Product Description
96 PAGES WITH ART PROJECTS, SKILL BUILDING ACTIVITIES, AND PLOT SUMMARIES OF THE 12 MOST POPULAR AND COMMON FAIRY AND FOLK TALES. ... Read more

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Motivate students to get off the "conflict escalator" by talking things through and expressing feelings in constructive ways. Includes easy, classroom-tested methods and reproducible activity pages. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Exactly what we needed
We are a homeschooling family with 3 boys (ages 8,5, and 1).Recently it seems that more and more conflicts turn into name calling and fights.As we were studying Martin Luther King, Jr., in observance of his birthday, we took advantage of the opportunity to emphasize peaceful conflict resolution.I found a webpage that recommended this book.I am very pleased with the approach.The homeschooling environment is ideal for this approach because I can reinforce the ideas throughout the day as conflicts arise.We are only a few chapters into the book so I can't vouch for the long-lasting effects, but when I interrupt a conflict to point out how the involved parties are "moving up the conflict escalator" and to ask how they can get off of it, it gives them a chance to think (and cool off).Just giving them that opportunity is teaching them to respond rather than react, which I think is a great accomplishment.And they do actually engage in the conversation.(I sort of thought they might just roll their eyes.) I am getting most of the books from the library, however I have not been able to find some.That's really the only drawback.It's disappointing not to be able to do some of the exercises that are mapped out because I can't borrow the book.But there are many alternative books listed (without the accompanying exercises).My kids love the recommended books and ask to read them repeatedly.Many are new to me, and I consider myself to be fairly familiar with children's literature.If you are trying to give children new skills to resolve conflict, I think you would be pleased with this purchase.

Guidance Counselor's Dream-Great for Teachers Too!
I use this book every year as my Conflict Resolution curriculum in an early elementary public school.You do have to purchase some recommended books (they are fairly commom, and may be available in your school library) in order to use this curriculum, but it is worth it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

A Terrific Teacher Resource for Teachers Who Care!
While taking a graduate class in conflict resolution and peacebuilding, I was first introduced to the name William J. Kreidler, the author of this book.I became interested in learning more about this advocate for helpingchildren in today's world to work through their conflicts without violence.Having now read his book, I am very excited to have a"teacher-friendly" curriculum guide in hand to help me withconflict resolution in my classroom.The literature and ideas presented inthis resource are geared for grades K-2. Through the use of language-richchildren's literature, the author gives the teacher wonderful ways to teachthe concepts of diversity, problem-solving, conflict-solving, caring,respect and community. I would highly recommend this book!I can't wait toput these ideas to use! ... Read more

Product Description
You'll appreciate these tools for parent participation in the learning process. Reproducible activity sheets based on quality children's books are designed as take-home assignments for children. Each sheet includes a book summary, discussion questions, and a list of engaging learning activities for adults and children that increase discussion, reading skills, and comprehension. ... Read more

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Vardell provides an introduction to children and their literature through an activity-oriented survey of books that should be in your library. Written for librarians, the book offers practical applications to help you share books with children, as well as plans for book-based programs and ways to collaborate with teachers and families to share books with children. Each chapter includes brief insets of author comments, collaborative activities, featured books, special topics and activities, selected awards and celebrations, historical connections, recommended resources, issues for discussion, and assignment suggestions.

The author, a former President of the U.S. Board on Books for Young People, has written an affordable text especially for school and children's librarians and faculty teaching both undergraduate and graduate students who are studying to be school and children's librarians. While similar texts on this subject are designed for teachers, this is an activities-oriented survey of children's literature written especially for students seeking licensure and degrees leading to careers working with children in schools and public libraries. All the pieces are there, the explanations of the genres, introductions to authors and illustrations, and the use of specific titles with their audiences, and the literature is carefully linked to active practice in libraries. Chapters are enriched by brief insets of authors? comments, collaborative activities, selected awards and celebrations, historical connections, recommended resources, issues for discussion, and assignment suggestions.

The framework for this text adds a layer of practical application in every chapter for the librarian who shares books with children, plans book-based programs, and collaborates with teachers and families in sharing books and developing literature-based instruction. What does a librarian need to know about how to select and share books in each genre? What are the usual promotion and collaboration activities associated with each genre? This book answers those questions while maintaining its focus on literature for children. Embedded in a genre approach to literature, it has a unique focus on the librarian or future librarian.

