Book 8: A Strange Little Monster

A Strange Little Monster

Written by Sue Whiting and illustrated by Stephen Michael King

This book belongs to the Aussie Nibbles Series which allow beginner readers to experience the mysteries, humour and thrills of reading. A Strange Little Monster is about a little monster who doesn't like to scream, shout or be scary like her family. She prefers to sit quietly or play her flute.When Sasha the little monster is faced with a difficult situations, her ability to play the flute saves the day. The concept of the book is accepting yourselves and accepting others. The book is for 6 to 8 year old. In a guided reading lesson, students can identify emotion, inferences in actions, and the messages about acceptance.

Book 7: The Adventure of Life

The Adventure of Life
Written by Jean-Benoît Durand and illustrated by Robin Gindre

The Adventure of Life is a book which tells kids about the world and the many interesting facts that are within it. It answers the questions which kids love to ask such as Why did the Dinosaurs die? Why foxes have different kinds of ears? and how fast mice grow compared to humans. The illustrations in the book are quite modern and retro; they definitely add a different dimension to the book. In the classroom setting this book is effective in science and English. The book can be used as a tuning in activity for a science topic as well as a guided reading lesson and a presentation of a particular aspect.

Towards a Model of Reading

There are four main areas of importance that can be identified when thinking about reading
The contexts in which we read
The texts we read
The knowledge we need in order to read
The skills we employ as we read

Week 7 Workshop

English Language and Literacy

MINI-TEST
What are the four que systems?
Semantics, syntax/grammar, graphophonic, graphological, pictorial

What are the four roles of the reader?
§ Text Analysis - Critique, bias from point of view
§ Text User - Relate the text to their lives, function of the text, what do i do with the text, identify text types and use according or purpose
§ Code Breaker - Letters and sounds, structure, punctuation, phonics
§ Text Participant - Readers need to understand the text, know what the author is telling you

- All these are necessary but none are sufficient by themselves -

What are the teaching strategies for reading?
§ Shared
§ Guided
§ Independent

Three main focuses in an effective reading program (Winch, pg. 198)
§ Texts
§ Reading cues or sources of information
§ Reading practices or roles of the reader.

Guided Reading
§ A thinking, problem solving approach to reading
§ Talking, thinking and reading
§ Students learn how to become code breakers, text participants, text users and text analysts.
§ Use the question WHY? why did the author do this, why do the characters
§ Have a particular group of kids in mind when framing the question - match the learning needs to the particular group of kids.

Guided Reading Lesson - Mythical Creatures, written by Tracey Michele
The guided reading will be for a Year 4/5 with moderate reading ability. Read the whole book
What will these book be about? What is mythical?
Does anyone recognise the mythical creatures on the front cover?
Looking at the contents page, how many creatures are there and what are they?
Do you think the writer is being fair in telling us about this topic?
After reading about each creature - Where is the mythical creature located? What does located mean? What are some of the characteristics? What are characteristics

Book 6: The Shack That Dad Built

Book Title: The Shack that Dad Built
Author: Elaine Russell
Year: 2004
Genre: True Story


'Elaine Russell' has based this story on her life and the memories she had as a child, when they moved to La perouse in New South Wales. The story is about her dad building a shack on the beach with tin, rubbish tips and a dirt floor'. This story illustrates a true story about a young indigenous childhood, which showed both a bit of comedy and sadness. The story is written in small paragraphs on each page, with a large bright picture about illiusutrating what is happening in that piece of text.

This book would be suitable for middle-upper primary, as it would be a bit harder for younger students to understand who the indigenous people are and the difference in cultures. This story would be suitable to use in an English lesson, or SOSE if studying indigenous culture.

Book 5

Out Of The Blue

Stories and Poems About Colour

Written by Hiawn Oram and Illustrated by David McKee

This book is a collection of stories and poems that have the underlying theme of colour. For each colour there are a few stories/poems. The illustrations are quite startling, intense depictions of colour. The book can be used for a few years. There are simple stories and complex ones but all have illustrations which tell the story well.

Book 4

Scooby-Doo - The Camping Caper

Written by Gail Herman

Scooby-Doo The Camping caper written by Gail Herman is a mystery in an easy to read format. It is one of many in the Scooby-Doo series. The book would suit beginning readers it’s about a super sleuth dog (Scooby-doo) and his companion Shaggy who belong to the Mystery Inc gang. It evolves around the many mysteries they get involved in. The camping caper is illustrated by Duendes del Sur, the pages are colorful and would capture the attention of early readers. The Mystery Inc. gang goes camping in Coolsville Woods and mysteries need to be solved it allows the reader to help solve them. Scooby-doo and Shaggy go to collect fire wood because they didn’t want to hear a scary story been told by the gang around the campfire, however walking in the woods was a scary story all of its own.

