First Grade Stinks
Title: First Grade Stinks
Author: Mary Ann Rodman
Illustrator: Beth Spiegel
Publisher: Peachtree
Year of Publication: 2008
Genre: Fiction
Horn Book or Kirkus Reviews rating: 3
Summary: First Grade Stinks is a realistic story about a kid named Haley who has just entered 1st grade. The transition, however, is not easy for Haley since 1st grade does not offer the fun stuff she was used to in kindergarten. At the end, teacher shifts Haley's attention to the brighter side of being in a higher grade and Haley starts feeling positive about her new class.
Summary of Professional Reviews: Horn Book Guide categorized the book for grades K - 3. It remarks that the details in illustration successfully extend the text.
CLCD:
Interest Level Lower Grade
Book Level 2.3
Lexile MetaMetrics, Inc
Lexile Measure 360
Reading Counts - Scholastic
Interest Level - 2
Reading Level 2
Review by [Shadab Ashraf]: It is a fascinating story by Mary Ann Rodman which unfolds the innocent emotions of Haley who attends first day of her first grade. Haley's initial enthusiasm of being a first grader disappears as the class progresses. she feels nostalgic and yearns to be in kindergarten. She hated most of the things about first grade until her new teacher Ms. Gray removes all her misgivings about the new class and calms her with a smile. Students will easily relate to Haley's struggle of adjusting to a new class with a different environment. They may find her voicing some of their own grievances against school. The rich illustrations completely depict the story and allow students to interpret the events just by observing the illustrations. Language is conversational and straight from children's interactions.
This book would be useful when teaching…
It is the most appropriate text to introduce children to the concept of 'compare and contrast' in Language Arts in primary grades. Since the illustrations provide insight into the story without reading, the text can be used to enhance their skills to make predictions. Teachers can also use the book to help children address their intrapersonal skills.
Author: Mary Ann Rodman
Illustrator: Beth Spiegel
Publisher: Peachtree
Year of Publication: 2008
Genre: Fiction
Horn Book or Kirkus Reviews rating: 3
Summary: First Grade Stinks is a realistic story about a kid named Haley who has just entered 1st grade. The transition, however, is not easy for Haley since 1st grade does not offer the fun stuff she was used to in kindergarten. At the end, teacher shifts Haley's attention to the brighter side of being in a higher grade and Haley starts feeling positive about her new class.
Summary of Professional Reviews: Horn Book Guide categorized the book for grades K - 3. It remarks that the details in illustration successfully extend the text.
CLCD:
Interest Level Lower Grade
Book Level 2.3
Lexile MetaMetrics, Inc
Lexile Measure 360
Reading Counts - Scholastic
Interest Level - 2
Reading Level 2
Review by [Shadab Ashraf]: It is a fascinating story by Mary Ann Rodman which unfolds the innocent emotions of Haley who attends first day of her first grade. Haley's initial enthusiasm of being a first grader disappears as the class progresses. she feels nostalgic and yearns to be in kindergarten. She hated most of the things about first grade until her new teacher Ms. Gray removes all her misgivings about the new class and calms her with a smile. Students will easily relate to Haley's struggle of adjusting to a new class with a different environment. They may find her voicing some of their own grievances against school. The rich illustrations completely depict the story and allow students to interpret the events just by observing the illustrations. Language is conversational and straight from children's interactions.
This book would be useful when teaching…
It is the most appropriate text to introduce children to the concept of 'compare and contrast' in Language Arts in primary grades. Since the illustrations provide insight into the story without reading, the text can be used to enhance their skills to make predictions. Teachers can also use the book to help children address their intrapersonal skills.