October means everyone is thinking about Fall, pumpkin spice, ghosts, goblins, pumpkins and candy!
So...what better treasure tip than ghostly MUST READ books for this time of year!
Ghostly Read #1
book cover is a clickable amazon affiliate link
First of all, Chris Van Allsburg is one of my favorite authors. His books are usually listed as grades K-3 ages 4-7 but they are
so.... much.... more...
I firmly believe his books can be read at any grade level K-12! That's right...I said it! Van Allsburg's books are
funny for the young crowd,
mysterious for the middle crowd and
so thought provoking for the older crowd.
This mysterious book is about a widow, Minna Shaw, that finds a wounded witch in her garden. She helps the witch heal and the broom is left behind. This story is about understanding others and accepting their differences...with a surprise ending that Van Allsburg does so well.
So run out to find a copy of this book at the library, the bookstore or your own classroom library and get set for some spooky October reading.
Check out this chart I created when reading The Widow's Broom by Chris Van Allsburg.
Suggested Literacy Activities...
Browse, Connect and Question -- Grab a free Browse, Connect and Question (BCQ) minilesson.
After BCQ, read the book aloud on the first day and have students jot down ANY questions they have about the story on post it notes. Collect those notes on an anchor chart. (see first section of pictured chart above)
Next day, read the questions students had about the book and reread it again with the purpose of finding answers. After reading, discuss any "in the text" answers and possible answers based on evidence in the book. (see Wonderings section of the chart)
In the next rereading, you may want to analyze how the characters developed through the story. (see Character Analysis section of the chart above)
Have students take their thinking deeper and have them use evidence to support their thinking with the Two Word Strategy
Finally, discuss the theme and message of the story. Everyone will definitely have their own opinions about this one. Have students write their own interpretations on a post it note and collect those on a chart. Discuss the different interpretations. OR use them to create a collaborative message.
Turn the book into a Readers' Theater script (This was a fantastic learning experience for my 4th graders)
Are you curious about The Widow's Broom yet?
The possibilities are endless when you read this book to your students.
Ghostly Read #2
book cover is a clickable amazon affiliate link
Crossing Bok Chitto by Tim Tingle is a book about friendship between cultures. It is thought provoking and will inspire great conversations. The book is set during the 1800's in the southern United States and has an ending you will love.
So run out to find a copy of this book at the library, the bookstore or your own classroom library and get set for more spooky October reading.
Check out this chart I created when reading Crossing Bok Chitto by Tim Tingle.
Suggested Literacy Activities...
Browse, Connect and Question -- Grab a free Browse, Connect and Question (BCQ) minilesson.
After BCQ, read the book aloud on the first day and have students jot down ANYTHING they notice in the story on post it notes. Collect those notes on an anchor chart. (see first section of pictured chart above)
In the next rereading (on another day), have students write down any questions they have about the story. (see Wonderings section of the chart)
Next day, read the questions students had about the book and reread it again with the purpose of finding answers. After reading, discuss any "in the text" answers and possible answers based on evidence in the book.
In the next rereading, you may want to analyze how the characters developed through the story. (see Character Analysis section of the chart above)
Setting is important to the story. You may initiate a conversation and discussion with students about how the setting affects the events of the story and ultimately the outcome and solution. (see Setting section on chart above)
Finally, discuss the theme and author's message of the story. Everyone will definitely have their own opinions about this one. You could have students write their own interpretations on a post it note and collect those on a chart or you could collect a few and write them on the classroom chart. (see Author's Message section on the chart above)
Have students take their thinking deeper and have them use evidence to support their thinking with the Two Word Strategy
Turn the book into a Readers' Theater script (Another fantastic learning experience for my 5th graders)
After reading, launch an inquiry investigation into the Civil War, Native Americans or slavery in the United States during the 1800's.
Are you curious about Crossing Bok Chitto yet?
The possibilities are endless when you read this book to your students.
Until next time...
