf. However I love the movie! Using this text as a RA around Christmas would be magical! 5y
Olsonashley19 That hot chocolate day sounds amazing! This books needs to be preserved and read every year no matter the grade 5y
DrSpalding Resource? 5y
3 likes1 stack add6 comments
review
Killianfig
Hello Lighthouse | Sophie Blackall
post image
Pickpick

The Caldecott Award winning Modern Fantasy (F) picture book, “Hello Lighthouse” written and illustrated by Sophie Blackall is an amazing read that follows the magical life of a lighthouse keeper.

Killianfig Due to the variety of onomatopoeia and repetition in the book, UDL strategies 1.2 and 3.2 as well as ESOL strategies 6, 14, and 15 can be effectively integrated into a lesson plan. 5y
Killianfig The simple repetition also allows the book to be a perfect read-aloud in exercises such as Storytelling (S), Dramatic Reenactment (DR), Read Aloud (RA), Reader‘s Theater (RT), or Choral Reading (CR)
5y
DrSpalding Resource? I am thrilled that you chose to read this book. Truly powerful. It could be used in the classroom in many many ways. 5y
1 like4 comments
review
Killianfig
Where the Wild Things Are | Maurice Sendak
post image
Pickpick

A classic Caldecott Award winning Modern Fantasy (F) book “Where the Wild Things Are” written and illustrated by Maurice Sendak is a timeless children‘s book that embarks on a magical journey with a character, Max, who‘s refusal to go to bed causes him to discover far off lands filled with hairy, scary monsters.

Killianfig The illustrations alone make this book an instant hit for any Storytelling (S) or Read Aloud (RA) activity. The wild looking monsters would look amazing incorperated into activities such as Reader‘s Theater (RT), Dramatic Reenactments (DR), and Paired Readings (PR) in which one student can play Max and the other, the “wild things.” (edited) 5y
Killianfig I think that visually focused teaching strategies such as UDL 1.1, 1.3, and 2.1 as well as ESOL strategies 17 and 9 would be very helpful with this book due to its intricate descriptions and linear storytelling. 5y
WoodsKatie Where the wild things are is a classic and always something younger grades could benefit from! Great post! Excited for you to use this! 5y
DrSpalding Because you excel in acting… I think I like the idea of a dramatic reenactment because you would be able to support them well in this endeavor. 5y
1 like5 comments
review
Killianfig
One Crazy Summer | Rita Williams-Garcia
post image
Pickpick

Newbery Award winning young adult Historical Fiction (HF) novel “One Crazy Summer” by Rita Williams-Garcia is a thought provoking novel that follows a group of sisters as they travel to 1960‘s Oakland, California to visit their mother over summer.

Killianfig The story has historical presence as cultural topics such as segregation and the Black Panther party are discussed. Due to this, teaching strategies that focus on the presentation of background information through different sources such UDL 3.1, 3.2, 5.1, and 5.2 and ESOL 5 and 17 can be used effectively when presenting the text; as a short history lesson may be very useful before the students even start reading. 5y
Killianfig I can see this book being extremely discussion-based as there are many character developments and symbols that can be throughly discussed as a group through exercises such as Literature Circles (LC), Guided Reading (GR), Partner Reading (PR), Shared Reading (SR) and Read Aloud (RA) which can each help spark and inspire deep discussion of the text. 5y
JessicaRosell I can't wait to pick up this book. I love the idea of having it in a LC and SR 5y
See All 6 Comments
WoodsKatie Hey @Killianfig! Great post! I agree this book would be great for encouraging discussions and intertwining with historical lessons! 5y
Ms.Bursey Yes the book so good, I hate the way it ended though 😩 5y
3 likes6 comments
review
Killianfig
The Crossover | Kwame Alexander
post image
Pickpick

2015 Newbery and Coretta Scott King Award winning young adult Realisitc Fiction (RF) novel “Crossover,” by Kwame Alexander is an intriguing story of the struggles of a young high school basketball star, uniquely written through a combination of prose and freestyle poetry.

Killianfig The use of poetic elements can be emphasized through UDL teaching strategies 2.1, 2.3, and 2.2 as they focus on the varying symbolism, syntax, and vocabulary conveyed in the text. ESOL strategies 6 and 14 can also be helpful when working with poetry like this as its comprehension is vital to understanding the story. 5y
Killianfig Due to the fact that this book is a young adult novel rather than a picture book, excersises that focus on group or independent research and reading such as Independent Reading (IR) and Author Study (AS) would be very useful when exploring this text. Group Readings (GR), Read Alouds (RA) and Literature Circles (LC) can also be excised with this book as they allow for group discussion on the themes and topics discussed in the novel. 5y
1 like3 comments
review
Killianfig
post image
Pickpick

Orbis Pictus Award winning Non Fiction (NF) book “Boots on the Ground: America‘s War in Vietnam” written by Elizabeth Partridge, explores one of the most turbulent times in American history through realistic prose and hard-hitting photographs that depict the hardships of the Vietnam War.

