After 11 years of teaching, here’s what I know about 8th graders: They like a good story. They think they hate non-fiction. They love any time they can sit and listen. They (I’m sure) get sick of hearing my voice, even when it means they get to sit and listen. So whenever I can […]
Category Archives: Top Ten Lists
September
17
Top Ten Things from nErDcampMI We Want to Try in Our Work by Tammy Mulligan and Clare Landrigan
posted by CBethM
We attended nErDcampMI for the first time this summer. It was not only our first time at nErDcampMI, it was our first edcamp. Given that we are not only book nerds, but also PD nerds –we loved everything about it!! We have been trying to capture what made this experience so powerful for us. How […]
September
10
Away We Go: Ten Picture Books About Transportation by Jake Nuckolls
posted by CBethM
There are so many ways to move about in the world and so many wonderful authors and illustrators creating stories and pictures about every type and style. There are the classics, the unknown gems, and the steady-eddie’s. Here is a list of some of my favorite picture books about transportation. Could there be a separate […]
September
03
Ten Pirate-y Picture Books for International Talk Like a Pirate Day by Jenni Frencham
posted by CBethM
International Talk Like a Pirate Day started out as an inside joke among friends, but recently has exploded across the internet. Even Krispy Kreme has gotten in on the pirate action, offering free donuts to people who visit their stores dressed as pirates on September 19th. There are plenty of great pirate novels and movies […]
August
27
Top Ten Books to Build a Classroom Culture by Cindy Christiansen
posted by CBethM
I have a small poster of two sheep in my classroom. One sheep is white and the other is black, and the quote below them reads, “Choose your socks by their color and your friends by their character. Choosing your socks by their character makes no sense. Choosing your friends by their color is unthinkable.” […]
August
20
Ten Books My Friends and Family are Tired of Hearing Me Recommend by Jake Nuckolls
posted by CBethM
I am often used as a library both physically as well as mentally. “What should I read next?” or “Is there a book like….?” are both questions I field from friends and family who know my love of literature and specifically children’s literature. But everyone knows that they may get an unsolicited recommendation that has […]
August
18
10 Life Lessons Found in the Pages of Middle-Grade Fiction by Melissa Roske
posted by CBethM
When writing for children, Madonna said it best: Papa, don’t preach. That means: no heavy-handed moralizing or high-horsey finger wagging. Kids get bossed around enough as it is, so why subject them to further instruction when they’re reading for pleasure? That’s not playing fair. At the same time, finding inspiration in a great book can […]
August
13
Top Ten Most Beautifully Illustrated Picture Books by Adriana Fortier
posted by CBethM
I love reading picture books. They are not long or hard to get through, and have the added bonus of gorgeous illustrations that focus my attention. The best illustrations do not limit your imagination, but give you something to begin with. This list is a collection of picture books with beautiful illustrations that are complimented […]
August
06
Top Ten Books for Principals to Read Aloud at Staff Meetings by Matt Renwick
posted by CBethM
Files are saved, paperwork is completed, and instructions are left for the new principal. As I prepare for a new adventure as principal of Mineral Point Elementary School (Wisconsin), there is one thing left to do for my successor: Provide a list of excellent books to read aloud to staff members to start meetings. […]
August
04
HOW TO HOST A MOCK NEWBERY BOOK CLUB: 10 EASY STEPS by Armin Arethna and Mary Ann Scheuer
posted by CBethM
Hosting a Mock Newbery Book Club in your school is as easy as 1, 2, 3….. Welcome all students–don’t limit to high readers! Choose 4th and 5th grades, or only 5th Find two adults to lead book club–librarians or teachers. We have found that having two leaders works best, for our students and for […]
