as part of an earlier picture book compilation post, but when I got halfway through it, I got all excited about a teaching idea for this book.Here's what the publisher had to say, first: "This clever picture book will prepare young explorers to boldly go where they have never gone before: Planet Kindergarten. Suit up for a daring adventure as our hero navigates the unknown reaches and alien inhabitants of this strange new world. Hilarious and confidence-boosting, this exciting story will have new kindergarteners ready for liftoff!"
My Thoughts: What if you decorated your kindergarten room like Planet Kindergarten
? You could label things the way the main character describes them ('commander' being the teacher, lessons for the day are 'flight plans,' 'crewmates' instead of classmates.... it can go on & on). Considering I live a stone's throw from Kennedy Space Center, and NASA is a huge part of our student's lives, I am bursting with ideas for how much fun this would be! I got the idea about halfway in, when the protagonist was napping under a sea of stars hung from the classroom ceiling.I don't think I will ever teach kindergarten, but this book sure made me want to (for just a second, anyway). Great illustrations, a funny (inside, sort of) joke, and a calming story that lets reluctant kindergarteners know that they'll be safe on their home planet soon.
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Thank you to publisher Chronicle Books for my advanced copy.Date: May 20, 2014
ISBN 978-1452118932
BUY Planet Kindergarten HERE
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