Posts from the ‘classroom resources’ Category

AN UNPREDICTABLE ROBOT FRIEND

Martin Makes a Robot Friend (Red Beetle Children’s Picture Books Ages 3-8)

Written by Lisette Starr

Illustrated by Gustyawan

Martin is elated when he receives an assignment from his teacher. Each student must contribute a project for the state science fair. After thinking about it, he decides to adapt his toy robot. At first, Martin experiences one disaster after another. Eventually, he figures out how to design a practical use for his robot.

Martin wins his classroom contest and competes in the state fair. An unexpected incident leads to an outcome that no one expects.

This humorous tale with vibrant illustrations is a good choice for curious elementary students who are inquisitive and scientifically oriented. Recommended for readers aged five to eight.

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SIBLING SHARING = CARING

Maya and Leo Learn to Share: A Heartwarming Story About Kindness and Sharing

Written by LLT Kids

Maya and Leo both want to play with the toy robot. Soon, they are yelling at each other while each tries to gain physical control of the toy.

Their mother intervenes to separate them and have a calm conversation. They come to understand all they really want is to play together and enjoy each other’s company.

The easy text and expressive illustrations teach toddlers and preschoolers how to temper emotions and gain control.

Recommended for parents and early childhood teachers of children ages three through five.

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LET’S TALK ABOUT CHOICES

You Can Do It!: A Thinking Skills Story Book That Empowers Kids to Make Good Choices by Letting Go of the Uncontrollable – Ideal for Ages 4-8! (Charlie & Sokeetee the Philosopher Cat)

Written and illustrated by Mama Maja

An interactive book that teaches elementary school kids how to handle their emotions. The book contains easy-to-read text and comic-book-like illustrations. Children learn that certain things are not in their control. That does not mean they should not be persistent and resilient.

The most valuable parts of the book are the interactive sections that ask the reader how to handle emotions and what specific fears the reader may have. In addition, there are coloring pages that younger readers, in particular, will enjoy.

A good book to teach emotional self-regulation, especially for children ages six through nine.

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FROM BOREDOM TO ADVENTURE

The Three Royal Children and the Batty Aunt:The Three Royal Children Book 1: An Adventure Story for Bored Children

Written by Angela Castillo

Three royal siblings are bored with life within the castle walls. Then one day they meet their aunt and her talking bat in an isolated part of the castle. She brings the siblings on a fantasy adventure that upends their boring existence.

This chapter book is part of a series. In this volume, readers learn about the value of friendship, good manners, and cooperating with others. An interesting read for children in grades two through six.

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INSPIRING TALES FOR YOUNG LADIES

Unstoppable Girls: 10 Inspiring Stories of Courage, Kindness, and Believing in Yourself (The Unstoppable Series)

Written by Manish Chamoli

Ten short stories for modern-day elementary and middle school girls. The characters in each meet the challenges girls face as they grow up in this generation. These characters learn patience, self-confidence, and resilience. They discover the value of friendship and how to handle bullying. Perhaps the most valuable section of the book is the page of reflective questions that follows each story. It guides the reader to understand the lesson and how to implement it in their own lives.

This book can be read as a series of bedtime stories, read aloud or in a group discussion. It provides readers with strong female role models and practical advice.

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LEARNING HOW TO MAKE BETTER CHOICES

Soli Wants to Sniff EVERYTHING!: A Funny Interactive Picture Book About Curiosity, Impulse Control, Boundaries, Safe Choices, Listening, and Knowing When … Bedtime) (Soli’s Silly Adventures 2)

Written by by Carina KIRSCHNER-MALEKIHA

This book is part of a series about a solenodon. You have probably never heard of it. Solenodons are large shrew-like mammals.

In this tale, the solenodon cannot contain his impulse to sniff everything he encounters. That might be a sandwich, cake, shoe or sock. Lots of humor in the illustrations. Readers are asked to interact and give opinions on whether to smell or not.

The book is a helpful way to discuss issues like impulsivity, make safe decisions, and learn impulse control. It provides a non-threatening way to help primary grade readers to handle their behaviors.

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WHOOPS! I DIDN’T MEAN TO DO THAT

Good Deeds Gone Wrong

Written by Ruthie Godfrey

Illustrated by Helen Ayle

Stephen is excited. National Good Deeds Week is coming up soon. He loves the challenge of finding good deeds to show kindness to others and cannot wait to accomplish his checklist.

Despite his good intentions, Stephen is disappointed when some of his ideas go terribly wrong. He must learn to readjust, persevere, and find alternative solutions. This book teaches elementary school readers lessons about kindness, empathy, and resilience.

This book is a good teaching tool for parents and teachers who want to explore these issues with their children.

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A JOURNEY THAT INSPIRES

Talon, Come Fly with Me: Inspirational Story about Friendship

Written by Gigi Sedlmayer

This tender story has won multiple awards. The protagonist is Matica, a young girl who is born with a disability that makes her small. She lives high up in the Peruvian mountains. Matica is ostracized for this disability. She searches for a friend. Matica forms a friendship bond with two condors. She names them Tamo and Tima. In time, the village marvels at her talent to communicate with these creatures and to protect them from danger.

The book is an inspiration for children with disabilities who face ridicule and disdaindue to their individual differences. Teachers might use the tale as a resource for class discussions on bullying and disabilities.

The book is an easy read for middle-grade, young adult and adult audiences as a lesson in empathy and true friendships.

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A MOTHER’S LOVE KNOWS NO BOUNDS

I Love You More Than Anything: Children’s Book About Emotions and Feelings, Toddlers, Preschool Kids

Written and illustrated by Emily Hartmann

This is a perfect read aloud or bedtime story for toddlers and preschoolers. It provides parents or teachers with a perfect way to discuss the variety of emotions a young child feels. The book communicates the important message that a parent always loves its child no matter what emotion is present.

The illustrations portray animal and child scenes with typical emotions like fear, anger, frustration, shyness, or sadness. Each contains four lines of rhyming text that are easy for a young reader to understand.

As a parent and educator, I highly recommend this one for preschoolers and toddlers.

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CREATING TOMORROW’S AUTHORS TODAY

How to Write a Novel Before You Turn 13 : 13 Steps for kids to Turn Creative Writing Into a Book (Write Your Own Book)

Written by Ollie Ood

I was impressed with the scope of this guide for budding young authors.

Each chapter details the writing process sequence from generating ideas to a finished, published work.

Subjects include subject ideas, character, plot, dialogue, point of view, conflict, setting, and publishing. The author includes templates for implementing each step. At the end of the book, readers find examples of successful authors under the age of thirteen.

In my opinion, the book is a wonderful resource for middle-grade and young adult prospective authors seeking to publish their first novel.

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