Teacher Talk Tuesday
Ugh, February has got to be the most deceiving month of the entire year. Calendar wise, it's the shortest month and we get to celebrate love, but in all other aspects, February just plain sucks. It's cold (although this February has been particularly warm, thank you mother nature), the snow loses it's pristine whiteness, it's the height of flu season, and it's time for teacher's to prep for yet another round of parent teacher conferences. I know what you're thinking, what about June, July, and August and to this, because it's February and you now know how I feel about this month, my response is shove it.
That's all have to say about that.
Onto happier things. Below my friends, I have a recap of one of my top 3 most favorite read alouds ever.
Oooooh, I just want to squeeze this baby in my arms because it's so freakin good.
The Tale of Desperaux is a story of a mouse, a rat, a princess, and common girl. It's a tale of sorrow and pain, triumph and virtue, deceit and despair, hope and most of all, love. That's about all you need to know because within two sentences of this book you'll be hooked. It reads like buttah.
As I teacher, I must point out the writing style of Ms. DiCamillo. If you have students struggling with comprehension, this is the book for you. At various points within the story the author pauses to reflect on the recently unfolded events. Within these pauses, she writes directly to the reader asking them to think, connect, and feel the story. It's genius and your students will love it. You'll also enjoy the rich yet accessible vocabulary infused throughout. Never once did I have to pause to define the word because my students were writing them down on post-it notes and doing the work for me, that's how into this book they were. I read it with my 5th graders but I'd say its appropriate for any elementary classroom. This is a masterpiece that truly reaches readers on every single level reading has to offer. I had several students who had read the story before and each of them mentioned they picked up on several new things they hadn't before.
If you're looking for a bedtime read, a read aloud, a break from the world of adult literature, a book to enjoy as a family, this book is perfection. Enjoy =)
PS- I know there is a Tale of Desperaux movie but I haven't seen it because my students told me it's very different from the story. Please don't ruin this masterpiece by reading this book just so you watch the movie, the movie you make in your head is better.
That's all have to say about that.
Onto happier things. Below my friends, I have a recap of one of my top 3 most favorite read alouds ever.
Oooooh, I just want to squeeze this baby in my arms because it's so freakin good.
The Tale of Desperaux is a story of a mouse, a rat, a princess, and common girl. It's a tale of sorrow and pain, triumph and virtue, deceit and despair, hope and most of all, love. That's about all you need to know because within two sentences of this book you'll be hooked. It reads like buttah.
As I teacher, I must point out the writing style of Ms. DiCamillo. If you have students struggling with comprehension, this is the book for you. At various points within the story the author pauses to reflect on the recently unfolded events. Within these pauses, she writes directly to the reader asking them to think, connect, and feel the story. It's genius and your students will love it. You'll also enjoy the rich yet accessible vocabulary infused throughout. Never once did I have to pause to define the word because my students were writing them down on post-it notes and doing the work for me, that's how into this book they were. I read it with my 5th graders but I'd say its appropriate for any elementary classroom. This is a masterpiece that truly reaches readers on every single level reading has to offer. I had several students who had read the story before and each of them mentioned they picked up on several new things they hadn't before.
If you're looking for a bedtime read, a read aloud, a break from the world of adult literature, a book to enjoy as a family, this book is perfection. Enjoy =)
PS- I know there is a Tale of Desperaux movie but I haven't seen it because my students told me it's very different from the story. Please don't ruin this masterpiece by reading this book just so you watch the movie, the movie you make in your head is better.
I am reading this right now and we are LOVING it too! We just read the EMPATHY part and it's such a great tie-in to so many real life situations. I was reading ahead at home the other night so I read to Evan and he said that you and I read alike...I take that as the best compliment. We miss you!
ReplyDeleteOh and I also agree with your take on February! What the heck! This is the month from you know where! :-)
ReplyDeleteAhhh, I thought of him the whole time I read it with my class! I love him so much and you guys too! Have you read The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane? It's by the same author and its great too. I just had my kids compare and contrast and was blown away by their thinking. They love it! Miss you guys too, hi to all!
ReplyDelete