EDRG 3321 Literature for Public Schools

Chapter 14 Blog

Students as Authors: Literature and the Writing Process

I thought this chapter was really interesting. I did learn a lot. Some of the information that I learned was also taught in some of my other classes that I'm taking right now. For example the Writers work shop. I saw this first hand while I was doing my field base assignment.

I really like the idea of the Self-Selected Writing. I think that its important that students get the opportunity to keep a writing folder. That way the can keep track of their own progress. Also, they can do this anytime not just while they are in school. Its important that children can choose a self selected topic. This will help them become great writers because they can write about their own likes and dislikes.

The idea about having an authors chair in the classroom was wonderful. When students can share what the write with their peers and mentors it gives them a sense of pride. They feel as though what they have to say is important to others (and it is). This helps build confidence in the classroom!

The infromation that was in this chapter will help me become a better teacher.

Authors Profile

Authors:
Joan Hulub

Website:
http://www.Joanhulub.com

About the website:
This website was well organized. It had pictures of all her books and the reviews that the books received. It has a picture of her office so the kids and adults can see where she writes and spends most of her time. She also, provides her e-mail address where you can reach her. I like the verity of books that she written. There very bright and colorful. The website was nice but i have seen better. Over all I give the website a A-. I would recommend this author to other.

Books Published:

Twinkle Star of the Week
The 100th Day of School
Knuckle Heads
Groundhog Weather School
Shampoodle
Why do Cat Meow
Bed, Bats and Beyond
Light the Candles
The Halloween Queen
Doll Hospital
Ivy Green Cootie Queen
Shadows Everywhere
Scats Cats
Fifty States
Company's Coming

Author:
Lemony Snicket

Website:
http://lemonysnickt.com

About the website:
This website was really cool. It fun to navigate and its put together very nicely! I didn't know how many books where written by this author. I showed interest in this book because one of the groups in our class did a presentation on one of the book/movie. I saw the movie years ago and I really never understood it. It was nice to get a quick synopsis on the movie and book. I really don't like storeys like this, but I know that there are many children who do. I will carry some of these books in my classroom (if I have older kids). The website provided vile video, the bothersome books, afflicted author, pictures! The web site was nice everyone should check it out!

Books Published:

Bitters Truths You Cant Avoid
A series of unfortunate events: The Beatrice Letters
A box of Unfortunate Events: The Loathsome Library
A box of Unfortunate Events: The Dilemma Deepens
A Series of Unfortunate Events: The puzzling puzzle

and many, many others!

Author:
Robert Quackenbush

Website:
http://www.rquackenbush.com/

About the website:
The web page was really clear and neat looking. There was a page to where you could meet the author and a place just for kids to visit. The website also included books, videos, art and
a workshop you could be part of. Really neat place to visit. I recommend it.

Published books:
Henry's important date
Henry's awful Mistake
Henry Babysits
Henry Goes West
Bat Baby Finds a Home
Detective Mole

EDRG 3321 literature for public schools

Hello Everyone!
Wow who new that blogging would be so much work. However, I would rather do this than other things that I have done in the past.

Multi-Genra Presentations

The presentations that we saw in the previous week where so great. It made me think that my group wasn't good enough. I'm so very proud of all of us. I can truly see that you all will be fabulous teachers one day.

Some of my most favorites were the presentation on the "Giving Tree" book. How great was that. they actually made a video with the illustrations from the book. I could tell that a lot of planning and hard work went into that. Also, their poster board was put together really well. I really enjoyed the tree cookies and sweet apples!

The other presentation that really sticks out in my mind is the one about all the different cultures foods and traditions. What a big world we live in but, at the same time how very small. It was nice to watch the home make movies about how to make tortilla. You could tell that they really invested a lot of their personal time. It gave me some ideas to use the next time i have to give a presentation. Also I loved, loved the free food. I wish that every Tuesday and Thursday was like that.

Lastly, I really like the one about being afforded grace. This one made me cry. What a nice reminder to be grateful about what you have. I am truly blessed! I loved the video they put together and the karaoke. I don't think I would have the balls to do that. She did a wonderful job though. Wow we really have a lot of talent among us.

There were many others that were just as good but, these three stand out in mind the most. How I enjoyed this class! I hope to see you all in future classes.