Killianfig I feel that this book is perfect for older audiences as its ability to spark thoughtful discussion is very high. I believe that this book should mainly be teacher-lead due to its complex themes. Teacher-lead exercises such as Read Alouds (RA), Literature Circles (LC) and Storytelling (S) will encourage discussion of the text. For older audiences, the book can also be insightful during Shared Reading (SR) and Independent Reading exercises (IR). 5y
Killianfig Teaching strategies that focus on background knowledge such as UDL strategies 3.1 and 6.3 and ESOL strategy 5 are good fits for this lesson as the understanding of background history is vital for textual comprehension. Strategies that focus on clarification such as ESOL strategies 14 and 15 as well as UDL strategy 2.1 should also be used when reading this text as some vocabulary within the book may be difficult for some students to understand. 5y
DrSpalding We do teach a bit about wars in grade 5 however you would want to be sure that this is an appropriate read. My gut tells me that it would be more appropriate for middle and high school. Resource? 5y
2 likes4 comments
review
Killianfig
Sector 7 | David Wiesner
post image
Pickpick

Caldecott Award winning Science Fiction (SF) picture book “Sector 7,” illustrated by David Wiesner is very unique as the story is depicted through virtually no text.

Killianfig It is the mesmerizing illustrations themselves that show the story of a boy in a field trip to the Empire State Building when he is suddenly taken away by a cloud and transported to Sector 7: the place where the clouds in the sky are created. The book is absolutely perfect for students to mimic and create picture stories of their own. 5y
Killianfig The strict use of visual information will do great in exercising UDL strategies 1.1 and mixed-media presentation strategies 5.1, 5.2, and 3.3. ESOL strategy 17 can also be exercised using this book to support the visual means that it is presented in. 5y
Killianfig Activities that focus more on showing information visually such as Dramatic Reenactments (DR), Reader‘s Theater (RT), a Storytelling (S) would all fit perfectly into the story as the visual learning mimics the unique way the story is presented. The amazing pictures also promote activities such as Shared Reading (SR) and Independent Reading (IR). 5y
2 likes4 comments
review
Killianfig
post image
Pickpick

Geisel Award Winning Modern Fantasy (F) Novel “There Is a Bird on Your Head!” by Mo Willems is a lighthearted, simple story that describes an interaction between a talking pig and elephant in which different items just do not seem to stop landing on the head of the frustrated elephant.

Killianfig The simple vocabulary and avid use of repetition highlights ESOL strategies 11, 14, an 15 as well as UDL strategies 3.2 and 3.3. 5y
Killianfig The story is perfect for tactical and visual learning activities such as Storytelling (S), Reader‘s Theater (RT), Dramatic Reenactment (DR) as object on the alligator‘s head increase as the story progresses, describing a great visual connection that can be recreated in the classroom. The textual simplicity can also be emphasized by the teacher through auditory means during activities such as Read Alouds (RA) and Choral Readings (CR). 5y
Killianfig Here‘s a link that has a ton of printable games based on the plot of the story: https://www.rif.org/literacy-central/book/there-bird-your-head 5y
DrSpalding Children love his books. If you were teaching at the primary level, they are a must. 5y
1 like5 comments
review
Killianfig
post image
Pickpick

The Newbery and Coretta Scott King Award winning Biography (B) Picture book, “Martin‘s Big Words” by Doreen Rappaport is a perfect book for any “Historical Heroes” or “Biography” unit. The book follows the life of the great Martin Luther King Jr. from when he was young all the way to his death

