A Sneak Peek into The Proudest Blue

Get ready to dive into a heartwarming tale that celebrates culture and identity! In “The Proudest Blue,” we journey with Faizah and her sister Asiya as they navigate the joys and challenges of wearing a beautiful blue hijab on the first day of school. This enchanting story is filled with vibrant illustrations and an inspiring message about pride, resilience, and embracing who you are. Explore the magic within the pages and celebrate these brave young girls with your students!

How to Use in Classroom: 

1. Engage students in a print-and-go comprehension activity. Students get to practice RACE responses, make text-to-self connections, and more!
2. Have each student write a short paragraph about their own identity. They can reflect on aspects such as their culture, family traditions, personal interests, or any special traits that make them unique.

Unraveling the Mystery of Pies from Nowhere

Get ready for a slice of enchantment as we dive into the delightful world of “Pies from Nowhere.” Join the townsfolk as they uncover the magic behind the mysterious Pie Lady and her scrumptious surprises that bring everyone together. Dig into this sweet story of kindness, community, and the joy of sharing!

How to Use in Classroom: Create a kindness quilt to reflect on the read aloud. Ask students to think about a time when they experienced or witnessed an act of kindness in their community. Have each student take a paper square and write a few sentences about an act of kindness or something that represents sharing and community. Once squares are complete, you can assemble the quilt. Have students tape or glue their squares to a large bulletin board or wall space, creating a “Kindness Quilt” that showcases their reflections on the themes from the book.

Discovering The Fearless Flights of Hazel Ying Lee!

Based on a true story, in “The Fearless Flights of Hazel Ying Lee,” readers are inspired by Hazel, a daring Chinese American pilot who breaks barriers and defies expectations during World War II. As she takes to the skies, Hazel’s courage and determination shine through, showcasing the power of chasing your dreams regardless of obstacles. This captivating tale combines history with adventure, encouraging children to embrace their passions and fly fearlessly.

How to Use in Classroom: This book is great for teaching character traits! After reading The Fearless Flights of Hazel Ying Lee and discussing Hazel’s character traits, have each student choose one character trait that they believe is important for pursuing dreams (e.g., bravery, perseverance, determination). Task students with writing a few sentences about why they chose that trait and how they can demonstrate it in their own lives. Encourage them to think of a specific goal they want to achieve and how the trait will help them. 

A Glimpse into For The Right to Learn

In “The Right to Learn,” Malala Yousafzai shares her courageous journey advocating for education for girls everywhere. This inspiring book tells the story of her fight against the forces that sought to deny her and others their right to education. With heartfelt illustrations and Malala’s powerful message, readers are encouraged to understand the importance of learning and the impact one voice can have in changing the world. A must-read for young activists and aspiring leaders!

How to Use in Classroom:

1. Discuss the significance of every child’s right to learn. Have students write a short paragraph about what education means to them and why it is important. Students can use this writing to make a “My Voice” poster. Ask students to illustrate their paragraph on a piece of paper, creating a poster that represents their thoughts and feelings about education and advocacy.
2. Write a letter to advocate for education! Instruct students to write a letter to a local leader or community member (such as a school principal, city council member, or a family member) advocating for education. They should include:

• A brief introduction about themselves.
• Why education is important to them and their community.
• A call to action, suggesting how the recipient can help promote quality education for all

Sneak Preview of I Am Enough

In “I Am Enough,” author Grace Byers delivers a powerful message of self-acceptance and confidence for young readers. This beautifully illustrated book celebrates diversity, individuality, and the importance of recognizing one’s worth. Through uplifting verses, children are encouraged to embrace who they are and to understand that they are enough just as they are. A heartwarming read that inspires positivity and self-love!

How to Use in Classroom: Have each student write a list of positive affirmations about themselves on a piece of plain paper. Encourage them to think of qualities, talents, or experiences that make them who they are. Examples might include “I am kind,” “I am creative,” or “I am a good friend.”

Grab the book list and, if you love it, you might also love learning more about celebrating March National Days with picture books in your classroom or finding the perfect picture books to integrate into ELA!

*Ramona Recommends partners with affiliate platforms where commission may be earned based on clicks and or purchases, and I would love it if you decided to use the links above! Affiliate links help bloggers like me to fund the free content that we provide on our blogs.

The post Women’s History Books You Need to Share Today appeared first on Ramona Recommends.

You can have your classroom buzzing with engaging activities that allow for bookful moments and learning all at the same time.