Authors

Author:
Lois Lowry

Website:
http://www.loislowry.com

About the website:

The website it was not as flashy as some of the other ones. It is really for older children. These would be great books to have the class take home and read. Later on you could do activities about the story. The website included the following... a blog, Video and a list of books that he published. The site is great for older readers.

Books published:

Zooman Sam
See You Around, Sam!
Attaboy , Sam!
All About Sam
Anastasia This Address
Anastasia Chosen Career
Anastasia Has The Answers
Anastasia On Her Own

Author:
Tomie Depaola

Website:
http://tomiedepalola.com

About the website:
The website was so pretty. I really like this one. The site includes artwork, books, a calender and information about the author. It was very simple and to the point. I really liked this one.

Books published:
Big Anthony
The Barker twins
Bill and Pete
Mother Goose

She has many other books as well. There is also a link to her favorite books store on her web page. Very fun website.

Author:
Kevin Henkes

Website:
http://www.kevinhenkes.com

About the website:
These books are perfect for small children. The have wonderful pictures in them and they are very easy to follow along and understand. The illustration is nice in all the books. The website even offers pictures of every book that he published. That way you can see what it looks like before you buy it. This page offers lots of pictures, games and a place where you could meet the author.

Books published:
Mouse books...
Chester
Lilly
Wendell
Owen
Sheila Rea
Wemberly
julius

Picture books...
Old Bear
A Good Day
Birds
Kittens First full moon

Novels...
Bird Lake Moon
Sun and spoon
Words Of Stone
Olives Ocean
The Zebra Wall

Hello Classmates!

Persuasive Letter

Attention Hunters!

I am furtal the turtle and I'm writing to you because My family and I are living in fear. I know if you listen to me and hear my side of the story, you will understand and stop the hunting.

We recently just lost our father. He went out to eat and never came home. We were told by some other turtles that he was captured by humans. I know that you humans use our shells, eggs, and oils for your own personal use but cant you see what your doing to us in the process. Our numbers are reduced because of human activity, such as capturing or killing for food and the destruction and pollution of our nesting beaches. I'm not going to even mention ocean pollution and being caught up in fishing nets.

My family calls the warm waters of the ocean home. We have been in the ocean for about 230 million years - since before the dinosaurs. Please stop coming into our home and taking our loved ones. How would you like it if that were done to you? I know that we could all get along if we tried. I also know that you don't have to kill us in order to "get by". Your ancestors didn't hunt us so why do you? I really believe that we all can enjoy the ocean, and all of its great resource without all the killing.

We Sea Turtles are somewhat protected because we are classified as endangered! However, we need your help too! I know If you and your friends would just stop hunting us we would be taken off the endangered species list. I ask you to put yourself in my flippers. We really enjoy our way of life. Just like you enjoy yours. I have lost so many relatives because they were hunted and killed. I would also like to have my own little Furtal Jr. one day.

The mama turtles wanted me to also tell you that you need to clean up the beaches. They cant possibly lay their eggs on a polluted beach. They want their hatchlings to be born in a safe and clean environment. Just like you want for your children. I know that you wouldn't want your child being born in a dirty place.

I hope that you will hear my plea. Thank you so much for hearing me out. We turtles hope that we will be working and living together in harmony real soon. Thanks for you coopration in advance.

Yours truly,
Furtal

EDRG 3321 Literature for Public Schools

Hello again!

Well I'm getting some of these blogs knocked out today! I'm so proud of myself. I really do loves this class and I'm so mad at myself for falling behind with my blogs. However, I am making progress. Here is chapter nine.

Chapter 9 blog!
Nonfiction

This chapter was interesting. I learned a few things that I did not know before. Who knew that there was so much to learn about nonfiction. I enjoyed reading the teachers perspective. "Teachers who use nonfiction as supplements or alternatives to textbooks in science and social studies find that their students become much more enthusiastic about the content". I never looked at it that way before. I guess that would be true because of the bright pictures, clear captions, maps and diagrams. I only know that from reading over the power point.

I never liked nonfiction books. I think that's because it reminds me of homework. These are the types of books that you go to for information. I know that sounds horrible since my future profession is in teaching. However, now that I am older and have been in school for some time, I have become more appreciative of a good text book. A book where the pictures are helpful and the content is done in a clear and easy way to read and follow.