Killianfig The unique part about the book is that you are able to see which aspects of Martin‘s childhood influenced the way Martin lead the Civil Rights Movement. The perfect blend of simple and complex vocabulary makes this book ideal for Read Aloud (RA), Shared Reading (SR), and Storytelling (S) exercises. 5y
Killianfig Doreen‘s wide variety of biography books also makes this a great pick for an Author Study (AS) as well. Important, complex vocabulary such as “discrimination” and immense historical knowledge of the book actively supports UDL strategies 2.1 and 3.1. The key concept of discrimination may be relatable to some ESOL students. 5y
Killianfig Using ESOL strategies 4, 24, 5 to create cultural connection between the students and Martin Luther King will exercise empathy within the students due to a personal connection created between the text and students through the explanation of background knowledge and cultural connections made by the teacher. 5y
See All 6 Comments
Killianfig Here‘s a great link that encourages students to look for the “big words” Martin uses in the text: http://www.readwritethink.org/classroom-resources/lesson-plans/martin-words-thin... (edited) 5y
DrSpalding As you know, read write think is a high-quality resource. You are missing some resources on posts however the ones you do have are very helpful. Excellent job classifying your genres as well. 5y
1 like6 comments
review
Killianfig
Potluck | Anne Shelby
post image
Pickpick

“Potluck,” a realistic fiction (RF) children‘s book written by Anne Shelby and illustrated by Irene Trivas presents the alphabet through different foods that guests bring to a potluck.

Killianfig Due to the use of letter symbols as well as alliteration, visual and auditory teaching strategies such as UDL strategies 2.3, 1.2, and 1.1 as well as ESOL strategies 14 and 17 would be great tools in creating visual connections between letters and the sounds they make. 5y
Killianfig The variety of characters that the story presents as well as the amazing watercolor illustrations encourages group reading strategies including Storytelling (S), Dramatic Reenactments (DR), Reader‘s Theater (RT), Read Alouds (RA) and Literature Cirlces (LC). 5y
Killianfig Here‘s a great lesson plans that asks students higher-level thinking questions about the text: https://www.hplct.org/assets/uploads/files/Activities-Potluck.pdf 5y
1 like4 comments
review
Killianfig
The Jolly Mon | Jimmy Buffett, Savannah Jane Buffett
post image
Pickpick

“The Jolly Mon,” a Modern Fantasy (F) children‘s book written collaboratively by the great Jimmy Buffett and his Daughter Savanah Jane and illustrated by Lambert Davis is very unique read that explores aspects Caribbean folklore through the story of a man and his magical guitar.

Killianfig Although the story is an original one, Buffett pulls from many aspects of Caribbean folklore to create the tale. Background focused ESOL strategies such as 4 and 28 would be very effective when using this book, as a lesson can be created around the history of folklore in different cultures. 5y
Killianfig My favorite thing about this book is that there is a full music sheet in the back of it that displays a song Jimmy Buffett wrote which tells the entire story of Jolly Mon. This addition can be used to exercise auditory and mixed-media UDL strategies such as #1.2, 5.1, and 2.5. 5y
Killianfig The song, as well as the action filled story would be presented perfectly through Storytelling (S), Reader‘s Theater (RT), Dramatic Reenactment (DR), and Choral Reading (CR) strategies. A Literature Circle (LC) can also be used effectively to discuss the key concepts of the story. 5y
See All 6 Comments
Killianfig Here‘s a great link that explains the aspects of folklore and how it should be taught: http://www.nea.org/tools/lessons/55635.htm 5y
DrSpalding The national education Association is another great resource. I vote for dramatic reenactment! 5y
2 likes6 comments
review
Killianfig
Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile | Bernard Waber
post image
Pickpick

Masterfully illustrated, Modern Fantasy (F) picture book “Lyle Lyle Crocodile” by Bernard Waber tells a fantastic tale of Lyle, a domesticated pet crocodile who lives in New York City.

Killianfig Lyle performs many actions throughout the city such as feeding birds and ice skating. UDL strategies 2.5, 5.1, and 1.1 can all be used effectively to visualize and present Lyle‘s actions through different forms of media. ESOL strategies 6 and 7 can also be used to display the many actions of Lyle as students can create linear concept maps based on the story‘s progression. 5y
Killianfig The story has some amazing watercolor illustrations which would make it a very captivating read for many forms of Read Aloud (RA), Independent Reading (IR), and Shared Reading (SR) exercises. The many actions that Lyle does within the story can be presented affectively through Storytelling (S) and Reader‘s Theater (RT) activities as well. 5y
Killianfig Here‘s an awesome link that teaches students sequencing through the linear depiction of Lyle‘s activities: https://www.teachervision.com/lesson/sequencing-lyle-lyle-crocodile 5y
1 like4 comments
review
Killianfig
The Three Little Pigs | Nick Sharratt, Stephen Tucker
post image
Pickpick

The “Three Little Pigs” adapted by Nick Sharratt is a classic Traditional Literature (TR) story that simply does not get old.

