31st January Inspire Your Heart With Art Day

Inspire Your Heart With Art Day encourages us to ponder how art affects our hearts. Art is valued and appreciated for all sorts of reasons. The pieces of art that move us to tears or cause us to burst out into joyous laughter remain with us for a lifetime. Whether we are touched by music or see into an artist's soul through their work, art has the power to change us, to inspire our hearts. On a website it suggested you do these things to celebrate the day. I have added a book to each idea so you can do it vicariously!

1. Visit an art gallery 

Seen Art?  by Jon Scieszka and Lane Smith

A little guy is supposed to meet his friend Art at the corner of Fifth Avenue and Fifty-third street in New York City. Art's not there. So our guy asks a lady walking by, "Have you seen Art?" She directs him to the newly redesigned Museum of Modern Art where everyone is more than happy to show him where they have seen Art. 

2. Attend a live theatre performance

The Story of Chicken Licken by Jan Ormerod

The story Chicken Licken is retold with illustrations of school children performing the story as a play on stage.

3. Read a good book 

A Story for Bear by Dennis Haseley and Jim LaMarche

A bear finds a piece of paper with tiny marks on it and takes it back to his cave.  Years later, he wanders farther than usual away from his cave and sees a cabin, with a woman sitting outside reading a book.  He comes back several times and watches her, fascinated by her reactions to the book she is reading.  One day, she is not there, so he comes closer and puts his head on one of her books, curious about it. 

4. Listen to music.

Ada's Violin  by Susan Hood and Sally Wern Comport

Ada Ríos grew up in Cateura, a small town in Paraguay built on a landfill. She dreamed of playing the violin, but with little money for anything but the bare essentials, it was never an option...until a music teacher named Favio Chávez arrived. He wanted to give the children of Cateura something special, so he made them instruments out of materials found in the trash. It was a crazy idea, but one that would leave Ada—and her town—forever changed.

5. Start your masterpiece

Luke's Way of Looking  by Nadia Wheatley and Matt Ottley

All the boys in Luke's class see things the same way except for Luke, who has his own special way of looking. Luke feels as if he doesn t fit in. And then one day he discovers a place that feels like home. Suddenly, the whole world changes.

6. Attend a ballet performance

Ella Bella Ballerina and Swan Lake by James Mayhew

One in a series of books which introduce famous ballets and Shakespeare to young children.

7. Teach someone how to play an instrument 

Hana Hashimoto, Sixth Violin by Chieri Uegaki and Qin Leng

Is about a little girl named Hana who heard the violin for the first time when her grandfather played it for her on a visit to him in Japan.  She fell in love with its sound and associated it with the love she had for her grandfather as well.  She is so inspired by her experience that she starts violin lessons right away when she gets home. 

8. See an inspirational film 

Shrek! by William Steig

Most students are surprised to find that one of their favourite movies was once a book.

9. Share your art with others

Let's Paint  by Gabriel Alborozo

Whether you drip, dot, daub - or carefully dab - there is a marvellous, messy world of art waiting to be explored. From exquisitely detailed paintings to crazy kaleidoscopes of colour, art is as essential as the air we breathe and much more fun. So open the book and see for yourself...and Let's Paint!

28th January Good picture books for the start of a new year

Tomorrow the new students will be at school and then on Tuesday all the students will be back. I sent this list of books to the teachers so that they could read the blurbs and then decide what they would like to share with their class. Sorry about the layout. It keeps moving.

Good picture books for the start of the school year with a new class 

 

