The Pale Assassin

Title: The Pale Assassin

Author: Patricia Elliott

ISBN: 9780340956762

Classification: Fiction with historical setting
Themes: adventure, mystery, history

Perspective Writing

Writing from a perspective (or point of view) that is not a person is something I have found many students have trouble with. Putting yourself in another person's shoes is one thing but another being altogether is frightening to some.

Most grade 6 and 7 students have a grasp on the English language - enough to tell a story verbally or write one down. I decided to let my class have a little fun with writing while engaging them in learning a bit about science as well.

Buzzy the Bumblebee

Title: Buzzy the Bumblebee

Author: Denise Brennan-Nelson

ISBN: 9781585361663

Classification: fiction
Themes: self belief

Symmetry and Art

Grade 2 work sample

Symmetry is a fun part of mathematics that most students do not mind. Often it is a welcome break from numbers and what better topic to incorporate art.

This lesson was conducted over two 45 minute lessons (and I have also left it for relief teachers in previous years without issue).


Lesson 1

The first lesson revolves around talking and identifying what symmetry is. The samples shown were from a grade 2/3 class. Most had a good idea after a discussion that symmetry means the same but as a mirror image. Most had done the paint on paper and then fold in reception.

Dragonkeeper

Title: Dragonkeeper

Author: Carol Wilkinson

ISBN: 9781742032450

Classification: Fiction
Themes: history, adventure, identity

Buddy Unchained: Book Review

Buddy is an unhappy dog. Rescued and taken to a shelter he wonders about what else life has in store for him.

The Night We Made the Flag: Book Review

Title: The Night We Made the Flag: A Eureka Story

Author: Carole Wilkinson

ISBN: 9781922179159

Classification: Fiction based loosely on historical events
Themes: Australian history, craft

Free Range Children: Independent or Irresponsible?

The joys of parenting have seen me slightly neglect my postings of late! Becoming a parent has meant that there are many things I now consider from a different perspective; though many of my views have not altered.

The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind

Title: The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind

Author: William Kamkwamba & Brian Melser

ISBN: 9780803735118

Classification: Fiction based on actual events
Themes: problem solving, recycling, science, needs, persistence

The Publishing and Display Handbook

Title: The Publishing and Display Handbook

Author: Sheena Cameron

ISBN: 9781442528512

Classification: Non-fiction - resource
Themes: templates, display

The Spider and the Fly

Title: The Spider and the Fly

Author: Mary Howitt

ISBN: 9781442454545

Classification: ballad with a moral
Themes: trust, stranger danger, social awareness

A Spy in the House: Book Review

Title: A Spy in the House

Author: Y.S. Lee

ISBN: 9780763652890

Classification: Fiction based in the Victorian era
Themes: mystery, detective, history

Changing a Flower's Appearance: Activity

Looking for a new, fun, and educational activity for Mother's or Father's Day this year? Flowers. Yes, grab yourself a white flower or two and come and have a read on how to make them into something special with your class
(and it even combines a bit of science and art)!

Sorry!

Title: Sorry!

Author: Trudi Ludwig

ISBN: 9781582461731

Classification: fiction with realistic story
Themes: social skills, friendship, feelings