Teacher Talk Tuesday
Series Spotlight: a wonderful thing about pre-teen books, they often come in a series!
We're just finishing the first in this trio in our classroom this week and I myself completed the second book in this exciting series last weekend. The series follows the adventures of two sixth grade students Calder and Petra on their quest to solve a great mystery happening in the city of Chicago. They live in Hyde Park and the whole book is set in the area as well as the campus of the University of Chicago. I wasn't too sure what to expect when I started reading and, although it's much different from any book I ever read when I was in fifth grade, I found I thoroughly entertained.
As we follow Calder and Petra investigation, Balliett adds an element of intellect as well by teaching readers about an important figure within the art world. In the first book we learn about Johannes Vermeer a famous Dutch painter from the 17th century. In the second book, we learn of the unique architecture of Frank Lloyd Wright and his mark in the city of Chicago.
Balliett works hand-in-hand with illustrator Brett Helquist throughout the series allowing for yet another piece of the mysterious puzzle.
I was a bit nervous to use these books in a book club within my classroom because I was worried the students wouldn't have the type of "in-depth" conversations I like to foster amongst my highest readers but they proved me wrong during our first meeting. They couldn't stop talking and throwing out ideas! It seems I seriously underestimated their enthusiasm and now, I can't get the to stop reading and discussing with one another! They've created their own character maps, information webs, clues and inferences... it's nuts!! Next week will be an exciting week for them because I am going to attempt to switch our book club to a virtual discussion via our class website. We'll see how this works but, with the work of Blue Balliett and this wonderful series, I'm not worried a bit. =)
We're just finishing the first in this trio in our classroom this week and I myself completed the second book in this exciting series last weekend. The series follows the adventures of two sixth grade students Calder and Petra on their quest to solve a great mystery happening in the city of Chicago. They live in Hyde Park and the whole book is set in the area as well as the campus of the University of Chicago. I wasn't too sure what to expect when I started reading and, although it's much different from any book I ever read when I was in fifth grade, I found I thoroughly entertained.
As we follow Calder and Petra investigation, Balliett adds an element of intellect as well by teaching readers about an important figure within the art world. In the first book we learn about Johannes Vermeer a famous Dutch painter from the 17th century. In the second book, we learn of the unique architecture of Frank Lloyd Wright and his mark in the city of Chicago.
Balliett works hand-in-hand with illustrator Brett Helquist throughout the series allowing for yet another piece of the mysterious puzzle.
I was a bit nervous to use these books in a book club within my classroom because I was worried the students wouldn't have the type of "in-depth" conversations I like to foster amongst my highest readers but they proved me wrong during our first meeting. They couldn't stop talking and throwing out ideas! It seems I seriously underestimated their enthusiasm and now, I can't get the to stop reading and discussing with one another! They've created their own character maps, information webs, clues and inferences... it's nuts!! Next week will be an exciting week for them because I am going to attempt to switch our book club to a virtual discussion via our class website. We'll see how this works but, with the work of Blue Balliett and this wonderful series, I'm not worried a bit. =)
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