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
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?
Mo is the cutest little monster who just bought a brand new mustache. He loves his new mustache and wears it with pride. All of his friends think his new mustache is so trendy, however, the next day....they are all wearing their own mustache now. Why are they copying him? How will Mo ever stand out? HUZZAH! This is such an adorable book about individuality. The illustrations are so whimsical and simple, while the writing is humorous and descriptive. Classroom Ideas: - This book would be a fantastic book to look at adjectives ("A big, black, beautiful mustache") - This is a great book to teach individuality and teaching how everyone has their own personal styles. - When I first read this book, it immediately made me think of another favourite of mine....Stephanie's Ponytail (Robert Munsch). See if your kids can make some text-to-text connections with these books. - GREAT book to do a read aloud with younger students - Talk about different perspectives with your students - you can look at Mo's perspective and that of his friends. Why does Mo think they are copying him? - Have a conversation with your students: how do you feel when others copy you? What would you do with Mo's Mustache in your classroom?
Title: That Book Woman Author: Heather Henson Illustrations: David Small Published: Henson, H. (2008). That book woman. New York: Atheneum Books for Young Readers. Themes: reading, books, librarian, inspiration
Cal
is not someone who enjoys reading, unlike his sister Lark. One day a book woman
comes to their home and returns every few weeks to deliver books to his family. Cal can’t imagine who
would want books. As time goes on Cal’s interest in this book woman heightens,
and so does his interest in books.
This book is written in older English and from the point of view from someone who doesn't read/know how to read. As such, it may be a little harder for students to understand. However, I have found that if you guide them in "close reading" (such as using the handout below) it becomes easier for them to discover the main idea or lesson that the story presents.
This truly is a beautiful story of how reading can intrigue and transform a person. David Small creates some beautiful illustrations for this book and transports the reader into the Appalachian Mountains.
Classroom Ideas: - Do a preliminary picture walk with your students before reading - they will help your students to understand the text. -This book talks about Pack Horse Librarians, in the spirit of this, you could have your students explore the history of librarians. There's a great wikispace site found here. - The author uses a ton of figurative language - lots of similes and metaphors!! - This story takes place during the Great Depression, have your students explore what it may have been like to live during this time. - Reflection Question: the
Pack Horse Librarians must have loved books a lot to travel in dangerous
conditions to deliver books. Have students pick 1 or 2 of their favourite books
(and why) and compile a list of your class’ recommended readings. - Once students become more familiar with the story and storyline, this could be a great story for reader's theatre (it can be read like a dramatic monologue).
