UEL Primary PGCE 2013-14 discussion
P2 on- course reviews
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Ali
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Sep 25, 2013 01:43AM
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My third review: Monkey Puzzle by Julia Donaldson and Axel Schefflerhttp://www.goodreads.com/review/show/...
My fourth review:That's Not My Fairy by Fiona Watt and Rachel Wells
http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/31...
This is my fifth review:Sometimes I like to curl up in a ball!
Enjoy!
http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/...
All Because of Jackson by Dick King-SmithMy rating: 5 of 5 stars
One of Dick King-Smith's many brilliant animal story books! Jackson is a curious rabbit and wants to set sail. This book could aid the teaching of a geography lesson and children could write postcards to Jackson or write a diary entry for a literacy lesson where Jackson describes his feelings.
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http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/...My fifth review
The Kindness quilt by Nancy Elizabeth Wallace
My first book review 
The Gruffalo by Julia DonaldsonMy rating: 5 of 5 stars
A well known book by most children and now starting as a series on TV. The story is set in a forest and the main character is a mouse. The mouse frightens all his friends by telling them he is due to have lunch with a 'Gruffalo'. Little do they know, the little mouse is a invented character he uses to amuse himself by scaring others. All of a sudden he sees this character he has made up in front of him. The story takes twist as he tells the Gruffalo that everyone is afraid of the him the mouse, not Gruffalo and finally when he tells the Gruffalo that his favourite meal is 'Gruffalo-crumble', the Grufallo runs away leaving the mouse to enjoy his nut. I found this story enjoyable as it is humorous and builds up creating anticipation. In my opinion this book is aimed at children between the ages 3-6 and can be used to be read aloud to the class. This can be used as part of home-time reading activity to entertain or as part of a drama played by the class to encourage confidence and character. whilst reading out loud to engage the children the teacher can adopt different voices for each character as well as using hand gestures such as rubbing the belly saying 'gruffalo-crumble' and 'owl-icecream'. Another way this book maybe be used in a classroom is to introduce the story and lay the task for the children to write their own story with a character made up by themselves. This will build up their creativity and help them use linguistic devices such adjectives, metaphors and similies ect. A great book overall!
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My second book review
We're Going on a Bear Hunt by Michael RosenMy rating: 4 of 5 stars
A great read-along story for the ages 3-7. The storyline is about a family setting out to go for a bear hunt and convince themselves that they are not scared and eventually after overcoming many obstacles they eventually see the bear and are so terrified of it that they decide that they will not ever go for a bear hunt again. What I like about the book is build up towards the journey creating anticipation whether they will find the bear or not. Also the use of onomatopoeia and alliteration is a great device to engage the children. In the classroom it can be used as a group read-along allowing the children to join in to the sounds and repeat after the teachers. Also hand movements can also be introduced during the read-along and whilst the words are said the teacher could point so the children and follow by reading which will increase their reading pace.
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My third book review
The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric CarleMy rating: 5 of 5 stars
A book well known to many bringing back memories from their childhood. The story is a journey taken by a caterpillar from his days of being a caterpillar up to when he finally becomes a butterfly after eating a variety of food. The story book is compiled in an interesting way with pages of different sizes and holes through every page representing the caterpillar biting through the food. Personally, my favourite aspect of the book is the way the book introduces the evolution of a butterfly through an interesting way for children. Also the way the caterpillar eats more of each fruit every day and the size of the pages get larger and larger which is quite an eye-catching feature.
The book is most probably aimed at early years to help them understand how a butterfly is formed. Also this book will be used to familiarise children with the days of the weeks, different foods, colours and numbers.
