First Day of School

It's my first day of school with my kiddos!  I can't wait to get started with them.  Here are some pics of my last minute activities with my pups...

My new color printer came in the mail!  I had recently purchased one from Craigslist that didn't work.  Sad face!  Marley is almost as excited as I am about this one! 

Chloe was helping me cut all of my Melonheadz from the Linda's Immigration Bundle which you can find here...
https://www.etsy.com/listing/101281140/lindas-immigration-bundle

Laminating some cute decor and of course getting ready for that infamous first day photo from Ramona Recommends, Teacher to the Core, and Teaching in the Fast Lane.

On my way to school, and I don't know what I'm wearing...YIKES! What are you wearing on your first day?
I think we should do a linky party!
I'll set it up this afternoon when I get back :) 

  

Ramona Recommends August Book Club

Hi!! Welcome. I am so glad you have come over here to join me in August's book club. I am so grateful to Courtney at Ramona Recommends for allowing me to host this month. These books will run from August 6th - September 3rd. You've got lots of time to discover the magic in the following two books!  Link up at the bottom of the page and don't forget to sign up for a zoo animal adoption. 

After having read this month's selection I knew I had to email Courtney about hosting it on book club. 

You can find The One and Only Ivan here.

The One and Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate

Here is a fabulous book review from Sweet on Books.

Here are some questions to help guide you as you read it. I have also included some lesson ideas and resources. 

*If you are new to book club please introduce yourself, your blog (if you have one), and the grade you teach. 

Questions to ask your students:

1. What did you think of this book? Did you love it as much as I did?

2. Did it make you think about animals differently?  How about the zoo, circus, or other places where animals are living in captivity?

3. I have provided lesson ideas below, but how might you teach this to your students?  

4. How does Ivan view himself as different from Ruby?  

5.   How does Ivan plan to make Ruby happier?  Do you think it will work? Why or why not?

6.  How does Ivan use art to express himself?  How do you use art to express yourself?  

  

7.   What is the theme in the story?  How does it apply differently to different characters? 

8.   Have you ever made a promise you thought would be hard to keep?  How was your promise like Ivan's promise to Stella? 

Lesson Ideas: 

The San Diego Zoo along with many others have options for "zoo adoptions."  Please consider adopting a zoo animal with your class.  He/she could even be your class mascot! I've included some links (just click on the pictures below), but you could also check your local zoo to see if this option is available. 

 

         

I have created a sign up and a Facebook page for animal adoptions.

  

Resources About The One and Only Ivan:

1. I created a Pinterest Board for The One and Only Ivan. 

2. There is a great teacher guide at Harper Collins.  This one is fabulous!

3. This is the author's site. 

4. This is the page for Kids Planet for Endangered Species Facts.

 I am so excited to hear from you and hear your thoughts! If you have questions for me, feel free. 

Primary Teachers: this one's for you! 

You can find The Day the Crayons Quit here.

The Day the Crayons Quit by Drew Daywalt

Here is a fabulous book review from Kids' Book Review.

Ideas: 

1. What to do with Crayons? 35 kids activities with crayons from Hands on as We Grow

 

2. Writing freebie from Ms. Fultz's Corner.

 

3. Coloring sheet from OMazing Kids

 

4. Write a Letter Freebie from Peace, Love and Learning

  

Questions: 

1. What does it mean to write persuasively?

2. Who do you think wrote the letters?  (Point of View)

3. How would you use this book to teach Persuasive Writing and Point of View?  I'd love to know what you're doing with this book, so please share a blog post link or comment below. 

Resources: 

I have seen numerous resources and activities to be done with this book. If you have others please share. 

1. I created a Pinterest Board for The Day the Crayons Quit

2.Jodie's blog, Family Dinner Book Club, offers a variety of questions, activities, and even a link to a menu! 

3.  Here is a great teachers guide from Reading is Fundamental.

Thanks for joining us. I hope you have fun. 

An InLinkz Link-up