Reading is our Cup of Tea!

There's nothing like a good book to warm the soul! During the year, we'll read literally hundreds of wonderful books! The following is a list of our main literature themes. Please know that these are not set in stone, as we try to follow the interests of the children! Also, there are other subthemes that relate to seasonal and holiday times that we'll explore through literature!
These are our "tea"-rrific themes! You'll also find related links, so click away! Please be aware however, due to the changing nature of the internet, that although these sites seem "family friendly," it is always best to be involved when your child is online! There is also a link below each category to our ONLINE units...see many of the activities that accompany each theme!
Online Literature Units

SEPTEMBER

"BACK TO SCHOOL WITH CLIFFORD, THE BIG RED DOG"

We'll read lots of stories starring Norman Bridwell's favorite character as we settle into first grade! Some of the titles include "Clifford Goes to Hollywood" "Clifford's Family" and "Clifford, the Small Red Puppy." We'll also meet other literature dogs, such as Harry the Dirty Dog and McDuff! No bones about it -- it'll be a great start! Click below to visit Scholastic Book's Clifford site! Online Clifford Unit Clifford's Site

OCTOBER

"NIGHT"

During October, we'll read stories about night, bedtime and dreams. We'll read "Ten, Nine, Eight" "No Jumping on the Bed" and "Bedtime for Frances." We'll study nocturnal animals as well, and read "Stellaluna" and "Owl Moon" among others! Visit the sites below to see some night creatures and find out more about bats! Online Night Unit Bats For Kids Nocturnal Animals

NOVEMBER and DECEMBER

"LITTLE HOUSE BOOKS"

As the months get chillier, we'll cozy up with an author study of Laura Ingalls Wilder. We'll travel back in time to the pioneer days, and compare life long ago with our own. We'll enjoy her original novels, the lovely picture books and the easy-reader chapter book series. Some titles include "Winter Days in the Big Woods" "Dance at Grandpa's" and "Pioneer Sisters." Frontier Girl is an absolute must-see site! "Little House Books" is from the publisher Harper-Collins...check it out for ALL of the great Little House books and craft kits! Online Author Study of Laura Ingalls Wilder Frontier Girl Little House Books

JANUARY

"WINTER and QUILTS"

Our pioneer unit continues, as we focus on winter and quilts. Some favorite stories include "The Quilt Story" and "Josefina's Story Quilt." We'll explore the concept of patterns and symmetry within quilts, and maybe even get a taste of pioneer life as we work on a real class quilt! Visit the "Quiltmaker's Gift" site to see a wonderful new quilt story come to life! We'll also read several winter stories, including Jan Brett's "The Mitten" and "The Hat." There's lots to see on her site! Online Quilt Unit Quiltmaker's Gift Jan Brett

FEBRUARY

"FROG AND TOAD ARE FRIENDS"

The month of February is a time for friendship, and we'll meet two of the best friends in children's books - Frog and Toad, from the classic Arnold Lobel series, which include "Frog and Toad are Friends" "Frog and Toad Together" and "Days with Frog and Toad." Of course, we'll meet other Lobel characters too, including "Owl at Home" and "Grasshopper." We'll learn about real frogs and toads, too. Try this "froggy" page for fun as well as "web-frog" which has loads of frog links and a live "frog cam!" Online Frog and Toad Unit Web-Frog The Froggy Page

MARCH

"TRICKSTER TALES"

Leprechauns are well-known tricksters, and this month we'll explore this genre through literature. We'll read stories from Ireland, such as "Leprechauns Never Lie" "Tricky Alex" and "Tim O'Toole and the Wee Folk." We'll spend some time with Gerald McDermott and his collection of trickster tales from around the world, such as "Raven" and "Coyote." Have some Irish fun on this link! "Tales of Wonder" contains stories from around the world, including some African trickster tales...well worth a visit! Online Trickster Tale Unit Tales of Wonder Leprechaun Link

APRIL

"BEATRIX POTTER TALES"

Our class will be hopping as we explore the world of Peter Rabbit, Benjamin Bunny and the other lovable characters from the world of Beatrix Potter. Other stories by this author include "The Fierce Bad Rabbit" "Jemima Puddle-duck" and "Mrs. Tiggy-winkle." We'll compare Potter's fictional rabbits with real rabbits and hares as we investigate nonfiction books. This "official" Peter Rabbit site has spectacular graphics and fun games! Online Author Study of Beatrix Potter Peter Rabbit Home Page

MAY and JUNE

"FAIRY TALES"

Our year ends "happily ever after" as we read many, many versions of classic fairy tales, such as "The Princess and the Pea" "Rumpelstiltskin" "Sleeping Beauty" and so many more! Comparing "Cinderella" stories will be delightful, too! Did you know that nearly EVERY country has a Cinderella story? And don't forget the funny and modern tales, such as "Cinderella Bigfoot" and "Dinorella!" Visit these sites for folktales and other children's stories online! Online Fairy Tale Unit Children's Stories Fairy Tales and Other Online Stories

As we read selections from each theme, we will respond in various ways to the literature. We may write, draw or create art projects, which we'll keep in a special "theme" folder throughout the unit. As we near the end of each theme, we'll review all that we've learned, and then take the theme folder home to show our families!

Don't you think it's time to pour yourself a cup of tea, snuggle up with a quilt and READ?!! WE DO!

Buzz back home!

(thanks to amazon for the pictures!)