The way in which the teacher can implement this book in his/her classroom is by reading it out loud to the class while allowing them to view the images in the meanwhile. I would recommend this book for curriculum support as it can help the children familiarise themselves with the days of the week for example the teacher can ask a question to the children to indicate whether they know which day is due to come next before turning the page. Also the use of colour in the book can also be a learning point as this will engage them further in the story when asked simple questions such as "what colour is this apple". Children find open questions to the class exciting as this is a chance for them to prove themselves to the teacher with correct answers. Furthermore, the story can be used as a way to encourage creativity as an activity can be introduced for the children to now build their own story board to show their own story of how a caterpillar becoming a butterfly but this time with their choice of foods.
Despite the great opportunities this book can bring into a classroom, if I was to point out one negative aspect it would be the final meal the caterpillar had which consisted of junk food. The idea of promoting healthy food was a good idea but this let it down slightly. However, since the caterpillar suffered from a stomach ache later on, could introduce a lesson for the childen...so still a big thumbs up!
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My forth book review
Rama and the Demon King: An Ancient Tale from India by Jessica SouhamiMy rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is a interesting book set thousands of years ago. The story is about a Rama and Sita being sent to the forest for 14 years because Ramas step mother wanted her son to king as opposed to Rama, Whilst at the forest Sita got abducted by the Demon King and a fight broke out between Rama and the Demon King. As they got back they lit candles which is now followed by Hindus who light tea candles during Diwali.
This is a visual book which can be used as a read along for any ages up to 7. It is a good book as it introduces the concept of Diwali and can be used to enforce some Religious Education into their learning. The pages are full of visual images that are eye catching and colourful.
In a classroom it can be used as a read along book as it has large images which are interesting to look at whilst someone reads along to you. I would recommend this book to use during carpet time in Nursery, reception or Year 1. The best time to use this book will be during the Diwali period as it educated the children about the festival and they can understand why it is important. As well as this to make the lesson more memorable a teacher could initiate a role play so the children can dress up in order to act out the play and/or decorate candles for a display. This is a book as it encourages children to respect others beliefs, accept diversity and be aware of those around them.
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My fifth book review
Horrid Henry Tricks The Tooth Fairy by Francesca SimonMy rating: 3 of 5 stars
This book I would recommend as a independent book for children at the ages 8-10 for guided reading or quiet reading sessions. Also it could also been used to read out loud to a group of 6-8 years during a class. This will be a good way to ask the children to use their imagination to guess what will happen next and encourage them to write their own version of the next part. This enhances creativity. The story is part of a collection of a well known character called Henry who is mischievous in comparison to his brother who is referred to as 'perfect'. In this story Henry notices how children get money in return for their fallen out teeth and decides to play a trick on the tooth fairy. This book is good in the sense that it is humorous and due to the humour children will be encouraged to continue reading. Also the way it is presented in clear spaced typing and exciting illustrations. This book can be used for drama in order to act out parts of the story and the teacher can encourage students to describe the feelings of others who are affected by Henry as well as the feelings Henry may be feeling. A good way to use this book may be during drama when they act out the story. Also to enforce their own social discipline as the teacher can ask the students: What is Henry doing? Is this right? Why? This could lead to students making posters to encourage positive behaviour. Also used in literacy to use similes and metaphors to describe Henrys attitudes as well as others feelings and attitudes.
However a negative point in regards to this book is children may adopt Henry's attitude and behaviour and confuse themselves as they see his as a favourable character. The teacher must make the students aware of the consequences of his behaviour and explain why it is not right. To avoid this misconception.
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My sixth book review 
Matilda by Roald DahlMy rating: 5 of 5 stars
A great book to be used for independent reading as well as read to a class. The recommended age would be 6-10 year olds as it is humorous book which maintains the interest of younger students as well as suits older children to help with their educational development. The story is based on a young girl originally adopted by a family completely the opposite to her. They enjoy the easy life of 'slacking' around, cheating the government and being money motivated whilst Matilda's interests are based on aspiring in education and being a good person. After several attempts to persuade her parents to allow her to go to school she finally arrives and the teacher realises how she is way above her average, this the parents do not care about. The story is based on Matildas relationship with Miss Honey, to help her in her personal life and finally gain the life she herself wants.
