Reading – Page 50 – Pernille Ripp

10 Chapter Books My Students Say You Need

June 12, 2014July 15, 2015 Pernille Ripp

Much like we love our picture books, reading graphic novels or chapter books is a big deal in our room. All day, every day, there is an undercurrent of book recommendation conversation running through our room and so I knew this year’s top ten list would be a tough competition. With many ties, and many books to even choose from, I am happy to reveal the 10 books my students say any middle grade classroom library should not be without.

Number 10:

We start off with a three way tie. I love the range of these books and think they truly represent the range of readers and interest we have in our group.

A favorite every year for our Tangle of the Titles, The Giver by Lois Lowry always surprises kids with how great it is. I love how fiercely the students debate the ending as well. Flora & Ulysses by the amazing Kate DiCamillo was hit in our room with a diverse crowd of readers. whimsy, fun, and yet thought provoking the kids loved passing this around.

I love the power of graphic novels and Smile by Raina Telgemeier is one that I have had to repurchase a few times, it always seems to disappear or get destroyed from so many reads.

Number 9:

Pivot Point by Kasie West is one of my all-time favorite YA reads and so I was thrilled when so many kids took to it as well. With the perfect amount of action and love, Kasie West in this book and the sequel “Split Second” captivated many readers.

Number 8:

A chilling tale of hope and survival mesmerized many of my boys and some of the girls as well. They couldn’t believe the story told here and wanted to know more. Prisoner B-3087 by Alan Gratz is a must add.

Number 7:

For the second year in a row, Adam Gidwitz’s tale of Hansel and Gretel in A Tale Dark & Grimm won the hearts of my students. This is a perfect series for anyone who loves action, fantasy, humor and yes, a little bit of magic.

Number 6:

No classroom library at this age is complete without Divergent by Veronica Roth, I loved how many students discovered this book this year and how they discussed book vs movie.

Number 5:

One of the official selections for Global Read Aloud 2013, Out of My Mind by Sharon M. Draper kicked our read alouds off in the best way possible. all year, the lessons from Melody resonated through our walls, permeated our conversations, and changed the way we viewed others.

Number 4:

What can we say that hasn’t been written about The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins. There is a reason almost every child in my room has read it.

Number 3:

One of my all-time favorite reads, I am always excited to see when a new child discovers The One and Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate. The best part? It usually only takes the first page to hook them.

Number 2:

The power of The False Prince by Jennifer A. Nielsen never fails to mesmerize students, and this year marked the first time I read it aloud. Students begged for me to read just one more page of this incredible tale. Our culminating Skype call with Jennifer A. Nielsen only made this book better. This was one of our read alouds.

Number 1:

And what was the most beloved book in our classroom?

If you have not read Rump – The True Story of Rumpelstiltskin by Liesl Shurtliff, please run out to your nearest book store or library and get it. The kids have lived Rump’s tale, begged me to keep reading, pondered about the role of destiny in our lives and asked if there is a sequel. This book is a must read aloud, and was one of ours.

Many other books were on the list but these were the top picks. We hope we have given you some suggestions to add to your library or summer reading, you won’t regret it.

I am a passionate (female) 5th grade teacher in Wisconsin, USA, proud techy geek, and mass consumer of incredible books. Creator of the Global Read Aloud Project, Co-founder of EdCamp MadWI, and believer in all children. I have no awards or accolades except for the lightbulbs that go off in my students’ heads every day. First book “Passionate Learners – Giving Our Classrooms Back to Our Students” can be purchased now from Powerful Learning Press. Follow me on Twitter @PernilleRipp.

Information for the Global Read Aloud 2014

June 6, 2014 Pernille Ripp

Get Connected! How One Project Can Set You Up for The Year #GRA13

The Global Read Aloud 2014 may be several months away but here at GRA headquarters, which is really just in my head, the wheels are spinning. Here is some key information for 2014.

Where do I sign up?

Right here

Who is the author study?

The amazing and incredible Peter H. Reynolds is our focus this year. Here are the books chosen

Week 1: The North Star

Week 2: I’m Here

Week 3: Ish

Week 4: Sky Color

Week 5: Going Places

Week 6: Your choice!!!

What are the book choices?

The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane by Kate DiCamillo

The Fourteenth Goldfish by Jennifer L. Holm

One for the Murphy’s by Lynda Mullaly Hunt

The Fault in Our Stars by John Green

What are the dates?

October 6th through November 14th

Which book should I read with my class?

New this year is the removal of grade levels. Please read the book that you think will garner the best connections, investments, and discussions in your classroom. Your know your group best!

Are the authors involved?

