Picture Book Friday: It's Okay to Make Mistakes

You're gonna love this post. It's all about Todd Parr -- a New York Times Bestselling Author. This book is called It's Okay to Make Mistakes.

I bet children (and possibly adults) are already thinking what are you thinking? I don't make mistakes. Ha. Ha. Ha. Biggest lie ever. Children make the most mistakes, especially elementary kids. (Though I'm not dismissing how many mistakes I have made or my friends!) Already skimming the book's illustrations, it's very cartoon-like and has very vibrant colors that pop right off the page. 

Each page starts with the phrase: "It's okay....." For example, this page says:

"It's okay to change your mind. Everyone is ready at a different time."

They're short, simple sentences reminding children (and possibly adults) about the importance of learning from our mistakes and our experiences. Everyone usually knows how they learn best -- either through listening someone speak, taking down notes, drawing pictures, whatever. For me, I know that if I do something, I pick it up 10 times better than watching a demonstration. Never Usually, I mess up or make a mistake that I know better for next time. 

I advocate tremendously how mistakes are learning opportunities. When we mess up, it doesn't mean we suck or that we should cry about it. Mistakes do happen, one way or another, and we just have to accept that. This is why I love this book. especially for a Kindergarten class! 

Also, I got this Todd Parr bookmark from work that illustrates all of his books he has written. It's pretty long and very dandy I must say! There's The Thankful Book, The I LOVE YOU Book, and much more. I love his "life lessons" he tells through his story writing. No wonder why he's such a big hit! This is his website and here is a list of his books via EPL! 

Orientation Love

Thursday evening was the Orientation BBQ, which is held every year. As this is my third year with the Orientation program, I never actually went my first two years! Sad, isn't it? This time, I'm so happy that I did and broke that streak of not attending events. Truth.

Working 6-7 days a week really limits your time. You're probably thinking Wow Christian you have all money and no social life which is basically true. I'm banking tons of hours at my employment places but have such limited time to see my friends. Sad, really. That's why this post is all dedicated to Orientation, as seeing my other Education friends and The Crookie Monsters really made my week. I could not stop smiling at work the following day!

It's been mid-March, give or take 3 months from the time I have been a University student. To be franc, I kinda miss it. Working 45+ hours a week really takes a toll on you, but I'll suck it up for this summer. There was about ~250 people at this BBQ and though I did take lots of pictures, here's a few I want to share!

 

I miss my teacher friends, but I also am looking forward to OVT (volunteer training) and Orientation itself! I'll keep working my butt off, as I know I won't have this work life for long. This BBQ (with free food) was a fabulous distraction from this work-filled 4 months!

Oh oh oh! Here's some pictures of the park. Sometimes, I don't give full enough credit of my hometown. A lot of people complain about it -- whether it's traffic or the weather or just anything. Edmonton does have its perks too! (Which we should never dismiss)

Picture Book Friday: One Hen

Remember when I mentioned that my Mentor Teacher suggested two books that are aimed for older elementary students? I hope you do, that means you've been reading my posts. ;) Well this is the second one, it's called One Hen. I read this again on my lunch break at work (librarians reading at work? it's like a dream for them!) and immediately fell in love with this story's plot and its theme. 

Its title One Hen is right above a phrase that says "how one small loan made a difference" --and it absolutely does in this story! Written by Katie Smith Milway and illustrated by Eugenie Fernandes, this book explores the lifestyle of Kojo, transitioning from child to young adult to adult to a senior. Set in Ghana, West Africa, Kojo is a man who does not give up, is smart with his money, all from a loan that is given to him so young. The plot ties well into school themes, such as giving, helping one another and community. Through hard work and dedication, your dreams will always come true. Change does happen, especially to those of good work and kindness. Kojo is a prime example of this. 

I can see why my MT passed along this book to me. First or second graders won't fully understand the meaning of it. The writing won't appeal to them. However, fifth and sixth graders will. I can already think of assignments or lesson plan extensions when using this book as an introduction. 

I would read this book in chunks, and focus on sections of it class by class. I would also point out the distinct visuals created by Fernandes. They add the story lots of life.

Last but not least, in the sleeve of this book it mentions how One Hen is based on a true story. Taken from the sleeve, it says:

"Kwabena Darko, who really did change his community and now is helping others do the same through a microedit lending progam."

What. An. Inspiration! Truly! This shows to my [future] students that nothing should stop you to do what you love and what you are inspiring to become. In Kojo's case, his passion was farming. 

Picture Book Friday: The Quiltmaker's Gift

The Quiltmaker's Gift written by Jeff Brumbeau and illustrated by Gail de Marcken.

Before I parted from my experienced mentor teacher in April, I told her how I'm a huge fan of children's picture books. With my background, I'm more familiar with picture books geared towards the younger audiences. She suggested two fantastic stories, that are still picture books, but is written in language aimed for older elementary children. The first is this one, The Quiltmaker's Gift.

I love it when others recommend me children's books, because when I read them, I want to see which part(s) of it they fell in love with. With The Quiltmaker's Gift, the story and writing perfectly matching the older students. 

A quick synopsis of this story follows the story of a selfish, greedy King who is always unhappy, despite his fortunes. The King will only be satisfied by receiving a quilt from the quiltmaker. She says that she only makes quilts for those who are poor. This book explores happiness through giving and can tie certain subject matters such as religion, health, and language arts. 

I read this book during my lunch at work, and I was pleasantly surprised in the journey that Brumbeau takes us on. The dynamics of the King and the quiltmaker characters teaches readers valuable life lessons. I can definitely see myself using this book as an introduction to a lesson of mine!

I checked this book out at EPL. Click here to check it out! Also, here is the official website for The Quiltmaker's Gift. 

Picture Book Friday: Can You Make A Scary Face?

Can You Make A Scary Face? by Jan Thomas

I can see this book being used in a variety of situations! First off, this book is best read aloud to a group of children, rather than one (you'll see why later on!). And second, it's an awesome quick read too --  takes minutes not hours! 

I see this book being read to preschoolers after their nap, a third grade class at the start of their morning, and even a sixth grade class for a body break/class transition!

After teaching for so long, body breaks or brain breaks are transitions I'm all gun-ho about. Can You Make A Scary Face? makes these transitions fun, engaging and of course interactive for all readers. I mean, this book tells, not asks, children to do the chicken dance. I love silly literature! 

You can "check out" this all time class book at SCL here and at EPL here! (See what I did there? Wow, I'm so funny.)