Posted on August 31, 2010 by Suzan Woodard in Big Universe News, General, Literature, Reading Lists.
Tags: Big Universe, Book a Day, Confucius, Elephant, Grandparents Day, Literacy, National Book Festival, Native American, New Books, Online Children's Books, picture books, September Celebrations
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Big Universe has added a broad range of new books to its online library recently – thanks to publishing partners attuned to children’s vast interests and the wish lists of teachers. I have marveled at this website’s diverse inventory and decided to put it to the test.
“I wonder if I can find a book to coincide with each day in September?” I mused. “…Something to coincide with the holidays, historical anniversaries and other special observations from Sept. 1-30?”
Here’s what I found!
Sept. 1 – This day is set aside to remember the iconic verses of “Mary’s Lamb” – now referred to as “Mary Had a Little Lamb.” According to Rita Smith, the curator of the University of Florida’s Baldwin Collection of Children’s Literature, the poem was written by Sarah Josepha Hale and published in the September 1830 issue of a periodical titled “The Juvenile Miscellany.” Try these wooly tales to celebrate the anniversary: “Sheep,” “The Ultimate Mother Goose Collection,” (Twin Sisters) “Lambs” (Bellwether) or “Bad Day at Arnold’s Sheep Ranch” (Remedia).
Sept. 2 – The Great Fire of London started on this day in 1666. Prior to modern day safety practices, many other cities around the world experienced similar fires. Read “The Fire Department” or “Surviving the Great Chicago Fire” (Rourke) – depending on the age and maturity of the reader.
Sept. 3 – It’s the 350th anniversary of the founding of the Royal Society, an international network of top scientists, engineers and medical professionals who “exist to expand knowledge (and) support science.” Read “The Nervous System,” (Bellwether) “In Arctic Waters” (Sylvan Dell) or anything else in Big Universe’s math or science sections.
Sept. 4 – On this day in 1893, English author Beatrix Potter first told “The Tale of Peter Rabbit” as a “picture letter” to the son of her former governess. Almost 120 years later, the classic is read all over the world in many languages. Big Universe has the book among its audible “Read Alouds.” This version is recited in Mandarin Chinese! Potter’s “The Tale of Squirrel Nutkin,” however, is recited in English. (MightyBook)
Sept. 5 – The Salmon Festival is being held in historic Eastport, Maine. Read “The Life Cycle of a Salmon.” (Bellwether)
Sept. 6 – Today is Labor Day, a federal holiday. Read “Workers” (Teacher Created Materials) or other books about people in the work force, such as “Test Pilot” or “Forest Firefighter.” (Weekly Reader)
Sept. 7 – Today is the third annual National Clean Energy Summit in Las Vegas, Nevada. To learn more about eco-friendly power and caring for the earth, read “Going Green.” (Rourke)
Sept. 8 – International Literacy Day is celebrated worldwide on Sept. 8. Founded by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), this observance was initiated to highlight the necessity of improving literacy on a global basis. Read “ABC Safari” (Sylvan Dell) or any other book on Big Universe.
Sept. 9 – This date marks singing legend Elvis Presley’s first appearance on the “Ed Sullivan Show” in 1956. Read the graphic-style book “Elvis Presley Graphic Biography” to learn more about this music celebrity. (Saddleback)
Sept. 10 – Charlotte, N.C., is holding its annual Literary Festival this weekend. Join the observation by reading “The War of the Worlds (Illustrated Classic),” “Macbeth,” “Hamlet (Illustrated Classic),” or “Julius Caesar.” (Saddleback)
Sept. 11 – It’s Raptor Weekend at the Environmental Education Center in Bristol, R.I., featuring live flight presentations and other educational activities. To learn more about birds of prey, read “Eaglets” (Bellwether), “Eagles,” “Hawks,” “Kites” or “Owls.” (Rourke)
Sept. 12 – Grandparents Day is celebrated on the first Sunday after Labor Day. “How Far to Heaven” (Illumination Arts) is a beautiful love story between a grandmother and her grandchild, and the illustrations and words in “Grandma’s Feather Bed” (Dawn Publications) will make you smile.
