Book Review: Back to Front and Upside Down

by Claire Alexander
Interest Level: K-2
Winner of the 2012 Schneider Family Book Award
 
From the Book Jacket: It's the principal's birthday, and the class is busy writing cards for the special occasion. But Stan's letters tumble out in a muddle. 

With a friend's help, Stan finds the courage to voice his fears. And after lots and lots of practice, Stan's letters come out the right way round and the right way up. 

This warm, sympathetic book deals with a common childhood frustration and will remind readers that everyone has to ask for help sometimes.

Why It's On My Bookshelf: Sometimes in life you get exactly what you need at the right moment. I feel that way about books all the time. Back to Front and Upside Down could have not come at a better time. We have a student who is VERY frustrated for lots of reasons. One of his challenges revolves around academic tasks and becoming frustrated when he is stuck or upset when the teacher can't help him right away.

I used this story in his classroom as a social skills lesson on how to overcome your frustrations. Stan uses the skill of asking for help to move forward. This is a really helpful book if you are working with K-2 grades on school readiness skills.

Watch the Book Trailer Here:


A Link to This Book and Others You Might Find Helpful:

Book Review: The Call of the Cowboy

Author: David Bruins
Illustrator: Hilary Leung
Interest Level: Ages 4 and Up

A Note From the Publisher: When the bear wants to spend the afternoon photographing birds, the exuberant cowboy inadvertently makes a nuisance of himself as he loudly chews bubble gum, hops on a pogo stick and slurps a pop. When the ninja just wants to read quietly, the cowboy is wildly distracting as he drums on rocks, bats a paddleball and gabs on his cell phone. The cowboy's boisterous mood prompts the ninja and the bear to drop their respective activities, leaving their pal alone to wonder why no one wants to be with him. Can he find the peace and quiet he needs to figure it out?

Why It's On My Bookshelf: Ever been focused on an activity and there is a constant interruption? Kinda annoying. Walk into a classroom and you will see all kinds of concentration going on. Take a closer look and you might see some kids off task interrupting that focus. This book is for those little darlings - the invaders of learning. I also love how the story starts out describing cowboy as a good friend, kind, caring, and fun. It's important for the interrupters to know we think they are awesome. But they can be more awesome if they show respect to the other learners around them. This is a short sweet story and it will be making the rounds with me this fall as kids get back into their school groove.

A Link to This Book and Others You Might Find Helpful:

Book Review: Lacey Walker, Nonstop Talker

Author: Christianne Jones
Illustrated by Richard Watson
Interest Level: K-3

About This Book: Lacey Walker loves to talk. She talks all day, and sometimes all night. But when she loses her voice, Lacey learns the importance of listening.

Why It's On My Bookshelf: Even though the school year is wrapping up, I am already plotting and planning my lessons for the fall. I've got my great standby books ready to go but I also just got some new ones to teach beginning of the year school skills. Lacy Walker, Nonstop Talker (the title rocks) is going to be one of my new heavy hitters for teaching listening. We have some major nonstop talkers (can't wait to introduce those two words!) in some of our classrooms. I know you understand exactly what I am talking about. The kids who just won't stop the chatter. 

This is a unique story about listening because Lacey loses her voice. She realizes all her nonstop talking causes her to miss out on well....everything. Her silence forces her to be a listener. And what do you know....lots of positive stuff happens. Great lesson in this one. Can't wait for our chatter boxes to LISTEN to this book.

A Link To This Book and Others You Might Find Helpful:




 

I See I Learn Series

Author: Stuart J Murphy
Website: I See I Learn
Publisher: Charlesbridge
Interest Level: Kindergarten/Preschool

Percy Gets Upset
Sometimes Percy gets upset. He scowls and stamps his feet. But when he learns to take a deep breath, count to ten, and talk about his feelings, he can calm down. When Percy's not upset, he can have fun again!