Book 3

Nude

By Morris Gleitzman and Paul Jennings.

Nude is the first novel in a six part series however the first three pages lure you in. With the authors use of language it would capture the interest of many year levels.eg lump of poo, fresh piece of poop and gaping at the crazy sight. The chapters throughout the novel rotate between the two main characters, Sprocket and Amy, which was a bit confusing at first then became intriguing right to the last page, where the connection between the two characters was revealed. The novel is written  in the first person which would allow the imagination to run wild.

Book 2

Airy Fairy Magic

Written by Margaret Ryan

Airy Fairy Magic Mix-Up! Written by Margaret Ryan is one novel in a series based around a boarding school for orphaned fairies. The main character is Airy Fairy; she daydreams and gets into a lot of trouble when she messes up her spells. Airy Fairies main rival is Scary Fairy who dislikes Airy Fairy because despite her clumsiness and the muddles she gets into all the other fairies love her. Magic Mix-up! is set in the summer holidays and the teacher takes the fairies on their summer vacation to a camping ground. Scary Fairy uses the holiday to pick on Airy Fairy but all fairies rally around her. This novel may interest girls more than boys but tackles real issues of bullying in a light hearted way and can open many areas of discussion on the topic. Used in a classroom setting the novel could target year levels from Reception to Year 4.

Book 7: Refugees

Book Title: Refugees
Author: David Miller
Year: 2003
Genre:

A swamp on the outskirts of town, is home to two wild blue-billed ducks. One day huge machinery began to move towards the swamp, which resulted in water loss. Refugees tells the story of the duck's misadventures in trying to find a safe place to live. This book is quite detailed using descriptive language, and has a powerful meaning behind the story. Although it has a lack of words and has big pictures that illustrate the text, this book would be most suitable for middle-upper primary. This is because it would be hard for younger students to be able to relate the two ducks with the lifestyle of a refugee.

 

This book would be suitable for a resource in an English, or Geography lesson if looking at refugees.

Week 4

In Week 4 we focused on writing as a social and cultural practice and the use of writing in a classroom.The first activity was thinking back to our early memories of writing. Jack kept a journal when he was younger, writing when they travelled. He liked it.

Writing to live; connects writing with students lives.After this activity we looked at some examples of NAPLAN tests, the literacy component. The creative writing section demonstrated the developing writer and proficient writer. It was evident that there were more complex text types e.g. arguments and more varied sentence openings and longer, more complex sentences.

We were all handed out examples of students writing and asked to match the writing samples and its description. The first example was experimental/early writing because it was evident that oral language was the precursor of speech written. The student's writing was very egocentric with repetitious sentence patterns. Example two and three belong in the  Experimental writing phase since there were simple  to compound sentences; few complex sentences and little awareness of others and their emotions.

Reading

Features of a Recount

• A recount tells the reader what happened, recalling a past event such as Elouisa's excursion
• It has a descriptive title.
• Orientation
• Personal Comments to convey opinion

Language used in a Recount

• Nouns and pronouns to identify those involved
• Action verbs, past tense, conjunctions and time connectives, uses adverbs, and adjectives.

Features of a Procedure

• A way of insturctions or give directions
• 
  

Activity 2

In the piece is it apparent that the girl was writing was in the Experimental/Early Writing stage. Her writing is speech written down since there is minimal punctuation. The feelings manifest through the constant listings of events as well using the word 'Oh Terrific'.

Book 13: Tomorrow When The War Began

Book Title: Tomorrow When the War Began

Author: John Marsden
 

Year Published: 1993

Genre: Action, Adventure Novel

 

 

 

Tomorrow When the War Began follows a group of seven young teenagers that have to deal with there town, Warrawee being taken over while they are on a camping trip. The novel is written in first person by a character named Ellie. After the group find out what has happened to their town they try do as much as possible to stay strong and try fight back. This novel is suitable for students aged 13-16. 

