But first a picture of Max checking out the snowmen my parent made. They had quite a fun time dressing it up in various Chicago sports teams: White Soxs and Blackhawks. We didn't want those items to disappear overnight so they aren't pictured.
I know what you're thinking, he didn't pee on the snowman. He just loves to smell everything, guess that's what dogs do.
One thing I should never do...
Go into a bookstore alone. Especially great priced children's books. Luckily I was accompanied by my best friend from high school who I don't see often. She sat with me for close to 45 minutes and hunted for the books I rattled off from the top of my head. We spent lots of time asking each other "Do you remember this one?" and the other usually replied "Yeah, that one's great!"
Here is what I like to call the wall of awesome:
Here is what I like to call the wall of awesome:
I will definitely be back one rainy day this summer. Half Price Books is like the educator's Goodwill store. I found lots of great deals. Something to look forward to? An educator discount year round! Sadly I can't take advantage of that discount now, but I will for sure be getting in on the savings when I get my first teaching job.
Here's the ones I added to my growing collection:
Here's the ones I added to my growing collection:
I am especially excited about Giraffe's Can't Dance and Owen & Mzee: The True Story of a Remarkable Friendship. I feel these books can be used for so many different things in the classroom like friendship and self. I know my Kinders love animals and it's a great another way to get a message across without mixing in humans.
Look at this gem I found. I didn't want the cashier to know I took a picture of the books about farting, so I had to be sneaky. Laugh, I did.
My Library of Books
I tried to use an app on my phone to keep track of all the books I have, but I didn't like how it was set up. I decided that making a Pinterest board titled "My Library of Books" with all the books I have is the fastest way to do it since I can get to Pinterest from my iPhone, iPad or laptop. I also created a Classroom Book Wishlist to save book ideas for later. Or my next trip to Half Price Books. This will be a fast resource for me to use when planning my lessons. If I want to later I can break it down into different topics, authors or genres. For now, I just want them all in the same place, accessible and easy to find with the cover art. Ahh I love Pinterest.
Favorite Book
Last night while we were on our "book hunt" I was trying to remember the book about not feeding your fish more than a pinch. B being the helpful friend that she is Googled it and helped me find A Fish Out of Water. No luck at Half Price Books. But on my trip to Walmart today this caught my eye and I knew I couldn't pass it up!
Mo Willems' books crack me up. This one hasn't been released yet, but it's on my wishlist!
What was your favorite book as a child? I am always looking for more book ideas, please share!