Montgomery Bus Boycott & MLK

Witness

"First They Came for the Jews"

By Pastor Niemoller

First they came for the Jews and I did not speak out because I was not a Jew.

Then they came for the Communists and I did not speak out because I was not a Communist.

Then they came for the trade unionists and I did not speak out because I was not a trade unionist.

Then they came for me and there was no one left to speak out for me.

Through verse, Karen Hesse's book reveals actual events surrounding the Klu Klux Klan's presence in Vermont. This book will give students a new perspective on racism and can be used to talk with them about what it means to stand by when others are being persecuted or bullied.

Orbis Pictus Awards: African-American Stories & Leaders

In this post I highlight more winners of the Orbis Pictus Award for the best nonfiction children's books.  I have also included part 3 of episode 1 of "Eyes on the Prize" for classroom use at your discretion. Part 3 documents the trial of Emmett Till's murderers and Rosa Park's legendary civil disobedience.

Civil Rights: Eyes on the Prize (ep 1 pt 2)

This part of episode 1 contains references to the murder of Emmett Till, including some very graphic images. If you are unfamiliar with this event, be forewarned: it is not for the faint of heart and may be considered inappropriate for students under middle school age.

Civil Rights: Eyes on the Prize & Orbis Pictus books

Watch Part 1 of "Eyes on the Prize", a PBS documentary about the Civil Rights Movement, then select some nonfiction books to read with your students to further their understanding of Civil Rights leaders and events. The books I have presented below are winners of the Orbis Pictus Award for outstanding nonfiction children's books, presented annually at the NCTE convention.

Warriors Don't Cry

This month I will be posting some books in honor of Black History Month. To get us started, I offer Melba Pattillo Beals' account of racism, identity & justice in Little Rock as Central High was being integrated. Facing History & Ourselves has published a guide for Beals' book, which can be found here.

Choices in Little Rock is a teaching unit produced by Facing History & Ourselves which explores the civic choices & democratic decisions that shaped history in Little Rock. These two books could be used separately or in tandem with one another for students & teachers learning about civil rights.

Teaching Reading K-2: A Library of Classroom Practices

Resource: Teaching Reading K-2: A Library of Classroom Practices

Teachers & administrators, here you have a wealth of FREE resources for yourselves and your staff to professionally develop in a range of subject matter. I am posting the link to the video series on teaching reading to K-2 students, but there is a great deal more available from Annenberg at www.learner.org.

And I repeat: IT'S FREE!

Enjoy!

A Virtual Spelling Bee

Interactives . Spelling Bee . Intro

It's exactly what the title says - a virtual spelling bee! Students in grades 1-12, enjoy!

Elements of a Story

Interactives . Elements of a Story

This website offers an interactive way for students to independently learn & apply their knowledge about story elements!

Max & Ruby series

by Rosemary Wells

An adorable collection of books showcasing the sibling relationship (and occasional rivalry) of Max & Ruby!

Pickle Things

by Marc Brown


Pickles are used for juggling, for decorating and...wait for it...even for eating! This is a great rhyming book for little ones who will be amused by the silly uses for pickles as well as an imaginative text for older readers who will be inspired by its creativity.

A Picture Book of Martin Luther King, Jr.

David A. Adler makes some of the most accessible nonfiction books for young children. Include this book in your classroom library for an independent read for kids about Martin Luther King, Jr.

Martin Luther King, Jr. Day

I Have a Dream (full speech)

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Watch & discuss!

Funky Fonts May Help Students Learn

Funky Fonts May Help Students Learn | Typography, education and memory | Comic Sans | LiveScience

If you want to remember something you've read, this article suggests that perhaps you'd better read it in a 'funky font' like Comic Sans...

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Martin's Big Words

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Lesson Plan idea (for use with Kidspiration):
After reading the book or watching the film of Martin's Big Words, you should complete the Kidspiration template called Martin's Words 2. This is an extension of that activity. Have each student identify four BIG words that describe their beliefs or dreams. Next, go to the outline mode and put the words in order for a paragraph. Write detailed sentences for each word and include a topic sentence too. Finally transfer the writing to Word or a web-based word processor for a completed project.

Teacher as Researcher Grant

International Reading Association : Awards : Teacher as Researcher Grant

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Do Princesses Wear Hiking Boots?

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by Carmela LaVigna Coyle


This very sweet book is perfect for the preschool - 1st grade crowd.  It uses rhyming phrases to narrate a question & answer session between mother and daughter about what princesses are REALLY like.

Are you a princess, dear reader? Look inside [yourself] and see!

Help Your Kids Be Non-Smokers

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On this day in history, the Surgeon General made the first official government report that smoking cigarettes may be dangerous to one's health.  The best way to encourage your children to not smoke is to lead by example.











Enjoy images from posters created by NYC schoolchildren, K-12, about why it is important not to smoke in this book compiled by Andrew Tobias.

Christmas penny books & $1 holiday music

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