Sept. 13 – Chiang Kai-Shek became the president of China on this day in 1943. To read more about this large, fascinating and complex country, read “China” (Bellwether) and another book also titled “China” published by Teacher Created Materials.
Sept. 14 – On this day in 1984, Joseph Kittinger set off on a record-making trip from Caribou, Maine, in the cabin of a helium balloon. Four days later he landed in Italy, becoming the first man to fly solo across the Atlantic in a balloon. To learn more about hot air balloons, read “Hot Air Ballooning.” (Rourke)
Sept. 15 – The United Nations has designated Sept. 15 at the International Day of Democracy. Read “Why are Elections Important?” (Weekly Reader)
Sept. 16 – To observe Collect Rocks Day, consider reading “Julie the Rockhound” (Sylvan Dell) or “Rocks, Minerals and Soil.” (Rourke)
Sept. 17 – It’s Constitution Day. Read “What is a Constitution?” (Weekly Reader)
Sept. 18 – This year, Oktoberfest begins on Sept. 18 in Germany, and festivities will continue until Oct. 3. Learn more about Germany in Bellwether’s book “Germany.”
Sept. 19 – Aye, mate! It’s International Talk Like a Pirate Day. Read the funny story “Lucky the Pirate” (Remedia), or go to the Big Universe blog titled “Ahoy! Pirate Books for Boys (and Girls).”
Sept. 20 – It’s been 37 years since Wimbledon champion Billie Jean King, 25, defeated 55-year-old Bobby Riggs – also a Wimbledon and U.S. Open champion – in an exhibition tennis match in Houston, Texas, demonstrating women’s ability to play high-caliber tennis – even against a man (and win). Young fans of this sport may like to read “Tennis.” (Bellwether)
Sept. 21 – What better way to celebrate International Peace Day than reading books about children, homes and places around the globe. Try “We Share One World” (Illumination Arts), “Kids Around the World,” “Homes Around the World” and “Places Around the World.” (Teacher Created Materials)
Sept. 22 – Today is Elephant Appreciation Day. Read “Critters Up Close – Elephants” (Zoobooks) or “The First Elephant,” an animated story by author and Big Universe member Rick Walton.
Sept. 23– German astronomer Johann Golle discovered Neptune in 1846. Read about this planet in the book “Neptune” (Bellwether) or “Going Around the Sun: Some Planetary Fun.” (Dawn Publications)
Sept. 24 – Native American Day is a celebration to honor the first Americans. Read the treasure of information in “Rourke’s Native American History and Culture Encyclopedia, Volume 1-10,” including Native American legends in the back of each book. They are an outstanding resource for reports.
Sept. 25 – The Library of Congress is sponsoring today’s National Book Festival on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., a celebration of “the joy of reading.” Read “ABC Letters in the Library” (Lobster Press) or any other book you please!
Sept. 26: The fourth Saturday in September is International Rabbit Day. Read “Rabbits,” “Bunnies,” “Caring for Your Rabbit,” (Bellwether) or “My Little Rabbit.” (Mathew Price)
Sept. 27 – On Sept. 27, 1862, in Greytown, South Africa, a little boy named Louis Botha was born. He grew up to become the first prime minister of South Africa, 1910-1919. While Big Universe does not have a specific book about Botha or South Africa, its non-fictions “Mansa Musa, Leader of Mali” and “Sub-Saharan Africa” (Teacher Created Materials) paint some historical background for those exploring the great continent of Africa.
Sept. 28 – It’s National Good Neighbor Day. Whether your neighbor is across a fence or sitting at the desk next to you, thoughtfulness and being kind are important facets of social interaction. Read “One Smile” (Illumination Arts) by author Cindy McKinley and illustrator Mary Gregg Byrne. This book has been read more than 3,500 times on BigUniverse.com and rates 5 out of 5 stars!