Book 12: Trophy Kid

Book Title: Trophy Kid

Author: Pat Flynn

Year Published: 1960

Genre: Children's Literature

 

 

 

This novel is about a Marcus Wright a school tennis star. He has a dilemma whether to choose love or the next state titles. Marcus goes to his two friends Matt and Kayla for help even though they know nothing about tennis. Marcus soon becomes he own worst enemy when he puts too much pressure on himself. There are many themes evident throughout the novel for the reader to understand such as winning and losing, death and support from your peers. This novel is suitable for 10-14 year olds.

Book 11: Shark Girl



Book Title: Shark Girl

 

Author: Kelly Bingham

Year Published: 2007

Genre: Children's Literature

 

This very inspirational novel by Kelly Bingham is about a bright 15 year old artist who has her right arm amputated off by a shark attack. She is very self conscious about what her friends and boys might say about her when she goes back to school. To help get her life back on track she volunteers at the hospital so she can re-discover herself. This novel is suitable for the age of 12 and about and helps students learn about trauma and the feeling of being different.

Book 3: Storm Boy

Title: Storm Boy
 
Author: Colin Thiele

Year: 1964

Genre: Children's Literature/ Drama


'Storm Boy' is a novel based upon a South Australian true story. It is written in third person, as Colin Thiele (the author) tells the story of a young boy (also known as Storm Boy) and his pelican. Storm Boy enjoys to walk along the deserted beach along the Coorong, where he finds three young pelicans in a nest that was destroyed by 'shooters'. He then nurses the three pelicans and is forced to release them by his father so he could focus more on school. One of the pelicans Mr Percival returns, and they share a special bond.

The story is based around the characters: Storm Boy, Fingerbone, Hide-Away and the pelicans. It is also written in third person, as the narrator is the author, telling the story of Storm Boy and the experiences he faced. Thiele also uses noun and verb groups to describe what is happening and the setting. This is backed up by detailed pictures (photographs), that enable the reader to visualise the storyline.

Book 13: The Day My Bum Went Psycho

Book Title: The Day My Bum Went Psycho
Author: Andy Griffiths
Year: 2001


'The Day My Bum Went Psycho' is a humorous book about a boy Zack Freeman who's bum detaches itself from his body. One night Zack follows his bum, and finds that it meets up with other bums to plan to take over the world. The plot was to fill up a 'bumcano' with methane gas, which would then explode and make everyone unconscious so they can replace themselves with their faces. Zack meets up with a bum-hunter Silas Sterne and his daughtor Eleanor, where he faces the reality that bums are a threat. The friends encouter various bum-related places and things in order to fight against the bums evil plan to take over the Earth.

This book would be most suitable for middle-upper primary students. It is an extremely humerous book that uses pleanty of descriptive words and phrases about bums and bum-like things to make the storyline more interesting and disgusting for the person reading. This story could be used in English if looking at comedy as an English genre or looking at different forms of text and how they capture the readers interest.

Book 11: Don't Worry Grandpa

Book Title: Don't Worry Grandpa
Author: Nick Ward
Year:1994


'Don't Worry Grandpa' is a story about a Grandpa who gets quite un-settled when it comes to thunderstorms. Throughout the story he is settled by his grandson Charlie, who keeps him calm by telling him the indigenous story of what is really happening in the sky outside. The story is written in thrid person as the author is telling the story about Grandpa and Charlie. It is a story that has great illustrative pictures that connect to the text, which can help the reader to not only understand that adults aren't the only ones able to give reassurance, but also the indigenous story behind thunder.

This story is both suitable for junior-middle primary students, as it is easy to understand and is quite an interesting picture book. It could be used for an English lesson if looking at nouns, verbs and adjectives, or even in indigenous history when looking at the dream time.

Book 10: Never Smile at a Crocodile

Book Title: Never Smile at a Crocodile

Author: Lawrence and Churchill

Year Published: 2010

Genre: Children's Literature

 

 

 

 

 

Never smile at a crocodile is great book bound to make students laugh. The book is based on a song. A monkey who doesn't listen and smiles at the crocodile. As it is based on a song the class can sing a long whilst reading aloud. The appropriate age for this book would be year 3 and up. Students could illustrate their own pictures for each page in an Art lesson or investigate each different animal in a Science lesson. 

Book 9: Miss Rumphius

Book Title: Miss Rumphius

Author: Barbara Cooney

Year Published: 1985

Genre: Children's Literature

 

 

 

Miss Rumphuis is a book about the difference Alice Rumphuis is making in the world by planting lupine. The book is great for students in year 2 and higher. The message throughout the book would be great to teach in a social studies lesson about the environment. 

