Curating Reads for Your Third Grader: Reviewing 'Bad Guys' by Aaron Blabey
Synopsis:
"The Bad Guys" is a delightful children's graphic novel series created by Australian author Aaron Blabey. It follows a group of quirky anthropomorphic animals known as the "Bad Guys". Led by their charismatic leader, Mr. Wolf, these characters embark on humorous adventures where they strive to do good deeds and prove to the world that they're more than just stereotypes. Through their comical escapades and unexpected twists, the series explores themes of redemption, friendship, and the importance of second chances, all while captivating young readers with its engaging illustrations and lighthearted storytelling. Join the Bad Guys on their quest to change perceptions and discover the fun and heartwarming lessons they learn along the way!
Watch my video to hear my review:
Boost Your Third Grader's Reading Comprehension with the Cam Jansen Series: A Parent's Review
Here’s my synopsis:
Get ready to solve mysteries with Cam Jansen, the detective with a photographic memory! In her latest adventure at the circus, Cam's Aunt Molly's wallet goes missing, and Cam smells something fishy. Could one of the clowns be hiding more than just a red nose and big shoes? Join Cam as she uses her amazing memory to crack the case and uncover the truth in this exciting tale under the big top!
Check out my video for my review:
Empowering Parents to Enhance Reading Comprehension: Review of 'Mia Mayhem Learns to Fly
Synopsis:
Join Mia on an exhilarating journey as she finds herself in a beginner's flying class surrounded by kindergarteners. Faced with initial struggles and moments of doubt, Mia contemplates giving up. However, with unwavering support from her best friend Eddie and guidance from the school's top flier, Mia discovers the secrets to soaring through the skies.
Check out my video for my review:
Elevate Reading: Enhancing Third Graders' Comprehension with Flat Stanley Book Reviews
Here is my synopsis:
Embark on a timeless adventure with Flat Stanley and the Lambchop family, captivating readers of all ages with its irresistible charm and imaginative twists.
Flat Stanley isn't just a story; it's an invitation to explore the world through the eyes of a uniquely flattened hero. Perfect for reluctant readers and avid bookworms alike, each Flat Stanley book offers a rich tapestry of multicultural experiences, engaging plotlines, and memorable characters that both parents and teachers will appreciate.
In this classic tale, Stanley's ordinary morning takes an extraordinary turn when he wakes up to find himself mysteriously flattened to just half an inch thick. From being rolled up like a scroll to soaring through the sky like a kite, Stanley embarks on a series of daring escapades that showcase his unwavering courage and quick thinking. As he navigates unexpected challenges and thwarts art thieves, Stanley proves that heroism knows no bounds—even for someone as flat as he is.
Join Stanley on a journey that transcends the ordinary and sparks the imagination, leaving readers of all ages eagerly flipping through the pages to discover where his adventures will take him next.
Make sure to watch the video to hear my review:
Unlocking Imagination: Exploring the Owl Diaries Series for Enhanced Reading Skills
Here’s a quick synopsis of the book:
Dive into the captivating world of the Owl Diaries series, a beloved addition to Scholastic's Branches lineup tailored for emerging readers. With its engaging narratives, vibrant illustrations, and accessible language, these books are designed to ignite a love for reading while bolstering confidence and stamina.
In this latest installment, join Eva, the spirited owl, as she faces a wing injury that threatens her ability to document her adventures in her cherished diary. As Eva navigates the challenges of her temporary setback, her loyal friends and family rally around her, offering support and humor in equal measure. With its delightful blend of speech bubbles, charming characters, and relatable situations, this New York Times bestselling series promises to captivate young readers and inspire a lifelong passion for storytelling.
Watch the video of my review of the book:
Coordinating conjunctions: what are they? Third grade teacher teaching common core standards
As parents, it's valuable to understand different types of sentences that your child will learn about. One important type is the simple sentence, which contains a single subject and verb and expresses a complete thought. For example, "She reads books."
Another type is the compound sentence, which joins two independent clauses with coordinating conjunctions like "and," "but," or "so." These sentences help children express more complex ideas, such as "She likes to read, but he prefers to play outside."
Lastly, complex sentences include an independent clause and a dependent clause, linked by subordinating conjunctions like "because," "although," or "while." These sentences teach children to connect ideas logically, like "Because it was raining, they stayed indoors."
By understanding these sentence types, you can better support your child's language development and help them become confident writers and communicators.
Positively Engaging: A third Grader Teacher’s Review of "Pug Pal” for Reading Comprehension
Parents, here is a little synopsis on the book:
Join Sunny and Rosy, two adorable pugs, on a heartwarming adventure as they embark on a vacation to Grandma and Grandpa's house. While their human is away, they're ready for endless snuggles and plenty of pug snacks. But their dream getaway takes an unexpected turn when a mysterious intruder wreaks havoc in Grandma's garden, and the blame falls squarely on the pugs' shoulders.
Now, it's up to Sunny and Rosy to unravel the mystery and clear their names before their pug paradise turns into a nightmare. With wagging tails and determination, they embark on a paw-some mission to save their vacation and prove their innocence. Will they succeed, or will their pugtastic adventure come to a disastrous end?
