Common Core IRL: In Real Libraries - The Day of the Dead/El Día de los Muertos


It's time for another installment of  Common Core IRL: In Real Libraries.  This time we are doing something a little different.  Since Halloween is fast approaching, we decided to focus on scary stories, and other related topics.  Being in Southern California, I decided to talk about Día de los Muertos or Day of the Dead which is celebrated on November 1st and 2nd. 

Don't forget to check out the other posts as part of this series, and see what everyone has for you. 

     * Louise Capizzo, children’s librarian & Cathy Potter, school librarian: The Nonfiction Detectives
     * Mary Ann Scheuer, school librarian: Great Kid Books
     * Travis Jonker, school librarian: 100 Scope Notes

Check out the following picture books and app for use with Pre-K to 2nd grade.

The Day of the Dead/El Día de los Muertos
Author/Illustrator: Bob Barner
Translated by: Teresa Mlawer
Publisher: Holiday House (2010)
ISBN: 978-0823423811
Read Aloud: Pre-K to 2nd grade
Independent Reading Level: High 1st grade to 3rd grade.
Language: English and Spanish
Source: Purchased

My thoughts on this book:
When I was working at a school site with a Dual Language Immersion Program/Spanish, we used this book as part of our learning about The Day of the Dead in our younger classes.   Text is written in both English and then also shown in Spanish.

This is one of my favorite picture books for explaining about the Day of the Dead for younger students.  It simply explains what the Day of the Dead is and how it is celebrated.  The author provides notes about the Day of the Dead at the end of the book.  The illustrations are bright, and reflect the culturally aspect of the story.
 

Clatter Bash!: A Day of the Dead Celebration
Author/Illustrator: Richard Keep
Publisher: Peachtree Publishers (2004)
ISBN: 978-1561454617
Read Aloud: Pre-K to 2nd grade
Independent Reading Level: Kindergarten to First grade
Source: Purchased

My thoughts on this book:
Clatter Bash! is designed for younger readers.  The story is told through the use of very rhythmic sounding words with some Spanish words interspersed throughout the pages.  The perspective of the story seems to be more from the skeletons who are celebrating the holiday.  Children would need some explanation as to why the skeletons are having a party. 

Though the text of the book is simple, the endnotes provide readers with a nice explanation of the Day of the Dead and the various symbols related to the day.  The illustrations in the book are colorful and very festive.  The use of color and style fit well with the origins of this holiday.


Rosita y Conchita: A Peek 'n Play Story App
by Mobad
Released: October 25, 2012
Language: English and Spanish
Devices: Designed for both iPad and iPhone

My thoughts on this book app:
This book app tells the story of twin girls, Conchita and Rosita.  One of the twins has passed away.  As Conchita seeks to remember her sister Rosita, readers are led through the various preparations and activities that families go through as part of remembering and honoring the dead.  

Though some parents may be concerned about sharing a story with young children about the death of a sibling, this is sensitively done in a way that helps younger children understand what the Day of the Dead is all about.  Parents and teachers should review the app prior to sharing it with students in case there are any individual concerns that need to be considered.

The app allows readers to either hear the story being read or to read the story on their own.  The story can be read in either English or Spanish.  Children also learn about how to make sugar skulls, and learn how to draw Rosita at the end.   The illustrations are colorful and reflect the art of the holiday.
  

How to incorporate this into the Common Core State Standards:
There are multiple way these texts can be integrated into the Common Core Standards; however, one suggestion would be to look at how two different texts can be similar and different, and to discuss the relationship between text and illustrations (Integration of Knowledge and Ideas). 

Don't forget to link up your nonfiction reviews...

Common Core IRL: Volcanoes! - An Island Grows

Last Wednesday, we revealed our Common Core IRL: Volcanoes segment.  On Friday, Mary Ann Scheuer of Great Kid Books did an extender featuring volcanoes and poetry with Volcano Wakes Up!

We have one more post that looks at a picture book with a volcano focus for preschool and kindergarteners.

by Lola M. Schaefer; Illustrated by Cathie Felstead
Greenwillow Books (August 1, 2006)

Read Aloud: Prek to First Grade
Independent Reading: First Grade
Source: Purchased

Description of the book from GoodReads:
This is the story of the birth of an island, from the first red-hot glow of magma at the bottom of the ocean, to the flowing lava that hardens and builds up higher and higher until, finally, it breaks through the water′s surface.

And then, life comes to the island. First come the small plants and animals, and later, people. This is a tale as old-and as new-as the ground we walk on.

