Fictional Stories in Science
Using Fictional Stories as a Pathway to Science Content
She Series Posters, Other Resources, and an Idea
If you haven’t checked out the “A Mighty Girl” Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/amightygirl) or their website (https://www.amightygirl.com/) then please add it to your check-them-out list. 🙂
Recently I saw a Facebook post from them about the “She Series” posters and other resources. Here is a picture of the post I am referring to:
As you can imagine, I love this! Especially since they included the fictional characters that are near and dear to our heart!
Since the picture above is just a picture, below I will include all their links for you to check out the opportunities for yourself.
She Series Poster 1: https://www.amightygirl.com/she-series-poster-1
(Scroll down on the link to see the related posters, that included the whole series and the collage print)
Additional posters http://amgrl.co/2wiViDo
“A Mighty Girl” Character Collection List: https://www.amightygirl.com/character-collection
Posters outside your price limit? What about prompting your students to make up their own posters? Featuring both genders or not…your choice. Collaboratively, they could create a list of positive character traits or values, and brainstorm historical figures, fictional characters, and commonly known people (like school personnel) that are an example of that trait. Then together they could design their own classroom poster, with their list of life guides on it.
They could also each take it further, and create a personal poster to include people in their lives.
Thank You, “A Mighty Girl”, what a great idea!
I now want to make one for my own reflection and journaling as I start this upcoming school year.
Happy Reflection! Happy Creating! 🙂
“Local Favorites”
During my visit to the McCall Public Library (McCall, Idaho Public Library) I was delighted to see the opportunity they provided their visitors, with a chance to highlight their favorite book.
When I commented how much I loved that idea, the librarian told me that whenever he hears someone mention a book they love, he encourages them to let others know, with their Local Favorite slips at the ready:
Does your school library already do this? If not, it would be a wonderful add to this coming year.
Happy Book Highlighting and Sharing! 😀
McCall, Idaho Public Library
On a quick getaway before the 2019-2020 school year starts, I visited the McCall, Idaho Public Library. This mountain gem has a inviting selection of children’s books!
When visiting a library, I first love to see which books are highlighted. But highlighted, I mean, get their book covered displayed in some way. Their setup provided multiple areas for books to be displayed at various eye-levels. ❤️ Here are some of the highlighted books (note how many are science titles):
Note: “The DATA” series a novel series that was featured on the “Local Favorites” shelf.
And…
Noticing a theme? 😀
Yes, the library was following the Summer Reading List and theme from ALSC (Association for Library Service to Children, www.ala.org/alsc).
To see this list even better and to check even more lists from ALSC, visit: www.ala.org/alsc/booklists
Happy Exploring! 😀
Birthday Happiness
Today is my birthday 🎂, and I am starting the day posting about one of my favorite things: picture books! 😀❤️
As you get ready to start another year, I highly recommend you purchase this set of Kobi Yamada books! They are at the top of my favorite books of all time!
Another birthday happiness share: The book that was foundational to my research and continued efforts: “Come On, Rain!” by Karen Hesse
One of the first, and few, science stories that I came across, years ago, that featured a person of color as the main character. I am delighted that more are available, but even more are needed. Among those, your student’s story!
Create time, this year, in your lesson plans for some science writing: where they are the scientist. Dive deep into their past, have them think about their future, and create the space for the right now science happenings in your classroom. Then write, write, write. 😀
Happy Reading! Happy Lesson Planning! 😊
“The Curious Garden”
I must be on a curiosity kick, because among my rainy afternoon reads is: “The Curious Garden” written and illustrated by Peter Brown.
Liam lived in a dreary plant-less city. 😕 While others took cover from the rain, his outdoor heart took him outside and to the forgotten train tracks, that pulled on his curiosity. There he discovered “a lonely patch of color”, which he nourished (and was thereby nourished himself).
Discover Liam’s passion-filled journey that transformed a city, through this part word, part word-less book.
My favorite part of the story was the line:
“Liam may not have been a gardener, but he knew that he could help.”
YES! ❤️
Let us not let labels or perceived not knowing hold us back from helping and coming to know.
This story is a wonderful addition to any library, and plant unit, but that line makes it an impactful addition to one’s library!
“Curiosity: The Story of a Mars Rover” by Markus Motum
Did you know that the latest Mars rover, Curiosity, was named by a sixth-grader from Kansas? I didn’t, nor did I know so many of the intricate details that went into preparing the Mars rover.
A fascinating read, told by the fictional perspective of Curiosity, this story provides readers with the why and how of this landmark event. I loved the play between non-fiction and the fictional point of view. It reminds me of a RAFT prompt (will share that at the end).
The illustrations, also by author Markus Motum, are packed full of detail, but are not overwhelming. They could stand alone as a wordless book, but I, not knowing too much about Curiosity, am grateful for all the informational words, and I think you would be, too!
The personification of the robot, brings more readers/minds to this subject, and therefore more “curiosity”. I love that! 😀
Here is a link to add this book to your classroom, home, or library: https://www.amazon.com/Curiosity-Story-Rover-Markus-Motum/dp/0763695041/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?keywords=curiosity+the+story+of+a+mars+rover&qid=1561673157&s=books&sprefix=curiosity&sr=1-1
It is great for all curious minds.
Now for more about RAFT. RAFT is a writing strategy that explores genre, purpose, and the writing techniques that makes them successful. The “format” could be something word heavy, like an letter to an editor, or an op-ed, or it could be a text or a haiku. 😀
I recently completely a RAFT as an end-of-the-day assignment from a summer class I was taking. I choose to write a text to a friend about what the purpose of a claim is in argument writing. (Do you see the formative assessment in this? 😁). Notice I said I choose this. Another great aspect of a RAFT is all the choice for students.
To learn even more, please see the information provided about this strategy from Read. Write. Think. A wonderful teaching resource: http://www.readwritethink.org/professional-development/strategy-guides/using-raft-writing-strategy-30625.html
Happy Reading and Writing! ❤️
Whistler Public Library
When traveling, I love to go into the local bookstore and library. I enjoy seeing how they celebrate books, and I am so intrigued to see which books are highlighted—meaning given notice due to their placement (full cover on display, in a smaller labeled section, nestled into small book stands, etc.).
Today I am at the Whistler Public Library in beautiful British Columbia, Canada.
Here is a picture of their children’s section and a few of those quick grab books.