I also believe that a good nonfiction book makes teaching easier and learning more productive.
Nonfiction books play a huge role in our schools. We need them in the classroom and the children really do enjoy them. Now I have a new appreciation for them too. This was a great chapter.

Author

Author:
Margret Wise Brown

Website: http://www.margaretwisebrown.com/Her_books.html

The website was set up nicely. The author has written a lot of books. Some of books are even in Spanish. I noticed that most of the books are written about animals. The site included the authors back ground story, things for school, her manuscript and a point of contact. Over all the site was one of the nicer ones I have visited.

Books published:

Another Important Book
Animals in the Snow
Big Red Barn
Goodnight Moon
Bumble bee
A Child is Born
Bunny's Noisy Book
Nibble Nibble
Color Kittens
The Little Fir Tree
Give Yourself to the Rain
The Friendly Book
Friendly Tales
The Little Island
Little Fur Family
My World

(there are many more!)




The reason why I choose this next author is really because of the movie that just came out. I knew that "Where the Wild Things Are" was a big hit and I remember seeing the cover of the book. However, I never read the story. Well I finally did and I must say that I was not disappointed. The book really delivered as far as story telling goes and my son loved it as well. I will defiantly have to see the movie!

Authors:
Maurice Sendak

Website:
There was no real website to go to. I did go to Wiki and found out some interesting information on the author. Its worth taking a look at.

Books published:

Where the Wild Things Are
Outside Over There
In the Night Kitchen
Nutshell Libray
Higglety Pigglety Pop!
Kenny's Window (1956)
Very Far Away (1957)
The Sign On Rosie's Door (1960)
The Nutshell Library (1962)
Chicken Soup with Rice (A Book of Months)
Alligators All Around (An Alphabet)
One Was Johnny (A Counting Book)
Pierre (A Cautionary Tale)

Author:
Crockett Johnson

Website:
http://www.k-state.edu/english/nelp/purple/

This new web page was not that great to me at all. It was very plain and had lots of information. It wasn't really targeted towards kids. I know that my son would not enjoy this one as he would others that I came across. I picked the author because I remember hearing about this book from a friend. The books are older and the illustration it very "Old timey". These story's are meant for very small children.

Books published:
Harold and the Purple Crayon (1955)
Barks
Harold's
Harold's Fairy Tale
The Blue Ribbon Puppies (1958)
Merry Go Round
The Frowning Prince (1959)
Time for Spring (1957)
Who's Upside Down (1952)
Will Spring be Early? (1958)
Barnaby
Barnaby Mr O' Malley

EDRG 3321 LITERATURE FOR PUBLIC SCHOOLS

Chapter 8 blog!
Elements of Fiction

Hello Everyone!

Wow can you guys believe that we are almost at the end of the semester! I really need to get on the ball and get my !@## done!

Well I thought chapter eight was very informative. I learned a lot about what fiction was. I always thought that fiction was something that could happen but its something that someone somewhere made up. It could be reality but really its not because it wasn't based on any truth. I also know that it can be something that is totally fake or made up. Boy, did I learn a few things in this chapter!

Some of my own personal favorites are Contemporary fiction, Historical fiction and some fantasy.
I think that every good story must have conflict. I have yet read or seen a movie that has not had this in it. While looking over the power point I noticed that there are two types of conflict "internal" and " external". I think when you have a conflict with ones self, it makes for a better story. After all that's the worse kind of conflict there is. When you have a conflict with someone or something else its a lot easier to see where the line is drawn. Some of the best stories are the ones that make you feel what the character in the book is feeling. We have all had personal conflicts or our own demons that we have had to face.

I also, really like what the power point said "Fiction DOES NOT mean that a story is
"fake" or "untrue"; fiction is able to illuminate truth and cause us to reconsider what we perceive as reality". This aloud me to view fiction from a new perspective. I also really enjoyed hearing what other student thought about what fiction was to them. The whole lesson was full of information that I will take with me as a teacher and a as reader.

I know as a teacher I will have a choice on what types of books I have in my classroom. I know that I will have lots of fantasy books. I believe that these are the type of stories that grab you and make you use your imagination. I have to say that fantasy books where the gateway drug for me. Why did I want to read about things that where really happening. The whole idea of reading is to escape and relax. Why read about the real world! I live in it, and that's enough for me.

