Sunday, July 24, 2011

Laundry "Treasures"

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When I do laundry, I am always surprised at what I find in my boys' pockets. Where do these things come from? What makes them pocket-worthy? More importantly, what are they being saved for? 

Here is a list of ten items I found in pockets this month:
  1. rubber bands
  2. paper clips
  3. tiny pencil-top eraser
  4. clam shells
  5. rocks
  6. twisty tie from bread package
  7. coins
  8. random hardware items (screws, bolts, nuts, etc.)
  9. gum wrapper
  10. Lego Guy helmet
The weirdest part of it is that if I leave these items on the washer and they spot them... back in the pocket they go.

What's the strangest thing you've found in a pocket while doing laundry?

Thursday, July 7, 2011

Summer Reading... Girl Edition

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Now that I have two boys, I'm completely out of the loop when it comes to girl books. My goal this summer is to read as many girl-recommended novels as I can. In order to reach my goal, I've solicited book suggestions from my students, my neighbors, my sons' friends' sisters and random girls spotted with books out and about.

Each novel must meet the following criteria:
1. It's appropriate for 4th-6th graders.
2. The main character is a girl.
3. The book was written by a female.
I've read quite a few, and I already have favorites that I know my 4th-6th grade girlfriends will enjoy. As a young lady, I attended the Beverly Cleary School of Realistic Fiction. I still enjoy novels about kids who act like kids, even when overcoming life's obstacles. The books below made my list of favorites because they are innocent, touching, character-driven stories with a thoughtful storyline. Most importantly, the main characters are unique. When you put each book down, you will feel like you have made a new friend.


Love, Aubrey by Suzanne LaFleur



The Magic Half by Annie Barrows

Walk Two Moons by Sharon Creech

Because of Winn Dixie by Kate DiCamillo  

 

I will continue to add information about the books I read this summer... if they are worthy of sharing, that is. If you would like to share a wonderful children's novel or if you would like to comment on a title listed above, feel free leave a comment!