Mentor Text Linky and a patriotic Freebie!

Today's topic is Back to School books.

There are so many great books out there that I like to use and I love adding new ones to my collection. (I get bored very quickly using the same book over and over!) 
Today I'm sharing one of my newer favorites.

Louise the Big Cheese and the Back-to-School Smarty-Pants by Elise Primavera and illustrated by Diane Goode (my sweet cousin). I love Louise Cheese (how fun is that name??). She always wants to be the "Big Cheese" and learns important lessons in each story.

In this back to school story, Louise is determined to get straight As, but she's "stuck" with the toughest teacher, Mrs. Pearl.  One day a substitute comes along. Louise figures out that an A from Mrs. Sprinkles is not the same as a B+ from Mrs. Pearl. Louise learns to not judge a book by its cover and that her dream of straight As means hard work.

This story is adorable and opens the discussion of themes and lessons. (Of course, I'm partial to Diane Goode's beautiful illustrations, too!) You'll just fall in love with Louise!










Along with thinking about this linky today, I've been thinking about the patriotic holiday coming up this week. The 4th of July is one of my favorite days. Not only do I love the cookouts and fireworks, I love the history. It got me thinking about patriotic symbols which led me to the Pledge of Allegiance. We say it everyday in school, but do the kids really know what they are saying? There are times they don't even say the right words. 

I always talk about the Pledge at the start of the year. For my third graders, it's the perfect time to teach them about the meaning behind the words. Here is a SIMPLE book that I use: 



You can use this book to discuss the meaning of the phrases and/or the tier 3 vocabulary.  You'll find beautiful photos throughout and explanations at the end of the book. I created this little FREEBIE to use with a study of this book or any other informational text you might have about the Pledge.  Click ✰HERE✰ to download your copy and enjoy!





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9 comments

  1. Thank you for the freebie, I actually use that book with my kiddos each year, so this is perfect.

    Hunter's Tales from Teaching

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  2. Gina,
    I love this! Thank you for creating this freebie and introducing me to Louise the Big Cheese!

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  3. I cannot wait to add Louise the Big Cheese to my collection! Thank you for sharing your ideas!! I'm your newest follower!

    Belinda
    I Love 2 Teach

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  4. Your back to school suggestion looks great! I have to get a copy! Love the illustrations, too.

    Have a great week--
    Sarah @ Hoots N Hollers

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  5. OMG this book looks adorable!! I have never heard of it!!! I am going to go check it out pronto!!!

    And you are so good with making and creating for holidays!! Thank you so much!

    Amanda
    Collaboration Cuties

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  6. Seriously??!! How cute is that book? I must have it! And, I have that Pledge of Allegiance book-what a great idea to use that the first week! Thanks!
    Joanne
    Head Over Heels For Teaching

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  7. I like to use Pledge of Allegiance first week too. Thanks for the great freebie!

    Julie
    Math is Elementary

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  8. I linked up my mentor text too! Great minds think alike. Both of your choices look great! Have a wonderful holiday later this week! I have Canada Day today!
    Sidney
    Teachingisagift

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  9. Louise the Big Cheese also looks like it might be good to teach dialog! I'm pinning. :)
    ~Brandee
    Creating Lifelong Learners

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