Red Reading Chair

Amianne Bailey

Scaredy Squirrel Prepares for Christmas

by Melanie Watt Read to: 1st Grade

Targeted Skills: Characteristics of a

functional text; Differences between

fiction and nonfiction

This might seem like a stretch for an

example functional text, but it really works

perfectly. I had to find a way to work the

newest Scaredy into my holiday book

rotation because my kids are HUGE fans of

this OCD Squirrel. We first reviewed the

characteristics of a functional text that they

had learned in their classroom. I shared

the book under the Elmo because Scaredy

books need to be SEEN as well as heard.

I did not read the entire book because it is long, and I had to talk through it and point out things in

the pictures because this does not follow a narrative structure. But it is a PERFECT example of a

functional text (lists, diagrams, maps, signs, survival tips, directions)--for a squirrel who easily gets

stressed out. The kids were able to make the distinction that this book is fiction. We then talked

about how we could make it nonfiction by making it about humans rather than a squirrel. I made the

suggestion to the teachers to have the kids work on their own "Survival Guides" to give to their

parents since adults (and squirrels) seem to get WAY MORE stressed out about the holidays than

children do.

Postcards from Camp by Simms

Taback

Read to: 3rd and 4th Grade

Targeted Skills: Summarize the plot;

Questioning; Making Inferences;

Author's Purpose

This is one of the COOLEST books that I have seen in

a long time, and the kids LOVED it. As one of the

Texas Bluebonnet selections for 2012, I am projecting

this one as the winner at my school. But we will have

to wait for the vote in January. This book must be read

under the Elmo so that the kids can see the actual

postcards and letters.

The premise of the story is simple, but it's fun for the

kids to predict what the card will be about based on

the front and also what will the father's response be.

Will he give in and come pick up his miserable

camper son? The theme of this book is also wonderful

for kids to realize. After we finished, I asked the kids

WHY did the author write the book this way? Why did

he include the actual pieces of mail rather than just

tell us the story? "Because it just makes it WAY

COOLER like this, Mrs. Bailey!!" I agree. Totes.

Today I am going to:

Review Library Procedures

Review Search Slips & Placing Holds

Hear Book Talks & Check out Books

So that I can Learn:

What I need to know to keep schedules running smoothly

Which Book Fair books appeal to me

I’ll know I’ve got it when:

I’m lined up and ready when my teacher arrives

I’ve Found Good Fit Books For Me!