Thumbprint Art

When I was a kid I adored the book by Ed Emberley.   This cover was the one I remember, but there are several new versions, too.  Thumbprint art is fun and inexpensive.  It doesn't require fancy materials or extensive set up or clean up.

Now I have a son who also enjoys thumbprint art!  Here is work he recently  created on his own.

How could we use this in the classroom?

• Illustrations for a writing narrative
• Reviewing characters in an animal story
• Creating a character to write about
• Illustrations for math number stories
• Art component for science unit on animals

Other possibilities include:  greeting cards, indoor recess, free choice center, art or creative expression, and creative thinking.

Some tips:

• Have a moist paper towel close at hand
• Don't have colorful stamp pads?  Use washable markers.
• Pintrest has many examples
• Have examples younger students can recreate and model the process, and then the rest can be independent

Happy thumbprint creating!

28 Uses for a Single Sheet Eight Page Booklet

I love having kids create their own learning.  It takes much more time, but it's so worth it.  One of my favorite little tools is a little booklet made from a single sheet of paper.  These are probably too small for students under third grade, but from there on up the uses are limitless.

Here is a little video to show you how to make two different styles of the little book:

And I came up with 28 ways that popped into my head for using this book.  I bet you can think of tons more.  If anything comes to mind, please add it in the comments.

How many uses can you think of for a little 1 sheet eight page booklet?

1.  Record daily temperature or weather
2. Answer a daily word problem/number story
3. Write a story using spelling words
4. Make a comic book using spelling words
5. Write spelling words in different fancy fonts
6. Use spelling words in sentences
7. Word of the day--each booklet could contain 7 words with a “chapter” title page for the theme of those 7 words
8. Create “How to” process books ie How to make chocolate chip cookies
9. Use to record steps of scientific method for a science experiment or demonstration
10.   Record ways to make the number for that day of the school year.  If it’s the 25th day, use 25 tally marks, a quarter, 5 x 5, 20 + 5, twenty-five, etc.
11.   Make a comic book or what you are studying in any subject
12.   Retell a story
13.   Make a timeline
14.   Make a little magazine collage on each page
15. Use to show examples of a grammar concept--Write sentences and highlight all the nouns or all the adjectives
16.   Make lists of words that can be used instead of overused words
17.   Make a book on a topic of study for a younger student
18.   Record growth over time--i.e. from egg to butterfly
19.   Examples of good study habits
20.   Examples of kind behavior at recess
21.   Write a story on any topic
22.   Record favorite quotes
23.   Write a recipe
24.   Record definitions for vocabulary words
25.   Illustrate vocabulary words
26.   Make a multi-page card filled with good wishes (ie what you wish for mom on Mother’s Day)
27.  Use the booklet as a final assessment at the end of a science or social studies unit.
28. Incorporate into science notebooking

Another Picture Book For Writing

Here's another book I read to my 3 year old last week, but I can't wait to share it with my 4th graders in writing class.

You Get What You Get by Julie Gassman, illustrated by Sarah Horne

Melvin is learning that we don't always get what we want.  He's having a hard time with all this.  {Don't we all!}  At school they have the mantra, "You get what you get, and you don't throw a fit."  He ends up taking the lesson home, and the book ends with proof that he did learn the lesson.  It's another quick read.

My 3 year old said this was a really good book, and he is a surprisingly tough critic.  I like the illustrations, too.

So how would I use this for writing?  I have a few ideas:

Here are 2 possible journal prompts:

Write about a time when you didn't get something you wanted.

Write about a time when you forgot this saying, and you threw a fit.  {Kids are usually so honest!}

Class discussion before writing:

Make a list of other important sayings your students have heard, and then they can choose one about which to write a story.  {I want to think of a little list because sometimes kids have a hard time with this.}  To expand the authenticity of the writing, the stories could be shared with younger students or actually tuned into picture books.  I think this will be a good spot to talk a bit about fables, too.

Community journal:


I think I'm going to put a picture of the book cover on the front of a notebook, and then I'm going to offer all 3 of the prompts above, and students can take turns writing and illustrating stories--either fictional or biographical.

What ideas do you have for making writing more power-full?

Here is where I shared another book.

A Brave Book

Up:  A Mother And Daughter's Peakbagging Adventure by Patricia Ellis Herr

This is my favorite book I've read so far this summer.  It was unexpected because I just grabbed it off the shelf at the library that had some new books. I had never even heard of it.   I didn't expect that I would be grabbed by it.

Here's what Publishers Weekly had to say about it:

"...a charming, uplifting account...a keen feminist fable for brave girls." 

-- PUBLISHERS WEEKLY 

Here's a quick overview.  A mother takes her energetic young daughters hiking--up really big mountains.  The girls love it.  Other adults are skeptical and negative.  The mother has loads of courage on many different fronts--as a woman, as a mom, as a hiker, and more.  The girls learn so much about courage and confidence and determination and more.

