The Dot

Title: The Dot

Author: Peter H. Reynolds
Illustrations: Peter H. Reynolds
Published: Reynolds, P. (2003). The dot. Somerville, MA: Candlewick.
Themes: art, teacher, inspiration, creativity, self-esteem

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Vashti does not believe that she can draw, in fact she refuses to draw at all. It isn't until her teacher encourages her to make a mark and see where it takes her that she learns her full potential. 

As an educator this book pulls at my heartstrings; what a beautiful story Reynolds has created about how teachers can inspire children to take a risk. Then going further, how students can inspire or teach other students.

I am constantly intrigued and inspired by Reynolds illustrations; they're so simple, yet stunning. Art can be a scary thing for children; they have an idea that there is a "right" way to do it. Once they get past their fears, art can be a very free and liberating experience. It's our job as teachers to help our students find their way to that point.

Classroom Ideas:
- Students receive a piece of paper and will create a dot/circle on that page. They will then create something or a scene from that dot. What will they create? (ex: a monster, a person, an animal, planets, etc.).
- Discussion: ask your students what constitutes as art? What makes someone an artist?
- Check out some Jackson Pollock's artwork (picture book Action Jackson). 
- Have your students create their own dot masterpieces using various materials.


Don't you just love this book?

Miss Alaineus: A Vocabulary Disaster

Title: Miss Alaineus: A Vocabulary Disaster

Author: Debra Frasier
Illustrations: Debra Frasier
Published: Frasier, D. (2007). Miss Alaineus: A vocabulary disaster. Orlando: Voyager Books.
Themes: spelling, vocabulary, mistakes

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Sage is a grade five student who was sick on the day that her teacher assigned that week's vocabulary words. She calls her friend Starr who lists and spells each word for Sage, except for the last word - Miss Alaineus. I bet you can only imagine what happens when it's test time! Find out how Sage copes and how she turns her mistake into a victory!

This is a great book for older students (grade 4-6) as the content is longer and the words are more sophisticated. Frasier illustrates this book perfectly. The pictures appear to have been created on lined paper and her images are relate-able to a child in these elementary grades. I only wrote some ideas of activities for this book, but there are so many more that you'll be able to think of. You'll be able to get great mileage out of this book while stretching your students' vocabulary muscles. 

Classroom Ideas:
- Have your students open the dictionary and write a sentence using 3 words that begin with A. Try to select words that are different and unusual. When students are done with their A sentence, move on to a sentence with B words. Consider having your students write on a theme, such as daily activities. There are examples along the border of the book pages. I recommend that this is a long-term assignment you assign to your students.
-  Have your own vocabulary parade in your classroom -- students choose one of your spelling words and create a costume or t-shirt based on its definition. A great idea for a culminating activity!
- This book can help you discuss synonyms -- have students choose a word (noun, adjective or verb) and then try to find 3 words that mean the same thing (synonyms). 
- Have your students complete a placemat activity (as found here): 

- Have students create a character web for Sage. What does the author tell us about her personality or character traits? How does she act?
- Reflection Questions: a) what would life be like if there were no words? b) what would your writing be like if there was not a variety of words? 

If the World Were a Village

Title: If the World Were a Village: A Book about the World's People, Second Edition
Author: David J. Smith
Illustrations: David J. Small
Published: Smith, D. J. (2011). If the world were a village: A book about the worlds people, Second edition. New York: Kids Can Press.
Themes: world, language, nationality, hundreds, religion, education, possessions, health, transportation

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What would it look like if the whole world -- all 7 billion of us -- was shurnk down into a village of 100 people? Who would live in this village? What would their lifestyle be life?

There's also a video that can be found on youtube which can help introduce this topic to your students:

Classrooms Ideas:
- Integrate this book into your social studies curriculum - how does Canada compare to other parts of the world? What are some of the difference and some of the similarities?
- Turn these statistics into fractions and decimals
- If Our Class Was a Village: have your class create their own book of statistics. Assign groups of students different aspects from the book and have them poll students in their class. Students can then collect their data via tally and frequency chart, graph their data and interpret their information. A great culminating!
- Higher Order Questions/Research (as listed in the book):
a) If there's really enough food in the world, why do some people still go hungry?
b) What is a country? Why are there so many new ones trying for autonomy?
c) Why do so many people want to live somewhere else? Where are people migrating to?
d) What forms of government do different countries have? Why are there so many different forms of government? What are the advantages and disadvantages of each?
- This site has a great list of activities - check them out!


What would you use this book for in your classroom?