Sept. 29 – It’s Confucius Day, and you can read about this Chinese philosopher in a book titled “Confucius, Chinese Philosopher” by Wendy Conklin, M.A., and Gisela Lee, M.A. (Teacher Created Materials)
Sept. 30 – National Mudpack Day is an obscure observance with little traceable history. So, pardon my artistic license when I suggest you read a few books about pigs instead of packing on the facial goo! “Piggies in the Pumpkin Patch” (Charlesbridge) is a new addition to Big Universe’s shelves. Or read “When Pigs Fly” (Lobster Press) or “Piglets” by Colleen Sexton. (Bellwether)
That wraps it up. Have a wonderful month sharing the joy of reading. There’s something for everyone.
Posted on August 25, 2010 by Keisa Williams in Lesson Plans, Literature, Reading Lists, Uncategorized.
Tags: informational text, machines, Mary Fetzner, reader's theater, simple machines, text features, Three Pigs and the Scientific Wolf
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Bellwether publishers will quickly become a favorite of 2nd and 3rd graders studying simple machines. These Level 4 Blastoff Readers contain full color images, labeled diagrams, captions, bold vocabulary words, fun facts, a glossary, and websites to learn more information. These books are perfect for reinforcing the use of text features and research skills. Titles offered on Big Universe include:
One of my favorite stories involving simple machines is The 3 Pigs and the Scientific Wolf by Mary Fetzner. In the past, I’ve rewritten the book as a reader’s theater script and had the students create masks and costumes to act it out. This story is perfect for demonstrating the use of simple machines with an added bonus of humor.
Here are a couple of lessons using this book (Lessons can be modified for younger students):
Machines and Work Across the Ages (Grades 6-8)
Solving Problems Using Simple Machines (Grade 5)
Keisa Williams (aka Ms. K) is a K-5 School Librarian at Monarch Academy, a public charter school in Oakland, CA. She is certified in secondary and elementary education (MLIS and MEd) and loves collaborating with teachers and integrating technology into her teaching. She considers herself a “Technology Diva” and “Gadget Junkie”.
Posted on August 14, 2010 by Keisa Williams in Big Universe News, Lesson Plans, Personal Experiences, Reading Lists, Special Needs, Tips, Uncategorized.
Tags: creativity, Literacy, preschool, Reading, storytelling, wordless picture books
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Keisa Williams (aka Ms. K) is a K-5 School Librarian at Monarch Academy, a public charter school in Oakland, CA. She is certified in secondary and elementary education (MLIS and MEd) and loves collaborating with teachers and integrating technology into her library lessons. She considers herself a “Technology Diva” and “Gadget Junkie”.
The Lion & The Mouse by Jerry Pinkney
Wordless picture books are a great way to encourage reluctant readers, motivate storytelling, and prompt creative writing. I was blessed to receive the Caldecott Medal winning book, The Lion & The Mouse by Jerry Pinkney from a Twitter Elementary Librarian colleague, Ernie Cox. It was serendipitous that our kindergarten and first grade teams had just read another version of this story to our students.
When I introduced this book to students, I talked about how the illustrations in most picture books tell the story. I then modeled how to “read” a wordless picture book. I narrated parts and I added dialogue where appropriate. For example, “As the lion squeezed his paws around the mouse, the mouse screamed, “HELP!”…But no one heard his cries.” During the second reading, I call on students to “read” each page. When they narrate, I encourage them to think about describing how a character feels (and why), body language, the setting, and encourage them to add dialogue to enhance their storytelling. They always surprise me with the humor and specific details they choose to add to the story.
Did you know that Big Universe has wordless picture books? Use these titles to get your little ones “reading”:
Wordless picture books on Big Universe
Ben's Big Dig on Big Universe
Ben's Bunny Trouble on Big Universe
This post is inspired by Dawn Little’s (AKA Links to Literacy) Book Buddies blog post where she explained the benefits of pairing fiction and nonfiction readings to increase comprehension and engagement, and to increase background knowledge about a subject. Unfortunately, most of our home, classroom, and school library book collections are limited. The public library is always an option, but there are times when you aren’t able to make the trip to the library. Why not utilize the Big Universe website for your fiction and nonfiction pairings? There are hundreds of books to choose from!