As I think about it, I'm most blown away by the courage and strength of the mother and author.  She made courageous choices about parenting and life so many times.  I hold up her example, not just for her daughters but for brave hearts everywhere.

It's just a gentle quiet book.  It's well written.  I'm still feeling inspired by it a few weeks later.  

If you want to read more about the book or their adventures, Patricia blogs HERE.

What have you read recently that has inspired you?

Writing With Picture Books

I live with a 3 year old.  I'm reading multiple picture books everyday.  I am a teacher.  I can't help but think about how some of these little gems could be used in my classroom!  Most of these books I would not have picked up for a 4th grade classroom, but I can always find some really good application.

From time to time I want to share some of those ideas here.

Today I've chosen My Lucky Day by Keiko Kasza

 I really want to use lots more picture books in my classroom this year.  I read aloud daily to my students from chapter books, but there is something about picture books.

Anyway. . . My Lucky Day is a great example of how to add a twist to the plot that will surprise the reader.  I thought this would perhaps be too subtle for a 3 year old, but once we got to the meatballs and spaghetti he kept say, "That's so silly."  If he "got it," I'm pretty sure 9 and 10 year olds will, too!

I'm still trying to think of what writing prompt I will give them after this.  Any ideas?

How do you use picture books in your classroom with intermediate grades?

Book Recommendation

It's been a while since I recommended a book here. This is NOT school related. It is a spiritual memoir. I'm sure plenty of people could find reason to be offended--this is probably true for any book.

Anyway. . .

I am so glad that this was the book I picked to read over spring break. I can't believe I hadn't found it before. The book is Take this Bread: A Radical Conversion by Sara Miles.

It challenged me to really think about 2 things:

1. What parts of my spiritual practice do I do just because people around me are doing them.

2. It really just takes a willingness and determination to do some really big stuff to make the world a better place.

I loved the way the author described conversion as a process--a really long process. It would be impossible to put this book in a nutshell, but it really focuses on being physically and spiritually fed. If you're feeling hungry in your spirit, this is a beautifully thoughtful read.

Encourage Reading By Blessing The Books

If your students are not very adept at selecting books they can read and want to read it may simply indicate that they are relatively unpracticed at this activity. So help them by blessing 3 or 4 books every day. Blessing books is easy. Just hold up the book and tell the readers something about the book. Perhaps read a page or two aloud to allow them to hear what the book sounds like.
~Richard Allington

I LOVE to bless books. I love to hold up books I've just bought at thrift stores or unearthed from a cupboard or box in my classroom. Or when books arrive from book clubs.

I also read to and with my students every day. It is the one thing I will never let go. I know (as you do) that this is SOOO important for young readers. One way I bless books is with the little shelf of books that I read aloud during the school year. Kids desperately want to read those books, but I just say, "I'm sorry--those are my only copy, and I can't lone them out!" And just like any forbidden fruit, those are by far the most requested books when the bookmobile visits our school.

I have recommended lots of books over the past couple years here. If you click on the tag "books," you'll find these. Warning: These are not just books I recommend for 4th graders. It will be obvious. Use your discretion.

What quick strategies do you use to encourage readers, especially the reluctant one?

Ultimate Book Recommendation

Have you ever wondered why it's so hard to find soul care for teachers? I have. Of course there is the classic by Parker J. Palmer, The Courage To Teach. But it is really hard to find a current book that provides practical ideas for how to acknowledge the realities of your teacher heart and soul, and then provides the practical steps to change the spot your in and encourage and challenge you to move forward. I've finally found one, and so I'm giving it my Ultimate Book Recommendation.

Awakened: Change Your Mindset To Transform Your Teaching by Angela Watson

This book will rock your universe if you are looking for practical ideas about how to care for your teacher heart and soul! If you're willing to be honest about where you are, and you know you need a different and healthier way to deal with professional disappointments, expectations, and criticism, this is the book for you. (Of course, if you teach in a place where you don't deal with those things, ignore this whole post, and go on with your perfect day!!!)

I was pleased as could be when Angela Watson sent me an electronic copy. I've been a fan of her online work, and I own a copy of her first book, The Cornerstone, and I really recommend it, too! I've been so challenged and inspired as I've made my way through the book. I did not find it be a quick read, but rather the sort of book that I would read about one topic or chapter or section and then need some time to digest.

In Awakened, Ms. Watson, shares a bit about her own journey and what brought her to write this book. I can't imagine any teacher not relating to the examples she shares throughout the book. If you read this blog or BraveTeachers.com on any sort of regular basis, then you know I'm a BIG believer in changing your self talk and attitude with affirmations and other tools. That is a big part of this book. Changing your responses to what the teaching profession throws at you, by changing your responses, thinking and self talk. It's not some magic potion, but rather practical practice to literally transform your teaching.