Percy Plays It Safe
When Percy plays at the park, he's a monster! Roaring and growling, he climbs up the slide, stomps in the sandbox, and jumps off the swing. Will he ever learn how to be a safe monster?




Freda Plans a Picnic
Freda's mom says that she can invite her friends to a picnic in her backyard. There is so much to do, from packing the picnic basket to cleaning up. Will Freda's plan be a success?





Freda Is Found
Freda is excited to be on a class field trip. But after she stops to look in a store window, she can't find her group.






Emma's Friendwich
Emma has just moved to a new city where she doesn't know anyone. When she sees a a girl her age next door, she wonders what she can do to get to know her. What if she smiles, asks to play, and shares her toys?




Camille's Team
Camille loves to build sand forts at the beach. But it's hard to build a big fort alone. Camille and her friends make a plan. They find that they can get more done--and have more fun--when they work together.




Write On, Carlos!
Carlos wants to write his name like some of his friends can. After he practices over and over again, Carlos is proud to show his friends what he can do.





Good Job, Ajay!
Ajay wants to throw a ball strait and far like his big sister, Meera. He tries, but he just can't do it. then his friends remind Ajay how he learned to do other things that seemed hard at the time.




Why They Are On My Bookshelf: Here's what this series covers: making friends, building confidence, playground safety, sequencing, cooperation, dealing with frustration, getting help when lost, and writing your name. These are some of the social/life issues our kids need to master. What better way to learn them then through a concrete series.

Growing up I remember my mom had a set of books similar to these. Granted it was the 70's so they might not have been so vividly illustrated with cool characters. But I read those books OVER and OVER again. They had an impact on me and I remember feeling like a little adult as I gained knowledge about important life skills. I'll be loaning these out to teachers and parents for sure next year. You might want a set of your own to sneak into book boxes in your classrooms. Oh, and of course I'll be reading them to my daughter!

Also, the author talks/previews each book on YouTube. I'm a huge fan of being able to peek at a book before I buy it. Here's a trailer of Emma's Friendwich:



If you check out the series website there are posters you can print out for each book as a teaching tool. It's under the link resources. LOVE!

Enjoy this new series!

Book Review: The Worst Day of My Life Ever! My Story About Listening and Following Instructions (...or not!)

Author: Julia Cook

Illustrated by Kelsey De Weerd
Interest Level: Ages 4-8

Book Website: www.juliacookonline.com 

Publisher: Boys Town Press
Additional Resources: The Worst Day of My Life EVER! Activity Guide for Teachers; Poster Set

 

From the Book Jacket: RJ has had a rough day...he wakes up with gum stuck in his hair, misses recess because he's late to school, earns a zero on his math homework, kicks the ball into his own team's soccer goal, and messes up Mom's kitchen with his overflowing pancake batter! With his mother's help, RJ learns that his problems happen because he doesn't listen or pay attention to directions from her, his school principal, teachers, or even his friends.

This book is the first in the BEST ME I Can BE! series to teach children social skills that can make home life happier and school more successful. Tips for parents and educators on how to reinforce the skills are included.

Children can also listen to the author's entertaining rendition of RJ's story on the accompanying CD. One track features the text only while a second track includes cues on when to turn the page for youngsters just learning to read.

Why It's On My Bookshelf: All of author Julia Cook's books are STAPLES in my academic skills curriculum. There's a very simple reason I re-read them over and over every year -  they WORK. The best way I know how to help kids overcome academic deficits is to practice these weaknesses. What better way to introduce skills then through an engaging story of a character going through the same struggle.

Some kids have no problem following directions, but other kids like RJ come to school everyday with the best intentions and leave feeling down on themselves. That really breaks my heart. As an educator it's my job to help those students find success. The whole reason I started this blog is because I am finding that success through books. If we want kids to follow directions - lets teach them in a loving and supportive way. 

