A Look Inside My Third Grade Classroom, Library Title Feature, Summer Reading Program Update

As I previously mentioned in my introductory article, one of my favorite parts of teaching third grade was sharing my love of books with my students. Reading class novels was a great way to relate to my students and put myself back in the shoes of a young reader.

The first novel we read each year was, Little House in the Big Woods, a classic that my students really enjoyed. It was great to see them make connections to life on the frontier and acknowledge the advantage of modern day conveniences. Making butter? Sounded fun, until we actually tried it ourselves! The determination was real. Students shook a mason jar full of heavy whipping cream until they were red in the face before passing it along to the next person to keep the butter-making going. Eventually, their hard work paid off, and we had fresh butter to enjoy with our pancake men, just like Ma made on Christmas morning. It was a simple activity, but a perfect example of how reading can open our minds to experiences we might never have otherwise imagined.

Next we stepped into the wintery world of The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe. Although not a typical third grade reading level, it challenged my students in the best ways. Their vocabulary expanded, their imaginations thrived, and they discovered that books can transport us to extraordinary places.They met brave lions, wicked witches, and ordinary children who became courageous leaders. Along the way, we witnessed how courage, kindness, and selflessness can overcome cruelty and fear. In the end, they had a shield to produce that represented their uniqueness. 

Have you ever heard of the famous sled dog race, the Iditarod? If you asked my former students, they could probably tell you a bit about it. Thanks to a wonderful mentor who shared one of her favorite class novels with me, we read Stone Fox, the story of Little Willy and his beloved dog, Searchlight. As we followed their journey, we also learned about the history of the Iditarod and the famous serum run that delivered life-saving medicine to Nome, Alaska. We tracked mushers as they raced for days across the frozen wilderness, compared temperatures in Alaska with those here in Manistique, and discovered what it takes to care for a team of sled dogs. My students learned that books don't just transport us to imaginary worlds, they also help us better understand the real one.

We ended the school year by falling in love with a little spider named Charlotte. Charlotte's Web has a way of making readers think twice before brushing aside the tiny creatures around us. More importantly, it reminds us of the power of friendship and how one kind, selfless friend can change another person's life forever.

As you can see, my love of reading runs deep. I will truly miss sharing these stories with my students, but I hope they continue discovering new books here at the library and wherever their adventures take them, perhaps even at their favorite bookstore. Encouraging young readers to fall in love with books is one of the greatest gifts we can give them, and it's an important step toward creating lifelong learners.

Library Title Feature - Mad Mabel, by Sally Hepworth

A tale of justice, redemption, and one irrepressible, 81 year old woman who’s not done breaking the rules just yet. "A twisty page-turning triumph, packed with wit, warmth, nuance and mystery. Brilliant." ―Jane Harper

Summer Reading Program- It’s hard to believe we are coming to the end of Summer Reading 2026! Please have your bookmarks turned in by Monday, July 27. Join us on Wednesday, July 29 at 1 p.m. for activities and prizes. 

Teens, Mi Library Quest wraps up on July 31, take part before the deadline and you’re entered to win a prize from us! 

Library Hours:  Monday and Thursday: 10:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m., Tuesday and Wednesday: 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. 

 Library Contact Information:  Phone: (906) 252-4316, Email: mspl@manistiqueschools.org, Website: https://www.manistiquelibrary.org.