EDRG 3321- Genre Presentation's on Nov 30

The first group did their genre presentation on a Chinese folktale. The subject of this folktale was about integrity. I thought the projection about the different scenes, characters, objects, and colors you were going to see in the book itself was a great overview to begin with. I thought it was a great way to grab the readers attention. The way they proceeded to read the story and have the picture book still projected on the screen was a great idea. Even the group conversation afterwards about the subject integrity was a great overview and it all tied in nicely with this presentation. They did a great job!





The second group did their presentation on the book "Pink and Say". It was more for the junior high grade levels because of the Civil War aspect. The read out loud from each member of the group was a great idea. I thought it was appropriate for the grade level and that it not only gave a history lesson, but also an emotional overview the friendship between the characters. The activity you can tell was thought over, and was appropriate for the junior high level. I thought this group did a great presentation and it was very creative. Great job to both groups!!!

EDRG 3321- Genre Presentation on Monday Nov. 23

Today was the day that my group did our presentation, and I must say we did a great job on our presentation on Folktales. It seemed like that class enjoyed our version of the play we revised from the folktale story of "Why the sun and the moon live in the sky". I can honestly say this was a fun group to work with, and they put a great deal of thought and hard work into this presentation. The short play, and the costumes, decorations, and even music all incorporated into the children's play was a great hit. So was the short sentence strip activity we came up with afterwards was a brilliant activity it seemed to go over well with the class.

As for the second group, who did there genre presentation based on the book "10 Things I can do too help my world" did a good job. I really enjoyed the story video that they came up with to talk a little about recycling. I thought that was a brilliant idea, and would definitely come up with something like that for a future presentation. It seemed like they like they put a lot of thought into their presentation, but to me it didn't seem like a group presentation. I understood what they were trying to teach, but the group could of been more cohesive. They could of explained a little more about their genre of choice, and it just seemed scattered to me. I did like their activity though, the matching the item to the correct recycle group was a great idea.

EDRG 3321: M&W...Chapter 10 Reading Aloud

Since I missed the video on reading aloud I thought I would share my response to the chapter. I believe reading aloud to any students at any grade level is essential in helping them to become great readers. Its difficult for all students to get into reading, but I believe reading to them aloud first helps them get comfortable with wanting to learn to read. If they're interested in the book you're reading aloud to them. then maybe that same day at home with family they will want to read it again to themselves or maybe if they're older they might want to read it to a younger sibling. Like the book says its an effective way to introduce a wide array of genres to children. I love how it informs you on what you might be doing wrong when reading aloud, and what better choices you can make. I think that's wise every future teacher needs that instruction. Its wise to choose a book you think you students will enjoy, and also make sure to write notes, and make a mini-lesson around the book also. that way it will tell your students that you know what you're reading about, and it will help them to understand the book more. Overall its a great chapter with some key information, and advice.

Beverly Cleary published Henry Huggins, her first book, in 1950. The adventures of Henry and his neighborhood pals continued in a series of books featuring a spunky little girl named Ramona Quimby. Cleary has written over 30 books for children, including The Mouse and The Motorcycle and the Newbery-winning Dear Mr. Henshaw. Cleary has also published two memoirs, A Girl From Yamhill and My Own Two Feet. She is one of America's most popular authors and has won many prestigious awards, including the American Library Association's Laura Ingalls Wilder Award. I've choosen to include her works in my author profile, and I would also choose to read her books aloud.

This is the first title in the hugely popular series about Ramona Quimby. Ramona's sister, Beezus, tries very hard to be patient, but how many nine-year-old girls have to put up with their embarrassing, annoying little four-year-old sisters? Sisters are supposed to love each other, but pesky little Ramona just doesn't seem very lovable to Beezus.

Ramona returns (Ramona Forever, 1988, etc.), and she's as feisty as ever, now nine-going-on-ten (or ""zeroteen,"" as she calls it). Her older sister Beezus is in high school, babysitting, getting her ears pierced, and going to her first dance, and now they have a younger baby sister, Roberta. Cleary picks up on all the details of fourth grade, from comparing hand calluses to the distribution of ... More little plastic combs by the school photographer. This year Ramona is trying to improve her spelling, and Cleary is especially deft at limning the emotional nuances as Ramona fails and succeeds, goes from sad to happy, and from hurt to proud.

