Summer Reading

Summer reading. It’s something I discuss with my students a lot. They know my plan – read a book a day (as part of #bookaday on Twitter). Read all of our state award books for next year. And whittle down my out of control “to read” shelf in my bedroom.

A few years ago I didn’t even think to talk to my students about what they were reading over the summer. We didn’t specifically plan out anything. I assumed they would continue reading. Then I read more about the summer reading slump. Started actually listening to the kids when they entered my class. Noticed how some of their data points actually went backwards from May to September.

As a result, now we plan. We talk about books we would like to read over the summer. I preview books for them. I tell them that reading just four books over the summer would help them tremendously. This year all of my 78 students created their own summer bookmark. They decorated the front and then recorded the books they wanted to read on the back. I laminated them for each child and they began using them. I hope it inspires them to continue the growth they have begun.

I also decided to have a summer reading camp this year at my home. In previous years I have had a camp the first two weeks of summer. This year I wanted to have a camp throughout the summer to keep kids reading. We’re meeting on Tuesdays for an hour each week. I hope to share picture books and chapter books with the students. I’d like to weave in some comprehension lessons. The kids will also get the chance to recommend books to each other. I have some friends who have agreed to Skype with the students, sharing the books they have written or the books they want to read this summer. And the students are going to keep a record of how many books they have read and what they thought about them. I’m hoping to help set them up to become readers.

Liam and Luke get entered in this camp by nature of being my children. Liam found the notebooks today that I purchased for the students. He asked what they were for and I explained I was going to have them keep a record of their reading. Liam immediately selected his own notebook and is now camped out on my bed with all of his Elephant and Piggie books, reading them and recording them dutifully in his notebook. I love his first grade writing, his concentration, and his excitement as he finished his fifth book.

As for me, I am just as excited about my summer reading. I have stacks of books, ones that friends have sent me and ones I have ordered. I’m rereading Marty McGuire for a Twitter chat tonight and then diving into Squish #3 that just arrived on my doorstep. How about you? What do you do to plan for summer reading?

And CONGRATULATIONS to Linda who won my book giveaway from Monday. Linda - I'm sending you a Twitter message to get shipping information. 

Slice of Life - Almost Famous

Slice of Life is sponsored every Tuesday by Stacey and Ruth from Two Writing Teachers. 

My husband often jokes with me that being a teacher in our small community is a glimpse into being famous. I thought of that on Sunday when I went to a local hardware store. As I was checking out the high school boy asked me to spell my last name. I did and he looked up saying, “Are you that Mrs. So….”

I replied, “Mrs. Sokolowski? You mean the teacher? Yes.”

Turns out I am currently teaching his sister in reading. He and I talked for a minute and I left.

Yesterday I took my students to the middle school for their tour. It is always so interesting to see how huge the fifth graders appear in our building but how tiny when next to the 6^th-8^th graders. We began in the gym with a concert from the 6^th graders and then moved on as the 7^th graders split us into classes and took us around the school. Each stop would bring a shout of, “Mrs. S!” and hugs, quick conversations in hushed voices so I wouldn’t interrupt the tour, and then waves to other students as we moved on.

Last night ended at the ballpark. Both Luke and Liam had little league games at diamonds adjacent to each other. I began at Liam’s game and was watching it when I noticed the same kids passing behind me repeatedly. I glanced at them but didn’t recognize them. From their conversation that I could overhear they were apparently fourth graders. One was informing the other that yes, I was “that Mrs. Sokolowski.” “That teacher who loves books.” They discussed with each other that they hoped I was in their class. On the final pass by, I waved and then moved on to Luke’s game.

Luke’s field has students in 3^rd, 4^th, and 5^th playing so I had many of my students around. After having so many of them come to say hello and give me a hug, a mother in the stands asked who I was. I explained that I taught fifth grade and she recognized my name. She immediately asked if I was the teacher who helped kids love reading. When I said I thought I was whom she was talking about she began asking for advice for her sons.

I’ve never wanted to be famous. I remember as a kid I had friends who wanted to be actresses or sports stars. I never wanted that, mainly because I didn’t want to leave my small town. And I’m still here but I guess you can be well known where you are. And this kind of fame? I’ll take it. I have to admit, when I’m running in the grocery store in workout clothes I sometimes think, “Please don’t let me run into anyone.” And those are the almost guaranteed times I’ll run into ten people. But more often I have the benefit of kids giving me hugs, older kids telling me they wished they could still be in my classroom, or parents asking for advice or thanking me for helping their children love reading. So yes, anonymity doesn’t exist when you live and teach in a tiny town, but the benefits are awesome.

Also, I have a book giveaway going on through tomorrow night. Please click HERE if you would like to enter! 

An interview with John Claude Bemis, the author of The Prince Who Fell From the Sky

An Interview with John Claude Bemis

A few weeks ago I was lucky enough to get the opportunity to read The Prince Who Fell From the Sky. I love fantasy books and this was right up my alley. Upon reading it I immediately gave my copy to a student to read and get their opinion. He loved it too. We both were extraordinarily fond of the main character, Casseomae, a bear with the kindest heart you will find. I'm thrilled to introduce you all to the author, John Claude Bemis, who has stopped by Read, Write, Reflect to share some of his writing process with us along with the inspiration for this book. I can't wait to share his answers with my students today. 

