Why Blog


I’m passionate about finding ways to simplify comprehension instruction and learning. I’m concerned that we are defining comprehension too narrowly as an accumulation of five or six meta-cognitive strategies when cultivating comprehension involves so much more than that. We need to help children acquire accurate fluent reading skills and strategies; build background knowledge; develop their oral language and vocabulary; make reading-writing connections, and acquire a repertoire of meta-cognitive strategies to use as and if needed.


So I invite you to join me in blogging about this ever-so-important topic. I look forward to hearing your ideas, teaching strategies, book recommendations, classroom stories, etc., basically anything that will inspire a healthy conversation among colleagues.

Sunday, March 20, 2011

Barnes and Noble Search for "Camilla de la Bedoyere" Yields 72 Results

…And I’d never heard of her. Until last Friday, that is, when I did some professional development at the Kingston, N.Y. Superintendant’s Day Conference. During a lunch break, I toured George Washington Elementary School, the district’s only public Montessori school and one that is sought-after by district families. As I peeked in one of the Children’s House classrooms—those are the multi-age classrooms for three-, four-, and five-year olds—I happened upon a lovely flip book by Camilla de la Bedoyere called Life Cycles: Egg to Chicken/Tadpole to Frog. I was immediately taken by the unusually stunning photographs and engaging text.

So as soon as I returned home I googled the author and—low and behold—I found 72 results for this author/illustrator on Barnes and Noble’s site! Books on the life cycle of the butterfly, sharks, and chickens. Books on monkeys, the rainforest, and the human body. I also found a delightful series for young readers called “Farmyard Friends”… Horses and Ponies, Cows, Pigs, Chickens, and Sheep. The books are a bit pricy for individual purchase ($25.00 each) but they’re certainly titles that primary-grade teachers may want to put on a wish list of books their school, PTA, or district might purchase for the classroom. I ordered Sheep and Horses and Ponies and am awaiting delivery any day now. I'm expecting them to be every bit as lovely as Egg to Chicken.
(FYI: It appears that Egg to Chicken/Tadpole to Frog is no longer available in flip book format. Each title is sold separately.) 
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2 comments:

  1. FrankiMarch 20, 2011 at 2:26 PM

    I've never seen these either. Thanks for sharing. This is one of the best things about traveling to various schools and cities--finding books and authors that are new to me! Now to decide which one to buy:-)

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  2. Sharon TaberskiMarch 20, 2011 at 2:38 PM

    hi franki. yes, and it was fun stepping inside montessori classrooms. looking forward to working with you in lakota. let's stay healthy though.

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