Just search for your topic using the Search bar:
Screenshot of The Big Universe Search Box
-or- Browse the different categories:
Screenshot of the Category option
Leave a comment for other pairings that you discover on the Big University website.
Here are a few to get you started:
Bears
Sea Turtles
Birds
Bats
Keisa Williams (aka Ms. K) is a K-5 School Librarian at Monarch Academy, a public charter school in Oakland, CA. She is certified in secondary and elementary education (MLIS and MEd) and loves collaborating with teachers and integrating technology into her library lessons. She considers herself a “Technology Diva” and “Gadget Junkie”.
On April 29, 2010, President Barack Obama signed a Presidential Proclamation declaring May 2010 Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. The proclamation begins:
“For centuries, America’s story has been tied to the Pacific. Generations of brave men and women have crossed this vast ocean, seeking better lives and opportunities, and weaving their rich heritage into our cultural tapestry. During Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, we celebrate the immeasurable contributions these diverse peoples have made to our Nation.”
Looking for a readaloud? Grace Lin’s Ugly Vegetables is always a favorite! Lin wrote this story based upon her experiences gardening with her mother as a child. She and her mother grew “ugly” Chinese vegetables while the other people in her neighborhood grew beautiful flowers. This book will spark discussions of culture, community, & diverstiy. It also includes a pronunciation guide for the Chinese Vegetables in the story as well as a recipe at the end of the book.
Teaching Resources
- Author, Grace Lin’s Website Activities, coloring page, lesson plan, reader’s theater script, soup recipe, & a Chinese vocabulary lesson.
- Behind the story History of how the story was created and a picture of the author with her mom.
- McGraw-Hill Activities Students will practice oral language, spelling & vocabulary, and research & inquiry skills while playing interactive games.
More titles on Big Universe:
Keisa Williams (aka Ms. K) is a K-5 School Librarian at Monarch Academy, a public charter school in Oakland, CA. She is certified in secondary and elementary education (MLIS and MEd) and loves collaborating with teachers and integrating technology into her library lessons. She considers herself a “Technology Diva” and “Gadget Junkie”.
It’s been a long couple of weeks. Students have spent countless hours in classrooms bubbling standardized tests. Time to decompress with a little Origami. Rourke Publishing is fast becoming one of my favorite publishers on Big Universe. Their origami series is sure to drive away the testing blues and stimulate creativity! Take a look at these awesome titles:
Wizards, Witches, & Dragons
Spacecrafts
Monster Trucks
Knights & Castles
Horses
Dinosaurs
Cars
Airplanes
Origami Resources on the Internet
Keisa Williams (aka Ms. K) is a K-5 School Librarian at Monarch Academy, a public charter school in Oakland, CA. She is certified in secondary and elementary education (MLIS and MEd) and loves collaborating with teachers and integrating technology into her library lessons. She considers herself a “Technology Diva” and “Gadget Junkie”.
What do butterflies and prairie grass have to do with reading you might ask? Illinois’ Monarch and Bluestem Book Awards, that’s what! I’ve been a school librarian for the past 33 years. One of my favorite times of each day is when I read-aloud to the students. Over the years I’ve created my own read-aloud lists for each grade level. Some books I’ve read my entire career and I never tire of them. Every year I add new books to the lists and I especially anticipate the release of the Illinois reading lists for the various grade levels. The Illinois School Library Media Association has created these reading lists.
The Monarch Award: Illinois’ K-3 Readers’ Choice Award
The Monarch Award: Illinois’ K-3 Readers’ Choice Award was established by the ISLMA Board in the spring of 2003. “The name Monarch was chosen because of its familiarity to K-3 children and to symbolize the growth, change and freedom that becoming a reader brings. The Monarch is designed to encourage children to read critically and become familiar with children’s books, authors and illustrators. The program is open to all K-3 age children in Illinois.”
