A Week of Thanks: A



There is nothing quite like curling up with a good book and a warm drink... coffee, hot chocolate, tea.. all good choices!

Right now I am taking a Children's Literature course as part of my master's degree and our big assignment is to read 30 new to us children and young adult books. This has been a great excuse for reading the ever growing mountain of books on my bedside table. One of the best books I have read for this project was The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane by Kate DiCamillo. I had seen several of my students read it in the past and I have read many other books by Kate but I had never been drawn to this particular book. However, one of my students asked me to read it - he said it was amazing and that I would love it. I of course said yes and I am so glad that I did. The book was touching and left me thinking about how we grow and change depending on the people we meet in our lifetime. I can see now why so many of my students love this book. When I got back to school the next day, I explained to my students that I might be extra tired because I had stayed up all night reading. They all wanted to know what the book was and then I had a line of students who wanted to read it next! I have read some excellent books. Check a few of them out below:

A Week of Thanks: H 



Last Christmas I pleaded with my husband to get a dog. Now anyone who knows me would question this request as I have always been rather afraid of dogs - at least until I get to know them. But my heart was set on rescuing a young dog and bringing it into my family. I wanted it so badly, that one of the persuasive writing activities I had my fourth graders complete was a letter to Mr. A. explaining why he should get me a dog for Christmas. I showed them pictures of the dogs I was interested in and then they went to work listing the pros and cons of dog ownership. Out of my 21 students, only one did not think I should have a dog (she had a misbehaving puppy of her own at home!). Needless to say, the letters did their job and 4 days before Christmas, we went and met our Audrey. She has added so much to our family and I could not imagine life without her. So I am thankful to have a happy puppy that loves to play and cuddle.