What a great book to kick off the New Year! It has both a message and literary elements to get us thinking. It is a month for goal setting and resolutions. Let us dream together!
As I listen and ponder on dreams, I find they are very personal things. They come in about as many shapes and sizes as do those who are dreaming them. We will encourage our students to create academic goals, as well as healthy resolutions.
I recently watched a video that encouraged us to forget the goal. It suggested focusing on the behavior that leads to the achievement of our goals. This is also very important for kids, especially in the classroom setting.
As you share "Reach for the Stars," by Serge Broch, our January Book of the Month, examine the idioms and unique illustrations within. But also take time to set New Year's resolutions, academic and wellness goals, and discuss behaviors needed to achieve these goals. Encourage them to dream big and "Reach for the Stars".
Until Next Time
Look how some classes celebrated the book:
This is a wonderful book to encourage my kindergarten students. Just as page 1 of this book says “You’ve got your whole life ahead of you!” We are learning about “idioms”. We have started out with “Reach for the stars” and what it means. There is a lot more to be covered……..
ReplyDeleteMrs. South's class has made a chart outside the classroom door to "Reach For The Stars!" The children loved the book and want to earn as many stars as they can each day! They giggled over the idioms and one of the children actually used one when referring to their lunch choice. "I had a change of heart, Mrs. South". Love it! We really "hit the jack pot" with this book! Enjoy!
DeleteMrs. Schlaefer
ReplyDeleteMy class laughed at the funny illustrations. The students enjoyed the idioms. We learned additional idioms. We illustrated and wrote sentences for the literal and figurative meanings.
Mrs. Stadtlander
ReplyDeleteWe worked through this book slowly examining each of the idioms. We all had the giggles and I told them that they were "cute as a button." They made a text to text connection comparing this book's illustrations/photography to Mo Willem's book Knuffle Bunny. He also uses sketches and photographs. This book is a great find!
My 2nd graders LOVE this book! They continue to find idioms in other books and use them in real life situations. Just yesterday, when one of my students was faced with a choice on the computer, he said, "I've come to a fork in the road." It was perfect; we all laughed at the irony. Beyond the idioms, the message in "Reach For the Stars" truly has us "spreading our wings" in the new year!
ReplyDeleteMs. Dudley's class has enjoyed reading our book of the month along with our favorite series of the week, Amelia Bedelia. Our read aloud's have gotten very funny and are filled with great idioms to learn about!!
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