Customer Reviews (1)

A great addition to my professional library
Sylvia Vardell communicates her love of children's literature beautifully in this helpful text. I bought this as part of a library studies course and have enjoyed the read. It is not written like a dry textbook- it is written like a conversation from an experienced professional mentor. She covers all levels of children's literature from picture books to poetry, fiction, fantasy and informational books. Her discussions are full of helpful ideas for sharing the love of reading, a deep respect for children as individuals and many suggestions for professional resources. Sprinkled throughout the text are anecdotes from professional children's librarians, authors, poets, and illustrators. I recommend this for anyone interested in learning more about children's literature and ways to share it. ... Read more

Product Description
General and special education teachers will find 40 ready-to-use lesson plans that focus on children's literature characters faced with problem-solving situations, empowering students to independently solve problems in their own lives. Students are also taught a problem-solving strategy that can be applied to any situation. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Perfect for teachers, guidance counselors, and parents
I am the author of this book.The book contains 40 ready to use lesson plans to teach children a problem solving strategy "I SOLVE" to help solve any problem.The strategy is used in each lesson and applied to the problem the book's character encounters.Students find out how the book's character solved the problem and then generate their own list of solutions.There are eight different chapters on topics such as helping students deal with fighting, bullies, anger and feelings, friendship, diversity, disabilities, self-concept and sharing.There is a reproducible activity for each story as well as a role-playing activity.Teachers will find these lessons easy to integrate into reading/literacy activities.With these lessons, you can teach social skills and problem solving through reading!I'm also a parent and have used every book with my two children as well as elementary classroom teachers. ... Read more

Product Description
This groundbreaking, critically acclaimed, and best-selling resource features more than 30 exciting instructional units that integrate all areas of the curriculum and serve as models to educators at all levels. Adopted as a supplementary text in schools of education nationwide, this resource features outstanding children's fiction books that are rich in scientific concepts yet equally well known for their strong story lines and universal appeal. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Great Science Activities
I love this book.Examples of chapters are Airplanes, Measurement, Energy and Motion, Force and Movement, Volcanoes, Trees, Reptiles... and more.Each subject has a storybook suggested to read and then there are tons of hands on activities offered to go along with the storybook.This book is along the same lines as Five in a Row.Terrific for lower elementary children.

Bad science
The idea is interesting, but if you can't get basic facts straight, what are you actually teaching them? Need I point further than the misspelled "mantel" [sic] on the cover? Ok, how about listing Mars as the 2nd planet from the Sun (p. 135)? I found these two errors in my first 3 minutes looking at this book. They wash over the more difficult concepts to the point where you aren't really learning anything at all, and what you learn is up to widely varying interpretations. Fortunately, Amazon users can use the "Search Inside" feature to see for themselves.

Again, the idea is interesting, but they need to work on the delivery, and make sure the fundamentals are correct. Right now, avoid until at least the 3rd or 4th edition.

Nice, but a Big Piece is Missing

I thought this book looked really interesting, teaching science through literature was an innovative way to introduce science topics. So I bought this book thinking that I could use it to teach my kindergartner various science topics.There are 33 chapters divided into 4 parts (Part 1- Using Children's Literature as a Springboard to Science; Part 2- Life Science; Part 3- Earth and Space Science; and Part 4- Physical Science). Each chapter is laid out by first recommending a book to read (i.e. "The Very Busy Spider by Eric Carle for the chapter on spiders). Next there is a 1-2 page summary of the book, then 1-2 lines of science and content related topics & words. Finally, there is a list of activities suggested for a variety of ages.

What I would have liked is for the author to include a summary of the actual topic (i.e. 4-5 bullet points on spiders).In my opinion, this is a big piece missing, and hence the reason why I gave this book only 3 stars.If you don't know a fair amount about the topics, you will need to do further research if you want to use this book to teach.If you're looking for a supplement to match books with science topics and activities, this is it.

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Product Description
Twenty well-known children's books become models to teach primary and elementary students expository and narrative writing skills. Children learn about brain-storming, organization, elaboration, and writing conventions with readily available, quality children's literature. Best of all, the authors take you step - by - step through each part of the writing workshop mini-lessons. A primary and intermediate level lesson for each selection makes it easy to match each mini-lesson with the readiness levels of students. Even the charts you need are included and ready for you to use! ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

Worked Great!
I bought this book to do a writing lesson for my biannual review.The step by step process really made the preparation easy.I used the lesson on The Important Book.I used the primary lesson plan, but then I added a mini lesson on similes in the middle of the lesson to stretch my third graders.The lesson went off well, and I got some really great writing to put on the bulletin board to boot.

extremely helpful
Of all the books I have encountered that use picture books to teach writing, this one has been the most helpful.
My students have not only progressed but have thoroughly enjoyed the experience!!!!Denise Goforth - educator

A Must Have For Teaching Writing
I work as a writing specialist at an elementary school and I recently purchased this book to use with students in both primary and intermediate grades. Teaching Writing Skills With Children's Literature is packed with practical lessons to use in teaching the elements of writing. The lessons are well written and easy to use. Ms. Dierking and Ms. McElveen have done a fantastic job of bringing together literature and writing skills.Since purchasing my first copy I have bought two more to share with fellow teachers. I hope you enjoy it as much as I have.

