I love sharing the love of reading and books with my students. There is something beyond powerful in the written word. With the increase of technology and the ease of access to books, sharing with our students has never been better. But where to go? Here are some of my favorite selections based on the theme 'friendship' which can be used to study many different concepts in reading.
Enemy Pie
on www.storylineonline.net
This is a story about a boy who cannot stand the new kid in the neighborhood. His father convinces him to "trick" the new boy into thinking that he is his friend so that his son will spend time with the new boy. As the main character begins to get to know the new kid in town, he finds out he likes him and does not want to feed him "enemy pie". This story would be good to use with foreshadowing and predictions
The Wizard of Oz
(retrieved from http://www.read.gov/books/oz.html; there was a download PDF link that seemed to be unworking).
Instead of using strictly picture books, students need to learn to build their own mind movies as they listen or read a story. The few visuals in this version help to aide that process without taking away the students' opportunity to try. In this story, friends are the only way that Dorthy is able to return home.
Aesop's Fables
(retrieved from http://www.umass.edu/aesop/content.php?n=21&i=1 )
This is a traditional retelling of the Lion and the Mouse. In this story, the mouse is saved by the lion, and in the end, ends up saving the mighty king. The moral is that small friends can do great things. A fable is a great way to discuss themes as well. While the story may not be complex, it does provide examples of symbolism that even the students can relate to.
Recording of the Lion and the Mouse
(retrieved from http://librivox.org/aesops-fables-volume-1-fables-1-25/)
This is a recording of the story about the lion and the mouse. This could be a great way to provide visuals and auditory opportunities for students.
Koko's Kitten by Dr. Francine Patterson
(retrieved from http://www.amazon.com/Kitten-Reading-Rainbow-Francine-Patterson/dp/0590444255/ref=sr_1_13?ie=UTF8&qid=1335487420&sr=8-13#reader_0590444255 )
Friendships can develop in a variety of ways. For example, Koko loved her kitten friend. This would be an excellent story for students to work on Point of View. The students could create thinking maps identifying how Koko felt before and after she friends. Also, this would be a a good example to use for Author's purpose. ( I would actually have this book in hardcopy form in addition to having access online.)
Friendship Photograph
(retrieved from http://www.morguefile.com/archive/display/173251 )
This photograph would be an excellent way to preview vocabulary. Students could come up with all the words that they associate with friendship and place then on a bubble map. These vocabulary words could be added to as the students have more experience with the other sources. (This photo is downloaded locally as to assure access).
Letter from Ronald Regan to Michael Jackson
(retrieved from http://tumblr.chicagoreader.com/ )
Students are enamored with celebrities. These two celebrities are considered opposites, and yet, here we find a letter (a friendly one) between the two. This letter would be excellent to use in discussion with structure of a writing and also could be used as a writing prompt: If you could write a letter to any one, who would it be and why?" (This photo would be downloaded locally as to assure access for students).
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