Our Class is a Family and A Letter From Your Teacher on the First Day of School by Shannon Olsen are two of the newest titles to get the soundscape treatment. With over 15 years of teaching experience, Olsen’s picture books resonate with teachers in the classroom. She knows well the invisible work that goes into building class community and positive relationships with students.
Our Class is a Family
is a book that will help build and strengthen that class community. Kids learn that their classroom is a place where it’s safe to be themselves, it’s okay to make mistakes, and it’s important to be a friend to others. Hearing this story read aloud, students are sure to feel a special sense of belonging.
is a picture book to support teachers and students as they set the tone for the new year together. With a sweet and thoughtful tone, this is a read-aloud that helps lay the foundation for a positive relationship between kids and their teachers. Use it to kick off getting-to-know-you activities and class community building.Reading books is a gateway to the imagination. Continue the creativity with activities that reinforce the important takeaways and add fun! Check out some of our favorite classroom activities to pair with Novel Effect’s soundscapes!
Shannon McClintock Miller, a Van Meter teacher, librarian, and innovator, has a lot to say about Novel Effect activities:
“With Novel Effect’s learning resources parents, teachers, and librarians build connections with little learners before, during and after read-aloud. These educator-developed lessons and activities help guide discussions and pair with our soundscapes for popular children’s picture books.”
Help build classroom community, foster reading and writing skills with a class family album! It is an ideal activity during the first day or week of school.
Friendship bracelets that celebrate your class family will help strengthen bonds. For a fun twist, have each student make one bracelet for another! From @borntoedukait
Create a poster and invite students to write ways they can celebrate, respect, and support each other on sticky notes. Role-play together to demonstrate what these qualities look like in action. Learn more from @terrificteachingwithmrslong
Welcome your students before the first day with a pre-recorded read-aloud! Share with students through a QR code link to the video on a postcard. From @foreverfirstiefriends
Download the Novel Effect app to bring stories to life with music and sound that respond to your voice.
