Chocolate Milk, Por Favor! {Book Tour & Giveaway}

Guess what?

Michigan author, Maria Dismondy, has done it again - made the lives of countless kiddos BETTER...and our teaching lives easier!

She has written another book...and I'm so happy for that! 

If you're not familiar with her work - Maria Dismondy focuses on writing stories that help children navigate this social world of ours.  As teachers, we know that there is much more to our job than the ABC's and 123's.  We are also responsible for helping our little ones understand one another as human beings.  WOW - that's a daunting task - but one made easier with the help of Maria's books.

Such rich discussion can take place before, during and after a read aloud.  Chocolate Milk, Por Favor! is about two young boys, Johnny and Gabe.  Johnny loved school until Gabe entered into the picture.  Gabe doesn't speak English and Johnny has a hard time accepting Gabe with his differences.  As the story progresses; Johnny learns a lesson about empathy and he and Gabe become friends who are able to accept and celebrate their individuality.  

After I read this story to my first graders here's what they had to say...

Character education is part of a well-rounded classroom climate. I know sometimes it's hard to fit it all in - I'm right there with you.  That's why I like incorporating it into my daily read alouds.  

Maria's other books {here} can help you with that.

To get you started Maria has offered to give away one signed copy of Chocolate Milk, Por Favor! 

Because my first graders are so invested in this book and the lessons they learn from all of Maria's books, I'm going to ask that you give one piece of advice to my kiddos, in the comments below, that can help them be a good friend to others.  We {my first graders} will randomly choose one winner on April 20th! {Please include your email address with your comment}.

Next up on the blog tour...

Erin Klein at Kleinspiration

&

Andrea at JYJ Counselor Blog

I Think You'll Lovee the Snugg a Whole Bunchh! {I doo}

I haven't had my "official" back to school dream yet...you know the one where you get to school late, in your underwear, the kids are out of control and you can't get control of them.  Yeah, I haven't had that one yet.  I did, however, have a dream that I got a class set of iPads.  I woke up from that dream with a smile on my face - for about 3 seconds...then I realized it was just a dream.  I only had one iPad and it's my personal one.

I use my personal iPad in the classroom.  I've been told I'm crazy but it comes in so handy for so many different reasons.  I never let the kids "go off" with it...they have to use it in front of me at our guided reading table.  They use it to practice sight words, story grammar, comprehension {they love to type in an answer to a question that's "just for them" using "notes"} math facts, illustrating what they know using the Show Me app...

It's free!!!

Anyhoo...I just love using my iPad but I wanted a case that would be a bit sturdier than the one I had, but not bulky {because it is mine - and I didn't want one of those big bulky plastic ones that work best for pure classroom iPads}.

Finding a good one was on my list for the summer...

...then I was contacted by The Snugg who asked if I would accept a complimentary case in exchange for a review.  Perfect timing, if you ask me!

They have a lot of cases to choose from.  I wanted one that was a bit sassy but would protect my iPad a bit more than my old ones.  I also wanted one that you could "stand up" or "prop" the iPad up with.  My two old cases couldn't do that....

There's even a little spot on top to store a stylus...

Fits in there nice and "Snugg"

If you're in the market for a new case...I'd say you can't go wrong with The Snugg.  They have iPhone cases, Kindle covers, MacBook Air cases, and other accessories. 

They have some fun colors too!

The leather is so soft.  HA!  I don't know why that matters to me but it's like buttah! Now that I'm looking at those color choices I want one in blue, and orange!!!!  It's a fashion statement, doncha' know?!

Michigan children's author, Maria Dismondy is doing a summer series on creating family traditions. I had the honor of guest blogging about some of our summer family fun ideas....head on over by clicking below.

Have a great weekend...we're off to celebrate my "big baby's" 11th birthday...

Toodles

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!