Reading Projects Can Be Hands-on and Fun: Book of the Week GIVEAWAY

Book of the Week GIVEAWAY: Dig a Tunnel by Ryan Ann Hunter

Why we love this book:

First, I love this book because it is a book that little boys love!

Second, I am a big proponent of including books in all learning centers.

Yes, even the block center! But what kind of books do I  put in the block center?

Well, books like  Dig A Tunnel of course. Transportation and building books encourage children to design, build and pretend. Many little boys do not like to play house but they do like to make the cars and trucks vrooooommmm around. In addition to traditional blocks, I like to include recycle items like tubes and boxes. The combination of books that spark ideas and the recycle materials lead to many interesting explorations.

I like to simply play in the block center with the children and invite them to build with me, “I”m going to build this train station. Would you like to help me?”

The Recycle Bin and Hands-on Reading Projects

This is the end product of a seed that was planted 7 years ago. And I’m happy to say it includes reading, the recycle bin and a hands-on project. Even older children like the freedom to explore, design, build and create.

When Grandson #3 was 3-years-old he loved for me to read to him the Little Golden Book, Scuffy The Tugboat.

Fast forward  . . .  He is now 10-years-old and is enjoying reading the stories in Sounds of a Distant Drum by Bill Martin Jr.

One day our homeschool literacy lesson began with the short story, “How Old Stormalong Captured Mocha Dick”.

• Step 1: Read Independently.
• Step 2: Read Aloud to Grandpa to build fluency.
• Step 3: Summarize story in his own words.
• Step 4: Verbalize new words he has learned.

Next, Grandson #3 would like to read in Moby Dick by Herman Melville. Can you tell we never get rid of any books? This one drifted into our home about 25 years ago and it was a used book at that time! From Scuffy to Moby Dick, Grandson #3 is growing-up. But he’s not too big to dig through the recycle bin . . .

Art Inspired by Books and the Recycle Bin!

Supplies:

• scissors
• recycle cereal boxes
• duct tape
• clear tape

The wheels are turning.

This is going to be the smoke stack.

Duct tape is a must!

The proud designer of a ship. This is where it all began . . .

• Step 1 – Read Scuffy the Tugboat 1 Million Times (Okay, I might have exaggerated just a little).
• Step 2 – Read a tale about Moby Dick at age 10.
• Step 3 – Free art exploration time.
  • organize materials and thoughts
  • fine motor skills
  • recall a part of the the story
  • past knowledge of ships
  • math – volume, spatial skills, size and shapes
  • confidence builder
• Step 4 – Who knows a future engineer or ship designer is born!

Life with Joyce

We’re GIVING AWAY one copy of Dig a Tunnel by Ryan Ann Hunter.

To enter this contest, just answer the following question in the comments section of this post.

What is the book you’ve read to your child at least 1 million times? Yes, it’s okay to exaggerated just a little.  (Or just say “Hey.” We’re flexible around here.)

The Rules:

One entry per person, please.

No entries after 8:00 pm Central Time, Thursday, July 12, 2012

The winner must be a resident of The United States.

The winner will be selected at random and announced Friday, July 13, 2012. Check back to claim your prize. It might be you!