Saturday, May 21, 2011

Word of the Week Books

Yesterday I started the day with the reflection of spring trees on the west side of Snail Lake. My school day was filled with more readings of Robert McCloskey's books and completing the words and books on my word of the week book list.

Each Monday morning, the principal shares the word of the week with students via morning announcements and reads aloud the passage from the book from which it was taken. When selecting those words and books, I include picture books, chapter books, nonfiction books, and poetry books. I match books and themes to the seasons and holidays.

Next year's words range from principal in Sharon Creech's A Fine, Fine School to gust in Douglas Florian's poem "What I Hate About Autumn" in Autumnblings to gloat in Linda Ashman's To the Beach. I love choosing the books and thinking through how children and teachers might use these words. I love the consideration (from Margie Palatini's Gorgonzola: A Very Stinkysaurus) given to them by my principal throughout the week as he uses them in sentences and challenges kids to do the same.

2 comments:

  1. Mighty fine CONSIDERATION indeed from your PRINCIPAL. I love the thought of a GUST of new words being blown about your school. I think you all have reason to GLOAT just a little!

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  2. Very clever, David. I wish I had The Haunted Hamburger now as I would have added that one for an October word!

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