Category Archives: Books

Book Displays

Hi all,

So it’s been a while… I’m hoping to do more regular updating of the blog over the next few months… HOPE being the key word.

I enjoy reading and I find books are one of the easiest entry points in getting students to engage in literacies. Even still, a teacher may need to throw in some razzle dazzle for our more reluctant students.

Am I dating myself by saying razzle dazzle? Rhetorical question. Haha.

Here are some ideas around displays that could help build some excitement for reading / books. Even the least Pinterest-y of us could pull off a couple of these. If you do give it a try, I’d love to hear from you about your experience.

Tournament of Books (The Primary Punchbowl)

Airport (Library Displays)

First Line (Book Bub)

Favourite Books: Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day

As a new parent, I rediscovered “Alexander…” when I was looking for books to read to my first-born child. I was quick to discover that many of the books my children enjoyed were great for classroom learning.

When I was a primary teacher, I embraced it as one of my go-to books for short novel studies.  My students enjoyed it as much as my children did. I find it’s a book that young children can connect to because they can related to Alexander’s experiences and feelings.

Classroom topics and activities include:

Judith Viorst’s “Alexander” series are great for kids and teachers. Other books in the series address saving & spending money, challenges of moving, and making good choices. I can’t recommend them enough.

Judith Viorst based the book on her actual son Alexander. If you want to know what happened to him, click here: Rachel Donadio –  Alexander, Mom, and the Very Messy Stay (New York Time) (October 25, 2007).