During the past few days, the children have been learning about the Pilgrims, the Native Americans, and the first Thanksgiving. We have been reading several books on the subject but the one they most liked is from the Magic Tree House series. The book is called, "Thanksgiving on Thursday" by Mary Pope Osborne. Eight year old Jack and his seven year old sister Annie get transported in time whenever they open a book in their magic tree house. On this adventure, they are in Plymouth on the first Thanksgiving. They meet Squanto, Captain Standish, and Governor Bradford. They befriend a pilgrim girl, Priscilla, who has them helping to prepare food for the feast. The first book in the series, "Dinosaurs Before Dark" was read last week. "Thanksgiving on Thursday" is book #27 in the series. Reading these chapter books aloud is a great way for the class to come together as a community. Reading aloud is the best way we have to immerse children in the glories of reading, showing them both how and why one reads (Calkins, 2010). We will be going on several more Magic Tree House adventures in the future, such as mummies, knights, and moon visits...and we can't wait!
Calkins, L. (2010). A guide to the reading workshop. Heinemann.
2 comments:
Our family is thankful for CCE and AJ's teachers. Tonight at dinner, he spoke of Squanto and Priscilla. Series really encourage reading. AJ has enjoyed Nate the Great (at home) and Junie B. Jones (at home and school). we look forward to The Magic Tree House. Even "S", his younger sister, made the connection b/w The Magic Tree House and Dragon Tales.
So glad you are reading this. It has sparked Michael's interest in this series. Its a great way to show how amazing reading can be. Thank you!
-Leanne P.
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