Summary: The Mouse and the Motorcycle is about a mouse named Ralph who lives in a hotel in California with his family. They enjoy messy people because they leave crumbs and food for him and his family to eat. Ralph is an adventurous mouse who wants to go out and see his world, the hotel, but he can’t because he is kept in check by the housekeepers who want to keep the place clean and mice free. Then Keith and his family arrive. Keith has many fun toys but most importantly he has a motorcycle, beautiful shiny and red. When Keith and his family step out of the room Ralph goes to see this motorcycle and take a look to see if Keith left any food behind. When he comes up to the motorcycle he notices that it is the perfect size for him and while trying to ride it he falls off the table where it was and lands in a garbage can. He was afraid because he didn’t want to get thrown out with the trash and he didn’t want someone who didn’t like mice to find him there. Luckily Keith comes back and finds him there and likes mice. He even teaches him how to ride his motorcycle and lets Ralph ride around in it at night. Then the crisis comes, Keith and his family are out for the day and Ralph wants to ride the motorcycle, he almost gets sucked into the vacuum and ends up riding into a bunch of sheets that he later has to chew his way out of and leave the motorcycle behind. The hotel finds they have mice and the maids are to keep an extra close watch and try to get rid of any mice they see. Thus Ralph and his family are forced into hiding but lucky for them Keith brings them food. One night Keith gets sick and needs an aspirin and his parents can’t find one. So Ralph goes on a mission to find the aspirin and almost gets caught several times. In the end he uses Keith’s toy Ambulance to get him to the elevator and down to the first floor to pick up the aspirin he found there and to bring it back. Ralph saves the day and in the end he gets to keep Keith’s motorcycle forever.

3321:M&W- Chapter 9:Non-Fiction Author Profile

Jim Weiss is a nationally acclaimed storyteller and recording artist. He is the recipient of over 31 major awards from the American Library Association, Parents' Choice Foundation, Oppenheim Toy Portfolio and more. Weiss tells traditional stories in a way that kids love. His gentle voice explains things clearly, and they include wonderful introductions to Sherlock Holmes, Shakespeare, and other classic tales.

Animal Tales told by Jim Weiss

This is a collection of generally familiar tales which have been tempered for the very youngest, told in an especially gentle manner. Jim uses various voices (particularly effective at holding the interest of little ones), and there is an emphasis, where appropriate, on character and the "moral of the story." Includes: Goat Gets Away (African), The Cat Who Went to Church, Chanticleer the Rooster (from Chaucer's Canterbury Tales), The Lion and the Mouse, The Tortoise and the Hare, The Crow and the Pitcher, City Mouse and Country Mouse, Giggly Biggly and The Invitation (an original by Weiss).

Abraham Lincoln and the Heart of America by Jim Weiss

Here is one of history's greatest stories -- that of Abraham Lincoln -- told with compassion, clarity, and humor. Lincoln faced seemingly insurmountable challenges all through his life, leading to an ultimate triumph and sudden tragedy. Jim sprinkles the biography with examples of Lincoln's famous wit while recounting his farsighted, ethical, and often controversial actions during the most tumultuous time in American history. This remarkable era springs to life in a way that will stay with listeners of all ages and makes plain why our 16th President holds a special place in our history and our hearts.

This Auto-recording book, narrated by Jim Weiss, is one way to introduce youngsters to some of the wonderful stories that make up the foundation of our culture. He tells the stories in a quiet voice, yet manages to bring the stories alive so that children can understand them. Each of the three stories has a brief introduction, and a follow-up such as telling children that they can still visit the maze of the Minotaur in Greece, and that people still become lost within its walls. Heroes in Mythology would make a wonderful listening center activity in the media center or classroom, and it could be used as a springboard to learning about other myths.

EDRG 3321- M&W CH8 Fiction Lit.

