The first days of school are so important for establishing your classroom's climate. So every year we try to begin with great mentor texts that help build classroom expectations, a positive atmosphere, and contribute to great lessons. This year we decided to change it up and try some new mentor texts. Each of the text will be used at some point later in the year, but for now we will really focus on the goal of building camaraderie, classroom ownership, and strong friendships. Below is our new and improved list:
by Karen Beaumont
It is a great lesson on appreciating yourself for who you are. We plan on reviewing character traits with our new 4th graders and emphasizing the positive traits and building self-esteem. They must first be strong in who they are before they can become a great friend to someone else.
by Beth Ferry
It is by far my favorite new picture book. This cute rhyming story and precious illustrations tell a powerful message about sticking up for friends. Our students will be using their expository writing skills to explain how they make friendships powerful. Who doesn't love a little writing about their reading right off the bat?!
by Terry Border
A delightful story about making new friendships and we all know that is key to a happy, drama-free year.
by Wendy Ewald
A book of student written poetry explaining their favorite body part with wonderful photographs. I know it sounds odd, but it is one of the best books I've read this summer. We will be introducing poetry to our students as well as asking them to become poets - another one of those right of the bat things! They're going to love us by the end of their first week!
by Peter Brown
This book has a great theme - teaching kids to not judge a book by its cover. We will be using this text to introduce implied author's message in a book while helping students to understand the importance of acceptance.What books do you like to read during the first week of school?
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