The book can be a 'book of the month' and used for the activities throughout the month. This will work if the teacher gives certain chapters for the children to read every week and then organise activities around them. The activities can be used for the classes of year 4/5. Children could discuss what stories Matilda liked and write letters recommending books to her which she may like. This could include a sort of book review. Also they could write news reports showing what is happening with the school or maybe Matilda's fathers unlawful business. Another way to increase their literacy skills will and l be to rewrite the story in another genre and use a different range of linguistic devises ect.
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My seventh book review
I'm Dougal trump . . . where's my tarantula? by D. Trump, Jackie MarchantMy rating: 4 of 5 stars
A great book for independent reading recommended for ages 12-16. The story is part of a series but does not follow from one book to another as it stands as stand-alone book. Similar to the familiar children's book 'The Diary of the Wimpy Kid' this book is written in a diary format. The story is based on a boy called Dougal and consists of humorous occasions with Dougals encounters with his mother and sister. The story-line begins with Dougal given the opportunity to look after the Trantula from the zoo and soon after it gets abducted! Through various bump rides of blackmailing and threats, the abductor begins to take control of Dougals actions. He becomes the lapdog of the blackmailer continuously following his demands. The story has bumps of adventures and humour throughout, a journey children would love to continue upon.
A brilliant book for a child to read for pleasure to build up their vocabulary skills. As well as this it can be a part of a guided/independent activity. The story is formatted with large text and doodling images for ease and interesting reads. It is written as a diary format therefore in first person so it would include mixture of feelings and insight to their thoughts. As well as this it could be used to introduce a child to different ways of writing and encourage them to adopt these writing styles. The children can use various tasks to compare and contrast linguistic and styles to see which adopts with what purpose.
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My eighth book review
Magical Mail. Written and Illustrated by Claire Barker by Claire BarkerMy rating: 3 of 5 stars
A great read aloud book for children within year 5 and year 6. The story is about a girl from a talented family but is herself a very hopeless individual. The magical story starts when she receives a package to take to the caretakers office and suddenly is taken into a mystical journey. She is emerges into a filing cabinet and finds that someone has stolen the letters and is adamant to retrieve them! The readers are introduced to the 'not-so-ordinary' fairy tale characters who they already know instead there is a twist to their personalities and identities.
A great book which can be analysed for the style of writing and features. The linguistic devices can be looked at as the mysterious tone being produced as due to the imagery. This can be used in the classroom to encourage creative writing as well as role plays. Also it allows one to let out their imaginative and creative side. Teachers can use this to implement creativity through producing posters and drawings.
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My ninth book review 
The Scarecrow's Secret by Heather AmeryMy rating: 5 of 5 stars
From the series of Usborne's farmyard tales this is a great book for those who are beginning to read. So I would recommend for children in Year 1. The book uses simple vocaulabary and easy sentence structure. It could be used a read-alone book or read aloud to a class to promote a certain topic. A positive attribute to this book is the clear clues to words as children can use the images to work out what each word says. Also it has a notion of humour which will maintain the childrens interest and encourage them to read along.
This can be used in a classroom during the Harvest period to explain exactly what happens during this time. This could be a cross curricular book as it can be used for literacy, history, geography, maths and art. When reading aloud the teacher can probe questions to encourage children to explain what they can see, this will improve their speaking skills and confidence. The questions asked could be 'What is the dad building?' 'Where do you think they are going?' This willencourage them to use their imaginations and guess what will happen next. Secondly, history can be intereagted here and the teacher could bring props of what was used in the olden times when at fields. Also Geography knowledge, the class could go on a trip to an area where crops are grown, maybe to a farm to interview the farmer. The children could develop their own questions on what they would like to ask the farmer. in addition, the teacher could apply this into a maths session. A work sheet could be given for children to identify and make a scarecrow using different shapes and work out using a field template where he would be placed which could develop into Art where they will actually build their own scarecrow. Lastly a final idea may be to act in out as a role play or even invent a scarecrow game in PE. A great book which can be used in a classroom.
