Monthly Archives: March 2010

Teaching Civics with Children’s Literature: A Lesson for Martin Luther King, Jr.

A Lesson for Martin Luther King, Jr, written by Denise Lewis Patrick and illustrated by Rodney S. Pate tells the story of young Martin as a second grader.  Martin returns home from his first day of school very excited.  He … Continue reading

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Teaching Physical Science with Children’s Literature: Secrets of Sound!

“The satisfaction comes from knowing that I am constantly in the world of discovery, where I am encouraged to use my imagination, creativity, and intelligence for the purpose of learning about life in all its incredible forms.” (pg. 23) April … Continue reading

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Teaching Physical Science with Children’s Literature: Isaac Newton and Physics for Kids

Summary Kerrie Logan Hollihan has written a great book called Isaac Newton and Physics for Kids that introduces students to the brilliant life and works of the famous mind of Isaac Newton.  Many people know of Newton through the anecdote … Continue reading

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Teaching Civics with Children’s Literature: President’s Day

  President’s Day written by Anne Rockwell and illustrated by Lizzy Rockwell is a good book for teaching students about why we have a day dedicated to our former presidents and the contributions they made to our country.  It highlights … Continue reading

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Teaching Geography with Children’s Literature: We’re Riding on a Caravan

We’re Riding on a Caravan is written by Laurie Krebs and illustrated by Helen Cann.  This book chronicles the journey a family makes along the silk road in China.  As the family travels from Xi’an to Kashgar over the course … Continue reading

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Teaching Physical Science with Children’s Literature: A Color Sampler

A Color Sampler written by Kathleen Westray describes how to create colors by using primary colors, secondary colors and intermediate colors.  The twelve colors that make up the color wheel (primary, secondary and intermediate colors) can be mixed to make … Continue reading

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Teaching Physical Science with Children’s Literature: Touch It! Materials, Matter and You

“Touch it! is a lively and easy-to-understand first science book that explores materials-their color, shape, texture, size, mass, magnetism, and more.” Touch it! Materials, Matter, and You written by Adrienne Mason and illustrated by Claudia Davila covers a lot of … Continue reading

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Teaching Geography With Children’s Literature: Follow That Map! A First Book of Mapping Skills

  "Do you know how to find a hidden treasure?  Do you know how far your house is from the candy store?  Do you know the way to your favorite ride at the amusement park?  It's easy!  Join the friends … Continue reading

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Teaching Physical Science with Children’s Literature: Electricity

Electricity, a DK Eyewitness book written by Steve Parker, is a great introduction to electricity.  The book is written in short sections with one topic per two page spread.  There are lots of pictures which make the book very visually … Continue reading

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Teaching Physical Science with Children’s Literature: Wow! Said the Owl

There is no shortage of books about colors, but Tim Hopgood has written and illustrated a particularly satisfying story with Wow! Said the Owl.  One curious little owl takes a long nap at night (“instead of staying awake all night … Continue reading

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