by Laura Mayne
illustrated by Scot Ritchie
The Boston Mills Press, 2009
ISBN 978-1-55046-524-2 (hc)
ISBN 978-1-55046-510-5 (pb)
$35 (hc) / $24.95 (pb), 166 pp, colour illustrations, index
www.fireflybooks.com
This compilation of more than 75 activity ideas suitable for K – 8 classrooms will be useful for both veteran and novice teachers and an invaluable resource for substitute teachers. Each project is clearly explained, beginning with the identification of grade level, curriculum subject correlations, time frame and materials. An additional feature is a “Book Tie-Ins” sidebar, which lists titles that will add to the enjoyment of the activity and contribute to literacy goals. The organization of the contents is excellent: the activities appear on the Contents page and in the book in alphabetical order according to title, but they are also listed by subject and grade level, making it easy to find projects suitable for your students. With projects for art, computer skills, drama, language arts, library skills, math, media studies, music, phys ed, science, social studies, team building and character education, there is something for every teacher and classroom. The ideas were contributed by practicing teachers, so have been selected and adapted by the experts. The author has done a great job of explaining not only the process, but also why the project is worthwhile. This resource is a keeper!
This review is from Canadian Teacher Magazine’s September 2009 issue.