Book 9: Matilda

Book Title: Matilda
Author: Roald Dahl
Year: 1988
Genre: Comedy

The novel 'Matilda' is about a young girl named Matilda who is a genious intellect. Her parents refuse to believe her intellectual abilities, so she begins to play pranks on them to release all her anger. Eventually she begins schooling with the nicest teacher Miss Honey, who sees that Matilda is way above the rest of the other students within the classroom, in terms of intellectual abilities. Miss Honey tries to push Matilda up to higher grades, but due to a 'bully' of a principle; Miss Trunchbull she will not let her. Towards the end of the novel Miss Trunchball flees her house, which in turn becomes Miss Honey's house by her father's will and Matilda ends up living with her.

This novel would be most suited to middle-upper primary students. It is an enjoyable book to read, and students would find it quite humerous as well as having a good storyline. Roald Dahl has written various books that have got various awards. The storyline followed a basic narrative structure, having a beginning, middle (climax) and an end.

Book 13: Matilda

Matilda
Written by Ronald Dahl and illustrated by Quentin Blake

Matilda is one of the most well known adolescent novels. Matilda is a little girl who slowly discovers her brilliance and her parents don't even know it. She takes you on a journey through school, home life, and Miss Honey. Matilda must survive school which is ruled by the frightening Miss Trunchball. Ronald Dahl takes his readers into a world of one little girl enduring cruelty, loneliness and an overwhelming power to teach lesson to the adults in her life. 

This book is for children from 8 to 12 years old.

Matilda by Ronald Dahl can be used in a classroom very effectively. Children can explore vocabulary, activities/writing based upon events in the story, and guided reading about inferring. 

Children can work with the narrative structure, creative writing tasks such as 'if you had telekinesis I would....' 

Book 12: Always Jack

Always Jack
Written by Susanne Gervay and illustrated by Cathy Wilcox

This particular book the third instalment of the Jack series. With collaboration with Cancer Council NSW and National Breast and Ovarian Cancer Centre this book tackles the difficult issue. Jack is dealing with a lot of issues at the moment, girls, his mother getting married, and moving house. Readers experience Jacks emotions through the diagnosis, treatment and after-shock. Despite the storyline and setting having a heavy topics, the book is funny and quirky. The book teaches children who aren't in this situation understanding and empathy; for kids who are experiencing a similar situation or gone through it that they're not alone and whatever 

emotions they are experiencing they are okay and normal.

Book 11: The Wildkin's Curse

The Wildkin's Curse

Written by Kate Forsyth

Three teenagers embark on an adventure loaded with excitement, evil, love, treachery, and fulfilment. Set in a land of mythical creatures and magic, the characters have a quest to rescue a Wildkin princess. Kate Forsyth creates a lively adventure through her vivid descriptions, different characters and plot.

It is a good introduction to fantasy to children. This book is for children aged 12 to 15 because of its mature themes and concepts as well as the nature of the characters.

Book 10: Willy the Wimp

Willy the Wimp

Written and illustrated by Anthony Browne

Willy is a chimp who gets pushed and bullied a lot by the bigger people. One day he decided to change. This particular book can be used in guided reading and lessons. It is orientated around self-awareness, problem solving, cultivating positive qualities, and positive thinking. 

Book 8: Too many Elephants in this House



Book Title: Too many Elephants in this House

Author: Ursula Dubosarsky-Andrew Joyner

Year Published: 2012

Genre: Children's Literature

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This children's book is about a boy named Eric having too many elephants in his house which is causing a problem. Erics mum says they have to go because they are taking up too much space but Eric loves them all the same. Eric comes up with a solution to help to his very big problem. This book would be a fun book to read outloud to a class as well as help in creating their own elephant in art. This book is suitable for reception and higher.

 

 

 

 



Book 6: Specky Magee

Specky Magee and the Great Footy Contest

Written by Felice Arena and Garry Lyon

It is a fantastic novel that is filled with camaraderie, teamwork, secrets, revelations, plenty of plot twists and 'issues'. Simon Magee or 'Specky' is an aspiring AFL player as well as a regular kid. The novel has many cultural references and glorious language. The themes such as friendship, fair play, and honour are woven into the storyline. The main character is likeable and therefore easy to relate to. For classroom use, the book would be effective in a 5,6, and 7 classroom. There are numerous inferences which can be used for guided reading questions.