Yes, most of them! I have been in touch with 3 of the 5 and will release details as soon as they are settled. Some are more involved than others depending on how busy they are.

How do I get connected?

A great place to start are the Edmodo groups that have already been set up. These are for teachers only, no students, and are meant to be a place to find people to connect with, to ask questions, and to share ideas. The discussions have already started but will continue throughout the summer.

Peter H. Reynolds Author Study Group on Edmodo https://edmo.do/j/4fpgfb

The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane Group on Edmodo https://edmo.do/j/hiessv

The Fourteenth Goldfish Group on Edmodo https://edmo.do/j/jcmw82

One For the Murphy’s Group on Edmodo https://edmo.do/j/9d3fh9

The Fault in Our Stars Teacher Group on Edmodo https://edmo.do/j/y9fhkx

Mass Facilitator Group – if you are the main contact for a group of teachers in your school or district, this is a great group to join. https://edmo.do/j/mtk6pu

You can also use the hashtag #GRA14 or go to our wiki or Facebook page

What’s the “Share a Book” initiative?

This year, to really bring in the global connections, I hope you will send a book representative of your area to the class (es) you connect with. I also hope you will mail one to me if you feel like it. The idea for this extension came from receiving a picture book from Uganda and the impact it had on my school.

What does this cost?

Nothing, except for the book cost, which you get yourself. I don’t make any money off of this and there is no cost to be a part of it.

Is this truly global?

Yes! With more than 200,000 connections made in the past 4 years, GRA is used in over 30 countries on 6 continents, with even more signed up this year.

Will there be merchandise?

There has been in the past, so probably yes, but I find it to be rather expensive for people to buy which is upsetting to me. So if you have any ideas of how to make merchandise cheaper and get it to people, please contact me!

I have no clue what to do!

Please read this article by Matt Renwick, which may help you get ideas. Or contact me p (at) globalreadaloud (dot) com

Who is behind this?

Mass consumer of incredible books, Pernille Ripp, helps students discover their superpower as a former 5th grade teacher, but now 7th grade teacher in Oregon, Wisconsin. She loves children so much she decided to have 4 of her own with her soulmate Brandon, who keeps her laughing. Her first book was published this May by Powerful Learning Press entitled “Passionate Learners – Giving Our Classroom Back to Our Students.” Her work has been featured by Edutopia, School Library Journal, MiddleWeb, Learning & Leading magazine, as well as in many podcasts and interviews. She teaches others how to give the classroom back to students through webinars, as well as to anyone who walks into her classroom.

Reading, students

Ten Picture Books My Students Say You Need – 2014

June 4, 2014July 31, 2015 Pernille Ripp

Anyone who has been in our classroom know that picture books are a big deal. A hush falls over the room whenever one is read and we hold our picture books as sacred text that not only let us relive our younger years, but also spark deep conversation. We realized we wanted to share our ten favorite reads from the year and I can say, it was hard to pick! The students shouted out beloved titles and then each voted for their own top ten. So without further ado, these are the ten picture books we think every classroom should read and own!

A few runner ups: These lost out by one vote to make it in the Top Ten but are still worthy of a read any day…

Mr. Wuffles by David Wiesner

Turkey Trouble by Wendi Silvano

Naked Mole Rat Gets Dressed by Mo Willems

And now on to the Top Ten.

Number 10:

We love Spoon by Amy Krouse Rosenthal. This sweet story of a spoon trying to fit in and finding his place in the world was one that made us laugh and think about our own place in the world.

Number 9:

The Invisible Boy by Trudy Ludwig, the story of a boy who feels invisible in his classroom was one that silenced the students. The reflections that followed from them were some that I had to blog about right away. have you had the conversation about the invisible children in your classroom?

Number 8:

Pete & Pickles by Berkeley Breathed is the story of an unlikely rescue mission and friendship , which was one that my students loved and gravitated toward many times. This is one of my all-time favorite picture books and my students agree, this is a must read over and over.

Number 7:

I love when my students laugh out loud when I read aloud and Warning: Do Not Open This Book by Adam Lehrhaupt definitely did that to us. Great illustrations as well as a fun story kept my students hooked.

Number 6:

What can I say about The Dot that countless others have not said already? The simple message of making your mark on the world and being good enough is one that left its mark on us.

Number 5:

Even though this book carries no words, my students could not get past the depth of the story. The gasp of breath in “that” scene was audible as was the hush that followed when the book was done. I love wordless picture books for the incredible imagination they possess, but this one downright shakes you awake to make you think about the world. Bluebird by Bob Staake is a must add to any classroom.

