Read Plant A Kiss (Amy Krouse Rosenthal's new book) to a group of second graders today, continuing our work on developing opinions about texts. If you haven't read the book, it's another one of those that teaches an important life lesson (I thought there were actually three life-lessons included...), well worth sharing. Plus, you can't go wrong with Peter Reynolds, who did the illustrations (as anyone who knows me would expect me to say!!). (Click on the book cover to go to Amazon and preview the book.)
Opened it up for discussion, asking simply, "So what did you think?"
One second grader shared, "I think the character was very courageous because she took a risk by planting the kiss, then going against everyone's advice by sharing the joy and magic with others." Wowsers! We followed up her comment with some clarifications and affirmations. Open-ended discussions can be great like that--students modeling critical thinking for other students, students putting all that great vocabulary teaching into action, and students surprising even their teachers! (We also had several girls say they really liked the use of glitter in the book--yep, if you're a glitter fan, this book is for you!)
I love teaching. I love giving students the opportunity to build their thinking through supportive, natural exchanges. Hooray for us--there are so many great books out there to spark great conversation!
More good stuff:
Amy Krouse Rosenthal's website: http://www.whoisamy.com/
Peter Reynold's website: http://www.peterhreynolds.com/
My blog posting about open-ended discussions (which includes a link to a useful handout :) http://janielwagstaff.blogspot.com/2012/03/updated-info-for-open-ended-discussions.html
I'm glad to know about another of this pair's books. I have Rosenthal's This Plus That little poetry book and love it. Your story is so telling as to what you've been doing in class with your students. Nice to hear them enjoying the story and learning something for their lives from it. thanks!
ReplyDeleteHi Linda,
ReplyDeleteSo nice to hear from you again! I appreciate your friendly comments. Yep, anything by these authors is wonderful. I know you taught (still work in?) middle school. Do you/the teachers you work with use a lot of children's books with your students? I always push for this, but feel there is resistance. Do you think this is true? If so, why do you think that's the case?
Best to you! -j
I just picked up this book from the library. I must have read a review somewhere so I requested it. Now I'll be sure to make time to read it soon. I loved the explanation of how you used it with your students.
ReplyDeleteGreat article! I really wish I had you as my literacy coach when I was in school. Thank you a lot for your work here, I am looking forward to reading more.
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