School’s First Day of School by Adam Rex & Christian Robinson	There are books about children, parents, and teachers being nervous for the first day of school. This adorable book examines the first day of school from the perspective of the school itself.
You’re Finally Here by Melanie Watt	A perfect first read-aloud book to show your students how excited you are to finally meet them! Bunny, the main character bounces through a hilarious range of emotions. Your students will recognise the back-to-school feelings beneath the surface of this silly, in-your-face story.
All Are Welcome by Alexandra Penfold & Suzanne Kaufman	A lovely story that celebrates diversity and inclusion in a school where everyone is welcomed with open arms.  What I love about this book is the rich conversations you can have after reading it about how the students are the same and how they are different. It is also a great opportunity to talk about each student in your classroom and let them share what makes their families special.
Rulers of the Playground by Joseph Kuefler	A stunning picture book about sharing, friendship, and kindness in a playground setting. Ideal for discussions about sharing the playground.
The Day You Begin by Jacqueline Woodson	Starting fresh in a new environment, especially when you look around and think that nobody quite looks or sounds like you, it can be scary. This lovely story will inspire your students to understand the gifts of individuality.
How to Read a Book by Kwame Alexander & Melissa Sweet	A beautifully illustrated book about the miraculous pleasures of reading that will inspire the book lover in all of us.
Tomorrow I’ll Be Kind  by Jessica Hische	Sometimes the smallest gesture of kindness goes a long way. This book explains how to be a good friend and classmate. Sequel to Tomorrow I’ll Be Brave where a child makes a bedtime promise to strive the next day to be adventurous, strong, curious, and more.
How to Get Your Teacher Ready for School by Jean Reagan & Lee Wildish	In a charming role reversal, the students in this story gently guide their teacher through the getting-ready process for back to school. Your students could compile a list of rules that will help their teacher have the best year ever.
Our Class is a Family  by Shannon Olsen & Sandie Sonke	This is a book that will help build and strengthen the class community. Children learn that their classroom is a place where it's safe to be themselves, it's okay to make mistakes, and it's important to be a friend to others.
I Walk With Vanessa by Kerascoett	Explores the feelings of helplessness and anger that arise in the wake of seeing a classmate treated badly, and shows how a single act of kindness can lead to an entire community joining in to help. By choosing only pictures to tell their story, the creators underscore the idea that someone can be an ally without having to say a word. With themes of acceptance, kindness, and strength in numbers,
Frederick by Leo Lionni	A family of field mice are busy getting ready for winter gathering supplies. All of them except Frederick. They all wonder why he is not helping, but he says that he is gathering other things like warmth and colours.  This book is really good for teaching students that not everyone contributes the same way, but everyone does contribute.
Friendshape by Amy  Rosenthal	A triangle, circle, square, and rectangle celebrate the gift of friendship. Friends shape who we are. They make us laugh. They fill us with fun. They stand by us during life's up and downs. And even when we disagree with our friends, if they're tried-and-true, they don't stay bent out of shape for long. This joyous book rejoices in the simple beauties of friendship and reminds us that it's good to have a group of friends rather than just one.
The Word Collector by Peter Reynolds	Jerome discovers the magic of the words all around him -- short and sweet words, two-syllable treats, and multisyllable words that sound like little songs. Words that connect, transform, and empower. "Celebrates individuality, self-expression, and the joys of being a dreamer . . . a liberating validation of dreaming as restorative, comforting, and powerful, while giving kids full license to be themselves." -- Publishers Weekly
The Invisible Boy by Trudy Ludwig & Patrice Barton	Meet Brian, the invisible boy. Nobody ever seems to notice him or think to include him in their group, game, or birthday party . . until, that is, a new kid comes to class.
What I Like Most by Mary Murphy & Zhu Cheng-Liang	A little girl tells us about all her favourite things, from her light-up shoes, to hot, steamy chips, to her red pencil. But the girl knows that, even as her feet grow, her plate empties, and her pencil shortens, there’s someone she’ll always love … and that is what she likes the very, very most.
The Best Part of Me by Wendy Ewald	An award-winning photographer asked several children "What is the best part of you?," and presents their answers in this sometimes funny, sometimes moving, deeply personal book that includes striking black-and-white photographs taken by the author. Ideal to use to discuss body image, self-esteem, and diversity with children.