Number 4:

Another masterpiece by Peter H. Reynolds; Ish which is why he is the author study for Global Read Aloud 2014. This book led to a deep discussion of what people’s words do to our dreams and how we can support others’ dreams.

Number 3:

Journey by Aaron Becker was used as the culmination of our first reading unit, which happened to be a lesson I was observed during. I asked the students why I picked this book to share with them as our celebration book and their reasons blew me away. “We are on a journey in reading like the girl.” “we also can create what we want 5th grade to be like she does with her world” were among some of the things said. Again a wordless picture book brought some of our deepest conversations.

Number 2:

Picture books do not always have to discuss heavy topics to leave a deep impression. Weasels by Elys Dolan was one my students loved because it was sheer fun watching the weasels try to overtake the world. I love how picture books allows my otherwise cool 5th graders to just let go and laugh.

And finally, number 1 out of so many picture books read….

I pulled this book out after a recess incident that had really rattled my team. Whenever I send my students out to play and be with their friends, I never think that they may not be friends outside, that they may say mean things about each other, that they may exclude, and yet that day they proved me wrong. I knew we had to discuss what had happened but instead of another lecture from me about the power of our community, the sanctity of what we have built, and how we should all fit in, I let this picture book, Zero by Kathryn Otoshi do the talking for me. The fact that this is the most favored read in my room tells me they may have been listening.

From our class to yours, we hope you add some of these to your collection.

global read aloud, Reading, Student-centered

Why the Global Read Aloud Matters

May 30, 2014June 24, 2014 Pernille Ripp

Wednesday started out as a normal day at school. I walked into the office to check my mailbox when our amazing secretary handed me a mystery package. I immediately looked at the mailing label and was astounded when I saw this.

Immediately curios, I ripped open the package and was surprised when I saw this

The package came from Cathy Kreutter, the librarian at the International School of Uganda, and she was reaching out to me continue the global connectedness started by the Global Read Aloud. Not only was I shocked, but I was also over the moon excited, because the other thing in the package was this…

A book, written by Cathy, based on the American Folk Tale “There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Fly” meant to tell readers more about Uganda. I couldn’t wait to read it to my students! And what happened next was pure magic.

Not only did I read it my students, who couldn’t believe the things they were learning. They also wanted to find out more about Uganda and had many questions. Next, I took the book to our 1st grade buddies and shared it with them. More questions and learning about Uganda happened. Then I swung by one of our kindergarten classrooms and shared it with them, with the same result. Within the span of an hour, 3 classes had learned and become curious about Uganda and Africa as a whole. All through the power of a book mailed to us because of the Global Read Aloud.

Yet, the power of this book has not ended. Our incredible librarian plans to share it next week with her classes and so we will see the seeds of curiosity planted in more kids. More kids will find Uganda ion the globe and know a little about this faraway nation where the Nile starts and lions roar. More kids will wonder about the world and what another child’s every day life is like. All through the power of a shared read aloud.

So this year, for the Global Read Aloud, I will encourage people who connect to send a picture book to their partners. A book that shares a little about them, that will deepen the connection between our homes. I will secretly hope that some will send one to me as well so my students can see just what this project has started.

Thank you Cathy for reaching out to me. That small gesture has started a wave of curiosity at our small school. To purchase your own copy of this book, please go here, I am telling you, the students will love it.

I am a passionate teacher in Wisconsin, USA, who has taught 4, 5th, and 7th grade. Proud techy geek, and mass consumer of incredible books. Creator of the Global Read Aloud Project, Co-founder of EdCamp MadWI, and believer in all children. I have no awards or accolades except for the lightbulbs that go off in my students’ heads every day. First book “Passionate Learners – Giving Our Classrooms Back to Our Students” can be purchased now from Powerful Learning Press. Second book“Empowered Schools, Empowered Students – Creating Connected and Invested Learners” can be pre-ordered from Corwin Press now. Follow me on Twitter @PernilleRipp.

Reading, reflection, Student-centered

How I Know My Students Are Reading at Home

May 25, 2014May 25, 2014 Pernille Ripp

I remember the reading logs well, my brothers hastily whipping them out Sunday night asking my mom to sign off that they had read x number of minutes. My mother never checked, she did not want to be the reading police, after all, she knew my brothers read. She didn’t care how many minutes or which book, all that mattered was that at some point their eyes met something to read. A great post by Angela Watson got me thinking, how do I know my students are reading if I don’t check their reading log? How do I know that at some point their eyes meet a text? There are many ways actually.