Killianfig The story‘s simplicity fully supports Storytelling (S), Reader‘s Theater (RT), and Dramatic Reenactment (DR) activities as students are able to easily tweak the plot of the story to make re-enactments and storytelling more unique and imaginative. 5y
Killianfig The simplicity also compliments shared Reading (SR) and Independent Reading (IR) strategies as the text is easy to follow without the support of a teacher. The many concrete objects presented in the story support ESOL strategy 17 as visuals can easily be used to represent the actions described. 5y
Killianfig This form of visual learning can also be complimented through UDL strategies 1.1, 1.3, and 5.2. The linear progression of the story is also a perfect fit when exercising ESOL strategy 7. Here‘s a great lesson plan that explores the many different variations of this classic story: https://www.preschoolteacher101.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/PT101-3LP-Plans-M... 5y
1 like4 comments
review
Killianfig
Spy (American) | Richard Platt
post image
Pickpick

The Non-Fiction (NF) information book “SPY” published by Eyewitness Books and written by Richard Platt is a perfect combination of intriguing, well-organized information all about spies with plenty of amazing picture graphics that support what is being explained in the text.

Killianfig The high-level vocabulary as well as the historical background of spies explained in the text greatly exercise ESOL strategies 5, 11, 24. UDL strategies 2.1 and 3.1 can also be used to explain elevated vocabulary in the and explain more specifically the historical specifics the text describes. 5y
Killianfig The overall richness of the text would prove to be a great tool during Shared Reading (SR) and Independent Reading (IR) strategies. I can so picture this book being used in a mystery unit as there is so much realitisic information that students can become inspired by and then incorporate into their own mystery stories. 5y
Killianfig The idea of creating mystery stories through the facts presented in “Spy” would fit perfectly into any kind of Storytelling (S), Reader‘s Theater (RT), and Read Aloud (RA) exercises in which students can present their original stories to the class. Here is a lesson plan that throughly explains all concepts of what makes a mystery: http://www.readwritethink.org/classroom-resources/lesson-plans/what-mystery-expl... I 5y
DrSpalding This is a very cool book that could be integrated into social studies and science! 5y
1 like5 comments
review
Killianfig
post image
Pickpick

Arm in Arm, written by Remy Charlip is a Poetry (P) picture book full of fun, fragmented poems that are written in all sorts of clever shapes and styles, complimented by Shel Silverstein-esque doodle drawings.

Killianfig The elaborate doodles and quick, simple, unique poems make this book perfect for IR and AS activities in the classroom. There are also many linear stories that can be effectively re-enacted in Storytelling (S), Reader‘s Theater (RT), and Read Aloud (RA) activities. 5y
Killianfig UDL strategies 1.1, 1.3, and 3.2 are conveyed in this book as the sketches allow for a visual connection to the poems and the poems themselves often time display textual pattern that can be highlighted by the student or teacher. The often rhythmic and repetitive pattern of the text also compliments ESOL strategies 14 and 15. 5y
Killianfig The poetry in the book is often extremely creative as Charlip even manages to literally draw pictures with the words themselves. I can see a very unique poetry unit stemming from this book. Here‘s an awesome lesson plan that teaches students how to create shaped poems of their own: https://study.com/academy/lesson/shape-poem-lesson-plan.html 5y
1 like4 comments
review
Killianfig
Little People, Big Dreams: Frida Kahlo | Isabel Sanchez Vegara, Eng Gee Fan
post image
Pickpick

Little People, Big Dreams: Frida Kahlo by Isabel Sanchez Vegara and illustrated by Gwen Fan Eng is an amazing biography book that illustrates the life and colorful culture of painter, Frida Kahlo, in playful picture scenes. I loved how this book allow for fusion in lessons of culture and people in with historical art. It leaves many possibilities for a large variety of different activities such as painting projects and in-depth cultural studies

Killianfig UDL strategies 7.3 and 7.2 can be used for a story-time session and highlighting the cultural aspects seen in the book. Due the the book‘s Latino roots, ESOL strategies that emphasize cultural connection like 24, 4, and 11 can be exercised as students may have prior connection to the culture being discussed. Check out this Kahlo lesson plan that teaches self-expression through self-portraits: 5y
See All 7 Comments
cwright Okay I have to get this book. It sounds and looks incredible and I love that it can create an environment for the whole class to learn something about the culture of Latinx ELL students :) 5y
DrSpalding LatinX ...absolutely! Wonderful post. Nice alignment. Reading biographies can be inspiring for your students! 5y
DrSpalding Self portraits! Yes! Arts integration!❤️ 🖼 5y
gnewman @Killianfig you made this book sound amazing! I love how you connected it back to her Latin roots! I'm definitely going to read this book now!! 5y
3 likes1 stack add7 comments
review
Killianfig
The Cay | Theodore Taylor
post image
Pickpick

Historical fiction novel The Cay by Theodore Taylor explores important themes such as racial discrimination in this heartfelt adventure following a young, shipwrecked boy, Phillip. Students will love the Treasure Island-esque atmosphere and teachers plan great lessons that encourage empathy and tolerance in the classroom.