I read all of the books to the students and also provide the teachers with an annotated list. All twenty nominated books are proudly displayed in the library all year long. The last week of February the voting by the students takes place. We have a ballot booth set up in the library along with their ballots and the poster with all of the books nominated. The book that receives the most votes from all of the students in Kindergarten through Grade 3 in the state of Illinois, receives the prestigious award. Our students eagerly await the results which are announced in March.
At the Monarch website teachers can discover various ways to incorporate the books into their curriculum. Resources such as: book activities across the curriculum: (social studies, science, writing, reading, & math) plus discussion questions, related websites, and other books to tie in with the nominee book can be found at the website.
I’d like to mention a few of my favorites of the 2011 Monarch Nominee List for you today.
When Dinosaurs Came with Everything, by Elise Broach
Get a WHAT!?
Free WHAT!?
DINOSAURS?
Just when a little boy thinks he’s going to die of boredom from running errands with his mom, the most remarkable, the most stupendous thing happens. He discovers that on this day, and this day only, stores everywhere are giving away a very special treat with any purchase. No, not the usual lollipop or sticker. Something bigger. Much, MUCH bigger. It’s a dream come true, except…what exactly do you do with these Jurassic treats? And how do you convince Mom to let you keep them? (Goodreads)
Abe Lincoln Crosses a Creek: A Tall Thin Tale, by Deborah Hopkinson
It’s a tale of two boys who get themselves into more trouble than bear cubs in a candy store during the year 1816. Abe is only seven years old, and his pal, Austin, is ten.
Abe and Austin decide to journey down to Knob Creek. The water looks scary and deep, and Austin points out that they don’t know how to swim. Nevertheless, they decide to traverse it. I won’t tell you what happens, but let’s just say that our country wouldn’t be the same if Austin hadn’t been there to help his friend. (Goodreads)
Rhyming Dust Bunnies, by Jan Thomas
Dust bunnies that rhyme: Ned, Ted, Ed, & Bob!! Each dust bunny is a vibrant color and they rhyme words like car but Bob seems to now get it or maybe it’s the other three! It is a great book to read to preschoolers and Kindergarten age kids. Hilarious!
Next, the newest edition to the Illinois Book Awards:
The Bluestem Award: Illinois’ Grades 3-5 Readers’ Choice Award
This award is for students in grades 3-5 who are ready for lengthier books than found on the Monarch list, but not quite ready for the difficulty of the Rebecca Caudill titles. The award is named in honor of Big Bluestem which is the state prairie grass. The nominee list includes classics and contemporary titles and books that have been found on past Monarch and Rebecca Caudill lists.
Here’s a small amount featured (that I absolutely love) on the 2011 Bluestem Nominee List:
Ivy and Bean (Ivy and Bean, Book 1), by Annie Barrows
The moment they saw each other, Bean and Ivy knew they wouldn’t be friends. But when Bean plays a joke on her sister, Nancy, and has to hide quick Ivy comes to the rescue, proving that sometimes the best of friends are people never meant to like each other. Vibrant characters and lots of humor make this a charming and addictive introduction to Ivy and Bean. (Goodreads)
Sky Boys: How They Build the Empire State Building, by Deborah Hopkinson
It’s 1930 and times are tough for Pop and his son. But look! On the corner of 34th Street and 5th Avenue, a building straight and simple as a pencil is being built in record time. Hundreds of men are leveling, shoveling, hauling. They’re hoisting 60,000 tons of steal, stacking 10 million bricks, eating lunch in the clouds. And when they cut ribbon and the crowds rush in, the boy and his father will be among the first to zoom up to the top of the tallest building in the world and see all of Manhattan spread at their feet. (Goodreads)
The Houdini Box, by Brian Selznik
Victor is forever trying to escape from locked trunks, walk through walls, and perform any number of Houdini’s astonishing magic tricks…without success. Then — amazingly — he actually meets his idol and begs Houdini to explain himself. A mysterious locked box is the magician’s only answer, and Victor is left to wonder: Does the box contain the secrets to the most famous magic tricks ever performed?As spellbinding as a virtuoso performance by Houdini himself, this illustrated storybook for all ages combines captivating mystery and mesmerizing historical fiction, and as a bonus, offers a biographical note about Houdini. Equally strong as a read-aloud or a read-alone book, The Houdini Box conjures up the pure pleasure of an old-time magic show. (Goodreads)
Each book I have mentioned above should be ones which unquestionably deserve to be on both the Monarch and the Bluestem nominee lists. It’s my hope you will welcome and incorporate these books into your curriculum for the upcoming school year.
