Nick's Picks: Selected Resources from TeachingBooks.net

Nick Glass, TeachingBooks.net for Curriculum Connections -- School Library Journal, 9/3/2008

This fall, classrooms all over the United States will be talking about the upcoming presidential election. In this month’s column, I’ve focused on that perennial favorite of elementary students, Judith St. George’s So You Want to Be President? (Philomel, 2000). Enjoy this look at the quirks, habits, talents, mishaps, and commonalities of the people who have occupied that office.

If you’re sharing this delightfully wacky, informative title with your students, introduce them to David Small, the Caldecott-winning illustrator of the book, with a movie filmed at his home; watch a video clip of the brilliant, animated Weston Woods version of So You Want to Be President?; and stimulate discussion with thoughtful, ready-to-use activities and questions.

In providing an exciting variety of online materials that support one book, I hope to draw your attention to the quality and range of multimedia materials about authors and titles available via the Internet. As we learn more about the learning styles of children, I believe it’s imperative that we add a multimedia dimension to our lessons. These resources create relevant, powerful connections that will enhance all students’ comprehension and enjoyment of the books we share.

Learn how David Small’s artistic style changed when he began working on So You Want to Be President?

Small won the 2001 Caldecott Award for his illustrations in President. As you enjoy the book, invite your students into the artist’s home for a glimpse into his sketchbooks and a demonstration of his fluid brush style.

Hear David Small's thoughts about the stature of his name

Small’s name may not be difficult to pronounce, but he—like many students—sure has some thoughts to share about his moniker!

Ten Tips on using So You Want to Be President? with your students

This three-page publisher’s guide will help you focus classroom conversations about the book, and it offers some terrific ideas for extension activities.

Need ideas on how to incorporate So You Want to be President? into your curriculum?

For a comprehensive lesson plan on this nonfiction title, explore these ideas from Scholastic.

Offer a sneak peek into Judith St. George’s book through a video excerpt

Enjoy this animated segment from Weston Woods (2002).

I’d love to hear about your experiences using Judith St. George’s entertaining title. Please write to me and I’ll share your teaching strategies with other educators. Thanks! nick@TeachingBooks.net

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