Barnaby Never Forgets  by Pierre Collett-Derby	Barnaby is always ready for school. He knows where his glasses, backpack, and books are. Well, most of the time. But one day, Barnaby forgets something really, really, really important. Read this one just for fun and remember to always look at your calendar BEFORE you go to school.
The Color Monster by Anna Llenas	One day, Color Monster wakes up feeling very confused. His emotions are all over the place; he feels angry, happy, calm, sad and scared all at once! To help him, a little girl shows him what each feeling means through colour. As this adorable monster learns to sort and define his mixed-up emotions, he gains self-awareness and peace as a result.  Google this book and see just how much is out there to do with this book!
The Wish Tree by Kyo Maclear & Chris Turnham	Charles wants to find a wish tree. His brother and sister don't believe there is such a thing, but his trusty companion Boggan is ready to join Charles on a journey to find out. And along the way, they discover that wishes can come true in the most unexpected ways.
Along Came a Different by Tom McLaughlin	Reds love being red. Yellows love being yellow. And Blues love being blue. The problem is that they just don't like each other. But one day, along comes a different colour who likes Reds, Yellows and Blues, and suddenly everything starts to change. Maybe being different doesn't mean you can't be friends. A very special picture book that supports the adage that there is more that unites us than divides us.
We Don’t eat Our Classmates by Ryan T. Higgins	A fresh take on first-day-of-school-jitters with Penelope Rex, a dinosaur with a taste for children. It's the first day of school for Penelope Rex, and she can't wait to meet her classmates. But it's hard to make human friends when they're so darn delicious! That is, until Penelope gets a taste of her own medicine and finds she may not be at the top of the food chain after all.   There is a sequel We Will Rock Our Classmates where Penelope learns that sharing who you are can be show-stoppingly scary, especially when it's not what people expect.
Why Am I Me? by Paige Britt, Sean Qualls & Selina Alko	Have you ever wondered why you are you? Or who you would be if you were someone else? Someone taller, faster, smaller, smarter? Someone lighter, older, darker, bolder? Presented as a poetic exchange between two characters--who don't realize they are thinking and asking the very same questions--this beautiful celebration of our humanity and diversity invites readers of all ages to imagine a world where there is no you or me, only we.
Words and Your Heart by Kate Jane Neal	A very timely book about the power of words - and how we use them. Told through the eyes of Pip and Cat, this book beautifully demonstrates the importance of what we say - both positive and negative. Thoughtful, warm-hearted and completely non-preachy, this is a book that has already resonated with large numbers of children, whose teachers report a sea of change in the culture of their classroom after reading it.
Sunday Chutney by Aaron Blabey	Sunday Chutney has the most extraordinary life - she has lived all over the world! Of course, moving around does mean she's always the new kid at school and never really has a place to call home. But Sunday Chutney doesn't care about that. Or does she?
The Name Jar by Yangsook Choi	The new kid in school needs a new name Or does she?  Being the new kid in school is hard enough, but what about when nobody can pronounce your name? Having just moved from Korea, Unhei is anxious that American kids will like her. So instead of introducing herself on the first day of school, she tells the class that she will choose a name by the following week. Her new classmates are fascinated by this no-name girl and decide to help out by filling a glass jar with names for her to pick from. But while Unhei practices being a Suzy, Laura, or Amanda, one of her classmates comes to her neighbourhood and discovers her real name and its special meaning.
How to Read a Story by Kate Messner	Step One: Find a story. (A good one.) Step Two: Find a reading buddy. (Someone nice.) Step Three: Find a reading spot. (Couches are cozy.)   Now: Begin. Accomplished storytellers, Kate Messner and Mark Siegel chronicle the process of becoming a reader: from pulling a book off the shelf and finding someone with whom to share a story, to reading aloud, predicting what will happen, and—finally—coming to The End.
Your School is the Best by Maggie Hutchings	Everyone's favourite cockroach is back, and this time he's going to school! From show-and-tell to arts and crafts, this little stowaway can't wait to try it at all ... and maybe even become the teacher's pet! Charming, hilarious and just a tiny bit disgusting.
The Magical Yet by Angela De Terlezzi	Each of us, from the day we're born, is accompanied by a special companion--the Yet. Can't tie your shoes? Yet! Can't ride a bike? Yet! Can't play the bassoon? Don't worry,Yet is there to help you out.
Old Friends New Friends by Andrew Daddo	A brand-new school year! I can't wait!  Hang on ... None of my old friends are in my new class ...