I have been teaching for awhile, and one thing I know for sure is that kids need to be invested in the outcome. One way I have promoted the love of reading in my classroom is through using picture books. Yes, you read that correctly! I teach 5th grade and use picture books in my classroom on the daily. I will let you in on a little secret- sometimes I even read more than one day! We are living wild in room 35.

I want to help you! Here are 5 engaging activities that you can do in your classroom in the month of January to promote the love of reading and check off those standards. 

Let me break it down for you. You have 4 full weeks of January. This means there are 20 days where you can use picture books in your classroom. YAY! While reviewing routines and fluffing up the classroom community, use these resources to engage your readers: 

The Lucky Grapes:

The Lucky Grapes by Tracey Kyle is a festive picture book that introduces readers to the Spanish New Year’s tradition of eating 12 grapes at midnight for good luck. The story follows a young girl and her family as they prepare for the celebration, sharing laughter, anticipation, and the joy of starting the year together. With vibrant illustrations and a cultural focus, the book highlights the importance of family, traditions, and hope for the year ahead.

This mini pop guides your students through what I call a POP! by allowing them to pop the confetti after reading through comprehension questions, deeper thinking questions, and personal connections.

Squirrel’s New Year’s Resolution:

Squirrel’s New Year’s Resolution by Pat Miller is a heartwarming story about Squirrel learning what a New Year’s resolution is and deciding to make one of her own. As she visits her woodland friends, she discovers how resolutions can involve helping others and improving oneself. With a delightful mix of humor and kindness, the story inspires readers to think about their own goals for the new year.

This mini pop guides your students through what I call a POP! by allowing them to pop the confetti after reading through comprehension questions, deeper thinking questions, and personal connections.

Just Snow Already

Just Snow Already! by Howard McWilliam is a playful and imaginative picture book about a child eagerly waiting for snow. As the anticipation grows, the child dreams up wild and hilarious ways to make snow happen faster. With whimsical illustrations and a relatable theme, the story captures the magic of winter and the excitement of hoping for that first snowfall.

Inferencing is a tough skill to master which is why I always pair with picture books. Use Just Snow Already and the companion worksheet to either teach, practice, or reteach the skill of inference. My students completed this activity during reading rotations. I popped the Storyline Online read aloud in Google Classroom and then my students completed the inference printable and turned it in for a check-in. Their answers gave me great insight into who had mastered the standard. 

Blizzard:

Blizzard by John Rocco is a heartwarming picture book based on the author’s childhood experience during the historic Blizzard of 1978. The story follows a young boy who, after days of being snowed in, takes it upon himself to journey through the deep snow with homemade snowshoes to bring food and supplies to his neighbors. With stunning illustrations and a focus on resourcefulness, community, and perseverance, Blizzard beautifully captures the wonder and challenges of a historic winter storm.

Providing questions and reading response prompts following a picture book read aloud is a great way to focus on listening skills and reading comprehension skills. I remember that when I was a kid, I loved when my teachers did thematic units. This core memory of my childhood sparked my POP! Like a Confetti Moment monthly resources. This month, I will read the picture book Blizzard and my students and I will deep dive into vocabulary word studies, comprehension questions, and personal connection prompts. 

Room 35 gives 5 stars to this highly engaging resource to use during reading rotations or independent work time!

Summary is ALWAYS a big standard to fine-tune with our students. Let me help you with this while enjoying this beautiful story with your students!

January is the perfect time to have a little fun too! I created this resource for parents to use while working with their kids over winter break. I think teachers could also do these activities in their classroom during January. If you have a student teacher or a student observer, these art centered activities would be a win! 

Let this month be one where you and your students connect over meaningful stories, laugh at imaginative tales, and explore new ideas together. Whether you’re building vocabulary with Blizzard, practicing inferencing with Just Snow Already, or diving into the joy of traditions with The Lucky Grapes, you’re setting the tone for a year full of discovery and growth. Remember, you have the power to create a classroom where learning feels magical—one picture book at a time. So, grab a cozy seat, a good book, and let the adventures begin. Here’s to a January filled with bookful moments and happy readers! You’ve got this!

Here’s to making January anything but gloomy—because in Room 35, learning is always an adventure! 🥳

Ramona Recommends partners with affiliate platforms where commission may be earned based on clicks and or purchases, and I would love it if you decided to use the links above! Affiliate links help bloggers like me to fund the free content that we provide on our blogs.

The post 5 Engaging Picture Book Activities to Try This January appeared first on Ramona Recommends.