Yesterday I was the administrator on duty all morning long, so I grabbed the character cam and we spotted a decorated door, which begs the question:
How are you a light?
We also spotted this bulletin board with responses to the writing prompt:
What is the greatest gift you've ever received?
Across from it hangs this Grinch bulletin board to track kind acts,
and we found a first-grade anchor chart
with sparkle words describing the Grinch
and noting his transformation.
So, as we near Christmas break, today's PPBF pick
also features a festive theme.
Christmas Cookies: Bite-Size Holiday Lessons
Author: Amy Krouse Rosenthal
Illustrator: Jane Dyer
Publisher: Harper-Collins Publishers
Date: September 30, 2008
Suitable for ages 4 and up
Non-fiction
Themes: Christmas, values, manners
Brief synopsis: Using common holiday words, the author defines vocabulary in connection with baking cookies.
Opening Page: ANTICIPATION means, I've been thinking all day about making the cookies. I'm so excited. I can't wait.
Resources:
Watch the book's trailer on You Tube
Why I like this book: It's probably as much a book for adults as it is for kids, complete with illustrations that are precious and words that perfectly complement this time of year. Words like tradition, responsible, thoughtful, gracious, joy, gratitude, peace, and hope. And to keep it real, the author even included a few not-as-uplifting words like disappointed, selfish, and lonely. Brainstorm words that your learners would have included and talk about their cookie-connection definitions. Let them illustrate their word and, voila, you'll have a delicious visual display!
But positive or negative, all of the vocabulary connects back to the time-honored tradition of enjoying kindness in the kitchen making Christmas cookies. Together. Talk about a tasty treat. I predict you'll love every little morsel of this holiday treasure, including the recipe in the back of the book. Here's a plate from our house to yours; click the picture for our Sour Cream Sugar Cookie recipe.
After you make and decorate a batch, why not deliver them individually or on a plate to a neighbor, friend, or family in need.
Happy baking!
I happened to come across this book just the other day! It's a keeper!
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