If you want to learn more about this powerful book, check it out HERE. If you want to buy the book, I really recommend that you get it right from Angela HERE. She offers the book in a variety of formats, both physical book and various electronic formats. I think this book would make a GREAT holiday gift for yourself or any teacher who is ready for a change in thinking.

What book has rocked your world recently?

Current Favorite Picture Book

So I'm cheating a little bit on the linky party over at Clutter Free Classroom, because I cannot separate the words and pictures in my current favorite picture book. (I say current favorite, because tomorrow I might have another favorite--and the next day another.)

My current favorite is It's A Book by Lane Smith. You can watch a little video preview and see the adorable and simple illustrations here.

You can read more about what I had to say about this book here.

More Great Kids' Books

So I have 2 books this week that should not be missed. Both are picture books that I believe have powerful messages that transcend age.

The first is It's A Book by Lane Smith. On his blog it says, "It’s a Book is about a book loving monkey, a tech savvy jackass and a straight talking little mouse." It's a great commentary on technology, and yet it is completely enjoyable to my two year old.

The second book I'm enjoying this week is Thank You, Bear by Greg Foley It's the story of a little bear who thinks he is on to something really good, but there are so many naysayers he begins to doubt himself. I think for grown-ups it's easy to see the need to follow one's intuition.

Both of these books are super simple, but really got me to thinking.

What books or other media are getting you thinking?

A Book to Think and Talk About

It's been a while since I've recommended a book or other media on Friday. Today I'm recommending the book Cinderella Ate My Daughter by Peggy Orenstein. If you have a daughter younger than 10 or 11 or work with girls between 2 and 12, I think it is a must read.

I think it speaks so much about how our girls are being viewed and objectified as consumers. I also think it speaks deeply and profoundly to viewing all children primarily as mini-consumers. This frightens me, because it rings so true with what I witness around me. As a woman who does not have a cell phone, cable TV or an ipod, I've been struck by how many of those and other tech gadgets the 9 and 10 year olds I work with own, view as essential, bring to school, and toss around.

I think this book is worth the read, whether you agree with the author or not. And the concepts discussed are worth some thought and discussion.

Favorite New Book

So this book is the current new favorite (at least for today) of the two year old who lives in our house. It was a birthday present from Uncle Jon. It seems way too long for even a book loving toddler to sit to hear, but he's listened to it at least once a day since he got it.

The book is Neckless, The Audrey Amaka Story written and illustrated by Brent Vernon.

The author is a super creative friend of Uncle Jon. He is also a ventriloquist, singer, songwriter--all around creative guy.

It's a story about the intrinsic value and wonderful gifts each of us brings to the world. No one can hear too much of that! Maybe we should all be reading books like this at least once a day.

What are you reading these days?

Is the Tail Wagging the Dog?

So I just finished reading the book Brain-Based Teaching in the Digital Age by Marilee Sprenger (download electronically for free here). I participated in a little online group. We posted responses to different sections of the book. At the end we responded to where education is going. From my post below, you can tell I'm not feeling real hopeful.

I have great concerns for the future of education and our society as a whole. One only needs to look at a few news articles about a more technologically advanced nation, such as South Korea, to see some of the pitfalls of technology in society and the consequences of social isolation--such as an epidemic of online addiction and children starving to death while their parents gamed (New York Times article, May 2010). If public education is the foundation of democratic society, then we have a heavy burden and responsibility to recognize and deal with current issues, as well as anticipate future concerns. In the time I have taught I feel like the world of education has taken many steps back in the name of progress. Quite frankly I find it sad and depressing. It doesn't really matter what or how we teach if all the joy is squeezed right out for students and teachers.

I would love the number one priority of education to be fostering a lifelong love of learning. Why isn't it? I would like to see a close second be kindness and cooperation with other human beings. Why isn't it? I feel like these 2 are not valued by schools, parents, or students. I feel far from the mainstream of educators, when I express these personal ideals. Oh, I know we can't measure them on a test or assign them a grade, but so what?

I think if we continue on the course we are on, more learning will be online, and less learning will occur in a setting of human connection. I don't know how long our society will last, but at some point the pendulum will have to swing in order to survive.

I feel like the role of technology is all secondary to this. It's going to be here, but we could determine how much and how fast. I think we as a society should be defining technology, instead of it defining us.

So when all this gets me down I think about one of my education heroes, Deborah Meier. I think of what my heart has learned and my mind believed possible by reading her book The Power of Their Ideas. I think of her unflagging beliefs in the power of democracy in education.

