I don't know about you but I love turtles... especially when you see the turtle nest postings on the beach. Last week we talked all about Ducks and this week it's Turtles. If you love exploring the great outdoors you will love One Tiny Turtle by Nicola Davies. This book teaches kids all about Loggerhead turtles from how they eat to where they swim and lay eggs. The pictures are beautiful and along with the story there are tidbits of factual information all throughout the story as … [Read more...]
Leaf Man: Nature Walk & Book Series
Leaf Man by Lois Ehlert is a perfect book to pair with your Fall outdoor activities. I know that it's not Fall right now, but I just had to include this terrific picture book into this series. This book is a perfect addition to In a Nutshell, The Dandelion Seed, and Raindrops Roll. If you haven't read Leaf Man, it's an absolute must. You will love the great illustrations, the concept of a leaf man, and the cool places that leaves will blow. There are so many fun activities and conceps that … [Read more...]
Pairing Books with the Great Outdoors
Once the weather turns warm and the sun begins to shine, do you struggle to include reading and picture books into your daily routines? You wake up to a gorgeous day and immediately head outside to soak up some vitamin C, ride bikes, explore nature, or just have a picnic! Only to later realize that you didn't stop to do any reading at all. With this new series, I hope to solve that slight problem for you once and for all. We love to play outside and will find a new trail to explore and be … [Read more...]
Nory Ryan’s Song Literature Unit
Welcome back to Literature Units with Live Love Learn Gracefully. This week's unit is based on Nory Ryan's Song by Patricia Giff. In trying to branch out of my World War II slump, I stumbled across this gem. This novel would be fun to read around St. Patrick's Day as you learn all about the Irish culture. This novel will take you deep into Ireland in the 1800's. Through this unit you will learn about life in Ireland, the Potato Famine, Immigration, hardships, and about an amazing young girl, … [Read more...]
The Lightning Thief Literature Unit
Well folks, I think I've found my niche! A few weeks ago I had the honor of writing a Literature Unit Study for the Proverbial Homemaker, on any book of my choice. Of course, I chose the amazing and adventurous novel, The Lightning Thief, by Rick Riordan, but I had so much fun working on it that I haven't been able to stop. From writing my own curriculum for the Middle School Literature Class with Classes by Beth Plus to this, I have finally found my passion. In this unit you will find … [Read more...]
Fun at the Zoo in Preschool
Today, I wanted to share with you a playlist of Zoo themed videos called "Fun at the Zoo in Preschool". This playlist will enhance any animal, zoo, or safari themed unit you may be teaching with your preschoolers. The videos and songs in this playlist are sure to have your kids moving, learning, dancing, and singing along. The past two weeks we have been reading Good Night, Gorilla and learning all about zoo animals. Reading, handwriting, math skills, STEAM, and crafts are all a huge part of … [Read more...]
Why Is Middle School Lit So Important?
I can't really explain my fascination with Middle School Literature. I mean when you tell people you teach Middle School their response is normally, "You must be crazy." Well, that is probably true, but what I've learned as a Middle School teacher is that you have to really love what you teach. Some of the most amazing teachers have two things in common, they are passionate about what they teach and they are passionate about their students. For me, I love the idea of helping kids learn to … [Read more...]
Picture Books Perfect for Letter K
Today, I wanted to share with you our favorite books for the letter K. I know there are a lot of book lists out there and I've used many of them myself, however by luck and a little research I've also stumbled upon a few more that may not have made those lists. Books for the Letter K Kitten's First Full Moon by Kevin Henkes. This book was very simple but yet very cute. B absolutely loved it, we must have read it at least three times a day, every day. B's favorite was everything that the … [Read more...]
