Teachers’ (Judges’) Evaluation Comments
Angels are Everywhere
Teachers’ Choice Award 2005
Q: What aspects of the product did you like the most?
Judge #1: It gave a new and unique view of angels and showed them in a new light instead of the traditional religious view.
Judge #2: The fact that real children designed and created these angels was inspiring and a lesson in itself. The text was also wonderful and quite easy to read.
Judge #3: Beyond the beautiful and descriptive text, the angels were amazing. It was very inspiring. I liked the nontraditional view of angels and the fact that the children could create angels of their own after reading the book with everyday classroom supplies. It truly promotes creativity.
Judge #4: I don ’t know what I liked better, the text or the pictures! This book is so inspiring, creative, unique, and wonderful. I loved the break from the traditional view of angels. This book opened the children up to understanding others and gave them the opportunity to see many different viewpoints.
Q: What would you recommend to make this product better?
Judge #1: I like this book as it is.
Judge #2: I have no recommendations.
Judge #3: I have no recommendations.
Judge #4: I have no recommendations.
Q: How did you make use of the product or integrate it into your lesson plans?
Judge #1: I read the book to the children and am in the process of creating an Angel Art Pack to send home with each child. I plan to send the pack home with a different child each week and invite each one to design an angel with their families. I will then ask them to return the book and the angel so we can create a classroom display.
Judge #2: After reading the book to the children, I placed a variety of materials out for the children to create their own angel.
Judge #3: I read the book to the children and, after discussing it and the various angels in it, invited them to create an angel of their own. They also had to explain their angel to the group and why it was important to them.
Judge #4: After reading the book to the children, I invited them to draw a picture of an angel special to them. I then provided craft supplies so they could make an angel to take home to share with their families.
Q: How did your students react to the product?
Judge #1: They loved the book. It took quite a while to read, as the children wanted to look carefully at each angel. The children have also been enjoying looking at the book during free time. They have each selected their favorite angels from the book.
Judge #2: They loved talking about the angels. They enjoyed sharing stories about what angels mean to them and what they believe about angels.
Judge #3: They loved the opportunity to express themselves. They put a lot of effort into the project. They love looking at the book and have requested it at story time quite frequently.
Judge #4: They loved this book. It caught their attention. They had something to say about each page and, of course, everyone had their own favorite angel.
Q: What skills could this product teach?
Judge #1: It teaches about humanity. It incorporates language arts skills as well as arts and crafts. It is a great starter for a journal page in kindergarten. It could also be used to create a classroom book on angels.
Judge #2: This book opens up an endless opportunity for learning. Most obvious is language arts and arts and crafts, but the messages and the occupations and types of angels also open up other opportunities for learning.
Judge #3: Beyond language arts, arts and crafts, creativity, and the types of angels themselves, I think the most important learning tool is about empathy. I explained the book to the children, including the fact that the children who made the angels in the book may not have seen the completed book. It is tough to talk about, but so important to help children understand the significance of the book.
Judge #4: It teaches about diversity and understanding. It also teaches about animals and occupations, as well as about empathy for others.
Q: Do you feel this product effectively helps you meet state/national standards?
Judge #1: Yes. It is a great book. Literature is very important, and this book helps promote other good books and sparks the children’s imagination. It helps meet standards in such areas as language arts and writing.
Judge #2: Absolutely. Reading to the children is a necessity. This book not only promotes an interest in reading and learning but also in the meaning of what a good book is and the way it can make you feel.
Judge #3: Yes. It reaches into so many curricular areas.
Judge #4: Yes. It can really be used to promote lessons in a variety of curricular areas.
Q: Would you purchase this product or recommend this product for the teacher at the appropriate grade level?
Why or why not?
Judge #1: Yes. The book is absolutely beautiful and the message is even more so.
Judge #2: I would highly recommend this book. It is so adaptable to the curriculum and really promotes so many wonderful opportunities for learning.
Judge #3: I really enjoyed the creativity behind this book. I think it is a must-have in the classroom and at home.
Judge #4: Absolutely! This book is so beautiful. I love the uniqueness and think it is a must-have for school and home.
