Free online children's books website

So I was on Pinterest (I'm obsessed with this site!) and found a nifty website that would be perfect for classrooms, homes, and babysitting.  It's a website that has free books to read online and they have TONS of picture books.  The website is called We Give Books.  They even tell you the age level and a little summary.  Also they categorize books by topic.  Wish I knew this website excited when I was in school...haha.  The purpose of this website is to help spread literacy around the world.  So after you read a book you can choose a literacy campaign, there are 5, to show your support for literacy.  You have to sign up to support the campaigns and the membership is FREE!! (Who doesn't like free things?)

Right now I'm reading Two Bad Pilgrims by Kathryn Lasky.

Tell me what you think about this awesome website!

Thanksgiving Read-Aloud Books

Tamara set up a TBA Linky party of teacher's favorite Thanksgiving book.  Thanksgiving Rules is a fun story told in rhyme of his 10 simple rules for his Thanksgiving feast with his family.  I found this book this year at the local Barnes and Noble.  I can't wait to share it with my kids this week!

Chinese Fans

This quarter in my after school program, the kids are learning about different cultures.  Last week, I had them make Chinese fans.  It's super easy to prepare and make.  Also, the kids loved using the tissue paper.  This craft is perfect when teaching about the Chinese culture or Chinese New Year.



Here's what you will need:
~paper plates
~popsicle sticks (2 per person)
~elmer's glue
~Q-tips
~tissue paper (all sorts of colors)
~markers or crayons
~cups

Prep: You should take a damp paper towel or sponge and wet the whole paper plate, so it will flatten.  Let it dry for a couple minutes (I waited like 2-3).  As you wait, cut up tissue paper into small squares (1in x 1in).  Then prepare the glue the kids will be using.  Pour elmer's glue and a little water into each cup, so you have dilated glue.

Let the kids use the Q-tips as a glue brush to stick the tissue paper where they want it.  The tissue paper represents those beautiful flowers you see on Chinese fans.  After they are done attaching their tissue paper, let the kids decorated the rest of the fan with leaves, flowers, birds, etc.  Glue the 2 popsicle sticks to the fan.  I also used invisible tape to secure them.

The best part of this art craft is that this fan really works!
Here is a picture of some the kids and their fans!