Fiction books provide us with a window into what makes us human. They can illuminate the truth, and make us take a good look at reality. In fiction books your start to understand the elements of characterization, plot, setting, theme, style and point of view. The chapter tell you all about categorizing fiction literature too. Its filled with all kinds of information you can use to have your student understand the literature. Fiction lit is a great way to get your students thinking critically, and having them maybe relate to whats going on in the stories. There are all kinds of activities you can do with these books. So for my author profile I've decided to do a fiction series by Kimberly Willis Holt, titled Piper Reed.

I'm also providing a great website about Kimberly W. Holt you should check it out it has a lot of information about the author and all of her works. The website is http://www.kimberlywillisholt.com/

Fourth grader Piper Reed is moving with her five year old sister Sam and teenage sister Tori from California to Penacola, Florida. This will be the sixth home for Piper, whose father's job in the Navy forces them to move frequently. She gives up a room of her own, a tight group of friends, and a treehouse for a new home where she shares a room with Sam, the kids at school expect her to produce a real Gypsy, and there isn't a tree in sight. Add to that the fact that her father is going to be gone for the next nine months. Piper Reed, Navy Brat, by Kimberly Willis Holt shows just how difficult it can be for the new kid at school to start over, no matter how many times she's done it before.

In book 3 of the Piper Reed series. Piper Reed and her fellow Gypsy Club members are in need of a clubhouse. Raising money to buy one proves a challenge. Piper, being the resourceful fifth grader that she is, launches her own party-planning business and gets her first job throwing young Brady's birthday celebration. But things don't go as expected on the day of the big event. Fortunately for Piper, her friends and family come to her rescue!

Piper Reed: The Great Gypsy
Piper Reed
Kimberly Willis Holt; Illustrated by Christine Davenier

The Gypsy Club CreedWe are the Gypsies of land and sea.We move from port to port.We make friends wherever we go.And everywhere we go, we let people knowThat we’re the Gypsies of land and sea.

Piper’s dad—the Navy Chief—might be gone again, but Piper’s got plenty to keep her busy at home: new neighbors, a spaceship beach house, a trip to New Orleans, and most important, the upcoming Gypsy Club pet show. Piper is determined to win, but teaching her dog Bruna tricks seems nearly impossible. Bruna is simply un-teachable! Or is she? Join Piper as she embarks on new and exciting adventures!

I'm also adding my favorite fiction novels. This past summer I found myself enticed in a series of fresh fiction novel by Sunny. She was a family practice physician and Vassar graduate, Sunny was finally pushed into picking up her pen by the success of the rest of her family. Much to her amazement, she found that, she actually could write a book, and that it was much more fun than being a doctor.
As an author, Sunny has been featured on Geraldo at Large and CNBC, and has won many awards including the prestigious PRISM Award. When she is not busy reading and writing, Sunny is editing her husband’s books, literary novelist Da Chen, and being a happy stage mom for her young actor son.

Her novels do fall under the paranormal and erotic romance section. They are dark and intriguing. Now I can say that I've never read any novels like this before, but once I started reading I couldn't put it down. I had to read all the Monére, Children of the Moon Series by Sunny. I can admit I do like this kind of fiction literature, and if anyone out their enjoys a good paranormal, erotic dark novel then you should definitely read this series. If you would like more information on the author and her novels check out this website it was the only website I was able to find for her...its http://www.sunnyauthor.com/

EDRG 3321: M&W- Chapter 7, Picture Books

Picture books are from all cuts of genres. They are intended for everyone. In picture books the reader has the privilege of experiencing the creativity of the two individuals, the author and illustrator. They are designed to be effective and attractive. Its clear you have to pick a book that will capture your students attention. This is where the chapter caught my attention. When it goes into making sure how you present the book to your classroom, and doing a book walk first. Then going into the colors, texts, even the types of texts, and especially the moods and emotions the picture book gives off. I didn't even know that people payed attention to those details when they picked out books to read to their classrooms. I also found it interesting how now the teachers are sharing the contents on the verso-page with the student. Who knew all that information would be interesting to the students. Apparently it is if they talk about it in this chapter. I just never realized how much information there was within picture books. Now I'm looking forward to going into Fiction and Non-Fiction.

For my author profile: Picture books I choose.