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My tenth book review:
The Very Lazy Ladybird by Isobel FinnMy rating: 5 of 5 stars
A good book for early years and maybe year 3 too. I enjoyed the book due the exciting colourful images, assorted fonts and sizes and extremely interesting content. The story is based on a lazy ladybird who is looking for a place to sleep. She travels from one animal to another in order to find a suitable place but some the animals seem to have different characteristics which do not allow the ladybird to rest in peace. Finally she learns to fly and rests peacefully on a flower.
This book can be used in cross curricular activities. To use this book as a read along it will allow children to sound out the words with the teacher, join in once they are familiar with the story. Also the teacher can probe questions to in order to encourage their confidence as well as creativity. As well as this,a teacher can implement this story into a drama lesson by re-creating the ladybirds adventure and the children can dress up as a different animal. Also in literacy they can rewrite the story but in their own version. In geography they can discuss the different habitats of animals this could lead to a trip to the zoo or farm.
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my eleventh book review:
The Crunching Munching Caterpillar. Sheridan Cain, Jack Tickle by Sheridan CainMy rating: 5 of 5 stars
A perfect inspirational book! I enjoyed reading this due to the content and exciting images. The caterpillar has a great interest in flying. He watches other creatures fly across while he is down below unable to copy them. He wishes he could fly but notices he does not have wingsso he continues to eat leaves then one day he wakes up realising he can fly! He is now a butterfly!
This book is great way to explain the life cycle of caterpillars and can follow up to a trip to the wild life garden, identifying habitats and looking closely at the insects for their personal characteristics. Also the book uses imaginative pictures so this could also help in art to redraw the images but with their choice of dreams and animals. Also the use of onomatopoeias are used which could encourage children to act out and read along (drama). I would recommend this book to year 2 as a read along, so a large copy or a visualizer would be needed during this activity.
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That's Not My Fairy by Fiona Watt and Rachel Wells
http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/31..."
Please make sure you post the link to your review, Shelley
Mod
That's Not My Fairy by Fiona Watt and Rachel Wells
http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/31..."
Please ensure that you post links to reviews, rather than books, Shelley
Mod
Horrid Henry Tricks The Tooth Fairy by Francesca Simon
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
This book I would recommend as a independent book for children at the ages 8-10 for guided ..."
Do you think the children will behave like Horrid Henry, or might they enjoy reading about a child getting away with behaviour that they know is naughty?
My twelfth book review: 
I Can Do Anything That's Everything All On My Own by Carol NobleMy rating: 3 of 5 stars
A well known series shown on television and well favoured book by young children. An ideal book to be read out load to early keystage 1 children and could also be used as independent reading for older ages. This book could be appreciated up to the age of 8.
Charlie and Lola are two characters which will be admired by young children especially Lola, who seems to be at the age of 5. Her witty character and 'know it all behaviour' is bound to bring laughs. Lola is adamant to prove that she is capable of doing everything on her own, the kind of attitude children can possible relate to! Charlie begins to show her that being on your own is not as fun so eventually Lola allows Charlie to play with her.
A great book to be used in literacy as a read along and it could also incorporate some drama role-play due to the funny quotes in the book. These could be experimented with different tones and expressions allowing the children to be creative and also trying out different body movement whilst speaking. The exciting images will maintain the child's attention and allow them to speak about the images while reading and/or if they are struggling the images may be used as extensions. Another subject which this book can be used for is art as the child can extend this book and makeup other adventures of Lola and Charlie and presenting them as paintings, drawings or displays. This could also link into literacy.
A good way to encourage children to read is by introducing a book which is already familiar to them. A great book for the classroom and a pleasure to read.
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Alison wrote: "Great reviews, P1! Keep it up."we are p2!
UEL Primary PGCE 2013-14
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