The Most Magnificent Thing

I have so many favorite children's books that deciding which to post first was a bit of a challenge.  However, I checked out a new book from the library this summer that has now been added to my list of favorites, and it ranks high on the list.  I've already purchased it from Amazon, have already used it with kids during my Summer Book Club Camp, and I can't wait to use it with my kinders this year!

The Most Magnificent Thing by Ashley Spires is a most magnificent book, for a few reasons.  It can be used in the classroom to teach comprehension skills, vocabulary, and writing craft (use of speech bubbles, onomatopoeia, describing words).  It can also be used to teach dealing with frustration when things aren't quite going your way, and about how you shouldn't give up.  The MOST magnificent thing about it is that the main character is a girl.  A girl who likes to build things.  A girl who is an engineer!

In a time when educators are trying to inspire girls to be more involved in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM), this book is perfect.  Have you seen the recent commercial by Verizon about the girl and her science fair project?  Look it up on YouTube if you haven't - it's truly inspiring, and Verizon deserves kudos for working hard to break down those gender role barriers.

So, back to the book.  After reading and discussing the book today at Summer Book Club Camp, we had a little fun with it!  Thanks to an idea from innerchildfun.com, we used newspaper rolls to make our own magnificent things.  We focused on not giving up and trying something different if the first attempt didn't work.  We also used marshmallows and pretzel sticks to build things (before we ate them!)

While shopping for this book on Amazon, I came across another book that focuses on a female engineer...Rosie Revere, Engineer, by Andrea Beaty.  Amazon's suggestions with "Other books you might like..." is my best friend.  And my worst enemy.  I ordered Rosie Revere as well!

Once upon a time...

...there was a teacher who loved children's literature...

In the last couple of years, I have become addicted to reading other teaching blogs, Pinterest, and using TeachersPayTeachers.  I am incredibly thankful for these resources because they have not only helped to pass the time waiting at the doctors office and during long car trips, they have also made my teaching life a bit easier - okay, A LOT easier.

So, why not take my love of kid lit and share it with others?  Why not try to make another teacher's job a bit easier?  After months of THINKING about doing it, and then TALKING myself out of it, and so on, I have finally taken the first step.  I am so excited!

My goal is to post how I use books in my classroom to teach reading, writing, math, science, social studies, you name it...I know there is a great book out there for every teaching situation.  I will be a busy bee (so silly, I know) finding them, teaching with them, and sharing them!