Authors

Author:
Judy Schachner

Website:
http://www.skippyjonjones.com/

This website was so much fun to visit! Its really bright and the animation is amazing! If you have small children you should let them navigate the site. Everything is set up so easy that a child really could navigate it with very little guidance. Which I thought was great, because after all it is a children book web page. The site offers many of the same things that all the site offer. however this on was more appealing to the eye than most of the others. The site offers a tour, information for teachers, games, videos, downloads and of course the list of books by the author.

Books published:

The stories are targeted for grades k-3rd, but really any age group would enjoy the stories. (There really was not that many from what I could see)

Skippyjon Jones
Skippyjon Jones in the Doghouse

Skippyjon Jones in Mummy Trouble
Skippyjon Jones and the Bog Bones

Author:
Beverly Clearly

Website:
http://www.beverlyclearly.com/index.html

The web page was done nice just like the others. It was fairly easy to navigate and it offered many different things like... fun games, books by the author, neighborhood map, information about Beverly Clearly, teacher resource and info about the characters in her stories! I really enjoyed the tour. I never read any of these books but you can read about the characters in her stories and already know what type of books theses are. It really does make you want to grab one of her books and read it.

Books Published:

The illustration is beautiful and the pictures are very colorful and bright. The stories are about a young girl adventures and the trouble that she gets in. Theses books would be great for 4th-5th grade!

Ellen Tebbits
Emily's Run Away Imagination
Mitch and Amy
Muggie and Maggie
Otis Spofford
Socks
Lucky Chuck
A Girl from Yamhill
My Own Two Feet

Author:
Jamie Lee Curtis

Website:
http://www.kidsread.com/reveiws/reviews-curtis-jamie-lee.asp0060287616

(There was no "real" website for her books). I found information about her through another web page (listed above).I heard that she was writing children's books a couple of years ago. I found her book great for younger children. The illustration was also very nice.

Books published:

I'm Gonna Like Me
Where do Balloons Go
When I was Little: A Four Year Old's Memory of Her Youth
Today I feel Silly: And Other Moods That Make My Day
Tell Me Again: About the Night I was Born

EDRG 3344.351 ENGLISH LANGUAGE ARTS

Hello Everyone!

Star Trek

I love the movie that we saw in Mrs. Harris class Tuesday. I thought the Star Trek video was a great example of how language barriers effect the way people get along. It has happened in my own home and just like Mrs. Harris said in class it also happened on larger scales like world wars! I thought that the movie portrayed how people get caught up in their own points of view, and they really do not take the time to see things from a different perspective.

On the work sheet Mrs. Harris handed us, there was a question that asked "What do you think it would be like to go someplace where no one understood you". Later I really gave that question some thought, and that would really suck to say the least. I cant imagine what that would feel like just because most countries have English speakers as well (as long as you stay in the city). I try to think how I would feel if I was coming to America and I only spoke Japanese or Mandarin. What a scary experience that must be.

Well I know that I will always try to do my best and over come any language barriers I might face in the future with my students (and husband). It really is something that you have to keep in the front of your mind because you get so caught up in "life" and sometimes forget. That is why there have been wars in the world and also in my house! If everyone just tried to really think about what the other person was "trying" to say instead of how or what they said this world would be a much nicer place to live!

EDRG 3321 LITERATURE FOR PUBLIC SCHOOLS

Hello, Pickett

I'm so happy that you let us see Maya Angelous interview in class. It really gave me food for thought. She is so amazing and talented. The poems and the story's she tells are captivating! Thank you for showing that to us.

I loved, loved, loved the interview with Maya Angelou! What an interesting women. First to find out that she use to be a prostitute and than to see what she is today. What a story of inspiration! Every time I hear her speak it makes me think of a grandmother. A grandmother that everyone would love to have. So much wisdom and insight. I really do admire her and hang on every word she has to say.
The poem Why the Caged Bird Sings was so well written and powerful. It made me cry a little. she really made me feel like I had the power to do anything. When I was growing up I was told this by many people. However, it takes a really special person to make you believe it. She has that effect on people.
I agree with so many things she said in the interview. When she was talking about how everyone should help each other and the power that reading can have over people. I thought it was funny when she was reading Edger Allen Poe and she thought he was a little black girl growing up in the south with no shoes on her feet.
That's what a good writer does! They pull you in and make you feel like apart of the story. I believe that is what Maya Angelou has done with most of her work. She has a certain effect on people. What a talented and gifted women!