I've already been using The Worst Day of My Life Ever! to do some re-teaching around following teacher instructions. It's going to make a WORLD of difference when we come back after summer break too. Can't wait to kick off some role plays around following directions with the reinforcement of Julia Cook's latest genius.

A Link to This Book and Others You Might Find Helpful:

Kindergators!!!!!!!!!!

Kindergators: Hands Off, Harry! will be released 

on June 21, 2011! Yippee Skippee!!

Review From Publishers Weekly:

This first book in the Kindergators series, which tackles socialization issues, focuses on a familiar figure: the kid who has personal space issues. Harry pokes, pushes, and tackles; he startles one classmate so badly that the victim spills poster paints all over his new clothes (and to add insult to injury, "Benjamin's cubby outfit didn't fit anymore"). Despite repeated admonitions from the firm yet supportive Miss Harmony, Harry seems like a lost cause--until his peers call an "emergency session" of circle time and devise a clever yet compassionate way to teach Harry how to keep a more civil distance. Wells (the Max and Ruby books) takes her time solving the problem that is Harry, and her approach may initially strike some readers as slow and pedantic. But step-by-step, she builds a sense of drama while showing that she knows kindergarten inside and out. Kids will appreciate her faith in their inventiveness and sense of community--and they'll also enjoy the genial, neatly framed collaged images, which use textured materials to convey the alligators' bumpy skin and vibrant wardrobe. Ages 3–6.

Book Website: www.kindergators.com

I've already pre-ordered my copy! 

Can't wait. I see an alligator puppet in my future. 
My own personal review to come!

A Link to This Book:

Lively Elizabeth! What Happens When You Push

Author: Mara Bergman

Illustrated by Cassia Thomas
Interest Level: Ages 4-7

From the Book Jacket: Lively Elizabeth lives up to her name - in fact, she's a little bit of a handful! She doesn't mean to hurt anyone, but one day at school she finds out that one little push can lead to BIG problems!

Why It's On My Bookshelf: Let me set the scene for you: It's recess. Children are playing joyfully. The recess bell rings. The students run towards their line and all of a sudden the joy is GONE. There are some kids crying, some on the ground holding scraped knees, others arguing and pointing at each other, and then I get to come over and sort it all out. 

ME: "What happened guys?" 
ANGRY STUDENT #1: "SHE PUSHED ME!!"
ANGRY STUDENT #2: "NAH AH! HE PUSHED ME!!!" 
ANGRY STUDENT #3: "I WAS HERE FIRST!"
SAD STUDENT #4: on the ground holding elbow and knee crying
ME: (lord help me)

Now granted this does not happen all of the time because we work really hard on having students line up safely - but these are kids - they are not perfect. My saving grace is always a social skills book. I've found a new one, Lively Elizabeth! What Happens When You Push, to help teach self-control and reinforce being safe in school.

Little Miss Lively Elizabeth is not in the same scenario at recess but she does decide to push another boy in class. Which causes a whole domino effect of kids falling into one another. Great illustrations showing cause and effect. 

She experiences the social consequences of kids being upset with her but is forgiven after making an apology for her behavior. Loved the making amends part. Although I've been reading it this Spring, I plan on re-reading it at the beginning of the school year next Fall. It's such a great addition to my library. I'm hoping it will help decrease my "Lord help me" moments at recess.


A Link to This Book and Others You Might Find Helpful: 
 

Book Review: The LOUD Book

Author: Deborah Underwood
Illustrated by Renata Liwska 
Interest Level: Ages 4-8
Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Books for Children 
Companion to the The Quiet Book 


From the Book Jacket: BANG! CRACKLE! BOO! Just as there are different kinds of quiet, there are also different kinds of loud: Good louds (HOORAY!). And bad louds (CRASH!). And accidental louds that make you the center of attention (BURP!). The Loud Book presents all of these kid-friendly noises in a way that is sure to make readers CHEER!  

