Book Recommendation- Pete the Cat

Looking for a new book to use in the classroom or even at home with your own kids? I have a great recommendation for you... Pete the Cat written by Eric Litwin and illustrated by James Dean. Pete the Cat is a fantastic children's book that works for both adults and kids alike. My students love the repetitive text and the catchy tune of the song. I guarantee that you will find yourself singing and grooving to it when you least expect it. It’s a great text for beginning readers; however, I have noticed that readers of all levels love it.

The message is a positive take on those unexpected speed bumps we all encounter. In a very simple fashion, Pete teaches us that even though we all “step in it” from time to time, the goal is to “keep walking along, singing our song.” One of my students proudly proclaimed, “Don’t let the bad things get you down”. Well said Morgan!

Check out the following videos. Yes, they are all of the same book, but each is worth viewing.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nUubMSfIs-U (author and illustrator performing the book)

www.harpercollins.com/petethecat (story and song download)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QNAeRy6jS7c (preschooler reading the book with a toddler listening in)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yRALCpZP9ro&feature=related (another precious video of a little girl reading the book)

Purchase it now at Amazon.

Pete the Cat: I Love My White Shoes by Eric Litwin and James Dean (Hardcover - Mar 2, 2010)

Buy new: $16.99 $11.55

Who can pass this adorable cat up?

Pete the Cat Doll by Eric Litwin and James Dean (Hardcover - Sep 15, 2010)

Buy new: $15.00 $10.12

Teacher Open House at The Journey Museum

I attended the Teacher’s Open House at The Journey Museum with Mrs. Tautkus this evening. We were treated to hors d'eouvres and a gift bag which included a jump drive (can always use another one of those- woo hoo). We also got to check out the new portable planetarium and explore the museum exhibits. We both agreed that we need to get a Teacher Subscription and discussed taking our students to The Journey Museum for a field trip. There is so much to see and do. For more information, check out their website at: http://www.journeymuseum.org/.

An unexpected plus of tonight was running into old acquaintances. One such person was Dr. Alsup, a former professor of mine from Black Hills State University. I have to admit that I never cared much for mathematics… that was until class with Dr. Alsup. He helped me understand the importance, the beauty, and the intrigue of the subject matter. I felt valued as a student and left his class more prepared, energized, and enthused to teach math to others. Thank you Dr. Alsup!

First Three Weeks

The first three weeks of school have flown by. How can that be? It feels like just yesterday I was walking the aisles of Walmart in awe of the brightly colored school supplies. Folders, notebooks, and highlighters, oh my… sticky notes, paper clips, and erasers, oh my…

September is one of my favorite times of the year. I love the excitement of back-to-school. It’s a fresh start, a new beginning, an adventure just waiting to embark on… I have 25 energetic and enthusiastic learners this year.  We have spent our first weeks together learning each other’s names and getting to know one another, setting up our class agreement, and creating our class mission statement. We have also been busy establishing routines and expectations.  We are off to an awesome start. We have also:

·         learned what real reading is

·         built up our stamina for Read to Self and Read to Someone during Reader’s Workshop

·         Started small, individual Guided Reading groups

·         Begun taking home “Just Right” books to read to our family members

·         Settled into our Writer’s Workshop routine

·         Explored counting strategies

·         Developed and shared different strategies for solving story problems

·         So much more…