We’re knee deep now in our Tomie dePaola author study . Each time I read The Art Lesson I’m reminded and amazed all over again at the acute recollection Tomie dePaola has of his childhood. Down to the last detail. It’s those little details in the story and illustrations that draw me in and make The Art Lesson one of my favorite books to teach with. I always say that Tomie books are every teacher’s dream. I love his simple, relevant themes and his books work so perfectly for teaching just about about any comprehension strategy and story structure. All the things you can do with these books for cause/effect, problem/solution, drawing conclusions, analyzing characters, their traits, and how they change is limitless!
Many are autobiographical tales and lend themselves so perfectly to teaching about an author’s viewpoint which can be a bit tricky for young readers. And text-to-text connections? You could practically create a timeline of this author’s life just through the characters in his books! I have a deep connection to The Art Lesson because I can relate so well to the main character,Tommy.
out on little “museum floors” for our end of year open house.
How cute is that?
If you like these ideas, be sure to pin them for later!
their adjective choices.
We used Somebody, Wanted, But, So, Then to help us decompose the story.
Be sure to pin these ideas to share with your teacher friends!
with the Strega Nona series!
To see all four parts of this series click the links below:
Oh my goodness, Linda. You are so talented. I wish I lived closer to you so I could soak up your brilliance face to face all the time! What an amazing post for an amazing author!!!! I am in awe of you!
Growing Firsties
Ohhh, you went to art school! Now I know why your anchor charts always look AMAZING! I already own this unit and am planning on starting to use it next week! Can't wait!
Rebecca
Ladybugs Lounge
Art was always there for me when I was a kid. I didn't know a word of English but I could draw, color and tell stories with my art. Growing up I wanted to be a Disney animator 🙂
Things didn't quite work out that way but I do get to be an artist every day in my classroom 🙂 and the kids appreciate every masterpiece 😀
I love your posts on this series. Can't wait for the next one!
Maribel
How creative it is! A great idea to encourage kids to learn and think! The post is cool!
Love this post! I'm a new follower come check me out at mysecondgradejournal.blogspot.com
Awesome post Linda! This is amazing stuff you're doing.
Barbara
Grade ONEderful
Ruby Slippers Blog Designs
Oh my gosh, Lisa! You are so sweet, friend! I wish we lived closer so we could hang out and gab! I would LOVE to see a show of his original artwork and how fun would it be to meet him? You are so lucky he came to your elementary school!
I hope your kiddos enjoy it, Rebecca!
Thank you, Olga! I hope you can use some of these in your classroom! Tomie books are perfect for getting kids to think about their reading!
Hi Mrs. Shepard! Thanks for stopping by! I'm always glad to find a new second grade blog!
Thanks so much, Barbara! Tomie books are a teacher's dream for making reading, thinking, and learning fun!
Gosh, Maribel that must have been so hard! I'm so glad you had your art! Teaching is such a creative outlet isn't it? For us and our kiddos. It's one of the things I love most about it! We can teach our kiddos to think and express themselves outside of the box!