Why It's On My Bookshelf: Don't you love it when you are a fan of an awesome book and then the author decides to do a cool companion to it!? I started to use The Quiet Book this year with my K-1 students to help support that concept in the classroom. A cute adorable read is always a nice way to help introduce the need for shhhhhh sometimes. But we aren't always required to be hush hush in school so I was so excited to see The Loud Book at my local bookstore. Another creative resource to add to my classroom management lessons! It can be pretty darn boring to hear your teacher instruct you on different voice levels - but not when you have two delightful books to help bring the message home.
 
A Link to This Book and Others You Might Find Helpful: 

Book Review: It's Hard To Be A Verb!

Author: Julia Cook
illustrated by Carrie Hartman
Interest Level: Ages 4-8

From the Book Jacket: Being a verb is hard...especially for Louis, who can't seem to control himself when he gets the urge to move at the wrong time and situation. Louis' mom comes to the rescue by teaching him techniques to help keep his inner itching, twitching and jumping to be a verb in check. A positive resource for anyone dealing with ADHD or challenged by someone who has ADHD.

Why It's On My Bookshelf: I recently attended a parent/teacher conference for a little boy who is really struggling keeping his body focused. We definitely don't expect students to sit perfectly still during the school day. But this poor kiddo's body needs so much movement that it's getting in the way of his learning. This is when we step in and help those kids figure out how to redirect body energy so they can learn like everybody else. I immediately thought of the book It's Hard To Be A Verb. It is such a helpful and empowering resource.

Lots of things I like about this book. The use of the word verb is a perfect way to describe what's going on with Louis. It's sort of a nice and neutral way to explain ADHD symptoms without having to put a label on someone. The first part of the story explains how hard it is for Louis to be in control and someone is constantly on his case because of it. Kids who have these same challenges can absolutely relate to his struggle. But one day mom offers up some solutions. She shows him how to wiggle his wiggles, use a focus squishy, and makes a daily check list. Um, LOVE IT! This makes it easier to introduce my interventions. Also, dad makes a few comments about their strategies being strange. I like that author Julia Cook put this in the book. This is smart. Because it gives me a chance to rebuff that kind of thinking.

I'm so thankful to have a story like It's Hard To Be A Verb to sort of break the ice on what can be a tough topic to talk with kids about. I don't want them to feel put-down by their wiggles. Being a verb is tough! But there are ways to redirect those wiggles. Favorite part is the last page when mom shows her acceptance and appreciation of who Louis is....a wonderful verb.  


By the way: This isn't a book I read to a whole class. I use it in small group or individual. Also, I don't have the activity book yet but definitely plan on buying it. Check out the amazing author Julia Cook's website for even more amazing titles.  

Book Review: Some good ones on NOISE vs quiet

I love it when I find books on self-control, awareness, and being a social thinker. My school uses the Daily 5 model for literacy. Often times I will walk by a classroom and notice the silence (I refer to this as the groove of learning). Students are using a skill called Read to Self. This requires everyone to be quiet and respectful of others while they independently read. So anytime I can find a book to support this learning behavior, I read it to the kids. Of course I can't forget some of my other favorites like My Mouth is a Volcano, Interrupting Chicken, and Howard B Wigglebottom Learns to Listen. Enjoy these new finds.....(I added in a popular board book for the littles).

Read to Tiger
Author: S.J. Fore
illustrated by R.W. Alley
Interest Level: Ages 4-8

Description: A quiet evening, a cozy couch, and a favorite book - what more could a little boy need for a pleasant evening at home. Until... Grrrr! Choo Choo Choo! Hi-Yaaaa! Tooooot! ...how can anyone enjoy his book when there's an energetic, imaginative tiger behind the couch, just begging for attention? It starts to seem like there's no way a playful tiger who wants company and a little boy who just wants to read his book in peace can both be happy - until they discover a solution that will delight the heart of any book lover. 

