[bockiee]

I was thinking of sending home a traveling book bag with my first grade students. In the bag would be a book and a journal. I would ask each family to read the book together and then just make a quick comment on the book: What they liked about it, what they didn't like, how it made them feel, what it reminded them of, etc. I want to use good quality literature like "Love you Forever" or "The Giving Tree", etc. Any ideas on good books to use? What are your favorite picture books to read?

[benteach]

-woould you use school library books or your own personal books- I like this idea>>>>>>>

[bockiee]

I would use my own books/ books that I have purchased for my classrom. I guess I could also use books I get using Scholastic points. Just trying to think of titles of books that would be good to use.

[yowz]

I have done this for a few years. I also include a stuffed frend for the student to take care of. When they are returned I always ask if the animal had behaved him/herself. I love first graders. they always tell me how the animal tried to bite their ear, wrestled with the dog...

I try to include a disposable camera too. I saved these for when they graduate from our school too. I make sure to include an inventory too so parents remember to pack everything up.

[Mumbles]

Are you looking for books on different themes to use throughout the year? Some books I think may work well for this are:
The Kissing Hand (good for beginning of school)
Turkey for Thanksgiving or Today is Thanksgiving (may be good for the children to talk about their traditions with family members)
Light the Lights (A story of Hannukah and Christmas - again good to talk about traditions, but I wouldn't use if you have children that also celebrate other holidays not mentioned in the book)
Somebody Loves you Mr. Hatch
A Mother for Choco (great for around Mother's Day)
I Love You the Purplest (about two boys who keep asking their mom who she loves more. One she says she loves the bluest, the other she loves the reddest - hence the title "purplest")

Not sure if this is what you were looking for...

If you just want some classic books what about:
Corduroy, Peter's Chair, Ira Sleeps Over, Jamaica's Find, etc.

Hope this helps. I'll keep thinking...

[MakinSmiles]

Great ideas! You could include with your book a class mascot or have those books that come with (stuffed animal) the main character. The students like taking a character home. Just a thought. I really like your idea.

[kirstenjean6]

I do something like this...
http://www.mrsvandyke.com/bookbags.htm

Hope this helps!

[christina4062]

it's very involved, but the kids like it!

It was my summer project last year!

http://www.teacherweb.com/mi/central...ridge/ap25.stm


Christina