One can never have too many books
I whole-heartedly believe that. I hope my kids’ teachers believe it too because that’s what they’re getting on the last day of school.
I spent the second half of this school year teaching art in Erik’s class. It was way more fun than I thought it would be. We studied several different artists and created several different projects. I was enchanted with the creativity the kids exhibited. I loved it. I’m considering volunteering again next year. Shhhh… Don’t tell!
For Erik’s teacher I came across a simple, darling book with a huge message that I’ve added to my Very Favorites list.
It’s a book about Ramon who becomes discouraged when his art is criticized by his big brother. He decides to quit drawing altogether until he finds out that his sister has saved all his crumpled up discarded drawings and taped them all over her bedroom wall. He learns that life isn’t about perfection, but enjoying every moment and making the most out of what you have.
Jack’s class studied the Revolutionary War this year. I find history fascinatingly (I made that up) engrossing and there’s nothing worse than a dry history textbook. After the year we spent home schooling I now whole-heartedly believe that it takes eons more than a textbook to bring history alive. (Another reason the classroom is not the ideal setting to spark and support a child’s love of learning. But that’s another post altogether). So I found two books for his teacher to add to her classroom library. Hopefully they will spark a desire to delve through the layers of history.
In this adventurous novel, Blackwood imagines what would have happened if the Americans lost the Revolutionary War.
A fun look at the two enemies of the Revolutionary War, both named George: George Washington, the man who freed the American colonies from the British, and George III, the British king who lost them. They have more in common than you might think. It gets kids thinking about both points of view and why the Georges did what they did. SO much more interesting than a boring old textbook!
I whole-heartedly hope the teachers don’t read my blog. It’ll ruin the surprise!
What are you giving teachers this year, if anything?
My mother was a teacher and that was one of her complaints was the stuffy textbooks. She’s retired, but I’m sure she would have loved those books to teach from!
I’m so lame…..hanging head in shame. I found a cute coffee mug with a notepad at Marshalls’, it does have her first initial on it. I’m picking up a B&N GC to go with it. Lame, I know……….ugh so uncreative, unlike you. Love your book choices!
Those books sound like the perfect gift for the teachers–one they can use again and again and share each year with their class. My mom had drawers full of perfume and soaps etc. that were given to her by her students that she never did use. This will be so much better. Good thinking!
For some reason I can’t see any of your pictures…. hmmm.
Books are such a great idea for a teacher—think I will do that!
Also, I don’t know if you have every visited my blog, but I am up for a June best blog award and would love your vote—-just go on over and check it out!
Thanks!