Bright Stanley by Matt Buckingham

Bright Stanley is about the brightest fish if the deep dark sea. He wakes up late one day for school, and is surprised not to see a single fish. He goes on an underwater adventure to look for his pals. Its a humorous story with great illustrations. It is a texture book, because Stanley is illustrated to where you want to touch his scales.

By Paul BrightIllustrated by Matt Buckingham Picture book ages 4-7Published by Little Tiger Press

Pa Lion thinks he’s the best at everything, but each time he thinks of something, he sees another animal who does it better. As the other animals try to control their giggles, Pa Lion gets more and more cross because...... NOBODY LAUGHS AT A LION!

Little Owl wants to find somewhere new to sleep. But from Frog's splashy, splashy pond to Hedgehog's sniffly, snuffly nest, nothing is quite right... Follow little owls adventure as he searches the woodland trying to find a new comfy nest, but in the end he learns that there is really no place quite like home, with a soft and sparkly finish on every spread and a fantastic pop-up finale.
Board book ages 1-5Published by Caterpillar Books

After Matt Buckingham completing his degree at Loughborough and his MA in Illustration (Authorial Practice) at Falmouth, Matt Buckingham moved to London to establish his career as an author and illustrator. He now lives in the Staffordshire countryside with his wife, son and their two naughty dogs.He enjoys working in inks and watercolour and has created some charming characters in pre-school novelty books such as Peek-a-Boo Penguins and Bright Stanley (a picture book which was nominated for the Kate Greenaway Award in 2007). He has also illustrated poetry books and historical non-fiction.Matt has worked for a wide variety of clients including the BBC and MENCAP; he is excellent at solving creative problems for challenging and sensitive subject matter

EDRG 3321: M&W- Chapter 6

Traditional Literature is the foundation of all literature. These stories are a part of our everyday life even if we didn't think so. I can honestly say I didn't know the background information of traditional literature. Its been such a long time that I've been out of school that this is all a review for me. I can remember learning in middle and high school all about figuring out the plot, setting, theme, characterization, etc. , but I never truly understood why. This chapter made me realize that unlike my English teachers in the past I will teach this differently so my students can comprehend the literature. Explaining to them why they need to learn this, and getting them involved in the literature is important. Once you figure out all the literary elements of traditional literature then comprehending the literature will be easily fourth coming for the students. Everyday I go to the bookstore or see books for sale I become excited. Now that I know building a classroom library is important, because maybe books i find interesting might interest my students as well. I also believe that its important to mention good traditional literature in your classroom, and take a trip to the library and have them check out books to their liking. I'd promote a quiet reading time maybe the last 10-15minutes in class, and then the next day have then write in a journal what they read about. Traditional literature will broaden their views of other human beings and of other cultures. If they end up comprehending the literature then you know you did a good job teaching the literary elements.




Maya Angelou Clip

Now we had a choice to blog about the chapter or the Maya Angelou clip we were shown in class. I just had a brief opinion to say about that clip. Maya Angelou is a great author, poet, and a wonderful human being. Her gracefulness makes you think twice about the person you are. When I saw that clip it made me want to be a better person. If it were possible I'd like to read one of her books in my classroom. I can remember reading "I know why the caged bird sings", and i wasn't able to put that book down. It moved me, and made me think twice about how my life wasn't so bad. But then again my teacher came up with ways to get us involved in understanding the literature.







For my author profile I choose 2 books by 2 different authors, and both are autobiography's. I read these 2 books in my multi-cultural lit class in junior college. I fell in love with these two books, and I would consider them as traditional literature. I would recommend anyone to read them if you haven't already. I would definitely love use these 2 books in my classroom, and I already have them in my library.





James McBride, journalist, musician and son, explores his mother's past, as well as his own upbringing and heritage, in a poignant and powerful debut, The Color Of Water: A Black Man's Tribute to His White Mother.































A girls young life in the segregated South. Abandoned by their parents at an early age, she and her older brother Bailey move in with their grandmother and crippled uncle in Stamps, Arkansas. Maya Angelou's autobiography explores how her blossoming character helped her cope with rape, sexism, society's prejudices, and the isolation and loneliness she faced growing up.