I watch their reaction. Kids who read want independent reading time. Kids who are in a great part of a book want time to find out what will happen next. Kids who slowly get their reading bin, who distract others on the way; those are the kids I need to check in with and help.
I keep an eye on their book bin. A whole book shelf in my room is the proof that my students read. Periodically I go look through their bins, noting which books a kid has and whether those book have changed. If they haven’t, I check in with that child.
We recommend. Another favorite in our room is the speed book dating. We quickly rattle off a book we love and why it should be read while the listener has their “I can’t wait to read ” list in their hand.
We show off our reading. I have my reading door outside of the room so that my students always know what I am reading and my students can recommend books on a bulletin board. Our reading is visible.
We discuss. Reading should not be a solitary endeavor so we make time to discuss our books and why they are the best or the worst book ever.
We reflect. I often ask students to tie in today’s teaching point with whatever they are reading right now. Whether it is in our thoughtful logs or on a post-it, students take a moment to think and apply and once again lets me see what they are reading.
We do monthly reading reflections. This year I really wanted to have a open dialogue with the students in regard to their reading life and although I do constant one on one or small group instruction, I wanted something more formal that I could file away and look at when needed. My students know they are not judged on what they write but rather that I use it as a way to start a conversation with them. I always appreciate their honesty and my actions show that.
We have great books. If you want kids to read, have great books. I do not know how much money I spend a year on books, I know it is a lot, but every time I am able to booktalk a book and see the reaction in my kids, it is worth it. Couple that with an incredbile librarian and my students are pretty lucky in the book department.
I lose a lot of books. Because I encourage my students to take our books home to read, I inevitably lose a lot of books. While it is hard to think of it from a financial standpoint, I also know that hose books are being read by someone. So yes, it is hard to constantly replace books (and expensive) but it is something that goes along with being a reading classroom.

So yes, while my district mandates a reading log, it is not the treasure trove of information that I need. What I need is conversation, observation, reflection, and interaction. So how do I know my students read? I ask them and listen.

Reading, students

Why My Students Are Connected

May 22, 2014May 21, 2014 Pernille Ripp

I have written a lot about being connected myself, even about connecting my students. I have written of the conversations that happen, the connections that happen, and even how it brings this amazing world of strangers in to our rooms. And yet, some people still don’t get the importance of being a connected educator, not just for yourself, but also for your students.

We are doing our final book clubs right now and a group of girls had picked Anne Ursu’s The Real Boy as their choice, something that made me quite happy because for some reason students had not yet gravitated toward this amazing read. When it was time for me to check in with the girls, they immediately told me just how well their book club was going, how deep their conversations were, and all of the things they were speculating about. It was clear that this book had made some new fans. As they walked away, I mentioned that the author, Anne Ursu, is on Twitter and would they like to tweet her?

One minute passed and the girls told me what to tweet (we do have a class account but no one was logged into it at the time). Here is what they said

I pressed send and the girls went back to their group.

3 minutes passed, I looked up from what I was doing and this caught my eye

3 minutes! And the author of their new favorite book had taken the time to reply to them. The girls lit up and immediately started to discuss Mrs. Ursu’s reply and what that must mean. This quickly spiraled into another questions and then another and what ensued was a deep literary discussion fueled by Anne’s answers and my students questions. For 30 minutes, Anne Ursu took the time to answer them, ask them questions herself, and even having her own thinking pushed. 30 minutes!

As I stood back and let it unfold, I kept thinking how this is exactly why we are connected. Not to just show off our learning as if the world is our audience but to interact with people that matter discussing things that matter. That same morning I had written about engaging our strongest readers, and here my girls were pursuing ideas and theories grounded in a text much like I had discussed. In the end, my girls asked this, officially blowing my mind…

Do I need any further assessment that these kids get what it means to think beyond the text, to make connections, to infer, to look for commonality between texts? Thanks to Anne Ursu and her willingness to connect, my students just applied everything we have discussed within our own four walls.

So when people ask whether being connected is needed, I have a hard time not saying yes. Sure, we can teach just fine without, in fact, we can be great teachers without being connected, but our students will miss out on amazing opportunities to connect with others. They will miss out on great discussions waiting to happen, on opportunities to expands other people’s minds in the process. These girls, my 5th graders, they made someone else think today, and that is invaluable.

I am a passionate (female) 5th grade teacher in Wisconsin, USA, proud techy geek, and mass consumer of incredible books. Creator of the Global Read Aloud Project, Co-founder of EdCamp MadWI, and believer in all children. I have no awards or accolades except for the lightbulbs that go off in my students’ heads every day. First book “Passionate Learners – Giving Our Classrooms Back to Our Students Starting Today” can be purchased now from Powerful Learning Press. Follow me on Twitter @PernilleRipp.