Killianfig UDL strategies 7.2, 2.1, and 2.3 would help students understand the book‘s important symbols such as the connection between physical and metaphorical blindness. ESOL strategies 11 and 20 would also be helpful to explain the themes and symbols of the novel. Here‘s a great RWT plan that has students make brochures of the Caribbean setting: http://www.readwritethink.org/classroom-resources/lesson-plans/ribbean-island-st...
5y
kkimmelman I remember reading this book back when I was in school! It was great for learning to understand metaphors and themes. I think your UDL strategies align well. @Killianfig 5y
DrSpalding Several students have posted on this book in the past. A common read! Your resource, is of course high-quality. Great job aligning principles and standards. 5y
Mmw2478 I‘m reading this one next! I am focusing on including a lot of books in my classroom that will teach tolerance and allow for positive conversations about racial issues that seem to cause so much tension. 5y
1 like5 comments
review
Killianfig
Al Capone Does My Shirts | Gennifer Choldenko
post image
Pickpick

The Newbery Award winning historical fiction novel Al Capone Does My Shirts by Gennifer Choldenko is also a very informative and entertaining book for young readers. I loved reading myself in school and rereading it was just the same feeling. The exciting setting of Alcatraz as well as the exploration of themes such as special needs makes this novel perfectly entertaining and informative in the classroom.

Killianfig UDL strategies regarding background knowledge and interpersonal connection such as 3.1, 3.4, and 2.5 are very helpful as students can be more informed on the theme of special needs, having more understanding and engagement in the text when they read it. ESOL strategies 20 and 29 would also be helpful techniques when teaching background knowledge. Here‘s a cool lesson! https://www.commonsense.org/education/lesson-plans/al-capone-does-my-shirts 5y
DrSpalding Another excellent post Killian. I recall you enjoying this book and I am glad you revisited it as an adult reader. Love the retro postcard. Common sense media is an excellent resource. 5y
1 like3 comments
review
Killianfig
Odysseus in the Serpent Maze | Jane Yolen, Robert J. Harris
post image
Pickpick

The young adult fantasy novel “Odysseus and the Serpent Maze” by Jane Yolen and Robert J. Harris is a fantastic read for a class mythology unit. The novel follows a young Odysseus through mythical Greece as he shows bravery and wit in the face of dangerous mythological creatures such as centaurs, giant serpents, and Minotaurs in order to save his future wife, Penelope, from the captivity of the Spartan army.

Killianfig ESOL teaching strategies 24, 11, and 8 would work well to connect students‘ culture with the Ancient Greek culture seen in the novel. UDL strategies 8.3 and 4.2 would also be very helpful to emphasize cultural connection. I also found this cool Greek God/Goddess personality test lesson plan that works great for a mythology unit: http://6thgradebroncos.weebly.com/mythology-unit.html

5y
DrSpalding We teach about ancient civilizations in fifth grade. This could be an excellent selection to complement social studies instruction. Take a look in your genre flip guide to see what other genre this actually would be… Hint, mythology… 5y
1 like3 comments
review
Killianfig
Maniac Magee | Jerry Spinelli, Linda Ward Beech, Scholastic, Inc. Staff
post image
Pickpick

Newberry Award Winning, realistic fiction book, Maniac Macghee by Jerry Spinelli. Everything from torn tennis shoes to unbreakable string knots Maniac conquers it all. The book is set for you long adult readers starting at around a 3rd grade level and explores very important themes such as racial segregation and the importance of identity.

Killianfig UDL strategies such as Action and Expression strategies 5.2 and 4.1 as well as Engagement Strategy 8.3 work perfectly for this highly engaging text. ESOL strategies 5 and 7 would also help students understand the thematic vocabulary such as “segregation” as well as textual vocabulary. Here‘s a really cool lesson plan that helps students write “tall tales” such as this: http://writingfix.Chapter_Book_Prompts/Maniac1.htmcom/ 5y
DrSpalding A focus on discipline specific vocabulary is wise with this award winner. Only one are in Newbery. Because of the racial segregation piece, reconsider your genre. You are close… 5y
DrSpalding Make sure each of your posts include the teaching strategy you would use to share this book with the students. 5y
1 like4 comments