In the words of Nathanial Hawthorne, books are like butterflies: ”Happiness is like a butterfly which, when pursued, is always beyond our grasp, but, if you will sit down quietly, may alight upon you. ”
Hope you’ve enjoyed my guest blog debut! To read more book reviews and reading lists I’ve created, visit me at: Marianslibrary – I think you’ll enjoy what you discover!
Kathy Parker is a K-12 school librarian at Seneca Grade School and Seneca High School in Seneca, Illinois. She’s been a school librarian for 33 years. Loves all things books!
Rourke's Encyclopedia, Volume 13
Got Non-Fiction? Big Universe does! Rourke Publishing LLC is a new addition to the Big Universe library! This publisher has a plethora of non-fiction books aligned with national curricular standards. Read books about Outer Space, Going Green, Food Webs, Drag Racing and more! Best of all, they offer a full set of encyclopedias: Rourke’s Complete History of Our Presidents Encyclopedia. This 14-volume encyclopedia is available in its entirety, from George Washington through President Barack Obama.
Lesson Idea: Presidential Bio Poem
Spruce up your next biography unit. Students research a president and create a Bio Poem using the following prompts:
Name of president
Three traits
Related to:
Who cares deeply about
Who feels:
Who needs:
Who gives:
Who fears:
Who would like to see:
Resident of:
Sample Bio Poem about Bart Simpson
Bartholomew “Bart” JoJo Simpson
Rebellious, mischievous, prankster
Related to Homer
Who cares deeply about being 10
Who feels bored in class
Who needs attention from his peers
Who gives his teacher’s the blues
Who fears Nelson’s bullying
Who would like to see Radioactive Man
Resident of Springfield
For more presidential poetry ideas, check out the American Presidents website.
Keisa Williams (aka Ms. K) is a K-5 School Librarian at Monarch Academy, a public charter school in Oakland, CA. She is certified in secondary and elementary education (MLIS and MEd) and loves collaborating with teachers and integrating technology into her library lessons. She considers herself a “Technology Diva” and “Gadget Junkie”.
Posted on April 6, 2010 by Keisa Williams in Commentary, Reading Lists, Technology, Tips.
Tags: community, family literacy, Family Time, library, Literacy, Reading, workshop
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It’s fitting that I begin blogging for Big Universe this month, as it is School Library Month and National Library Week (April 11-17, 2010) is just a few days away. The theme this year is “Communities Thrive @ your library”. What better way to bring your community together than through hosting a Big Universe Read-In? Read-Ins are all about bringing people together to share books. This year I introduced our K-5 elementary student to reading books online on Big Universe and talked to them about becoming authors on the website in the future. Four times a year we host something called, Saturday School, where entire families come to our school to participate in educational activities. This year our theme is Earth Day. In addition to learning about conservation and actively beautifying the school and the surrounding community, families will visit our school library and learn from their children how to log into and read books on the Big Universe website.
It’s simple to embed Big Universe links on your own website. Big Universe provides an embed code for every book on their website. Your audience will view the book covers on your website, click the desired book, and begin reading! I used the embed code on my own library wiki to highlight Earth Day themed books. Now my families need only to surf to our homepage to view the Earth Day related selections! I also included some Spanish language selections as 97% of our students are English Language Learners who primarily speak Spanish at home. I am am excited about the possibilities! Maybe during our next Saturday School, families will create books together.
