Subject: Locating a Title or Topic
Question: I need information about penguins, polar bears, killer whales, seals, and other animals that live in the polar regions. Thank you for your help.
- Alicia, Librarian (working with Grade Level K-12 in FL)
Answer: Review these Heinemann-Raintree titles:
Animals in Danger: Polar Bear
Learn why polar bears are endangered, where they live, how many there are, and what people are doing to save them. See polar bears in their habitat, and learn what they eat, how they treat their babies, and see what polar bears do to cool down.
Animals of the Biomes: Tundra Animals
The natural world is made up of many environments, or biomes. In Animals of the Biomes, readers will learn how the animals in an individual biome adapt to the climate and conditions there in order to survive and thrive. They will also discover the things that human beings can do to ensure the future health of these biomes.
Biomes Atlases: Arctic Tundra and Polar Deserts
The introductory pages of this book describe the biomes of the world and then the polar biomes. The 5 main chapters look at different aspects of polar biomes: climate, plants, animals, people, and future. Between the chapters are detailed maps that focus on key places within the biomes. Throughout the book you'll also find boxed stories or fact files about polar biomes.
In the Wild describes how a variety of animals hunt, eat, and raise their young. Each photo-filled book follows a group of animals, exploring where the animals live, the dangers they face, and fantastic facts that make them special.
Read In the Wild: Penguins and In the Wild: Polar Bears to find out how these animals live--how they eat, grow, rest, hunt, and raise their young. Discover the threats they face and how we can help them to survive in the future. The 'In The Wild' series combines simple text with stunning photographs to show some of the world's most fascinating creatures in their natural habitats.
A Pod of Whales
Why do whales live in a pod? How do whales catch their food? What is blubber? Find the answers to these and many more questions in A Pod of Whales. Many whales spend most of their time alone, but they also come together to live in a group called a pod. Read this book to look at the fascinating life and habits of whales.
A Rookery of Penguins
Why do penguins live in a rookery? How do baby penguins keep warm? Why do penguins toboggan? Find the answers to these and many more questions in A Rookery of Penguins. Many birds live alone, but penguins live in a group called a rookery. Read this book to look at the fascinating life and habits of penguins.
Sea Creatures: Whales describes the life of whales, including where they live, what they eat, what they do, their rate of extinction, and how humans study them.
Additional resource:
Visit EducaPoles Fun Zone to learn more about the polar regions.
Subject: Collection Development
Question: How do I go about collecting books for my classroom library that will not cost a lot out of my own pocket?
- Lisa, Teacher (working with Grade Level 2nd in WI)
Answer: Excellent question! I began my career by teaching middle school language arts. I managed to develop a significant classroom library at minimum personal expense.
Start by making a list of genres, topics, and titles you would like to collect for the classroom library. By having a list, you will reduce the possibility of making impulse purchases and acquire only what you really need. Update the list as the needs of your readers evolve.
Once you have a working list, start visiting local thrift shops on a regular basis. To this day, I am an avid thrift shopper and I have found really great children’s books at very low prices. There are usually plenty of elementary-level titles available.
Try visiting secondhand bookshops. In many instances, if you tell the owners what you are looking for and why you need the books, they are often willing to work with you to develop the classroom library.
Scour local newspapers for garage sale and yard sale announcements. You would be amazed at how many people discard perfectly good children's books. Items are usually "priced to sale."
Don't be afraid to network with local businesses. Visit your neighborhood coffee shop, grocery store, bakery, etc., and tell them about your classroom library project and goals. These community businesses might be willing to start a collection request and drop-off station.
Search for mini-grant opportunities. I applied for and received several mini-grants. The mini-grant funds provided an alternate means for stocking the classroom library. Mini-grant applications are usually fairly simple and straightforward to complete. The amounts vary from 250-500 dollars.
Good luck in your search!
Subject: Other/Miscellaneous
Question: I am looking for resources to plan an inquiry lesson for 6th grade students. Suggestions?
- Susane, Librarian (working with Grade Level 6th in NJ)
Answer: Susane,
Thank you for submitting such a great question!
The American Association of School Librarians (AASL) web site includes a page devoted to
Professional Tools
I think you will find a variety of quality resources for developing inquiry lessons at this site.
Good luck!
Subject: Collection Development
Question: I am looking for books at a variety of grade levels (1-8) on the historical topic Moving West. Can you offer suggestions?
- Kelly, Student (working with Grade Level All in ME)
Answer: Thank you for submitting such a great question.
Consider the following Heinemann-Raintree series:
The American Adventure
This series captures the spirit of adventure that marked America’s first quests for westward expansion. Focusing on key events in history that shaped our country, each visually stunning book features clearly written text that explains the social, political, and economic realities of the time and how they influenced our nation’s future.
