Wonder

I just finished reading the AMAZING book called "Wonder" by R. J. Palacio. I don't know if you've heard about it or not.

It's about a 5th grade boy who is born with a facial deformity that had prevented him from going to school. This is about his first year in school and how he wants nothing more than to be treated like an ordinary kid. The story is told by a variety of view points from the boy himself to his sister, her boyfriend, classmates, and others. This story teaches about empathy, acceptance, self-respect, friendship, kindness, tolerance, and the list goes on and on.

I found this WONDERFUL site HERE by the author that has some insight into the book and great teaching ideas if you're using this book with your class. If you do a Google search you will find even more lesson plans and ideas. It might be a little hard for first graders to understand but it is defiantly for 4th grade and up. It would be a great read aloud for parents to read to their kids and discuss.

I've heard they are in the process of making it into a movie! I hope they can do it justice because it is such a fabulous book.

"Wonder" is one of those books you can't put down. It's one of those books you think about all the time. It's one of those books you want everyone you know to read it. That's why I'm buying copies for all my family for Christmas.

If you've read this book, I'd love to hear your comments!

If you haven't read this book- GET IT AND READ IT!

Spookley the Square Pumpkin and more!

Hey all! It's been a few days, okay 2 weeks, since I last posted. It's hard to say why. It's been very busy. We've had Apple Day and our field trip to the zoo. I did my district math assessments today and the next two days are parent-teacher conferences. So I guess I've been pretty busy.

I found the CUTEST book/DVD/CD today. I can't wait to share it with my firsties! Our school is focusing on no bullying this year by going the positive route. We are teaching about acceptance and respect.

I've seen the book before called Spookley the Square Pumpkin by Joe Troiano. It's been in my wishlist on Amazon.com and I really wanted to buy it this year. So I looked at it closer and found it in a DVD form. It came in the mail today and it is SO GREAT! Not only is there a darling movie about Spookley which teaches a great lesson but it also has 4 other video picture books with wonderful messages for kids. One is for Easter, Valentines, Christmas, and Independence Day. Plus the book Spookley is also on the disc read by Boris Pickett. All the stories are in rhyme and can lead into great class discussions of how we should treat others. As a bonus there is a music CD of Halloween songs. It is really a bargain for just under $10. If you click on the picture above it will take you to Amazon.com for more information.

I hope everyone is having a GREAT week. Thanks for stopping by.