Evan-Moor Literature Pockets - Nursery Rhymes

by Robin
(Florida)

We used Evan-Moor Literature Pockets - Nursery Rhymes for language arts for K-1 in Sept. 2009.

Likes: The "Nursery Rhymes" literature pocket is the first Evan-Moor "pocket" product I have used. I am giving it 10 stars on a scale of 1-10.

I have two boys ages 4 & 5 and we used it during the first two weeks of school. It was the last thing we did each day and my boys couldn't wait to get to it. The product features 12 common nursery rhymes such as "Little Miss Muffet", "Rub-a-Dub-Dub", "Jack and Jill", and "Sing a Song of Six Pence". Each pocket includes the poem as well as supplemental crafts and activities to go-along with the rhyme. Many of the pockets included puppets which were my boys' favorites for reenacting the rhymes.

This is a great hands-on way to build phonemic awareness. Research shows that nursery rhymes are an important means of building pre-reading skills with children. This is the perfect means of doing so. As a former Reading Recovery teacher, I would HIGHLY recommend this product!!!

Dislikes: The only complaint that I have with this product is the way that the publisher suggests that you construct the pockets from construction paper. This method makes the pockets very flimsy. I took the suggestion from Ami on homeschoolshare.com to use pocket folders without the page insert. I hole-punched them taking care to leave room for the pages to still slip in and used metal rings to hold the pockets together. It took 6 folders and I used one inch rings. This made for a sturdy book to hold the wonderful assortment of nursery rhyme activities that are revisited again and again.

History Pockets

by Carmen
(FL)

Product: History Pockets
Dates Used: 2009-present

Likes: I've used History Pockets to make notebooks with my children. The books include coloring pages, writing assignments, maps, interesting projects and lots of information. They are great for reinforcing what your child has learned in history and they make a great hands-on project.

The cost of the book is very reasonable. You can photocopy the pages at home or take them to an office supply store. Once your student has completed the book they will have a lovely book to use for review or to show to your evaluator.

Dislikes: None

Daily 6 - Trait Writing

by Terri
(Tennessee)

Product: Daily 6 - Trait Writing
Subject: Writing
Levels Used: Grade 1
Dates Used: August 2009 - present

Likes: I just love the way this whole book is laid out. There are 25 weeks of lessons, and each lesson is already broken down into five units. The lesson plans are concise and include mini-versions of the worksheets so that you can follow right along. The worksheets are easy for a child to follow, and give them the opportunity to really think about what they are writing. There are also lots of opportunities for the child to add illustrations. They allow you to photocopy worksheets within your class, allowing you to reuse a worksheet where the child might need additional practice.

Dislikes: The books are black and white only.

Daily Geography Practice

by Terri
(Tennessee)

Product: Daily Geography Practice
Subject: Geography
Levels Used: Grade 1
Dates Used: August 2009-present

Likes: We really like this practice book. And that is exactly what it is, just practice. It is recommended for use along with an additional geography or social studies curriculum. The maps are diverse and gives the child a chance to understand different perspectives and uses. The questions are simple with multiple choices (2 choices most of the time). This book is really good for my son who is 6 & ADHD.

Dislikes: The book is broken down into 36 weekly sessions, with questions/activities for 5 days each. The book has been so simple and questions so few, that we actually finish the whole session for the week in about 15-20 minutes.