Author Archives: Tricia

Teaching Geography with Children’s Literature: Shall I Knit You a Hat?

Posted on October 22, 2008 by Tricia

Aspects of geography affect our lives every day.  It is likely that each day we get up and use the weather report to decide what to wear.  We may also base our decisions on what to eat and what kind … Continue reading →

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Nonfiction Monday – Looking Closely

Posted on October 6, 2008 by Tricia

     I have always been a fan of the Games Magazine puzzles called “Eyeball Benders.” These are a type of puzzle in which the reader must identify a common object pictured in a close-up and generally uncommon view. Here is … Continue reading →

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Teaching Earth Science with Children’s Literature: Comets, Stars, the Moon and Mars

Posted on September 24, 2008 by Tricia

Comets, Stars the Moon, and Mars is book of space paintings and poetry written and beautifully illustrated by artist, Douglas Florian. The book includes clever little poems about all eight planets, the sky, galaxies, and even a sad poem about … Continue reading →

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Celebrating Apples and Johnny Appleseed

Posted on September 22, 2008 by Tricia

This Friday, September 26th, is the anniversary of Johnny Appleseed’s birth. Many classrooms are studying apples and fall right now, so I thought it only appropriate to share some selected resources with you. The American Storyteller Radio Journal, Episode 190 … Continue reading →

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Nonfiction Monday – Getting to Know Artists

Posted on September 22, 2008 by Tricia

Hello Matisse!: Get to Know Matisse Through Stories, Games and Draw-It-Yourself Fun and Hello Rousseau!: Get to Know Rousseau Through Stories, Games and Draw-It-Yourself Fun both by Catherine de Duve, are engaging translations from the French that offer young readers … Continue reading →

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Teaching Life Science With Children’s Literature: A Seed Is Sleepy

Posted on September 17, 2008 by Tricia

Have you ever looked for a informative yet unique approach to introducing seeds to your class? Dianna Hutts Aston and Silvia Long in A Seed Is Sleepy, provide an eloquently written and beautifully illustrated non-fiction book that you will want to purchase not only … Continue reading →

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Nonfiction Monday – Ballots for Belva

Posted on September 15, 2008 by Tricia

I’m tired of politics. No, really. I’m tired of speeches, commercials, trash talk, e-mail messages and the constant chatter (not all of it polite or respectful) that has hijacked many a listserv and lunchroom conversation. Don’t get me wrong, I … Continue reading →

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Nonfiction Monday – When I Grow Up

Posted on September 1, 2008 by Tricia

In honor of Labor Day, I thought it appropriate to review When I Grow Up: A Young Person’s Guide to Interesting and Unusual Occupations by Jessica Loy. When I was growing up, I never dreamed about “normal” occupations. Doctor, lawyer, … Continue reading →

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How’s Your Content Knowledge?

Posted on August 27, 2008 by Tricia

My students arrive in 75 minutes. On the first day of class we begin by with a scavenger hunt as both a means of introduction and a way for me to see how much they “know” about the curriculum they … Continue reading →

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Nonfiction Monday – A Food Chain Trio

Posted on August 25, 2008 by Tricia

While I’ve been preparing my syllabi for fall, my son and I have been reading sets of books on some of the topics that are covered. Our recent reading has taken us into the realm of food chains and food … Continue reading →

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