My thoughts on this book:
An Island Grows by Lola M. Schaefer may be a simple look at how an island is created from a volcanic eruption but it is quite effectively executed.  Schaefer uses minimal text in verse to explain the process from the start of the eruption to the creation of the island.  She further continues the story to show children how seeds root and begin to grow, life begins to arrive, and eventually settlers come to work the land.  The end notes provide teachers with further information on how a volcanic island grows and provides a few additional resources to investigate.

It is not easy to take the process of how a volcanic island develops and make it understandable to very young children; however, Schaefer finds just the right words to be successful with her story.  Additionally, the illustrations by Cathie Felstead maintain the simplicity of the book while providing just the right visual images to help children follow the process.

This would make a nice addition to a collection of books on volcanoes and provide a nice balance to books that may be more text driven.  Additionally, as part of the common core standards, you can have children compare the text and illustrations of this book with the text and photographs in other early readers about volcanoes.

Since this is a slightly older book (2006), you may need to order this book from your local bookstore, or request it from your city library. 

Common Core connections:
Here are some of the kindergarten Common Core State Standards for reading informational text that can apply to this book:

Key Ideas and Details:
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RI.K.1 With prompting and support, ask and answer questions about key details in a text.

CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RI.K.2 With prompting and support, identify the main topic and retell key details of a text.

Integration of Knowledge and Ideas:
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RI.K.9 With prompting and support, identify basic similarities in and differences between two texts on the same topic (e.g., in illustrations, descriptions, or procedures).

Craft and Structure:
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RI.K.4 With prompting and support, ask and answer questions about unknown words in a text.

Check out these other posts from the Common Core IRL: In Real Libraries.



Don't forget to link up your nonfiction picture book reviews below.


Common Core IRL: In Real Libraries - Volcanoes

Periodically, Nonfiction Picture Book Wednesday will take a back seat for another kind of nonfiction book post.  In May, Great Kid Books, 100 Scope Notes, & The Nonfiction Detectives and I introduced readers to a new feature we called Common Core IRL: In Real Libraries.  Each segment will explore nonfiction texts around a particular topic. 

Today's topic is volcanoes!  Don't forget to check out the other posts as part of this series. 

     * Louise Capizzo, children’s librarian & Cathy Potter, school librarian: The Nonfiction Detectives
     * Mary Ann Scheuer, school librarian: Great Kid Books

Check out the following Early Readers Volcanoes for 1st to 3rd grade:


Danger! Volcanoes (SeeMore Readers Level 2) - Seymour Simon
Publisher: StarWalk Kids Media (February 1, 2011 - original publication date: March 1, 2001)
ISBN: 978-0439467827
Read Aloud Level: 1st-3rd grade
Independent Reading Level: 2nd to 4th grade
Source: Purchased; Personal Copy

My thoughts on this book:
For those familiar with Seymour Simon's Smithsonian Collins Series of books, you will recognize the style of text and photographs in this Level 2 reader.  Simon is strong at pairing up information with amazing photographs.  Key vocabulary is highlighted but still require children to look up the definitions or for teachers to create a list of vocabulary with definitions for students to reference.

This is a no frills reader.  You won't find fancy info-graphics or other features.  There is a link for readers to download "trading cards" about various volcanoes. Simon's website has a significant number of resources to check out and additional teacher guides. Thanks to the photographs and straight-forward text, this Level 2 reader can be used with a wide range of students at a variety of grade levels. 


Volcanoes! (National Geographic Kids Readers Level 2) - Elizabeth Carney; Photographs by: various
Publisher: National Geographic Children's Books (July 8, 2008)
ISBN: 978-1426302851
Read Aloud Level: 1st to 3rd grade
Independent Reading Level: High 1st grade to High 3rd grade
Source: Purchased; Personal Copy

My thoughts on this book:
Volcanoes! National Geographic Readers Level 2 combines readable text with joke-like questions and answers (Q: What did the volcano eat for lunch? A: Ashed Potatoes), key vocabulary, and hot facts.  There is nothing boring about a National Geographic Reader, and if anything, I find that these books are really a bit more than your standard early reader.

As an educator, I appreciate the obvious effort that National Geographic invests in their early reader series.  Not every child is drawn to informational text; however, with a reader like Volcanoes! there is certainly something for every student.  For an initial read through, children can simply read the text.  With additional readings, students can check out the jokes, or the hot facts scattered throughout the pages.  There are also vibrant illustrations, interesting graphics, and a few fun pages such as "Postcards from the Ring". 

