Setting Up the Classroom Series....

It's that time of year when we think about setting up our classroom for new groups of readers, writers, mathematicians, social scientists, and problem solvers. Over the next few weeks, I'll be sharing some ways to organize classrooms that will support students in both their academic and social growth. So, for the next few weeks, my blogging will be about my 10 for 10 list of picture books and ways to set up our classrooms for our students.

Below you'll find the link to a blog I wrote for my friends and colleagues at Developmental Studies Center. It's all about setting up the meeting area in the classroom to create that central location for reading, writing, thinking, talking, and problem solving.

The Meeting Area: An Invitation to Read, Write, Think, Talk, and Problem Solve

love,
AM

10 Picture Books That Help Us Face Life's Challenges

This is my first post in a VERY long time. Thanks Cathy and Mandy for creating this wonderful event that would push me to write again.
This list of 10 books have in some way or another helped me face life's challenges with courage and strength this past year. I'll be telling the stories of these books in the coming weeks on the blog, but for now, here's the list....with the book covers below (I've already forgotten how to make the right book title and author fit nice and neatly next to the cover!)
1. The Little Hummingbird by Michael Nicoll Yahgulanaas
2. All In a Day by Cynthia Rylant
3. I'm In Charge of Celebrations by Byrd Baylor
4. Saturdays and Teacakes by Lester Laminack
5. Junkyard Wonders by Patricia Polacco
6. Zero by Kathryn Otoshi
7. The Secret of Saying Thanks by Douglas Wood
8. A Box of Friends by Pam Munoz Ryan
9. Courage by Bernard Waber
10. Believe: A Gift to Celebrate New Beginnings by Dan Zadra and Kobi Yamada