Get ready for a delightful tale filled with friendship, mischief, and plenty of pug charm. "Sunny and Rosy's Vacation Mystery" is a must-read for parents and children alike, offering laughter, suspense, and a paw-sitively enchanting story that will warm your heart and leave you begging for more.
Why Every Elementary Student Needs a Print Dictionary
In today's digital age, the allure of quick online answers is undeniable. With a world of knowledge at our fingertips, it's tempting to bypass the tangible tools of yesteryear, like the trusty print dictionary. Yet, before we consign these relics to the annals of history, let's consider the hidden treasures they hold, especially for our elementary school children.
Rediscovering the Joy of Words
Do you remember the thrill of flipping through the pages of a dictionary, stumbling upon words you never knew existed? For many of us, those moments of serendipitous discovery were invaluable. The print dictionary isn't just a reference tool; it's a gateway to adventure.
In the hustle of homework, a print dictionary offers more than just definitions; it provides a sanctuary for curious minds to wander. From uncovering the absurdity of "gardyloo" to savoring the whimsy of "codswallop," each page is a trove of linguistic delight. And unlike its online counterparts, the print dictionary invites exploration beyond the confines of the immediate query.
Fostering Curiosity and Connection
As parents, we play a crucial role in nurturing our children's love for language. By sharing in the joy of discovery, we ignite their curiosity and deepen their appreciation for words. Letting our children witness our own fascination with language encourages them to embark on their own linguistic journey.
Moreover, the print dictionary serves as a catalyst for meaningful conversations about language and its impact. While it's inevitable that children will explore taboo words, it presents an opportunity for dialogue. Instead of shying away from uncomfortable topics, we can use these moments to discuss the power of language and the significance of context.
Celebrating the Diversity of Language
At its core, the print dictionary reminds us that words are more than just symbols on a page; they're reflections of our shared human experience. Whether profound or playful, words shape our understanding of the world around us. By embracing the diversity of language, we honor our history, celebrate our culture, and forge connections with others.
So, parents, don't overlook the humble print dictionary in your child's educational arsenal. Beyond its practical utility lies a world of wonder waiting to be explored. Let's embark on this adventure together, one word at a time. Who knows? Your child might just discover their new favorite word—and a newfound appreciation for the richness of language.
The Value of a Personal Dictionary for your Child
As parents, we're always looking for ways to support our children's education and help them become more independent learners. Personal student dictionaries, often known as word books, are incredibly valuable tools for children in elementary school. By prioritizing these user-friendly tools at home, you can enhance your child's literacy skills and make learning more personalized. Here are 5 reasons why parents should encourage the use of personal student dictionaries at home.
1. Promotes Independence
One of the standout benefits of using personal student dictionaries is the boost in independence it gives children. Before introducing this tool, many parents find themselves assisting their children with spelling during homework sessions. This can be time-consuming and can take away from the valuable time spent on other aspects of learning.
With a personal dictionary at their fingertips, children can tackle spelling challenges on their own. When writing, parents can encourage their child to use the "GUM it" method: Guess, Underline, and Move on. Explain that while perfect spelling isn't necessary in a first draft, it's essential to capture the intended meaning.
2. Enhances Performance
Consistent use of personal dictionaries can lead to improvements in spelling, alphabetical order, and self-editing skills. Children often take pride in using their dictionaries to find or add words they're learning.
Instead of traditional weekly spelling tests, parents can encourage children to apply spelling and word work skills in their daily writing. Not all children will excel in spelling, but mastering editing and revising skills can make a significant difference.
3. Customizable for Different Abilities
Every child is unique, and their learning needs can vary greatly. Personal student dictionaries can be tailored to cater to these differences. Parents can create two versions of the dictionary: one for younger readers focusing on basic sight words and another for older readers with more advanced vocabulary.
Both versions can include spaces for children to add words that are personally relevant to them, making the dictionary even more valuable.
4. Encourages Vocabulary Growth
A new reason to consider personal student dictionaries is their ability to expand vocabulary. With the inclusion of a "Have a Go" page, children are encouraged to attempt spelling unknown words independently. This not only reinforces spelling skills but also introduces children to new vocabulary.
Parents can make this a fun activity by turning it into a game. Encourage your child to write down unfamiliar words they come across in their reading or daily life and then look them up together, adding them to their dictionary.
5. Facilitates Easy Use
Creating a personal student dictionary doesn't have to be complicated. As parents, you can make it easy to start by setting aside a little time to assemble the dictionary with your child. Start by finding a notebook or binder and dividing it into alphabetical sections. Then, let your child add words as they learn them.
By integrating personal student dictionaries into your child's learning routine, you're not only supporting their literacy development but also fostering independence, enhancing performance, and encouraging vocabulary growth. It's a simple yet effective way to make learning more personalized and enjoyable for your child.
Download your FREE personal dictionary - click the link below.
Why parents need to work with their child to develop Reading Comprehension Skills
Here's a breakdown of why parents should work with their elementary children to build reading comprehension:
Active Comprehension Strategies:
Active Reading: Good readers are active as they read, engaging with the text by predicting, associating ideas with prior knowledge, revising prior knowledge, interpreting the text, and evaluating its quality.
