Guest Blogger/Children's Author Maria Dismondy *GIVEAWAY*

I am so happy to welcome fellow Michigander, Author, Blogger, Speaker, Mom...Maria Dismondy, to my blog today.  If you haven't read any of her books or shared them with your kiddos, you'll want to go check them out.  So precious and packed with character building messages. 

Maria Dismondy was born and raised in the suburbs of Detroit, Michigan.  Maria's experiences have shaped her into an individual who lives life to the fullest, appreciating what she has and one who uses her passion to make a difference.  She takes experiences from her own life and uses them in her writing.  Being in education for over ten years now, Maria knows what children need to hear from books in the classroom.  Maria is a dynamic speaker who in one month alone, spoke to almost 10,000 children at local elementary schools and other venues.  She continues to write books and blogs regularly.

I am happy to be a guest blogger today at Crisscross Applesauce in First Grade! As teachers, this is a very busy week back to work for us. I am here to share a few ideas on how you can use my children's books to start building your classroom community with your students. We all know that the stronger community you set up with your class, the more productive the year will be!

If you would like to find out other ways you can use my books in your classrooms, download a free reader's guide for each book on my website. Each reader's guide comes with lessons in all subject areas as well as lessons in cooking and teamwork!

Spaghetti In A Hot Dog Bun: Having the Courage to Be Yourself

Award-Winning Title

How can Ralph be so mean? Lucy is one of a kind and Ralph loves to point that out. Lucy’s defining moment comes when Ralph truly needs help. Because she knows what she stands for, Lucy has the courage to make a good choice. This charming story empowers children to always do the right thing and be proud of themselves, even when they are faced with someone as challenging as Ralph.

Classroom Use: Asking questions before, during and after reading this book. After reading, make a t-chart with your class. On one side of the chart, discuss ways in which Ralph was teasing Lucy, on the other side, talk about strategies Lucy used to try to stop the bullying and come up with other things she COULD HAVE tried.


The Juice Box Bully

Empowering Kids to Stand Up To Others

Have you ever seen a bully in action and done nothing about it? The kids at Pete’s new school get involved, instead of being bystanders. When Pete begins to behave badly, his classmates teach him about “The Promise”. Will Pete decide to shed his bullying habits and make “The Promise”?


Classroom Use: After reading this book, come up with your own classroom "Promise" Be sure to have each of your students sign the promise, make copies for everyone to take home and share with their families. Be sure to post the promise and refer to it several times through out the school year!


Pink Tiara Cookies for Three

Award Winning Title

Sami’s perfect life falls apart when the new girl moves in next door. Three can be a tricky number with friends because most of the time someone gets left out. Follow Sam as she discovers how to keep her best friend and find room for one more in Pink Tiara Cookies for Three.


Classroom Use: It's important for children to understand how it feels to be in someone else's shoes. Read this book, have your students discuss the roles of each character. Have students pick a character from the book and write three ways that character was feeling in the book. It's a great lesson on Empathy---putting yourself in someone else's shoes. Be sure to allow time for sharing as a whole group. Focus on the common feeling--that no one likes playing alone. Everyone enjoys the company of a friend!


You can find Maria at
Her Blog: Be The Difference http://www.mariadismondy.com/blog
Website: http://www.mariadismondy.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/mariadismondy
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/mariadismondy


Purchase her Books here:
http://www.amazon.com/Spaghetti-Hot-Dog-Bun-Courage/dp/0615473938/ref=pd_sim_b_2


Maria is giving away an autographed copy of Pink Tiara Cookies for Three!!!!!  Such a sweet book that I just know you'll love!  We're going "old school" for this one.  If you'd like a chance to win a copy of your own you've got to do the following {and leave one comment for each -  be sure to leave your email address}.

*Follow Maria on Facebook {Leave 1 comment}
*Follow Maria on Twitter {Leave 1 comment}
*Follow me on Facebook {Leave 1 comment}
*Follow my TpT Store {Leave 1 comment}

I'll pick two lucky winners on Sunday, September 9th at noon, EST -  I'll be using the Random Number Generator....remember that!?!

Thanks so much, Maria, for visiting my blog!!!  I love your books and so do my students.  I have Spaghetti in a Hot Dog Bun ready to read my first week back!!!

Toodles & Good Luck!