Book Pairing: TEAMWORK

Just like you might pair a fine wine with a gourmet meal, JOYcabulary pairs together read aloud books: usually a narrative text with an informational text, or sometimes two narrative texts around a similar topic. When we pair these together, comprehension is deepened as students make connections between the two books.


This month’s book pairing is all about TEAMWORK. These two books demonstrate the value and importance of working together. You might also remember our Lesson Plan from November 2023 for the previous book in the Knight Owl series, although it’s not necessary to read book one first in order to enjoy this sequel.

Knight Owl and Early Bird by Christopher Denise

“Early Bird wants to be brave and protect the castle, just like Knight Owl. But she falls asleep on the job and then keeps her hero up during the day with her enthusiastic chattiness, well-meaning questions, and cheerful owl impersonations. Will these two learn to work together to keep themselves and the kingdom safe?”

Packs: Strength in Numbers by Hannah Salyer

“An inspiring celebration of how togetherness helps many creatures thrive, in both nonhuman and human communities. [This book] reminds us that teamwork is universal, there is brilliance in biodiversity, and there is strength in numbers.”

 
Linda

Linda Szakmary has five decades of experience working as a classroom teacher, a district curriculum writer, a district facilitator of K-5 writing, and as a county K-8 literacy coach. She now works for Sullivan and Orange-Ulster BOCES as a content specialist. A poetry advocate and a lover of words and children’s literature, she has been a presenter at several state-wide conferences on vocabulary and writing. Currently, she is working with the staff developers of Mossflower to study intermediate vocabulary instruction within a reading workshop. Linda lives in Stone Ridge, NY where she enjoys gardening, yoga, reading, and rooting for the Yankees. You can often find her on a beach searching for sea glass.

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Manifesting Manners