Kevin Henkes is one of my favorite authors. My students love his books and most of his characters are mice. Kevin Henkes uses childhood plots that young children can relate to. My students reflect in their journals many times after reading his books. His books allow young children connect to a time that they have been in a similar dilemma or have learned a similar lesson. Below are some of my favorite titles for read alouds!
Owen-Owen has attachment issues with his blanket. When school begins, he cannot take it with him. Will Owen decide to leave his blanket behind? Or will there be a clever way to keep his blanket close to him everyday?
Chrysanthemum-Chrysanthemum is a long name for a little girl. She begins school and everyone makes fun of her name. Will she change her name for good, or begin to see is as a special trait? This is a great beginning of the year book to read to students.
Shelia Rae, The Brave-Shelia Rae is not afraid of anything and demonstrates her bravery daily. That is until one day she decides to take a new way home from school. She discovers she may not be entirely brave after all.
Lily's Big Day-Lily is so delighted when her teacher announces she will be getting married! She takes it upon herself to decide that her dreams have been answered and decides that she will be the flower girl in her teacher's wedding. However, there is a problem. Her teacher hasn't asked her to be the flower girl in her wedding. Will Lily's dream come true or will she be terrible disappointed?
Educationally, I am reading Writing Essentials by Regie Routman to learn new best practices and gain innovative ideas to improve my student's writing ability and my writing instruction.
I am also reading Educational Measurement by W. James Popham which I have to admit has been very tricky! I have already learned to analyze an FCAT practice assessment and check for validity. It has definitely been a challenging read but an enlightening one that I can put into practice in my classroom.
