It’s the last day of National Poetry Month and this final April Book Room post is an eclectic list specifically selected with my teaching colleagues in mind. I’ve read and used all these books, either directly in my teaching, or as supplements to broaden my own knowledge of contemporary children’s poets and poetry. THE 20th… Read more »
April 2011
Sing, Dance, Dream Poetry
“with a heart Like an angel… And songs in my belly I have to sing…” Choose this book and let your readers experience the connection between music and poetry, words and rhythm. Young people may not know Bob Marley’s name but many will recognize his songs. I AND I: BOB MARLEY by Tony Medina illustrated… Read more »
A Kick in the Head: An Everyday Guide to Poetic Forms
Does the thought of teaching poetry cause you to tremble? Does the iambic pentameter make you ill? And, yet you must gather up your gumption and teach it? Yikes! We at ReaderKidZ desire to remind you that kids are natural poets. They love writing and reading poems, especially if there are elements of childlike humor resonating… Read more »
Welcome Special Guest, Liz Garton Scanlon!
NOODLE & LOU, by Liz Garton Scanlon, illustrated by Arthur Howard Some days are muddy rain-cloud ones when the grass seems greener everywhere but where we are. That’s how Noodle, the worm, feels from time to time. But lucky, Noodle! When he’s blue, he knows just what to do. He calls on his best buddy,… Read more »
Liz’s Story
I grew up in the mountains in Colorado with my mom, dad, little sister, two dogs, two horses, two gerbils, and the occasional bird, snake, frog or fish. One time I actually took in a rooster but that lasted just one night. Did you have a best friend? Who was it and why were you… Read more »
Your Friend, Liz
Dear Reader, I’m so glad you’ve read my book NOODLE & LOU, about a bummed-out worm and his buddy the blue jay! A friendship between a worm and a bird – it’s a funny thought, isn’t it? Sometimes we get the idea that we’re supposed to be just like our friends, but some of my… Read more »
NOODLE AND LOU, by Liz Garton Scanlon
Liz says that Noodle and Lou are really just worm-and-bird versions of herself and the many folks she’s lucky enough to call friends, folks who always seem to see the best in each other. Click HERE to access a Teacher’s Guide cleverly designed by Natalie Dias Lorenzi. In it, along with wonderful pre-reading, vocabulary exercises,… Read more »