Earth Day related books on Big Universe:
Excerpts provided by Big Universe
by Steve Van Zandt (author), Katherine Zecca (illustrator)
Rivers make beautiful music – from the trickle of snowmelt to the burble of a full-flowing stream. Here the famed children’s musical ensemble, the Banana Slug String Band, celebrates rivers as a fascinating, ever-changing source of life and joy. The CD includes their vibrant rendition of “River Song.”
by Laya Steinberg (author), Cris Arbo (illustrator)
With eyes wide open to the mysteries of nature, a child on a hike discovers that “a leaf is a boat for a beetle” and that “a nest is a cradle for eggs.” Tired from her long walk, she sleeps – and in her dream she flies like a bird and marvels at the beauty around her. This planet that is home to so many creatures is magical when seen through the eyes of wonder.
by Barbara Gregorich
Do you know that…
Linen comes from a plant?
Catfish have two sets of whiskers?
The world’s largest dog is the St. Bernard?
12 Exciting Titles
Discover true science facts and interesting details like these in this collection of engaging, nonfiction stories. Readers will enjoy learning something new! Each 8-page story features clever illustrations that captivate even the most reluctant readers.
by David Pierce Hughes
Listen now and you will hear The Humpback Whale,the Polar Bear,the Albatross and the Leather Back Turtle among many other sea creatures tell us in verse of their plight,and the whispering Wave warns us of their eventual extinction if we don’t care for The One Sea.
by David Pierce Hughes (author), Richard Perrot (illustrator)
This stunning full colour Manga style book is told from an ecological perspective by artist and poet David Pierce Hughes. This is the moving story of how the One Tree is befriended by a boy, of its destruction and its eventual renewal.
by Loran Wlodarski (author), Lew Clayton (illustrator)
Felina the Florida panther loved growing up in her forest home, until the forest starts to shrink! Trees begin to disappear, and Felina doesn’t understand the new busy highway in the neighborhood. Other animals are in danger, too. Will Felina find a way to survive as humans threaten to ruin her home? Environmental science writer Loran Wlodarski gives children a look into deforestation and endangered animals in Felina’s New Home: A Florida Panther Story, complemented by the detailed, emotive illustrations of Lew Clayton. Learn whether the animals in Felina’s forest adapt to the new human presence and what children can do to keep wild animals safe, happy, and healthy.
by Dana Lyons (author), David Danioth (illustrator)
An 800-year-old Douglas fir ponders the many things it has seen in the natural world as it hears bulldozers coming, and then people arrive to save it from destruction.
Keisa Williams (aka Ms. K) is a K-5 School Librarian at Monarch Academy, a public charter school in Oakland, CA. She is certified in secondary and elementary education (MLIS and MEd) and loves collaborating with teachers and integrating technology into her library lessons. She considers herself a “Technology Diva” and “Gadget Junkie”.
Hi everyone. I would like to take this time to introduce myself as I am new to Big Universe. My name is Amy Snyder and I am a 35-year-old mother of two boys, ages 7-years-old and age 20-months-old, and this makes me truly aware of the importance of literacy.
I have found, in my own experience, that reading is much harder than learning how to speak. Speaking comes natural to children – they hear, they listen, and then they speak. Reading is much different as it has to be learned.
I am going to start my post off with a list of 3 words out of the 100 on the high frequency word list. Each weekly post that I write, I will include 3 more. It is said that if a child can learn these words, then the child can read approximately 70% of what is needed for the future. Amazing isn’t it?
Also, I will be writing about children’s books that I have read, and we have a favorite about not letting a pigeon drive a school bus that I will write about next week, and about literacy in multiple ways.
I hope you enjoy spending quality time with your children as they begin to explore and learn a whole new world while learning to read.
Week 1 High Frequency Word List
1. the
2. am
3. and
Tip: Write these three words on separate index cards and quiz your child on these words. You will be amazed at how quickly they can learn by repeating this process a few times.
- Amy E. Snyder
Big Universe has added a broad range of new books to its online library recently – thanks to publishing partners attuned to children’s vast interests and the wish lists of teachers. I have marveled at this website’s diverse inventory and decided to put it to the test.