By the way: Tiger refers to himself in the 3rd person which I didn't really care for - so I just changed it to 1st person. I also gave Tiger some more dialogue that included words like respect. A first grade teacher also read this to her class and used a tiny little stuffed tiger as a visual. Learning props rule!

The Quiet Book
Author: Deborah Underwood
illustrated by Renata Liwska
Interest Level: Ages 4-8

Description: There are many kinds of quiet. Quiet can be delicate. Quiet can be thundering! Quiet can be sweet and cozy, and can most definitely help you fall asleep. This gentle picture book explores all the different quiets that can fill a child's day from morning to night.

Author Quote: The idea for this book came to me when I was waiting for a classical guitar concert to start. I noticed the expectant silence right before the guitarist started playing, and that made me think of other quiets. And yes, "before the concert starts quiet" made it into the book! 

Crash Bang Donkey!
Author: Jill Newton
Interest Level: Ages 4-8

Description: Things are quiet at Peaceful Farm...until Donkey shows up! First he makes a racket with his great big drum and tootling trumpet. Farmer Gruff, of course, isn't pleased at all. But one day, everyone realizes that just as there's a time to be quiet, there's a time to be noisy, too!

Quiet LOUD  (Board Book)
Author: Leslie Patricelli
Interest Level: For the Littles

Description: Sniffles are quiet, but sneezes are loud. Amiably illustrated in a bright, graphic style, Leslie Patricelli’s spirited board book, QUIET LOUD, stars an obliging, bald, and very expressive toddler who acts out each pair of opposites with comically dramatic effect. Whether you read it quietly or loudly, learning about opposites has never been more fun - or funny - than with this winning board book.

Book Review: Katie Loves the Kittens

Author: John Himmelman
Interest Level: Ages 4-9

From the Book Jacket: Katie is just so excited when Sara Ann brings home three little kittens that she can't stop herself from howling "AROOOOOO!" She loves them so much! But Katie's enthusiasm frightens the kittens, and she's sad when they run away from her. Don't they know that she just wants to play?



Why It's On My Bookshelf: Katie Loves the Kittens is delightful, adorable, and even teaches an important social skill - self-control!! I can't even remember how I found this lovely little piece of kid-lit but the first time I read it I couldn't stop giggling! Katie the dog is having the hardest time controlling herself and can't stop howling at the kittens with absolute joy and excitement. The kittens want nothing to do with her and are a bit freaked out by her behavior. I've read this to all of our K-2 grades and the concept of self-control has been so EASY for me to teach thanks to Katie and her impulsive ways. I bring up the word self-control in the middle of the book and I have the kids repeat it. They are total pros now on the concept of controlling oneself and why it's so important. I love the ending to this story. Katie wakes up with the kittens fast asleep and they are snuggled up to her. The picture of her trying to keep it together and not start howling is so cute. I also love how the illustrations show her getting revved up with the wagging of her tail. I ask the kids, "Why isn't Katie howling?" And they say, "Self-control!"

I wanted to add a little more to this post and introduce two puppets I use to help kids master self-control. Meet Impulsive Puppy and Slow Down Snail! (And yes, that is the ghetto fabulous chair in my office) They come to all the K-1 grades with me the first month of school. Impulsive Puppy is my model for not using self-control. I have him bark at me and interrupt my lessons, roll around on the carpet, and bug kids. And then I talk to Impulsive Puppy in front of the kids asking him to please use self-control like Katie. I tell the kids he is learning to be a student and we need to help him by being good models. I don't know why but this mind judo works every time! I see major behavior improvement in kids immediately just by bringing this type of visual to their attention.

Impulsive Puppy

Slow Down Snail is Puppy's buddy and he reinforces the learning behaviors I'm trying to teach. I have to tell you....they are hits. (it also doesn't hurt that I am part dramatic actress) I've got K-1 kids running up to me at recess asking me how Impulsive Puppy's behavior is and if he's getting better. HA HA! I love it. If you want to get these two guys in your puppet collection, just google them.....