Authors

I have an eleven year son who is becoming more and more interested in reading. Here are three more Authors I looked up and want to share with everyone! Dominik only likes to read things, that he finds interesting (don't we all). Here are a few books he is enjoying. I recommend these books to anyone who is trying to get young boys to read. I even found them quit entertaining. I hope you enjoy them as well!

Author: Dav Pilkey

Web site: http://www.pilkey.com/meet-dav.php

This web site is very fun and colorful. The opening paragraph reads" WARNING: This website contains scenes and material which may be considered too silly for grown-ups, small animals, and many varieties of houseplants. If you are a grown-up, a small animal, or a houseplant, we strongly urge you to seek the permission of a kid before browsing this site!"
The site was easy to navigate and had lots of fun pictures! The site also included games, junk stuff and Thingies, new stuff, boring grown up stuff and meet Dav! Its really targeted towards kids. I think that its a great web site. Everyone should check it out!

Books polished:
Here are just a few books that the author published (there are many more)!

The adventures of captain underpants: An Epic Novel
Captain Underpants and the attack of the talking toilets

Captain Underpants and the Invasion of the Incredibly Naughty Cafeteria Ladies from Outer Space

Captain Underpants and the Perilous Plot of Professor Poopypants
Captain Underpants and the Wrath of the Wicked Wedgie Woman
Captain Underpants and the big, bad battle of the Bionic Booger Boy part 1
Captain Underpants and the big, bad battle of the Bionic Booger Boy part 2
The Captain Underpants Extra-Crunchy Book O' Fun
The All New Captain Underpants Extra-Crunchy Book of Fun 2
The Adventures of Super Diaper Baby: The First Graphic Novel

For younger readers:

Dragon's Fat Cat
Dragon Gets By
A Friend For Dragon
Dogzilla
Kat Kong
Big Dog and Little Dog
Big Dog and Little Dog Wearing Sweaters
World War Won


I think that Junie B. Jones is such a cute series of books (little girls would love theses books)! Boys would also like them but the target audience is definitely little girls. There small little chapter books and the story's are great and get the child hooked on reading. I'm sure that theses books have become many children first love!

Author: Barbara Park

Web site: http://www.randomhouse.com/kids/junieb/favorites/favorites.html

The web page was pretty easy to follow. It was not the best web site that I have gone to but not the worst either. There is plenty to do there, the site provides a letter from Junie B. Jones, activities, book list and information about Barbara Park!

Books published: (some not all)
Junie B. First Grader: Boss of Lunch
Junie B. First Grader: Toothless wonder
Junie B. First Grader: Aloha-ha-ha!
Junie B. First Grader: Jingle Bells, Batman smells! (So does May.)
Junie B. First Grader: BOO... and I MEAN IT!
Junie B. First Grader: Shipwrecked
Junie B. First Grader: One- Man Band
Junie B. First Grader: Cheater Pants
Top Secret Personal Beeswax: A Journal by Junie B. (and me)

Most of theses next books are targeted for younger children. They would be perfect for kinder or first grade. They are short and sweet. However, they are still very good beginner books. The pictures are nice and fun to look at. Also the author has different types of information for teachers!

Author: Audrey Wood

Website: http://www.audreywood.com/mac_site/catalog/catalog.htm

This web page offers many different things. The page offers info about the author, activities, parent and teacher information, meet the artist, questions and answers and a place where you can contact them if you any questions. The web page was set up nicely and also easy to navigate! all in all it was just OK.

Books published: ( here is just a few there are many others)

Alphabet Adventure
Alphabet Mystery
Alphabet Rescue
Balloonia
The big Hungry Bear
Birdsong
A book for Honey Bear
The Bunyans
A Dog Needs a Bone
Elbert's Bad Word
The Flying Dragon Room
Jubal's Wish
King Bidgood's is in the Bathroom

I hope that everyone enjoys these books as much as I have. I look forward to seeing the authors that the rest of the class picked. Well until next time Peace out!