Love being covered in BOOKS!
I love picture books. They are my go-to teaching tool. I use them for reading aloud, introducing new information, and supporting learning. My classroom was always covered in books. There were books along the blackboard that I read aloud to my students, and each center had books to support the learning. My students had table book baskets and personal book collections which they use daily during Drop Everything and Read (DEAR). I would be remiss if I did not discuss my beautifying, well-read, well-loved class library consisting of class-made books, chapter books, and picture books. My class library was always the first center introduced and the last boxed up each school year.
On this page, I want to introduce or reintroduce some fabulous books. Each Fabulous Four group of books focuses on one genre, topic, idea, or group of people. By no means are these the only books that we could review on the topic. There are lots of great books that intersect and overlap. For example, one of my favorites picture books, Chicken Sunday by Patricia Polacco, could be on a Fabulous Four chart on Realist Fiction Books, Books with Black Characters, Books with Russian-Jewish Characters, Family Books, or Books about Characters with Good Intentions. So if you don’t see your favorite book on a Fabulous Four chart, think not yet instead of never because it might just show up. Also, Check-out our new category of books centered around Professional Development!
Read along with me. Maybe you’ll find a book or two to share with your students. *The Book images used are for educational purposes only and not for financial gain.
Rock the Vote!
It is crucial that we teach our students about democracy and the unique ability of American citizens to vote for the president every four years. While I am not asking students to explore candidates in these politically charged times, I will have them cast their votes for their favorite picture books about voting. This approach will allow them to engage with the democratic process in a fun and educational way.
Ms. Blocker’s 2023 Favorites
Calling all unique minds! Want to break free from expectations and embrace who you are? "BIG" by Vashti Harrison will show you how. Looking for a teacher who challenges stereotypes? Check out "My Teacher Has Tattoos" by Darron Lopez. Love fascinating oddities? Dive into the world of wombats with "Wombats are Pretty Weird" by Abi Cushman. Finally, discover the man who revolutionized children's books in "Tomfoolery!" by Michelle Markel. Ms. Blocker has a fantastic selection for curious readers!
Teach Banned Books
Books that are outlawed by legislation or to which unrestricted access is not possible through other methods are known as banned books. Book banning is a form of censorship that has become very politically motivated. Below are a few fantastic books on the “banned list” in different states.
Booklove Book Club - Summer 2023
During the summer of 2023, I participated in Booklove, a virtual educator book club. Booklove offered selections for elementary, middle, and high school students. I elected to participate in the elementary book club.
Summer Fun - Building Sand Castles and Swimming
Visiting the Library
Social Emotional Learning - Book with self-aware characters developing interpersonal skills.
Ms. Blocker 2022 Favorites
More Picture Books by Hispanic Authors and/or Illustrators
Picture Books By Hispanic Authors and/or Illustrators
Books by Jacqueline Woodson
Jacqueline Woodson is an American writer and her books are awesome sauce!
The What Do You Do With Books
Author Kobi Yamada and illustrated by Mae Besom
What Do You Do With A Chance? What Do You Do With An Idea? and What Do You Do With A Problem? are part of a picture book series created by New York Times best-selling author Kobi Yamada and illustrated by Mae Besom. Each book addresses the title question with easy-to-read yet powerful ideas and masterful illustrations. The main character is a child that goes through trials that let the reader know they can successfully overcome challenges with thought and perseverance.
Seeking Refuge
Looking For A Friend
Call Me By My Name
From the Lady with the Unusual Name
Books About Loss
Tales from Second Grade, Miss Greer’s Class:
Books by Andrea Beaty