Our third read-aloud introduces the students to the ancient and mystical Indian sub-continent. In this book, slightly reminiscent of Lost Horizon, a healer invites twelve-year-old Anand to join him on a quest to return a magical conch to its safe and rightful home, high in the Himalayan mountains.
10/20 - this 1994 Newbery Medal winner has become one of the most studied novels of our time. The story centers on twelve-year-old Jonas, who lives in a seemingly ideal, if colorless, world of conformity and contentment. Not until he is given his life assignment as the Receiver of Memory does he begin to understand the dark, complex secrets behind his fragile community. "The Giver" helps students start to think about their place in society, and the importance of family, community, and government.
Our second read-aloud is one of MY favorites that I still remember from when I was in 5th grade! This tale relates the incredible adventures of Professor William Waterman Sherman, who in 1883 journeys in a balloon across the Pacific Ocean, survives the volcanic eruption of Krakatoa, and is eventually rescued in the Atlantic Ocean. A great story with many connections to Science and Social Studies.
8/21 - Our first literary selection is about cabbage, stereotypes, worms, overcoming fears, embroidery, friendship, sustainable farms, families, perseverance, and much more. Sounds crazy, but it all makes perfect sense if you read the book. This story connects to our science curriculum and our science fair, and as an added bonus the main character engages in an ongoing conversation with the author after each chapter, giving us valuable insights into the writing process and the mind of Linda Sue Park.
8/19 - To kick off the year, I am reading aloud "History's a Mystery" by Australian author Dell Brand. The book welcomes students to Mr. Mac's class. No, not Mr. McIlquham's 6th grade class in Johnson City, TN - this story is all about Mr. McIlquham's 5th grade class in Coolongawong, Queensland, Australia! The story feature's a cool (but old!) teacher, interesting classroom interactive activities and projects, and a magical time travel portal that appears and disappears in the classroom. In all but the last detail I hope that it resembles my classroom!