Theme: Be Yourself

This is the final week of our theme link party.
I hope you have some new titles to use in your classroom.

This week's theme: Be Yourself
This theme was a favorite of my class!

Emily's Art by Peter Catalanotto

No I didn't just pick this because it has my name in the title!

The Paper Bag Princess by Robert Munsch

Who says you always need a man to rescue you?

Bob by Tracey Campbell Pearson

Stand Straight Ella Kate

My students loved this book!  There was a fury of kids who agreed who they would pass it to next because they all so interested in this true story about a woman from Missouri.

The Story of Ferdinand by Munro Leaf

Every kid knows Ferdinand but they haven't looked at it through the lens of theme.

Amazing Grace by Mary Hoffman

Many of my 5th graders read this book in 4th grade to talk about character traits.  It is great to reread it thinking about theme.

Gregory the Terrible Eater

I loved this book was a kid.  It is also one that connects to the health curriculum.

The Name Jar by Yangsook Choi

My class read this book during our launching unit, so it was great to pull it out again for theme.

Noah Webster and His Words by Jeri Chase Ferris

Oliver Button Is a Sissy by Tomie dePaola

Ruby's Wish by Shirin Yim Bridges

The Sign Painter by Allen Say

Stellaluna by Janell Cannon

Stephanie's Ponytail by Robert Munsch

A Bad Case of Stripes by David Shannon

Too Shy for Show and Tell by Beth Bracken

Thanks for joining our weekly post about theme!

What books do you read to teach the theme be yourself?

EmilyK

Theme: Death/Aging

With the year coming to an end, we know this theme is a little somber, but it is an important theme for upper grade kids.

This week's theme: Death/Aging

A Dog Like Jack by Anne DiSalvo-Ryan

Can you say Marley?

Everett Anderson's Goodbye by Lucille Clifton

Song and Dance Man by Karen Ackerman

The Fantastic Flying Books of Mr. Morris Lessmore

This is another one of those "I found it on the shelf" books.  I love it!

The Little House by Virginia Lee Burton

It's not just living things that age!

The Two of Them by Aliki

The Old Woman Who Named Things by Cynthia Rylant

My students really liked this book.  They understood that she was lonely and they liked that she got a dog in the end.

Grandpa Green by Lane Smith

This book might seem like a short book, but the illustrations and the theme are very beautiful.

Nana Upstairs and Nana Downstairs by Tomie dePaola

This book reminds me of a former 2nd grade student, Nicholas.  When he arrived to our school, he had recently moved in the his Nana and Papa.  I  never cease to be amazed by what students have to overcome in life.  He loved this book.  

Love You Forever by Robert Munsch

What titles do you use to teach aging?

EmilyK

Theme: Making a Difference

I know our weekly link is a Wednesday, but with the holiday we are going to post a little early!

We hope you have a great holiday week with your family!

This week's theme: One can make a difference
When we say "one" that doesn't have to be a person.

For the Love of Autumn by Patricia Polacco

Every time I think of one of my most memorable students, whose name was… Autumn.  She was in my class when I taught 3rd grade.  She loved that this book included her name.

And speaking of cats:

The Cats in Krasinski Square by Karen Hesse

This book was one I just picked up off the shelves of our school library and said "I have to use this!"

Planting the Trees of Kenya by Claire Nivola

This is a book I bought at a Scholastic Warehouse sale.  It's so good!

The Librarian of Basra by Jeanette Winter

This is a book I always read in our launching unit to teach the importance of books.  It is great to pull it back out for our discussion of theme.

The Can Man by Laura Williams

Such a good book to read when thinking about needs versus wants.

Miss Rumphius by Barbara Cooney

I love the idea that she wants to see things, go home and live by the sea, and make the world a more beautiful place.

Ellington was not a Street by Ntozake Shange

This book is written in verse which is perfect for teaching to the Common Core.

What books do you use to teach kids about making a difference?

EmilyK

Theme: Overcoming Differences/Injustice

Can you believe 2013 is almost over?!  

I am celebrating because my grad school class is OVER!

It's Wednesday, so that means:

This week's theme: Overcoming Differences/ Injustice

When I was teaching theme earlier this year, the kids kept telling me that this theme was "very serious."  Note that they are 10, and this class really likes light hearted books.

Smoky Night by David Diaz

Freedom Summer by Deborah Wiles

The Butterfly by Patricia Polacco

Who doesn't LOVE Patricia Polacco?  If you don't follow her on Facebook you should!

Freedom School, Yes! by Amy Littlesugar

Fishing Day by Andrea Davis Pinkey

The Other Side by Jacqueline Woodson

This book is a favorite for our friend and teacher, Tracy!

What books do you use to teach injustice?

EmilyK

Theme: Perseverance

It's time for another week of our Theme linky!

This week's theme: Perseverance
There are a lot of books that might fit this theme.  Here are a few of our favorites:

Akiak by Robert Blake

Every kid loves a story about dogs!

The Carrot Seed by Ruth Krauss

I know this book is usually used with the younger kids, but it is a great book to start teaching this theme.  Plus I love when a character can exceed other character's expectations.

Gleam and Glow by Eve Bunting

Who doesn't love Eve Bunting?

The Champ by Tonya Bolden

This book is written in verse, which is great where Common Core is concerned.

Zora Hurston and the Chinaberry Tree by William Miller

John Henry by Julius Lester

You know we are Aimee Buckner, so how could we not include one of her favorite books in this theme.

Is there a book you like to use when teaching perseverance?

EmilyK