Lack of Activity in Young Readers: Young and less skilled readers often lack these active reading behaviors.
Comprehension Strategies: Teaching children to use comprehension strategies like generating questions, constructing mental images, summarizing, and analyzing stories can significantly improve their memory and comprehension of text.
Use of Multiple Strategies: Excellent readers use a combination of these strategies simultaneously, rather than one at a time. Therefore, it's essential to teach children how to use these strategies together.
Transactional Strategies Instruction: This approach encourages students to use strategies in a self-regulated manner, which has been shown to be effective in improving comprehension over a longer period.
Consistency and Long-Term Instruction:
Regular Instruction: Teaching comprehension strategies should be a daily practice in schools and at home.
Long-Term Benefits: Effective comprehension instruction provides consistent and significant benefits over a semester or school year.
Monitoring:
Self-Awareness in Reading: Good readers know when they need to put in more effort to understand a text.
Decoding and Making Sense: They monitor their decoding efforts to ensure words make sense in the context.
Seeking Clarification: When confused or when the text doesn't make sense, good readers seek clarification, often through rereading.
Teaching Monitoring: Children should be taught to monitor their reading by consistently asking themselves, "Is what I am reading making sense?" and to take action when confused, like rereading or sounding out a word.
Why Parents Should Work with Their Children:
Support and Reinforcement: Parents can reinforce the comprehension strategies taught at school by practicing them at home with their children.
Personalized Attention: Parents can provide individualized attention, addressing specific areas where their child may struggle with comprehension.
Encouragement: Parental involvement can boost a child's confidence in their reading abilities and motivate them to practice comprehension strategies independently.
Real-Life Application: Parents can help children see the practical application of comprehension strategies in everyday situations, making the learning more relevant and engaging.
In conclusion, working with elementary children to build reading comprehension is crucial for their academic success and lifelong learning. Parents play a vital role in supporting and reinforcing the comprehension strategies taught at school, helping children develop into active and proficient readers. Through consistent practice and monitoring, children can improve their reading comprehension skills, leading to better understanding and enjoyment of texts across various subjects.
Looking for a FREE resource that will help start this process? (Click the pic below)
Help Your Elementary Student Master Sentence Writing
As parents and teachers, we know that helping our kids become confident writers is a big step toward their success in school and beyond. Maya Angelou said, "You can’t use up creativity. The more you use, the more you have." This is especially true for young writers!
So, let's guide our young learners as they discover the joy of crafting sentences. Here are some parent-friendly tips to get you started:
Start Simple
Introduce your child to the building blocks of a sentence: the subject and the predicate. Keep it simple and fun to lay a strong foundation.
Discover Parts of Speech Together
Help your child grasp the basics by playing games that focus on nouns, verbs, adjectives, and more. Spotting these in sentences they read or write can be a fun challenge!
Grow that Word Bank
A strong vocabulary makes for strong sentences. Here are some ways to help your child learn new words:
Read diverse books together to find new words.
Teach them to guess word meanings from context.
Start with age-appropriate dictionaries.
Play word games and puzzles.
Introduce a new word each day and use it in a sentence.
Encourage them to keep a word journal.
Talk about interesting words you encounter daily.
Practice Makes Perfect
Like any skill, writing sentences gets better with practice. Here's how you can make practice engaging:
Sentence-building Exercises: Give them subjects and predicates to match and create complete sentences.
Sentence Puzzles: Make learning fun by creating sentence puzzles with jumbled words. Can they put them back together correctly?
Sentence-building Games: Games like 'Sentence Relay' or 'Sentence Scramble' can make learning feel like playtime!
Start with some simple sentence arranging games to make learning fun and engaging for your little one.
Do you have access to my FREE Resource Library?
Understanding Fractions builds a Wonderful Mathematical Foundation for Third Grade
Understanding fractions is crucial for a child's mathematical journey, especially in third grade where foundational concepts are introduced. It's not just about learning numbers; fractions teach kids about parts of a whole, a skill that extends beyond math into real-life situations.
Traditional methods of teaching fractions can be daunting for young learners. Instead, parents and teachers can gradually introduce concepts like numerator and denominator, proper and improper fractions, and mixed fractions. This approach helps children grasp the idea that a fraction represents a part of the whole, making it more relatable and easier to understand.
Using real-life examples, like dividing a pie into slices, can make fractions more tangible. Kids can visualize how fractions work by seeing how portions of the pie relate to the whole.
To reinforce these concepts, interactive and engaging practice is key. Worksheets tailored for third graders provide a structured and effective way for children to practice fractions. Activities such as determining equal parts, representing shaded regions, and verifying statements about fractions help solidify understanding and problem-solving skills.
By incorporating these activities into learning, children not only improve their math skills but also develop critical thinking and analytical abilities. So, whether it's through slicing pies or completing worksheets, practicing fractions is a valuable endeavor that sets the stage for mathematical success.
Click the pic below to receive your FREE 13 page workbook!
