EDRG 3321 Author Profile

When it cames to a good funny book I never thought this book called "Chato's Kitchen" by. Gary Soto was so funny and cute. This book is about a cool low-riding cat named Chato who one day finds out that his new neighbors a family of five mice have just moved to the neighborhood. Therefore, he decided to throw a dinner and invites them to his house to have dinner. But Chatos intentions were not good because he planned to eat the whole family that night. So, he started making the dinner cooking tortillas, enchiladas, some tamarindo drink and other great Latin foods with his friend Novio Boy. But to Chatos surprise the mice were going to bring a friend along named Chorizo who was a dog. So that night came and when Chato opened the door he saw Chorizo and got scared. But then the mice explained to Chato that Chorizo was a nice dog. And for that night the mice family and the two cats and dog ate happy without anyone being eaten. Its a book that can be read probably to 1st through fifth graders and its also a book that talks about culture. I recommend it and in this website you will find great infromation of the author and other works of his like his poetry, short stories and other picture stories.
Website: http://www.garysoto.com/picture_books.html

EDRG 3321 Chapter 13 & 14 Literature Circles and Students as Authors

In these two chapters we learn about literature circles and students as authors. Both of the subjects are very important in a classroom I believe. Now, having literature circles in a classroom is great especially if the students are in small groups. Because in smaller groups the students feel more comfortable asking questions and reading aloud then in a big group. So, I recommend lit circles in a classroom because it helps the student interact and learn from each other. However, when a student does or writes something and the teacher displays it or publishes it. It makes the student motivation increase. Like I remember that in elementary school it was Christmas time and we had to make a Christmas tree of our family and presents. And I actually went all out on it putting pictures and ornaments and even little boxes as presents. Therefore, the teacher liked it so much that she displayed it outside the classroom, and to me it was wonderful because it motivated me to be more creative. And that way if a teacher published or displays or even show off a students work the student feels good about themselves and their work.

EDRG 3321 Author Profile

This week I read a very interesting book on culture that I think would be excellent for students in 2nd though 5th grade. This book is about culture but it explains culture using the alphabet. The book I read is called " P is for Pinata: A Mexican Alphabet" by. Tony Johnston its a great book that would help in a classroom because it goes through each letter and explains a certain symbol that goes with that subject. Besides Mexico there is the American alphabet book, the African American, the Native American and so on theirs a whole collection of these book that are great to have in a classroom. Here is a great website that has a very nice lesson plan a teacher can use if they read the book to the class and it gives great ideas on culture activities one can do with the students.
Website:http://www.gale.cengage.com/pdf/TeachersGuides/MexicoAlphabetGuide.pdf

EDRG 3344 Persuasive Writing

For my persuasive piece of writing I plan to make a flyer or brochure. And since it is intended for 1st grade I'm probably going to keep it simple. I would like to make it on the pyramids of Mexico. And would like to talk about the things and places they can visit by the pyramids. and for an extra fact I would like to included a map of the other surrounding pyramids around Mexico. So, hopefully I can persuade the 1st graders to one day take a visit to Mexico and see and explore the beauties it has to offer like the pyramids and other great places.

EDRG 3321 Chapter 12 Independent Reading

In this chapter we learn about independent reading. And when a student has the time to read a book by themselves they may feel more secure and more comfortable. I think that a child sometimes does better when they read by themselves because they are reading what interested them. Like I remember enjoying reading by myself because even today when I read I feel I can read at my own paste and learn new things without asking for it. Now, independent reading will be an important part in a classroom because at times a student will need the time to read what they like and enjoy reading. And as a teacher one should keep different kinds of level books to fit each of the students straights and weaknesses. And after their independent reading the teacher should have the students write their thoughts or feelings of what they read in a folder or a journal. That way the teacher knows how the students are understanding what they read.

EDRG 3321 Author Profile

AS a mexican American I have grown with the traditions of making tamales for the holidays so this time I decided to read the book called "Growing Up with Tamales:Los Tamales de Ana" by. Gwendolyn Zepeda. Now I think this book is a great book to teach about traditions and about tamales and it would be great for children from 1st to 5th grade especially because its bilingual so its written in both english and spanish and it teaches about the steps in making tamales and its just a very nice family book that makes you hungry once you finish reading it. I recommend this book because of the bilingualism and messege it sends and here is a great website on the author here she introduces other of her books she has done.

Website:http://www.gwendolynzepeda.com/books.html

EDRG 3344 Descriptive Writing

For my descriptive writing I'm going to be doing a poem. I think I want to do a poem on something that symboliyces the mexican american culture,plus add some of the traditions it has. And even though I'm not very good at poems I'll try to make one. So far I only have some of it and it go like this:
As I sit on the porch a sweet smell filled my nose
It made me happy as the smell of tortillas came making
me hungry. I closed my eyes as memories came to take
me away. Bright dresses, mariachi music, navidad
filled with posadas. I wont get tired of this, for
this is me.
Therefore, this is what I have for now and I'll keep adding things to it to make it a descrptive writing.