What We're Reading- October 17

Well, a parent challenged me this week.  Challenged me as a writer.  Of course, I accepted.  She and I were meeting on something totally unrelated to anything I will write about here and she ended it by thanking me for my weekly emails.  *Top secret- but they are one of my favorite teacher "duties."  She said, "you should write a blog."  Challenge accepted.  I've started- and never followed through- with blogs twice before.  Oops.  I think I cast my net too wide on those past attempts.  So here's what I'll start with- "What We're Reading."

You see, we read A LOT in Kinder.  I mean, all the time.  I have found books that I like, books that I don't like, and books that I just adore.

My first book to note is BJ Novak's new children's book- "The Book With No Pictures."  I loved (ok, still love) The Office.  Ryan was so annoying- yet hilarious.  BJ Novak is a funny, and after reading this book- a bit of a genius.

See him read it below-

I did a big teacher "no no" and didn't pre read the book before reading it aloud.  I am so glad I didn't.  I got to experience it for the first time side by side with my shorties.  They were hooked.  We read it three times- and could have read it more.  It elicited such a response from the audience that they begged for more.  Any book that produces this reaction from a tough audience of five year olds is a winner in my book.  Reader beware- this book will make you say silly things- or has BJ Novak says- "preposterous things."  (Hint- Vocabulary teachable moment!)

I'm not sure if it was the "Robot Monkey" or the hippo named "Boo Boo Butt" that got them.  Or maybe it was the part that they were lauded as the smartest kids in the universe.  Whatever it was- he has a gift for words and a gift for knowing what children want.

A friend on Facebook posted something about how could one calm down a class after reading this book?  My reply- let the kids off the conveyor belt that modern, politicized education has them on.  Let them be little!  Let them laugh.  Let them roar.  Let them be kids.  And this book lets them do all those things.

I could link a lesson plan or a post reading response, but we didn't do one.  Honestly- I didn't even have one in mind to do.

This book is for all- all ages, all stages, all people.  If you like to laugh, this book is for you.

The Book With No Pictures- Amazon