For me, September is a new beginning (I love beginnings). It is a time to mold my classroom to reflect my educational goals and expectations. I have always wanted my students to develop a love of writing, but I didn't know how. That is until Patty McGee, author and literacy extraordinaire, came into my life. She taught me that if we want students to develop a relationship with writing, we don't teach writing, we teach writers. We focus on building a culture that supports student's thinking about writing as much as it does student's writing skills. We create a classroom culture that fosters a love of writing.
These 6 books help me teach students that writing is not something we do, but a part of who we are:
Bear Has a Story to Tell by Phillip C. Stead
This beautifully written book tells the simple story of a bear who has a story to tell. The problem for Bear is that while he has many friends who would like to listen, they can't right now because they are getting ready for winter. Although Bear tries his best to remember his story for later, he ultimately forgets. But from the ashes of his forgotten tale, comes a new one, the story of a bear who had a story to tell. I love this book for its wonderful story, but even more so for its reliability. It captures the anguish of "I forgot moments" with hope and understanding. Use this book to teach students that while life sometimes gets in the way and prevents us from telling our story, it is also constantly providing us with new ones.
The Dot by Peter H. Reynolds
The Dot tells the oh too familiar story of a student who won't draw because she thinks that she can't draw. That is until her teacher encourages her to make a mark and see where it takes her. The simple dot the student makes represents the start. The encouragement the teacher offers shows what can happen when a start meets a spark. Too often our students overlook the hard work that goes into "final products" and assume they do not have ability to get there. This book shows students that EVERYONE can draw/write/sing/dance/play the ukulele, you just need to be brave enough to try and keep trying. Use this book to teach students the easiest way to fix the problem of "not being able to write", is to write...anything; to start with one word and see where it takes you.
Ideas Are All Around by Philip C.Stead
Stead's story depicts a typical day of an author with nothing to write about. So instead of writing, he goes for a walk around his neighborhood with his dog, Wednesday. While not writing, he comments on what he sees, who he meets, and the stories each object and person tells. He shares his conversation with neighbors and his internal thoughts. He takes his reader with him on his stroll through the town and through his thoughts. His day is ordinary, but his story is not. Its relatable and clever writing makes it whimsical, heartwarming, and irresistible. Use this book to teach students to look at the world as writers and to cherish the small moment stories found in their everyday lives.
A Child of Books by Oliver Jeffers and Sam Winston
We are all children of books. And while many adults have forgotten the joy of letting ourselves travel to magical worlds, the young characters in this book have not. They take us with them on their fanciful journey as they travel through the book they read. Each story is a piece of their growing imagination. But while the books they read are the creations of others, the imaginative world they invent is all their own. Reading allows us to experience other worlds - writing allows us to create them. "Reading is like breathing in, writing is like breathing out."- Pam Allyn. Use this book to teach students the relationship between reading and writing.
Snowflake Bentley by Jacqueline Briggs Martin
This gorgeous book tells the true story of Wilson Bentley, a man who's lifelong passion for snow produced some of the first known photographs of snowflakes. Martin takes us through Wilson's life, sharing the moments and missteps that lead to his accomplishment. By the time Wilson achieves his goal, the reader can't help but cheer for his victory. And while Wilson is thrilled by his discovery, few share his excitement. But that didn't stop Wilson. His drive to achieve was rooted in his own passion, not in praise from others. Use this book to teach students that interests are personal, but passion is motivating and contagious. Write about what you love and your reader will come along for the ride.
I Am a Story by Dan Yaccarino
I Am a Story depicts the many different ways stories have been told and shared through history. From cave drawings to papyrus writings, printing presses to theater stages, banned books to inspirational speeches, stories have endured. How we tells stories may change, but why we tell stories has not. Stories connect people, in the present and to the past. Stories can create change; they can even be used to create classroom culture that fosters a love of writing. Use this book to teach students that stories, particularly their stories, matter and deserve to be told.
What are your top 6 books for September?