Impulsive Puppy and Slow Down Snail

Just got this workbook over the summer......it rocks.

Drawing Together to Develop Self-Control
Author: Marge Eaton Heegaard
For Ages 5-12

This is a new workbook I'm using this year. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND IT! Good stuff for individual, group, or classroom use.




A Link to This Book and Others You Might Find Helpful:

Book Review: Manners on the School Bus (Way to Be! Manners Series)

Author: Amanda Doering Tourville
Interest Level: PreK - Grade 2

What should you say to the bus driver? Find out how good manners make bus rides pleasant for everyone.

Why It's On My Bookshelf: Okay, listen up...the honeymoon is over...I repeat...the honeymoon is over. Those of you who work in education know exactly what I'm talking about. Yep, the dreaded bus referrals are here. So I've decided to get proactive this school year. And of course, I can't do that without a trusty book!

Manners on the School Bus has been making its rounds with me to the K-2 grades. Here's what's really cool - the students LOVED learning and reading about good manners and behavior on the bus! The skills modeled in the book are concrete which I love. It shows behaviors like kids sitting safely in their seats, keeping their hands to themselves, and showing respect to each other. Each page ends with a repetitive phrase about good manners. The kids started saying the phrases with me as we read. It's so much more interesting for students (and myself) to talk about bus rules and safety in a way that doesn't come across like some professional lecture. I also jazz up the skills being taught with fun role plays. So next time a referral comes rolling in....if it's a K-2 student they will be re-reading this story with me. I've already had a student on their way off the bus say, "I am having good manners, Mrs. D." A good social skills book strikes again!


Find the rest of the Way to Be! Manners Series at Capstone Publishing's Website

Book Reviews: School Readiness Kindergarten

Cornelius P. Mud, Are You Ready for School?
Author: Barney Saltzberg
Interest Level: Ages 4-8

From the Book Jacket: It's time for school. Is Cornelius P. Mud up? SURE HE IS! He has even made his bed, put on his clothes, and eaten his breakfast. But this is Cornelius, so things are not always what they seem. Despite the clowning around, he makes his way through his morning routine and out to the bus stop, where readers - especially those who loved Cornelius P. Mud, Are You Ready for Bed? - are in for a big surprise.

Why It's On My Bookshelf: At the beginning of the year I really look forward to working with kindergartners. It's a whole new world as a student and being in a classroom all day long. Just getting up in the morning and getting to school might be a challenge. And wouldn't you know it, I found a good one on morning routine! After I read through this one I knew exactly how I wanted to use it. I want to tell them GOOD JOB for getting to school! GOOD JOB for following mom and dad's directions! GOOD JOB for getting ready to be a student! This is a neat way to introduce responsibility, following directions, and completing tasks. Hey, in my opinion they did that the moment they got out of bed and got going! This will be a quick read but I found it enjoyable and relateable for kids. I'm also looking forward to adding this to my parent recommendations for incoming kindergarten kiddos who are having difficulty getting to school. Maybe this could help!

It's Hard to Be Five: Learning How to Work My Control Panel
Author: Jamie Lee Curtis
Interest Level: Ages 4-8

From the Book Jacket: Learning not to hit? Having to wait your turn? Sitting still? It's definitely hard to be five, but Jamie Lee Curtis's encouraging text and Laura Cornell's illustrations make the struggles of self-control a little bit easier, and a lot more fun!

Why It's On My Bookshelf: This is a book some of our kindergarten teachers use along with a writing and art project. Over the years I've noticed the cute drawings up on the walls and the cover of It's Hard to be Five sitting on their bookshelves. Soooo, of course I finally had to pick it up and see what all the fuss is about. And now I totally get it! This book is ADORABLE and validates all the five year olds!

It's hard to be five.
Just yelled at my brother.
My mind says do one thing.
My mouth says another.

It's fun to be five!
Big changes are here!
My body's my car,
and I'm licensed to steer.

