Becoming Critically Literate

  Description from the publisher: " Abdul loves to tell stories. But writing them down is hard. His letters refuse to stay straight and face the right way. And despite all his attempts, his papers often wind up with more eraser smudges than actual words. Abdul decides his stories just aren’t meant to be written down…until a special visitor comes to class and shows Abdul that even the best writers—and superheroes—make mistakes." Text Features:  Fictional picture book. 'About the author and illustrator' back matter. Critical Literacy Suggestions: Read & Discuss:   BEFORE reading: Read the blurb and discuss why writing might be hard for Abdul; have students share their personal experience about what makes writing hard for them (or what used to be hard when they first started to learn to write). Ask students what a 'role model' is and discuss how role models can inspire us to try hard things and grow. Have students predict what Abdul learns from the class'...

  Description from the publisher: " The first ever picture book addressing how a disabled child might want to be spoken to. What happened to you?  Was it a shark? A burglar? A lion? Did it fall off? Every time Joe goes out the questions are the same . . . what happened to his leg? But is this even a question Joe has to answer? A ground-breaking, funny story that helps children understand what it might feel like to be seen as different." Text Features:  Picture book Letter to adults from the author on how to speak to children about disabilities and other differences Critical Literacy Suggestions: Read & Discuss:   BEFORE reading: read the title, explore the cover illustration, and discuss predictions for what the book might be about; then read the blurb and expand predictions; maybe ask children if they have seen someone with a visible disability before and if/how they responded DURING reading: pay attention to the main character's responses, discuss why he might ...

  Description from the publisher: " Bestselling author Rachel Williams and illustrator Freya Hartas invite children to  Slow Down  and watch 50 nature stories that command calm and foster mindfulness. All around us, nature is working wonders. Every day, hour by hour, magical transformations happen right in front of you. But it’s not always easy to see them . . . In this beautifully illustrated collection, 50 moments in nature are paused for you to watch them in detail. Then you should go outside and explore and see what you find when you take the time to slow down. Gorgeously illustrated, this charming collection celebrates the small wonders happening all around us every day." Text Features:  Informational picture book Select poems about nature Table of Contents Two-page spread for each mindful moment story Critical Literacy Suggestions: Read & Discuss:   BEFORE reading: Read the blurb. Ask children what they think a "mindful moment" is? What are some other ...