Anderson’s Bookshops (Naperville) is hosting their Fall Educator Extravaganza on October 20 at 3:00 pm. Spend the afternoon exploring phenomenal kid lit, and earn 1 free hour of professional development.
Reserve your free tickets before they are gone.
Tuesday, April 26, 2024
Dearest Tree Hugging Readers,
It is with TREE-mendous excitement that I am sharing Arbor Day literature and resources.
My love affair of trees dates back to my earliest childhood memories. Our family planted and cared for a variety of fruit trees. Apple, peach, pear, cherry, and plum trees provided shade on sunny days; fresh juicy snacks; and sweet confections that were canned or baked. As we grew, so did the trees.
When my daughter was younger, we became members of the Morton Arboretum in Lisle. Our summers were spent under the shade trees beside Meadow Lake. It was there that we played cards; drew pictures; ate picnic lunches, and escaped the noise of the world.
May this Arbor Day bring your family back to the forest.
—-Jenn 🌳
Literature for Young Sapling 🌱
Literature for Mature Trees 🌳
Resources
March 13, 2024
Registration is open for Tuesday, May 7 at 4:30pm at the Downers Grove shop and virtually on Sunday, May 5 at 6:30pm via Zoom.
Friday, January 19
Anderson’s Bookshop is offering a virtual or in-person Educator Book Club that is scheduled to meet in March. Books purchased through Anderson’s will be discounted 25% . It’s a great opportunity to connect and interact with other Educators, earn CPUDs, and read quality literature.
Hope to see you there!
—Jenn
The Chicago Field Museum is hosting an hour long virtual professional development opportunity for educators grades PreK through High School.
During the session, educators will “explore how wings, fins, claws, and jaws and more work in nature! How does the structure and function and function of an animal allow it to survive?”
When: Monday, January 22 at 4:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Where: Online
Cost: $10.00
Clock Hours: 1 ISBE clock hour available
See you there.
—Jenn
Anderson’s Bookshop has announced an Educator Book Club!
Dearest Readers,
I am beyond thrilled to share that Anderson’s Bookshop has announced an Educator Book Club beginning in January 2024 with CPDUs available for all that participate!!!
Eeeek!
The first Educator Book Club title is Joanne Rossmassler Fritz’s Ruptured! Beginning in January 2024, the book club will meet in-person on the first Tuesday of every other month, and virtually via Zoom on the first Sunday of every other month.
Order and read more about the book, see book club meeting dates and locations, and RSVP by clicking the button!
See you on Zoom!
—Jenn
Climate of H.O.P.E. Conference
(How Our Planet is Evolving)
March 1, 2024 at 8:00 – 2:30 pm
The 2024 Climate of HOPE Conference is designed to bring a combination of cutting edge climate research and engaging classroom-ready activities to Middle School & High School Illinois Science Teachers and Administrators.
The conference will explore the confluence of inquiry, climate science, and evolution as they relate to our rapidly changing planet. Open to all science educators to discuss the latest research and how we can bring it into our classrooms.
Keynote Speakers:
Sponsors: National Science Foundation-funded US Ice Drilling Program (IDP), National Center for Science Education (NCSE), DuPage County Regional Office of Education (DROE), and the Illinois Science Teachers Association (ISTA)
5 Continuing Education hours are available through the DuPage ROE for attending this event.
Registration Fee: $30.00/Person
Location: Downers Grove North High School
Sunday, October 8, 2023
Dearest Readers,
This is a love letter to The Book Nook of Saugatuck, MI. Your cozy bookshop has stolen my heart. On your shelves are gently read picture books, novels, and treasures waiting to whisked away. When we arrived, we were warmly greeted by the bookshop owner. We perused the shelves and assorted trinkets. On this particular excursion, I located four books written by Patricia Polacco, which I proudly purchased and are now part of my ever growing collection of classroom literature.
I look forward to future expeditions and discovering new treasures to share with my students.
Forever yours,
Jenn 📚💕
The Book Nook of Saugatuck, 242 Butler St, Saugatuck, MI
Tuesday, September 5, 2023
It’s was late Sunday night and we just arrived home from a long day trip to Michigan. Before leaving St. Joesph, we picked up carryout for dinner. Our meal came with an extra plastic fork, which neither of us needed at the time. I’m that person. Yup. Let’s save it for later. You know. Just in case. We might be able to put it to use.
Now, look closer. Some may say, “Jenn, it’s just a disposable fork wrapped in plastic.” Is it? I see a digging tool for sand at the beach. Or maybe, this fork could be used to eat that unexpected cake in a parking lot at the grocery store. You might have a rough day. Don’t judge. We all have done it or thought about it. Nonetheless, let’s agree there are a million uses for that disposable fork. After all, it’s a fork.
Alright, take that fork a step further. What if our student(s) are like the plastic fork? Let’s say he/she is “wrapped in plastic.” A little different. Maybe it’s their odd sense of humor. Or, maybe no one has been able to reach them. They’re out there. Not quite like the other scholars. Different. Embrace them! These “forks” are the dreamers; the creative minds; and the out-of-box thinkers. I have a passion for the “forks.” Embrace them. Find a way to reach them. Our world needs them.
One last step. Are you still with me? Awesome! There are authors and illustrators that have written picture books for dreamers and out-of-box thinkers. If you happen by Anderson’s Bookshop or another Indie Bookstore, stop in and pick up any (or all) of the following books for a great classroom read aloud. Here goes…a long over due list of picture books/chapter books that celebrate our students and their uniqueness.
*Please note: At this time, I am not affiliated with the bookshop links above (wink, wink I would love the opportunity). Direct links are included for your convenience.
Dearest Herb Garden,
I sincerely apologize. What was supposed to be a beautiful beginning tragically ended too soon. My vision of a blossoming mini-herb garden became a barren wasteland.
In June, I purchased Thyme, Mint, Rosemary, and Basil herb plants. I eagerly placed them in the mini-greenhouse. Over a hot cup of coffee, I read over each plant information guide with great care. I watered them weekly as directed. Sometimes, I was more generous with the water. There were other weeks where admittedly I neglected to water them. As the weeks became months, the garden became smaller. Thyme ironically was the first to fade, wilt and receive a burial by trash receptacle. Sadly, Mint followed all too quickly. Rosemary, sweet Rosemary, languished and perished as well. Basil, you were my last redeeming hope. This evening Basil took her leave. Defeated. Yup. I will humbly return to Trader Joe’s and purchase fresh herbs grown by a far better gardener than I.
What is to become of the adorable greenhouse? A refreshing “Water Garden.” Once again, there is glimmer of hope. A crop of four eco-friendly water bottles were planted this evening. A physical reminder that I too require proper hydration. In order to flourish, it is imperative to consume proper amounts sunlight and water necessary for survival.
—Jenn
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