And then when I know my ideals are still good, I turn to another hero, Parker J. Palmer, who allows me to believe that my passion comes from a deep place in my spirit. And I believe I should care for myself and my hope. Even if the tail is doing the wagging, it might not stay that way.

Where do you turn when you are down hearted about your professional passion?

A Great Brave Book

I've been trying to think of some of my favorite "brave" books, and here is one I absolutely adore:

Brave on the Rocks by Sabrina Ward Harrison (take a peak inside here) This is an amazing art journal of her inner landscape along the journey of life. Her books are such unique pieces of art and honest life journey.

Here is the forward to this book by Hillary Swank.

I would also recommend Spilling Open (her first book) and Messy Thrilling Life (which I feel lucky to have an autographed copy)

Do you have any brave books you would recommend?

Recommending: Make Your Own Little Book

So I was frantically looking for a wallet I haven't used for a couple months when I came across this little book that I made. Looking at it was like a hug from an old friend--so comfortable and familiar. I realized I missed it and needed it. So today instead of recommending a book I'm recommending that you make your own little book.

This book is just a cute little spiral thing--nothing fancy. While it would be cool to have a super clever hand sewn book, I like the simplicity of this one. I didn't need to wait for the right time to assemble it. It has a couple dozen affirmations that I found over the course of a couple months. There was a point in time when I read the entire thing every day

I think this type of book makes a great gift. Either for yourself or someone else. I'm thinking quotes would also be lovely in this type of book. Do you have other ideas?

Another Good Book

It's Friday, and I have another book to share.

I'm not even sure why this one came to mind today. It has woven itself in and out of my life over the past 6 years. Today I'm recommending Persepolis by Marjane Satrapi. This is a powerful book (and film) about an Iranian girl growing up in revolutionary Iran. There are 2 parts to this graphic novel--sometimes they are published in one volume.

I think part of what draws me to this book is that Marjane and I are about the same age, and she references many cultural icons with which I can relate. That is where the similarities between our lives ends. However I love her honesty and poignancy. Can't we all relate in some way to growing up and life not turning out at all how we expected?

I would also recommend the animated film that was nominated for an Academy Award.

If reading this peaks your interest about Iran, I would recommend the travel documentary of Iran by Rick Steves.

Books and Abundant Generosity

So it's Friday and time for some books! I'm going to pass on something I wrote for a seasonal booklet. I think I've recommended these here, but not quite this way:

Abundant Generosity

Proverbs 22:9 “A generous man will himself be blessed. . .”

This is a season of giving. For most of us that means extra stress about spending money—often more than we can afford, remembering who all we should give a gift or mail a card to, and so on. Stress, stress, and more stress. Is generosity supposed to be stressful? Is giving supposed to leave us depleted? I doubt it.

This year many books have crossed my path about giving, and two stand out to me. The books are 29 Gifts by Cami Walker and The Power of Half by Kevin and Hannah Salwen. I love these memoirs, because generosity had the most amazing effect in the lives of the giving participants—not the recipients. Through giving the authors are miraculously and tangibly changed—physically, socially, spiritually.

This has really gotten me wondering if we are taught to give for what it does for others or what it really does for us. My focus is shifting from giving because I should or even the needs or desires of others to what I am supposed to learn or gain from the experience. I’m also evaluating how and what I give. I’m trying to be more experiential and less material. The shift is subtle and deep and abundant. And I am blessed.

What are your thoughts on generosity?

Book Recommendation

I was so excited to hear that SARK (Susan Arial Rainbow Kennedy) had a new book coming out. I've been a fan of her since here book Inspiration Sandwich fell into my lap in a book store in Florida about 15 years ago. I love the fact that all of her books are in her handwriting and very colorful. I bought the new one yesterday, and I've read most of it. Someone said it may be her best book so far. I completely concur!

The title is Glad No Matter What. It's NOT one of those warm fuzzy ignore reality books. Instead SARK shares her experiences and the experiences of others in traveling through life and learn how to look for the gifts. It's beautiful and thought provoking. You can see SARK talk about the book here.

Recommending Hunger Games

If you know any middle school students, then you have probably heard the buzz about Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins. It is the first book in a futuristic trilogy. It has so many powerful themes. I think it would be a great book club choice--for teens or adults. If you wonder how much more we can blur the line between reality and reality media, than this is a great choice for you.

The Power of Generosity

My book recommendation for today is POWER-FULL! It is 29 Gifts by Cami Walker. It is an amazing story of the healing power of generosity. I don't mean receiving it. I mean giving. Cami Walker was in her early 30s and diagnosed with MS. One of her spiritual advisers challenged her to give 29 gifts in 29 days. This memoir chronicles the journey. I cannot recommend this book too much. A whole movement of generosity has been spawned by this book and the author's experience. Click here to see the author on the Today Show.

If you read it, tell me what you think.