Monthly Archives: January 2010

Teaching Civics with Children’s Literature: A Picture Book of George Washington

A Picture Book of George Washington, written by David A. Adler, illustrated by John & Alexandra Wallner is a simple biography about George Washington.  It provides important facts and dates relevant to a student in the lower elementary grades.  It … Continue reading

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Teaching Life Science With Children’s Literature: Grrr! A Book About Big Cats

“And big cats do not purr.  They roar!  GRRR!”  GRRR!  A Book About Big Cats is a chapter book all about the various types of big cats.  There are chapters on lions, tigers, leopards, cheetahs, and jaguars.    Each chapter … Continue reading

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Teaching Life Science with Children’s Literature: A Log’s Life

A Log’s Life, written by Wendy Pfeffer and illustrated by Robin Brickman, tells about the life cycle of an oak tree.  In the beginning, a large oak tree stands in the forest.  Pfeffer tells us how the tree supports many … Continue reading

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Teaching Life Science Through Children’s Literature: A Tree is Growing

In A Tree is Growing, by Arthur Dorros, the text explains the changes that trees go through over the seasons and how big trees continue to grow and change.  It discusses how trees need sunlight, air, soil, and water to … Continue reading

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Teaching Civics with Children’s Literature: Abe Lincoln Crosses a Creek

Introduction and Summary Abe Lincoln Crosses a Creek is a great children’s  historical fiction written by Deborah Hopkinson and illustrated by John Hendrix.  Abe Lincoln Crosses a Creek is, “an old tale of two boys who got themselves into more … Continue reading

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Teaching Life Science with Children’s Literature: Never Smile at a Monkey

Summary and Introduction Never Smile at a Monkey was written and illustrated by Steve Jenkins.   This book discusses animal adaptation and some of the defense mechanisms animals possess to protect themselves from predators and humans.  It focuses on 17 different … Continue reading

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Teaching Life Science with Children’s Literature: Tell Me, Tree

Tell Me, Tree, written and illustrated by Gail Gibbons, presents a close-up look for children at many important characteristics, purposes, and behavioral traits of trees.  Gibbons exposes readers to an abundance of different types of individual trees, as well as … Continue reading

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Teaching Life Science with Children’s Literature: Dolphin

Dolphin by Robert A. Morris, illustrated by Mamoru Funai, is an informative nonfiction book that takes the reader on a journey through the life cycle of a dolphin.  It starts off by introducing the reader to a female dolphin, a … Continue reading

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Teaching Civics with Children’s Literature: Arthur Meets the President

Arthur, one of children’s most beloved characters, is back in this delightful story Arthur Meets the President by Marc Brown. Filled with humorous misadventures, this story is perfect for introducing civics and public speaking into an elementary school classroom. Students … Continue reading

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Teaching Life Science with Children’s Literature: Waiting for Wings

 Introduction and Summary Waiting for Wings, written and illustrated by Lois Ehlert, is a wonderful book for young learners that explains the life cycle of a butterfly.  With beautiful illustrations and simple explanations, Waiting for Wings is a great teacher’s … Continue reading

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