Kristin Baird Rattini

I really like this book and this it would be a great introduction into ecosystems. I love that in this book, it has pronunciations next to key words in the text as well as a reef talk box that includes definitions for key words on that page. I like that the book includes a lot of visuals and pictures of different reefs because they can look a lot of different ways and I enjoy the labels posted on the pictures. The age range for this book is 5-9 and the reading level is an O. The DCI explored in this book is life science because the book is about coral reefs and the inhabitants within the reef. The CCC explored in this book are stability and change because the book talks about the difference between the daytime and nighttime life in the reef, and structure and function because the book describes how the reef life supports each other to maintain itself.… (mehr)

This is an excellent informational text to teach children about the life cycle of a plant. It is a Level 1 Reader and can be used as a science mentor text for a Unit Study on plants. The text, excellent photographs, (including magnifications), and call-out boxes cover an abundance of information in a child-friendly, concise way with plant jokes along the way.

Critical Analysis: Using informational text in the primary grades, especially in communities from lower socioeconomic settings, helps children with their comprehension so they can be successful.

Favorite Quote: "YOu can use your body to remember the parts of a plant. Arms are like leaves. Your body is like a stem. YOur feet are like the roots'"… (mehr)

Seed to Plant is a great picture/chapter book for all grades in the elementary students. The book is about what a plant is, how a plant grows, the pollen in flowers, facts about plants and how you can propagate plants. Each chapter labels and explains clearly what the chapter is about. Each chapter has clear pictures that line up with what the page is talking about, which will help support Els and struggling readers. Some examples of the chapters are; parts of a plant, what is a plant, flowers bloom etc. I'd use this in my classroom to introduce a lesson or unit for my students. You could just choose one chapter of the book to apply it to a lesson or you could use the whole book and apply it to a unit.… (mehr)