Outstanding
This Book was written by two teachers from my son's elementary school. They have given workshops about just this subject. FANTASTIC. Mrs Dierking is my sons first grade teacher.She is an incredible help to both herstudents and their parents.My son made honor roll and reads at level 18,he writes wonderful stories in his journal.The book that they havewritten is a fantastic guide for parents and teachers alike. Not that I'mpartial or anything :0)ENJOY. ... Read more

Product Description
B> With an emphasis being placed on teaching K-3 reading skills development, teachers have less time to spend on teaching how literature relates to the content areas. This text encourages emergent literacy as well as reading of literature on the content fields. This book functions as an overview of Literacy, Learning, and Literature, followed by chapter-long, specific introductions to content areas.This book analyzes and describes 125 literature books, each with follow-up activities that teachers can use to teach science, mathematics, and social studies to emergent readers. Early childhood educators, child care workers, parents, or others who may be helping young readers improve their literacy. ... Read more

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Experience in teaching preschool children and in helping others enjoy music, this author provides an introduction to successful programs for sharing music with children. You will learn how to lead and teach songs to children, using chants and poetry to help develop motor skills and enhance, reading, writing, and concentration. Movement activities are incorporated with children's literature, and literature is paired with musical recordings. Sample lessons and activities are provided.

This author provides the shoulder for children's librarians, preschool providers, and preschool teachers to lean on to share music with the children in their programs. They will find everything they need to know to be comfortable when they are planning musical activities with their stories.

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Customer Reviews (8)

Learning About Mentor Text
I love this book! Any teacher who is struggling with teaching writing to their students, needs a deeper understanding of the value of mentor texts, and how to use them should have this book.It is worth every penny.

Mentor Texts: Teaching Writing Through Children's Literature, K-6
I am so glad I purchased this text.No matter how often you hear about mentor texts you can never hear enough.Reading this book has enabled me to fill in all the missing pieces.It has also given me the confidence to implement this method of teaching writing.I am grateful to these ladies and their interest in sharing their ideas.Thank you.

Great Book for Elementary Classroom Teachers
Mentor Texts: Teaching Writing Through Children's Literature, K-6

This book has lots of ideas to create great lessons.Definitely a better way to learn about grammar and writing than just teaching rules through worksheets.Teachers can choose books their students pick to incorporate into the lesssons, but one of my favorite features of the book is the huge list of books that are put into categories of what they can be used to teach.

Great for Writing Teachers
This is a very teacher friendly text.You can pick the lessons you want to teach and go from there.

A Must- Have for Writing!
This book is an excellent resource for anyone teaching writing to children (K-6).It has easy-to-read formatting and has lots of examples woven throughout.It has lists of mentor texts that can be used to share the craft of writing and show children how authors use writing for many different purposes.The books and strategies in the book lend themselves to helping students take risks in their writing.Great book! ... Read more

Product Description
Filled with delectable recipes, hands-on family activities, and traditional tales to read aloud, this extraordinary collection will inspire families everywhere to re-create the magic of Chinese holidays in their own homes. They can feast on golden New Year's dumplings and tasty moon cakes, build a miniature boat for the Dragon Boat Festival and a kite at Qing Ming, or share the story of the greedy Kitchen God or the valiant warrior Hou Yi.
This stunning compilation from bestselling cookbook author Nina Simonds and Leslie Swartz of the Children's Museum, Boston, is the perfect gift for families that have embraced Chinese holidays for generations--and for those just beginning new traditions.
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Customer Reviews (14)

Great for little information behind the festivals, few recipes and activity for children
Stories, recipes and activities for:
Chinese new year
Lateen festival
Qing Ming
Dragon boat festival and mid autumn moon festival

The recipes are very light and in some cases, it is really just one main recipe, which in some cases are made by the family, but moon cakes? Really, moon cakes are bought than made these days!! Otherwise, I liked the story behind each of the key festivals,but for more recipes then go to 'chinese feasts and festivals'.However, this book does provide a little activity for children to make with the supervision from adults.

Living the Life of a Dragon
Hardcover edition. My mom bought this book for me after I wouldn't stop raving about it after checking it out of our local library.Chinese culture has always fascinated me and this book gave me an overall idea of the culture.Great recipes of traditional food, a variety of craft projects for kids of all ages, and tales of how the traditions started. It also includes an overview of Chinese holidays such as the Chinese New Year, the Dragonboat Festival, and the Festival of Lights. *Mom's footnote - My daughter was born in the year of the Dragon.

Wonderful Book!
We are in the long wait for an adopted sister from China and this book has been invaluable for communicating to our son what his soon-to-be sister's culture is like. It is beautifully illustrated and great for teaching him and preparing him for the holidays we will be celebrating. Very informative with great crafts and recipes. The festival introductions are great as well. We have actually made a few of the crafts. The puppet show was a huge hit!

Moonbeams, Dumplings & Dragon Boats`
This book is full of activities; stories and recipes--we will be using this book a lot in keeping the some of the traditions of China alive for our adopted daughter.

Excellent service.
The book arrived in a timely manner and in excellent condition as promised.Thank you. ... Read more

Product Description
This practical resource for building children’s vocabulary and comprehension skills provides word lists, literature selections, writing prompts, and suggestions for read-alouds and think-alouds. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

A key pick for education libraries
Susan E. Israel's VOCABULARY LISTS AND ACTIVITIES FOR THE PREK-2 CLASSROOM surveys word lists, literature selections and teaching strategies for building young learner vocabulary and comprehension skills. From journal activities to read-aloud ideas, it's packed with plans. A key pick for education libraries. ... Read more