What books have influenced you as a writer?

John Claude Bemis: As a reader, I’m drawn to adventures about heart-felt heroes set in worlds where I can delve deep into thought-provoking cultures.  As a writer, I strive for that elegant balance of fantastical characters, plots, and settings.  The Harry Potter series, The Golden Compass by Philip Pullman, Mortal Engines by Philip Reeve, and The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman all have had huge influences on how I think about stories and story elements.  I return to them often and learn more every time I do.

What was your favorite children’s book when you were a child?

John Claude Bemis: That would depend on which week you asked me.  There have been so many favorites!  (Visit John’s website for a list of his favorite novels.)  But the book I have read the most times in my life is The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkein.  I love that story!

When did writing become part of your life? How has it evolved?

John Claude Bemis: I grew up in a very rural place and relied on my imagination for my entertainment.  I’ve always been the type of person who likes creating—whether it was music, art, or writing.  I’ve been making up stories since before I could write!  Some of those stories just lived in my head— stories and characters and situations that I could escape to in my imagination whenever I wanted.  Others were stories I actually wrote down.  The biggest evolution is how I now spend months and years writing a single story, where I used to leave stories half-finished before moving on to the next exciting idea.  You have to stick to a goal to be a successful writer.

What is your writing routine? Do you write in the same place? Do you need quiet or do you listen to music as you write?

John Claude Bemis: I write out at a rustic cabin on a friend’s farm in North Carolina.  It has no heat or air and (most importantly) no internet access.  It’s a magical place!  I don’t listen to music, and it’s mostly quiet…except for when the chickens come clucking around my cabin door.  In a pinch, I’ve written in fast food restaurants, hotels, coffee shops, and in the hallways at conferences, but I prefer a relaxing setting where I can concentrate.  It’s important to have a place to work where you feel creative and can keep away from distractions.

What first popped in your mind to create the seed that became The Prince Who Fell From the Sky?

John Claude Bemis: The first impetus of the idea for the story came one day when I was walking around an old abandoned NASCAR racetrack near my house.  It’s all overgrown with trees now and has an eerie post-apocalyptic feel.  I’m a fan of world mythology, and in particular, I love the Native American and African creation myths where there are no people yet and archetypal talking animals rule the earth.  I had the idea: what if I told a story with these sorts of mythical animals, not at the beginning of the world, but long after a mass extinction that’s removed humanity from the earth?  It seemed lots of fun to play around with the sorts of legends the animals would have about us and the sort of new world order the animals would create.

Is this the first in a series?

John Claude Bemis: I originally intended The Prince Who Fell from the Sky to be a stand-alone novel.  The story of Casseomae and her human cub felt complete when I reached the end.  However recently, I’ve had some new ideas bubbling up that make me wonder if I’ll return to these characters and their world one day.

What character did you connect with from The Prince Who Fell From the Sky?

John Claude Bemis: I just loved the main character, the bear Casseomae.  She’s so powerful and compassionate.  I admire her deeply!  One of the guiding ideas for the story was: if I was ever lost in a dangerous wilderness, I’d want her protecting me!  I should add that the fast-talking rat Dumpster was a tremendously fun character to write.

What suggestions do you have for world building?

John Claude Bemis: The most important rule of world building is consistency.  You can have outlandish aspects to a fantasy world that readers will suspend disbelief for, but readers will quit believing in your world as soon as you break your own rules.  It takes a lot of time exploring your world in your imagination to bring it to life.  When I create a world—whether it’s the complex animal society in The Prince Who Fell from the Sky or the mythical, steampunk America of my Clockwork Dark trilogy—I set my stories in worlds that deeply appeal to me, places I’d love to visit, settings that fascinate me to my core.

What do you hope your readers get from your books?

John Claude Bemis: I suppose I hope my readers take away that courage and heart can get you through life’s most difficult situations.  The heroes of my stories aren’t always the smartest, strongest (except for Conker in The Nine Pound Hammer), or most talented.  But they do have tremendous heart and are willing to go to extremes for those they love.  It doesn’t get much more important than that for me.

Bio:

John Claude Bemis is the author of The Clockwork Dark, a fantasy adventure trilogy that takes place in a mythical America. The first book, The Nine Pound Hammer (Random House), was described as “a steampunk collision of heroes, mermaids, pirates, and good old-fashioned Americana” by Booklist and was a New York Public Library Best Children’s Book 2009 for Reading and Sharing.  The trilogy continues with The Wolf Tree and The White City and has been described as “original and fresh” and “a unique way of creating fantasy.”  His new book The Prince Who Fell from the Sky was named an Amazon Best Book of the Month for May 2012.   John lives in Hillsborough, North Carolina with his wife and daughter.  www.johnclaudebemis.com