Despite the amount of information packed into 32 pages, there was obvious intention to the design of the book. Volcanoes! can be an informational read aloud, or an independent read for children in 2nd and 3rd grade.  However, teachers of older readers who may struggle with informational text or those who work with English Language Learners who benefit from visuals and definitions to key vocabulary will also find these books to be a valuable resource.

Common Core Standards Associated with Texts listed above:

Integration of Knowledge and Ideas:

First:
Second:
Range of Reading and Level of Text Complexity:

First Grade:

CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RI.1.10 With prompting and support, read informational texts appropriately complex for grade 1.

Second Grade:

CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RI.2.10 By the end of year, read and comprehend informational texts, including history/social studies, science, and technical texts, in the grades 2–3 text complexity band proficiently, with scaffolding as needed at the high end of the range.

Key Idea and Details

First Grade:

CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RI.1.9 Identify basic similarities in and differences between two texts on the same topic (e.g., in illustrations, descriptions, or procedures).

Second Grade:

CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RI.2.3 Describe the connection between a series of historical events, scientific ideas or concepts, or steps in technical procedures in a text.
   
For my regular Nonfiction Picture Book Wednesday readers, you call still link up your nonfiction review and let us know in the comment section what you think of Common Core IRL.  

Common Core IRL: In Real Libraries - A New Series Kicks Off with FROGS!


Yes, today's normally my Nonfiction Picture Book day, but I am excited to announce that there will be a new feature that will be showing up periodically called Common Core IRL: In Real Libraries. I'll be teaming up with Great Kid Books, 100 Scope Notes, & The Nonfiction Detectives  to explore nonfiction texts around a theme that can be used by teachers or librarians to support the new Common Core State Standards being adopted and implemented in many states.  I would like to thank Mary Ann Scheuer for getting the ball rolling on this great idea, and Travis Jonker for creating the wonderful image/logo (see above).     

Today's spotlight will be on Frogs.  Don't forget to check out the other posts as part of this series.  Each site will feature different books for different grade levels.

     * Louise Capizzo, children’s librarian & Cathy Potter, school librarian: The Nonfiction Detectives
     * Travis Jonker, school librarian: 100 Scope Notes
     * Mary Ann Scheuer, school librarian: Great Kid Books


Check out the following Early Readers and Book App about Frogs for Pre-K to 2nd grade:


From Tadpole to Frog (Scholastic Reader Level 1) - Kathleen Weidner Zoehfeld; Photographs by: Dwight R. Kuhn
Publisher: Scholastic (February 1, 2011 - original publication date: March 1, 2001)
ISBN: 978-0545273374
Read Aloud Level: PreK to 1st
Independent Reading Level: 1st-2nd
Source: Purchased; Personal Copy

My thoughts on this book:
This more traditional-style early reader takes children on the journey of the life cycle of the frog from frog eggs in the pond through the transformation into tadpoles and then as a small frog.  The book ends in some ways with the beginning by reminding readers of the start of the life cycle.  Key vocabulary words are highlighted in the text and also contained in a glossary at the end of the book.

The style of this story lends itself well to a read aloud and for assisting young children in gathering basic facts about the life cycle of a frog which can be used in a presentation or simple report.  Though geared towards Kinder to 2nd grader students, the book can be used effectively with English Language Learners or children with special needs in upper elementary who may require high interest books with less text on a page.


Frogs! (National Geographic Kids Readers Level 1) - Elizabeth Carney; Photographs by: various
Publisher: National Geographic Children's Books (January 13, 2009)
ISBN: 978-1426303920
Read Aloud Level: PreK-1st
Independent Reading Level: High 1st grade to Low 3rd grade
Source: Purchased; Personal Copy

My thoughts on this book:
National Geographic has created a series of Early Readers on a variety of topics.  Every one of these readers I have looked at I have also loved.  Each feature the amazing photographs typically associated with National Geographic.  However, I find that these books are really a bit more than your standard early reader.

FROGS! not only features informative and engaging text written for younger students, but it also has a mix of questions and answers, vocabulary text boxes, fun facts, a poem, and even a touch of humor. The book shares with students where frogs can be found, why they make the sounds that they make, what kinds of food they like to eat, and what size and colors they come in.  The life cycle of the frog is also briefly explained.

The combination of photographs and a well thought through design for each page, not only makes this a winner for children in Kinder to Second Grade, but also an excellent resource for English Language Learners in 2nd to 5th grade.   


