Elementary Library

Resource & Discussion Guide

The Pigeon Has to Go to School by Mo Willems (E WIL) A humorous story about a pigeon who thinks he already knows everything and doesn’t need school. Best for lower grades. Discussion Prompts: ●​ Why does Pigeon not want to go to school? What do you think will happen next? ●​ Is it possible to learn too much? Why or why not? ●​ What are different ways we can get information and learn at school? ●​ Why is reading an important part of learning? Our Class is a Family by Shannon Olsen (E OLS) Build a classroom community that emphasizes safety, growth mindsets, and friendship. Students will feel like they are part of a special family. ●​ Before reading: What is a family? ●​ How should people in a family treat each other? What does that mean for us while we are in the library? ●​ How can we make our library a home? [Teach library rules that help us all feel safe and respected] What’s Your Favorite Color? By Eric Carle (535.6 CAR) 15 favorite children’s artists draw their favorite colors and explain why they love them. Great for starting discussions about differences and respect. in different colors.] Turn and ask your neighbor the question, “What’s your favorite color?” Then ask, “Why is that your favorite color?” so that they can tell you the reason behind his or her opinion. Eric Carle asked 15 different picture book artists the same question. ●​ YELLOW Eric Carle: What reason did Eric Carle give for liking yellow? You can tell he was thinking like an artist when he wrote his opinion. ●​ BLUE Bryan Collier: Bryan Collier gave a different reason for his favorite color. What was it? He was thinking like a dad when he wrote his opinion. ●​ MINT Mike Curato: Hmmm! Another different way of thinking about colors. Talk to a friend about Mike Curato’s reason. [Continue reading and discussing the artists’ different opinions and reasons. You do not have to read the entire book.] ●​ After reading: As a writer, what did you notice about the different ways the authors shared their opinions and reasons? How can we share our opinions with others respectfully in our library learning? What are some ways we can respectfully disagree with each other? A Library Book for Bear by Bonny Becker (E BEC) Bear thinks he has all the books he needs and doesn’t want to go to the library. But his friend mouse persuades him otherwise! Discussion Prompts: Discussion Prompts: ●​ Cover: Look at the way Eric Carle created the title. What do you notice? [The words are

Discussion Prompts:

33