Giveaway Rules

1. The giveaway will run from May 21, 2012 to midnight on May 23, 2012

2. This contest is open to people living in the continental United States.

3. You must be at least 13 to enter.

4. If you can, please pay it forward. Thanks!


Copy provided by Random House

An Unexpected Kindness

Today we had extra read aloud time. My class was excited – that meant we’d get even further into Wonder and maybe they’d finally find out what Jack was thinking back at Halloween. (If you’ve read the book, you know what I’m talking about.) Some of our classes had been cancelled so the 26 fifth graders grabbed their copies (thanks to my student Sophie’s aunt) and I read from 10-11:30. As I stopped for lunch they all groaned. We’d just reached a new point of view – Justin’s – and they wanted to continue. We lined up anyway and one student turned to me and said, “Mrs. S, I understand why you think everyone in the country should read this book.” Yep, I’m on a mission.

I rushed home for lunch to get a few things done at our house. When I grabbed the mail off my front porch I found a package I hadn’t been expecting. Flipping it over I gasped. The return address had the name Raquel Palacio, the author of Wonder. I tore the package open and found a kind note, some bookmarks, and a t-shirt. Holy smokes. Honestly, I teared up at this kind gesture. I immediately pulled the t-shirt on for my return to school.

I really wish I had had the foresight to turn on my phone’s video camera when I picked up my class. The fifth grade goes to recess first, then the cafeteria for lunch. There are around 130 fifth graders. 78 are in my reading classes. Many of the other 52 have been to my room to borrow books. Most have heard me speak of Wonder. So, as I walked into the cafeteria kids started shouting out –

“Mrs. S! Where’d you get that shirt?”

“Mrs. S – Wonder rocks!”

“Woo Hoo! GO Auggie!”

It was awesome. So thank you, R.J. Palacio, for making my day. Thank you to Sophie’s amazing aunt for giving my class the chance for this shared reading experience. We’re racing to the end with only four days left of school. I can’t wait to read the final pages together. 

End of the Year Celebrations

I love to celebrate. For me, everything in life deserves a little celebration, and the end of the school year is no different. And while my school calendar fills up with picnic days, field days, field trips, and more. I had to steal this day for the final celebrations in reading and writing.

I saw Donalyn Miller speak in person for the first time last March. I remember watching some photos in her slide show and she shared one of kids holding up signs with numbers in them. They were the amount of books those children had read that year. One photo with some boys that had lower numbers than most of the other kids intrigued me. Donalyn shared that while those children read less than many of the other kids in the class, they greatly increased their reading over previous years. Later I saw an amazing video of high school students in Penny Kittle’s English class that did something similar. I knew I wanted to celebrate our reading at the end of the year like this. 

Today was my second year having this celebration. I loved hearing the conversation between students. Complimenting each other on how many books they read, asking favorite titles, favorite genres. Several kids asked each other how it compared to their books read last year. In one class a girl said she read more books last year than this year but this year she read books that challenged her. Some boys pointed out to her what a huge change that was. The mood in the classroom was one of joy. It probably didn’t hurt that we were having ice cream as well. Many kids asked me if they had to return my classroom library books yet. It was our last reading class but did I know they were having a read-a-thon next week? I assured them they could continue reading. I heard reading plans made, book recommendations given. What a wonderful end to the year.

While I teach reading to my own class and two others, I only teach my own class writing. They knew we were leaving the classroom for writing today but I refused to tell them where. See, a few years ago I had read this post from Jim Burke and knew I wanted to try it with fifth graders. I did last year but didn’t have them write. With my current group, I knew I needed to extend the activity. My class has grown so much but, as I send them off to middle school, I am so worried for them. They have the tools needed to succeed but I fear they will forget what they’ve learned. So we walked the football field.

Beginning on the eleven-yard line (imaginary – the lines aren’t painted on in spring) we talked about what my life was like when I was eleven. They dropped their binders there and we began to walk my life. I shared triumphs and heartaches that I’ve experienced in my thirty-eight years. When I graduated college. When I got married. When family members passed away. When I had my children. When I decided I had to teach. We reached the thirty-eight yard line and looked back at the eleventh. And then we walked on. We finally reached the eighty-eighth yard line. I shared that was the age my great-aunt was when she passed away last Friday. We looked way back down the field. We talked about how the choices we make in life help shape our lives. How we have no control over some events but great control over others. I asked them to think about what they had accomplished this year and what they wanted to remember for next year. They then spread out over the football field and wrote themselves letters.

Over the next thirty minutes I walked around the field as they scribbled notes to themselves. Some sat by themselves, some whispered to friends. One of my wonderful students who lost two fingers in an accident just a few weeks ago showed me that he was finally able to write again. We talked about how impressed he will be with himself when he receives his letter in the fall, look what he has overcome already.

Finally, we lined up and journeyed back to our classroom. The students selected envelopes and I taught them how to fill out an envelope to be sent to themselves. They sealed their letters inside and I promised to mail them the first week of August, before they began sixth grade. It was a wonderful celebration to end our year as writers.

So that is how we celebrated today with four and ½ days of school left. It was one of my favorite days this year. What is your favorite way to end the year?