The Pigeon Has to Go to School!  by Mo Willems	The Pigeon is about to get SCHOOLED. Do YOU think he should go? Why does the Pigeon have to go to school? He already knows everything! Well ... almost everything. And what if he doesn’t like it? What if the teacher doesn’t like him? I mean, what if he learns TOO MUCH!?!
Dear Teacher by Amy Husband	Can Michael's imagination save him from the first day of school? Dear Teacher is a hilarious collection of letters from Michael to his new teacher explaining why he can't go to class. From traveling to the pyramids of Egypt to getting attacked by pirates and going to the moon in a rocket ship, each letter is increasingly outlandish and covered with Michael's incredibly funny sketches from his many "adventures." When Michael's teacher writes back telling him how sorry she is he'll miss all of the exciting school activities planned for the year, Michael realises all the fun he'd really miss out on.
Wordy Birdy by Tammi Sauer	Meet Wordy Birdy, a very chatty bird who talks WAY more than she listens!
The Wild Guide to Starting School by Philip Bunting	Hey, wild thing! Are you about to start school? Then it's time to get set for your wildest adventure yet. Follow this simple guide and you'll learn everything you need to know.
Whatever Comes Tomorrow by Rebecca Levington	Tomorrow may bring changes that are scary, strange or new. Tomorrow may bring chances to embrace your truest you.
The Smallest Girl in the School by Justin  Roberts	Sally McBrass is the smallest girl in the youngest class - but Sally knows you don’t have to be big to be strong. From kites stuck up trees to howling dogs to stray cats in the car park, little Sally notices things that others don’t, and when she sees people being mean at school, she is brave enough to speak up.
That's Not My Name by Anoosha Syed	Mirha is so excited for her first day of school! She can’t wait to learn, play and make new friends. But when her classmates keep mispronouncing her name, she goes home wondering if she should find a new one.
The World Needs Who You Were Made to Be by Joanna Gaines	Today is the day for the ride of our lives as we discover how our differences make for a beautiful sky. We're one of a kind, both you and me, and the world needs who we were made to be!
We Are the Gardeners by Joanna Gaines	Our journey as gardeners started with one small potted plants, but things did not go as planned. Turns out, trying something new isn't always easy, but sometimes, it's hardest work that leads to the greatest reward.
The Cool Bean by Pete Oswald	A bean feels less special than its peers. It observes the coolness in its fellow beans, which isn't about how they look or act but the kindness they radiate.
Daddy Long Legs by Nadine Brun Cosme	Daddy Long Legs addresses first-day school jitters, the power of asking questions, growing independence, and confronting and managing fears.
Lissy’s Friends by Grace Lin	Lissy's Friends encourages empathy and understanding by considering different perspectives, especially those who might feel lonely or excluded. It reminds us it's okay to feel lonely, and through these moments, we often make the most meaningful connections.
My Teacher is a Monster by Peter Brown	Explores topics, including the dynamics between students and teachers, the impact of perceptions and how they shape our interactions, challenging stereotypes, encouraging empath by considering different perspectives and fostering a positive classroom based on respect and open-mindedness.
Never Not Ever! by Beatrice Almagna	Invites readers to reflect on the importance of self-management and the journey of navigating new experiences. Engages your students in discussions on taking responsibility for themself, developing self-management skills and making informed decisions, navigating the ups and downs of the first day of school, and reflecting on the balance between independence and relying on support from others.
Over-scheduled Andrew by Ashley Spires	As he navigates the challenges of balancing his commitments, he learns the importance of finding harmony and managing time wisely. Fosters discussions on the significance of balance, time management strategies, self-management and personal organisation, and finding a healthy and manageable routine.
I Will Be Fierce!  by Bea Birdsong	It's a brand new day, and a young girl decides to take on the world like a brave explorer heading off on an epic fairytale quest. From home to school and back again, our hero conquers the Mountain of Knowledge (the library), forges new bridges (friendships). and leads the victorious charge home on her steed (the school bus). This story is a powerful declaration about courage, confidence, kindness, and finding the extraordinary in everyday moments.
The Circles All Around Us by Brad Montague	When a child is born, their circle is very small. As they grow, the circle around them grows to include family, friends, and neighbors. This sweet story is perfect for back-to-school to set the tone for enlarging our circles to include new friends and experiences.
Love  by Corinne Averiss	Mum explains that love is like a string, it connects people together even when they are far away. At school Tess notices that all the children have strings! Some are new, some are old, some stretch a long way, and some even stretch right up into the sky. But what happens when a string breaks?