Literature for 1st Graders!

Selected by: Julianna Madsen Brewer

Contents

IntroductionPoetry Art/creativity Informational ScienceMathHistory Readers’ TheaterRead AloudJulianna’s FavoritesFinal thoughts The goal of this magazine is to present a

resource list of high-quality books aimed at a 1st grade audience. Each book will be summarized and connected to Massachusetts content standards. I will also include teachable lessons and ideas.

Pg. 2-3Pg. 4-5Pg. 6-7Pg. 8-9Pg. 10Pg. 11Pg. 12Pg. 13 Pg. 14-15Pg. 16-17Pg. 18

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How do you define high-quality children’s

literature? Good books… • Expand awareness• Provide an enjoyable

read that doesn’t overtly teach or moralize

• Tell the truth• Embody quality• Have integrity • Show originality (Children’s Books in Children’s Hands

by Temple et al.)

I specifically chose texts that would tie together nicely with the 1st grade

spring curriculum at the Litwin School in Chicopee, MA.

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Poetry

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Standards

Students will begin to explore the genre of poetry and will increase their comfort level with this genre. The will be exposed to a wide-array of poetic forms and techniques. Students will learn about the rhythm,

style, tone and imagery.

•This collection emphasizes the shared natured of poetry. These poems are lively, engaging, intriguing & fun!•A hands-on way to introduce poetry. •Students can create their own poems & play around with tone, rhythm & style.

*6.1 Identify formal & informal language in poems. *10.1 Identify differences among common forms of literature. *14.1 Identify a regular beat and similarities of sounds in words (rhythm and rhyme in poetry).

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•This collection includes poems by non-famous poets. The poems are accessible & inspiring•Use this book to show students that anyone can be a poet. • Showcases a variety of poetic forms & techniques.

•This collection includes Dahl’s re-interpretation of 6 well-known fairy tales. The tales now end in unpredictable ways. •Use during an exploration of fairy tales and/or poetry. •Turn the poems into a Reader’s Theater activity

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Art & Creativity

Standards

•This book will help to let out the artist inside every child. It encourages individuality & creativity. •The art is vibrant + captivating. •Use to inspire students to explore their artistic interests and abilities.

Visual Arts Strand: 1.1 Use a variety of materials and media, and understand how to use them to produce different visual effects 6.2 Investigate uses and meanings of examples of the arts in children’s daily lives, homes, and communities.

Using literature to discuss the

concept of art as a form of literacy.

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•This book follows the creative journey of a young girl, Vashti. The author encourages students to take risks in their artwork and begin the process of artistic self-discovery. •Use to show students that they can push past their insecurities and create something. • Inspiration comes in many forms.

Other texts to consider:The Art Lesson by Tomie dePaolo I am an Artist by P.L. Collins

Informational Texts

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•Describes animals that are on the brink of extinction. •Informative & visually stimulating •Use to discuss animal habitats, endangered species & conservation. •Each stunning & vivid picture is paired with a knowledge-packed paragraph.•66 colorful animals are explored & explained. •Use in connection with the previous text to form a deep understanding of animal life. • Beauty in nature.

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•These inviting texts cover a range of topics that relate to 1st grade curriculum. •Have these available for students who are ready to delve into topics such as the human body, plant earth, punctuation, music, etc. •Bite-sized pieces of information that are presented in a fun, accessible & memorable way.

StandardsEarth & Space Science (PreK-2: Earth’s Materials

1. Recognize that water, rocks, soil, & living organisms are found on the earth’s surface.Life Science (PreK-2): Characteristics of Plants & Animals

1. Classify animals according to the physical characteristics they share.

Science

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Standards:Earth & Space Science (PreK-2): The Weather 3. Describe the weather changes from day to day and over the seasonsBiology (PreK-2): Characteristics of Living Things 3. Recognize that plants and animals have life cycles, and that life cycles vary for different living things.

•About how vegetables grow & the difference between a root & leaf vegetable.•Captivating & fun illustrations.•Can be used in a folk tale or fable unit. •How the position of the sun (in relation to the Earth) causes seasons. •Succinct way to introduce seasons & weather. •Use to spark scientific inquiry + discussion.

Math

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Standards

•A great way to introduce the topic of measurement.•A young girl measures her dog in a variety of ways. •Gives an overview of how to measure height, width, length, volume, etc.•Clear, engaging & exciting way to learn about math concepts. •Vibrant & inviting•Challenges students to further their understanding.•Can be adapted for a range of ages/ skill levels. •Patterns, addition, multiplication.

1.MD Measure lengths indirectly & by iterating length units1.OA (5) Relate counting to addition and subtraction.

History

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The focus of their spring curriculum is on culture and American values and history. My goal is to incorporate texts

that represent individuals of different backgrounds and perspectives.

•Wonderful way to start a classroom dialogue about race, culture & American history. •Author draws the reader in & connects on a personal level. •Stunning artwork- students could create their own portraits.

•The class will be studying MLK so this book will provide a solid knowledge base. •Use to kick-start a discussion about why celebrate MLK every year & his importance. •Give credit to (and discuss) individuals who worked alongside MLK. Standard

1.4 Give reasons for celebrating the events or people commemorated in national and Massachusetts holidays (Martin Luther King Day).

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Readers’ Theater In the spring, students will be exploring storytelling

and theater. They will be able to practice using different voices, gestures and emotions during

Readers’ Theater.

StandardsDramatic Literature 17.1 Identify the elements of dialogue & use them in informal plays.

Dramatic Reading & Performance18.1 Rehearse and perform stories, poems and plays for an audience using eye contact, volume and clear enunciation appropriate to the selection.

Books to Read Aloud

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I will read aloud to the class as often as possible. Reading aloud can help students to gain an

appreciation for language, ideas, and books. I will incorporate Read Aloud Think Aloud strategies &

will model reading comprehension skills. Hopefully my passion for reading will pass on to

my students & they will be eager to read on their own.

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Julianna’s Favorites

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Here are a few of my most-loved children’s books! They will be added to the classroom

library.

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Final Thoughts

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This class has allowed to me to explore the genre of children’s

literature. I’ve been exposed to countless incredible authors & illustrators and I’m so grateful!

This resource is a work in progress! I will be editing it and adding to it throughout my student teaching

experience.

19© December 2011