Rounds: Franklin Frog: A Book App - Barry and Emma Tranter
Seller: Nosy Crow
Updated: April 4, 2013
Version: 1.0.3
This app is designed for both iPhone and iPad.
Audience: Ages 3 to 6
Source: A copy was sent for review; App was a Cybils 2012 Finalist

Description from Nosy Crow:
The first in an innovative new series of multimedia, interactive life-science/non-fiction apps based on circular characters whose real life stories start where they end. Rounds: Franklin Frog follows the life cycle of a frog through three generations.
• Hands-on opportunities to take part in the life of a frog: tap , swipe and guide frogs with your finger to make them jump, swim, catch flies, avoid predators, find a place to hibernate, croak to attract a mate, lay eggs, hatch, and transform from a tadpole into a frog.
• 100s of frog facts: did you know that frogs chew by pressing food against the back of their eyeballs with their tongues?
• High-quality child-narrated audio accompanied by text highlighting (but you can also turn the voice audio off so the child can read the text by themselves if you prefer)
• Original , high-quality illustration, made of circles and parts of circles to reflect the circle-of-life theme
• Original musical sound-track by an award-winning games composer

Check out this video:

My thoughts on this book app:
Just as publishers are creating or featuring more informational texts to address the growing demand for nonfiction books as part of the curriculum, there will certainly be book app designers seeking to address this issues as well.  Nosy Crow has created a series called "Rounds" which will look at life cycles of various animals.  In it's first release, the focus in on frogs.


Readers are introduced to Franklin the Frog and eventually his mate, Felicity.  The narrator of the book is a child and this book app leads children through the life cycle of a frog. 


Over the course of the book app, students will meet Franklin and two generations of off-spring which is where the concept of "rounds" comes in.  With each introduction of a new off-spring, the story again moves through reproduction, infancy, child-rearing, and into adulthood.  The app provides readers with enough prompts and guides to keep the story moving, but also allows children to continue to make Franklin (and the others) move repeatedly (both swimming, and jumping), as well as allows for interaction on each page.

Franklin Frog is clearly a book with special enhancements and extra features.  As I explored this app, I never had the sense that this was a game or simply another form of entertainment.  Instead, the balance between text, and interaction with the book was well thought through making this an enjoyable book for young children.     

Common Core Standards Associated with Texts listed above:

Integration of Knowledge and Ideas:

Kinder:
  • CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RI.K.8 With prompting and support, identify the reasons an author gives to support points in a text.
  • CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RI.K.9 With prompting and support, identify basic similarities in and differences between two texts on the same topic (e.g., in illustrations, descriptions, or procedures)
First:

Range of Reading and Level of Text Complexity:

Kinder:

CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RI.K.10 Actively engage in group reading activities with purpose and understanding.

First Grade:

CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RI.1.10 With prompting and support, read informational texts appropriately complex for grade 1.

It's Monday! What are your reading? From Picture Books to YA - 5/20/13

It's Monday! What are you reading? is hosted by Sheila of Book Journey. Jen & Kellee from Teach Mentor Texts have adapted this to focus on Picture Books to Young Adult Books.

As the end of the school year quickly approaches, my reading is a bit more sporadic.  Here's what jumped out at me from this past week:


Al Capone Does My Homework by Gennifer Choldenko (Dial, August 20, 2013) - Fans of the Al Capone series are going to really enjoy this book. 
 

The Boy on the Porch by Sharon Creech (HarperCollins, September 3, 2013) - I am still processing this book.  I truly believe children and adults will have different thoughts about it.  Can't wait to see what others think.


If You Want to See a Whale by Julie Fogliano; Illustrated by Erin E Stead (Roaring Brook Press, May 7, 2013) - I am such a fan of Stead's artwork and if you are a fan, you'll want to take a look at it too.  This is a second book by the team of Fogliano and Stead. 

Now to share about something new...


Common Core IRL: In Real Libraries is a new series that will kick-off this Wednesday, May 22, 2013.  For more information, check out the post written by Mary Ann Scheuer, Great Kid Books. 

"In our series Common Core IRL: In Real Libraries, we are choosing high-interest subjects and looking at how we can support elementary students as they read increasingly complex texts around a subject. We want to provide both stimulating read-alouds, especially for young students, and just-right books of increasing complexity" - Mary Ann Scheuer

Join me, Louise Cappizo & Cathy Potter from The Nonfiction Detectives, Travis Jonkers from 100 Scope Notes, and Mary Ann Scheuer from Great Kid Books as we embark on this new series on Wednesday.