Stories (Part 2)

I mentioned "The Book of Awesome" in last week's tip of the week which I suggested for grades 5 and above, telling you to stay tuned for a suggestion for lower grades. Well the wait is over. For anything under grade 5, bring a picture book! Wow, what an incredible idea that you would have never thought of!

I like to go to "Winners" or "Chapters" clearance section for my picture books. You will find a lot of lesser known books here that are just as amazing as the more popular Dr. Seuss books. But the difference being this: the kids haven't heard these stories a thousand times already. A bonus to you is that you will never be paying more than $6 for a book.

I like to switch it up depending on the season that we are in. Once December rolls around I start bringing out my Christmas books and in October I break out my Halloween books. I have yet to acquire any books for the other seasons.. but you definitely can! One of my more popular books is a Halloween pop up book. The kids love it, I love it... it's wins all around.

Just remember to bring your book home with you (I've lost a couple of good books by forgetting about them on a desk or chair somewhere) and make sure the kids do not destroy your precious, precious pop up books.

Here are a few from my collection

The ever popular Halloween pop up!

Tales from Grade 5

I was subbing in a grade 5 classroom where they had to create fairy tales.  The great thing about this was that their fairy tales were already done.. the pictures and everything.  All they were actually doing was reading and sharing them with the class.  

So all I really had to do for about 30 minutes was listen to some stories that grade 5 students came up with... and let me tell you they did not disappoint!

I'm having major regrets about not photographing every page of one of the stories... the stories were actually really well written.  I did happen to snap a picture of a couple of pages out of one of the girls stories though.

This one was simply titled "Goldilocks: The Sequel"  

Since when do grade 5 students write this well?  

First, I wonder if this girl realized there was actually a Prince Harry.

Second, I thought it was hilarious that she spelt it Hairy... because he was so hairy.

Third, everyone found every story hilarious because they used pictures of their classmates in the stories.  

Finally, they were all such good drawers... this girl usually didn't leave any white space on her page!

Stories

Once I was in a grade 7 class and the teacher had been reading them "The Book of Awesome". The thing about "The Book of Awesome" is that each story is no more than a 3 pages long, the majority of them are appropriate for all ages, and it's an easy read.

Sadly, I missed the boat on "The Book of Awesome" and never got around to buying it at my local Superstore for 40% off (hey, I'm a cheap substitute I'm not paying full price!) but you better believe I scooped up "The Book of Even More Awesome" for the ultra low price of about $11. Once you read it (which you will because let's face it - it's awesome) bring it along with you when you sub in grade 5 or higher (if you are subbing in a grade lower than grade 5 stay tuned). If there is ever a lull in the day read them a story (or 4) from the book. Discuss what they find awesome about their day to day lives. You can likely fill an entire class this way. If you are really strapped for something to do get them to write an "Awesome Story").

Graduation Speeches

I don't do much subbing in high school so this isn't a story about a high school grad. No, this is a story about an elementary school graduation. Specifically one of the speeches. 

Now, before I begin the tale I must admit that I was not around for the actual graduation. I merely spotted the speech on the teachers desk and decided I would want to read it. The speech was written by one of the boys in the grade 6 class I was subbing in that day. 

The speech started off like most speeches would. The boy stated his name and how long he had been attending the school for. Naturally he will then tell everyone he is giving a speech by saying "This is a speech" at about the 5 second mark. 

Then he talks about the beginning of the year and how all the students in the class really got to know each other and became great friends. He talks about improvements he made throughout the year (his writing being one of them). 

All great stuff. Now, I'm expecting him to wrap up the speech saying how he will miss his teachers at the school and how he will have many great memories (maybe even share one or two of them). But nope. That is not what happens. 

The last half (yes, half) of his speech takes an unexpected turn and he starts talking about how we should all be active. Go swimming, ride a bike, spend time outdoors he says we should do. Don't sit around inside on your phones, iPods, or laptops. Eat your fruits and vegetables. Say hello to your neighbours. carry old ladies groceries (ok, he didn't say anything in that last sentence... I'm sure it was edited out of the first draft or something). 

And then it ends. Yes, he does not say anything about missing the school (maybe it is because he won't). He does not say anything about the fun times he had there (perhaps there were none?). He does not even mention his favourite substitute teacher!... I'm sure I got written into the final draft. 

Anyways, the whole thing reminded me of a "song" by Baz Luhrmann - Everybody's Free (To Wear Sunscreen).

I admit, the song is in my iTunes library. It has a good message okay!

Also, today is my birthday!