Ages: 9-12
Grade Level: 4-7
ISBN: 1403430543 (9781403430540)
Titles:
Cattle Trails and Cowboys
The First Railroads
Stagecoaches and the Pony Express
The Trail of Tears
The Gold Rush
The Great Land Rush
The Lewis and Clark Expedition
The Oregon Trail
Hands-On American History
Have you ever wondered what life was really like on the wagon trail? Through recipes, crafts, engaging historical information, activities, and games this book gives you a chance to experience what life was like on the wagon trail. Included in this book are timelines, maps, exciting photographs, one recipe, and three crafts or activities. Age appropriate instructions, tips for teachers, and thought provoking questions make each craft appropriate for either individual of classroom use.
Ages: 8-10
Grade Level: 3-5
ISBN: 1403460558 (9781403460554)
Title:
The History and Activities of the Wagon Trail
America in the Time of
This series helps readers explore our nation’s past by focusing on key figures in history. Each visually stunning spread features clearly written text that explains the social, political, and economic realities of the time. The series visits all areas of the United States from coast to coast, and offers information about the native as well as invading and immigrant peoples. Each book features: beautiful reconstruction artwork; authentic primary-source photographs; a detailed map of the country during that time; a profile of famous people who shaped the era; a list of noteworthy historic sites; an extensive index; and a short bibliography of historical fiction books to extend learning.
Ages: 9-12
Grade Level: 4-7
ISBN: 157572765X (9781575727653)
Title:
Lewis and Clark: The Story of Our Nation from Coast to Coast, from 1801 to 1850
American History Through Primary Sources
Crucial eras and events in American history are brought to life through primary resources in this high interest series written especially for struggling readers. From the American Revolution to the fight against segregation, the personal struggles of the people making history guide the reader through each book. Background knowledge of the subject matter is incorporated into the text and vocabulary is defined at the point of use. The books use clear, predictable text structures and have been leveled by a literacy expert to ensure accessibility.
Ages: 9-12
Grade Level: 4-7
ISBN: 1410929264 (9781410929266)
Title:
Crooks, Cowboys, and Characters: The Wild West
Atomic
The 'Atomic' books are leveled high-interest nonfiction aimed to motivate reluctant readers with text that is related directly and simply to the images. Facts, stats, and processes are presented through graphic organizers such as graphs, tables, and charts. This helps to build the curriculum skills requirement and develop comprehension skills. Each book is designed as an exciting page-turner, with a continuation between each spread so that children are encouraged to keep reading and gain fluency. There are four reading levels and four titles at each reading level, each with a different text type: discussion, information report, explanation or recount.
Ages: 9
Grade Level: 4
ISBN: 1410930203 (9781410930200)
Title:
Wild West Legends
Subject: Locating a Title or Topic
Question: I am looking for books about simple machines for 3rd grade students. Do you have suggestions?
- Kassandra, Reading Coach (working with Grade Level K-5 in MI)
Answer: Dear Kassandra,
Thank you for submitting such a great question!
Please consider titles from our Simple Machines (2nd Edition) series.
Series description:
The most complicated machines often rely on a few very simple principles of technology—wheels, springs, screws, ramps, and wedges. Simple Machines explore these technologies by relating them to common machines in our everyday world—from bedsprings to skateboards to zippers. Numerous Fact Files offer primary readers fast facts and other pertinent information.
Levers
How are wheelbarrows, can openers, and bicycle brakes alike? Why is it easier to hold a bolt tight with a pair of pliers than with your bare hands? Why is it easier to eat a carrot with back teeth than with your front? Why is a seesaw considered a machine? This book shows you how different kinds of these simple machines are all around you to make your work and play easier.
Author: David Glover
ISBN: 1403485631 (9781403485632)
Pulleys and Gears
How can pulling down make something go up? How do carnival rides work? What makes the hands on a watch go around? How does pedaling a bicycle make it move? This title shows you how different kinds of these two simple machines are all around you to make your
work and play easier.
Author: David Glover
ISBN: 140348564X (9781403485649)
Ramps and Wedges
How are a water slide and a ski jump alike? Why is pushing something along a ramp much easier than lifting it in the air? Why do skis zigzag down a hill? How can a simple wedge stop an airplane? This book answers these questions and shows you how different kinds of these two simple machines are all around you to make your work and play easier.
Author: David Glover
ISBN: 1403485658 (9781403485656)
Screws
How are a boat propeller, water faucet, and spiral staircase alike? How can a screw keep your soda pop from getting flat? How can a screw help you plant a tree? Why might a large wrench work better than a small one? This title shows you how different kinds of these simple machines are all around you to make your work and play easier.
Author: David Glover
ISBN: 1403485666 (9781403485663)
Springs
How are a jack-in-the-box, door lock, and umbrella alike? How can a spring help you weigh a fish you've just caught? How can springs help you get somewhere on time? What kind of spring can lift you in the air? This book shows you how different kinds of these simple machines are all around you to make your work and play easier.
Author: David Glover
ISBN: 1403485674 (9781403485670)
Wheels and Cranks
What would the world be life if we didn't have wheels? How do you think the ancient Egyptians moved huge stones to build the pyramids? Why does a mountain bike have such thick knobby tires? How do you think toys moved before batteries were invented? This title shows you how different kinds of these two simple machines are all around you to make your work and play easier.
Author: David Glover
ISBN: 1403485682 (9781403485687)
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