Courtney at Swimming into Second is hosting a favorite book linky party and since books are a passion/ hobby/ lifestyle for me I decide to join up! My most favorite, favorite, favorite book to read aloud is Thank You, Mr. Falker by Patricia Polacco.
In this story the main character Trisha has great difficulty learning to read due to an undiagnosed disability. In fifth grade Mr. Falkner comes along and with the help of the reading teacher she learns to read. On the last page it is revealed that this story is actually based on the author’s childhood and her difficulty with reading. It makes me cry every time I read it aloud.
I use this story to launch my Making Connections unit. You see, I was retained in first grade because I had such a hard time with math- it was like a foreign language to me. While I was never diagnosed with a learning disability, I dreaded math most of my school career (including college). I teach in a co-taught classroom and I am the general ed teacher. Many of the students struggle with reading and it is SUCH a powerful book for them. Not only to hear that a famous author and illustrator had difficulties (and disability) like they do, but also their teacher.
Story Online has this story read aloud by Jane Kaczmarek.
It is hard to believe the weekend is almost over! Back to school tomorrow after a long weekend in the mountains. Kinley got to pick out the pumpkin. I think she liked this one!
Have a wonderful week. I have tons of pictures from my classroom , and want to do a photo series of how I run and organize guided reading group. It is on my to do list! PLUS I need to post my retelling unit in my TpT store! Gah! Gotta add that to the list!
Mandy Gregory is a 2007 and 2012 Teacher of the Year. She has taught Kindergarten- 4th grades in both the general education and inclusion settings. She is currently a 1st grade Special Education teacher. She is the owner and creator of Mandy’s Tips for Teachers website (www.mandystipsforteachers.com) and has over 13 years of teaching experience. She is married with two beautiful children.
Thanks for joining my linky party!
Swimming into Second
Found you through the linky party! I'm your newest follower! 🙂 Love the name Kinley!!! She is ADORABLE!!! Can't wait to look around!
A Teeny Tiny Teacher
I recently discovered Patricia Polacco through a colleague of mine. The book I read was Junkyard Wonders. Talk about a book that warms your heart. I used the book to help build community in my room during the first week of school. It was great! Thanks for sharing this book, I think my students would really enjoy it since they like the other one so much.
~Mrs. P @ The Polka Dot Owl Blog