[lisakae2]

I just found out that I am teaching summer school. I want to do a western/cowboy theme. Does anyone have any book ideas (reading level about a 2.5-3.0) and literature ideas to share? Any "getting to know you" or "welcome" activites would be great, too!!

[Ms. Teacher]

The Cowboy and the Black-Eyed Pea is a cute story. Can't think of the author right now. Story is like the Princess & the Pea but instead has a cute cowgirl looking for a "real" cowboy - she puts a black-eyed pea under the saddle blanket and has her "courters" ride the horse. The one who ends up saddlesore is a real cowboy. It may be more at a 3.0 and up reading level but the younger ones would enjoy listening to it. You could read the Princess & the Pea and do a compare and contrast.If you know anyone who does square dancing, this would be a fun activity or even someone with a horse (maybe a little pony?)! That is, if school would allow. Get some old western songs and let students listen to and learn the words to sing along (ie: Home Home On the Range). Any books on lives of cowboys - cow herders vs. sheep herders. Pioneers and the Pony Express might fit in with your theme. They could write letters to be delivered between classrooms. What about the gold rush? Have fun with it!

[Lodi 3rd]

Hank the Cowdog series is great.

Cindy Ellen is a lot of fun!