This would be wonderful to read not only in the beginning of the year but also the end. Sort of a - WOW. Look at how far you've come! You've been learning responsibility, friendship, how to be a student, dealing with challenges, and accomplishing them. I know it's important to have academic success but it's also important to recognize the aspects of the social and emotional growth kids go through. Try this one out, I think you'll like it! Oh, and here is a link for lesson plan ideas.


A Link to This Book and Others You Might Find Helpful:

Book Review: Interrupting Chicken

Author: David Ezra Stein
Interest Level: Ages 4-8

From the Book Jacket: It's bedtime for the little red chicken, and Papa is going to read her a story. "You're not going to interrupt the story tonight, are you?" asks Papa. "Oh no, Papa. I'll be good," says the little red chicken. But she just can't help herself! Whether it's Hansel and Gretel, Little Red Riding Hood, or Chicken Little, as soon as the story gets going...out jumps the little red chicken - right into the story - saving the characters from danger and ending the story early. Will that chicken ever get to sleep?

Why It's On My Bookshelf: Okay, I'm going to politely interrupt my schedule of reviews because I cannot contain my excitement over this new find. I was cruising through the bookstore not even planning on going in the children's section, but of course I could not help myself. And boy am I glad I cruised over there! Interrupting Chicken is my new social skills go to for listening, waiting your turn to talk, and learning to raise your hand. It's really difficult to find GOOD books teaching kids to be socially alert of their impulsive need to interrupt. This one is going to be a BLAST to read to kids. There are always going to be students who blurt out their words or decide to have a conversation while you're talking. Most kids interrupt because they haven't had proper guidance on how to be social thinkers. Interrupting Chicken will help students be better listeners and figure out when it's the appropriate time to use their words. It is an obvious addition to my toolbox. Plus it's cute, adorable, and funny.


Here's a cute highlight Videoof Interrupting Chicken. 

A Link to This Book and Others You Might Find Helpful:

Book Review: Teachin' School Rules

So as we head back into the school year I'm reflecting on books I've discovered that have helped teach school rules. Teaching behavior management in the classroom and at recess is year round. The skill building in these areas never stops. So here are two simple fun books I read to spice up behavior management. Read on to find out why they have made it to my bookshelf.....

Please Play Safe!
Penguin's Guide to Playground Safety
Author: Margery Cuyler
Interest Level: Pre-school - 1st Grade
The book starts out with penguin and his buddies heading out to the playground for some playtime. But they stampede each other trying to get there. I was sold right there! Man, how many times have I seen kids pushing and shoving trying to get out the door as fast as possible to get to the equipment rack! A book helping reinforce playground rules?? Yippee Skippee! So I've learned how to use this book WISELY. Reading it straight through is a No No. I've broken it up into small lessons and do lots of role playing. It's fantastic for modeling correct behavior vs incorrect behavior. Penguin also wears a whistle around his neck. Bingo!!! There's your prop! So I have a bunch of plastic whistles and I let a few trusty kids use them. And of course, I have a penguin puppet. Big shocker....I love puppets! Someone commented on Amazon this is a boring book. I'm telling you.....it's how you read it and make it even better with props, puppets, and role playing. I wouldn't use a story that would cause more behavior problems as I'm trying to read it.

How Do Dinosaurs Go to School?
Authors: Jane Yolen and Mark Teague
Interest Level: Pre-school - 1st Grade
Yes! Another fun one encouraging good social skills. Dinosaurs teaching behavior management!!?? Right on! Have your dinosaur puppets on stand-by for this one. It asks negative questions about behavior like, "Does a dinosaur YELL?" The next page won't give the answer or demonstrate the correct behavior. So I break this one up by taking the time to model each correct behavior after each question. Sometimes this can be a two part lesson. Sitting at the carpet learning school rules for 30 minutes can be BORING so make it fun and light.


A Link To These Book and Others You Might Find Helpful: