Showing That Our Character Counts

Character Education Day:

This week we had a fun filled day of Character education. With rotations to support respect, responsibility, caring, honesty and citizenship. In the library we worked on caring and sharing a few books. Horton Hatches The Egg By Dr. Seuss and How To Heal A Broken Wing by Bob Graham. Both of these books are wonderful examples of caring for our young students.  I was pleasantly surprised by our discussions after each book. Our students made some great connections to our caring character trait. We also watched a short video to promote honesty and trustworthiness. After the video we had a recess break and enjoyed popsicles outside.

(My favorite quote during character ed. day)

In The library:

This week we worked on an author study of Tomie DePaola and enjoyed Strega Nona and some of her stories, in our first grade classes. Next week we will make some birthday cards for Tomie DePaola and mail them to him. (He always writes us back). Kinder classes heard the stories of Bill and Pete and oh what fun they were.

Our Fall Reading Challenge was sent home this week as it starts on September 15th - December 15th.

Adults can also participate and if you are going to join in on the fun send me a message and the bottom of this post or send me a note to school. Anyone can join in on the fun.

Reviews from Kid Lit Exchange Network:

Thanks to the #kidlitexchange network for the review copy of these books - all opinions are my own

Cursed Legacy by Anna K. Lane

This book was offered through Kid Lit Exchange I was told it was sci-fi but it is so much more than that. It's fantasy, YA and dystopian. It has mystery, adventure even a bit of romance and magic.This is the first book in the series Aeterna Chronicals. I can honestly say I am hooked. Kallum Farron is a 17 year old boy living on the planet Levitar a world under a dome. He is a bakers apprentice and aspires for more. He wants a relationship with Yadira and aspires to work in the control center. When he takes a test that could offer him the opportunity to make this all happen...Something goes very wrong and a cascade of strange events plagues him and the dome in which they reside. He is on a journey to save the world of Levitar. He will need to find out the secrets of his past and his own identity. I found it difficult to put this book down. 

Halfway Normal by Barbara Dee

Is about a girl who returns to school after two years of cancer treatment. Barbara Dee's ability to capture the voice of children and their perception of parents and adults is both spot on and insightful.

Norah made many mistakes in this story but I found myself cheering her on throughout.

The element of Greek mythology (which I love) was neatly woven in such a way that it correlated to  Norah's journey perfectly. I can appreciate the amount of research that needed to go into this book to make that seem so effortless. 

This book is for all readers, it has something for everyone. I found myself laughing, shaking my head and empathizing. It is funny, heartfelt and inspiring. It should be in all middle school classrooms and libraries. I simply loved it.

Bubbles by Abby Cooper

This is a wonderful middle school read, I actually think 4-8th graders would love it. It is another win for author  Abby Cooper. If you are a fan of Sticks and Stones you won't be disappointed in Bubbles

Sophie Mulvaney is 12 years old and has had her life turned upside down. Mom has lost her job and her boyfriend, Sophie feels responsible. Sophie is surrounded by thoughtful and supportive adults,

her teacher, neighbor and therapist. Sophie begins seeing the therapist after she starts seeing peoples thoughts, which are displayed in bubbles over their heads. This is fun, fast paced read you will fall in love with.                                                                                                                      

Happy Reading,

Tula Shamhart