Read-Alouds and Presentations Week-to-Week by Grade Level 2013-14

Our students enjoy weekly visits for a presentation crafted to instill a love of reading, 
to enhance classroom lessons, and to inspire life-long learning.
Visits include checking out materials, practicing information literacy, and exercising digital citizenship.

WEEK OF JUNE 16TH
Happy Summer Reading! 

:: TK ::
Just for Fun

:: Kindergarten ::
Just for Fun

:: First Grade ::
Just for Fun

WEEK OF JUNE 9TH
6/10: Library Volunteer Luncheon & Shelf Reading Extravaganza 11am-2pm

:: TK ::
Summer Reading

Thanks to a grant from MBEF the Pacific School Library will be open during the summer for current MBUSD students.
TK summer reading list and activity sheet to come.
Two books by Lauren Child just for fun.

:: Kindergarten ::
Summer Reading

Thanks to a grant from MBEF the Pacific School Library will be open during the summer for current MBUSD students. Reading lists are posted at mbusd.org under the Students drop-down. Optional: complete this library activity sheet and return it to Mrs. Snively in the fall to receive a little gift.
Two books by Lauren Child just for fun.

:: First Grade ::
Summer Reading

Thanks to a grant from MBEF the Pacific School Library will be open during the summer for current MBUSD students. Reading lists are posted at mbusd.org under the Students drop-down. Optional: complete this library activity sheet and return it to Mrs. Snively in the fall to receive a little gift.
A look at how best friends support each other in Monkey & Robot.

:: Second Grade ::
Summer Reading

Thanks to a grant from MBEF the Pacific School Library will be open during the summer for current MBUSD students. Reading lists are posted at mbusd.org under the Students drop-down. Optional: complete this library activity sheet and return it to Mrs. Snively in the fall to receive a little gift.
Spud Murphy part 2 of 2.
Potato Song

WEEK OF JUNE 2ND
Pacific School Library Summer Hours

:: Kindergarten ::
Just for Fun

TK will not visit this week due to our school's 75th Anniversary Celebration. Join us on the upper playground at 8:30 a.m. on June 4th for a commemorative video, historic photos, guest speakers and more.

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:: First Grade ::
Silkworms

Click for fishing with cormorants in China

A little duck finds adventure on the Yangtze River when he is too late to return to his master's houseboat one evening.

Step-by-step origami boat folding instructions (includes a video demonstration.

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:: Second Grade ::
Summer Reading

Click for Potato Song

Part 2 of 2: When their mother drops them off at the library several afternoons a week, nine-year-old William and his brother dread the overbearing librarian, but are surprised at what they discover.

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Click for summer schedule

Thanks to a grant from MBEF the Pacific School Library will be open during the summer for current MBUSD students. Reading lists are posted at mbusd.org under the Students drop-down. Optional: complete this library activity sheet and return it to Mrs. Snively in the fall to receive a little gift.

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:: Third Grade ::
Summer Reading

Mary Elizabeth relates the humorous misadventures of her brother Louis in this collection of short stories. This week: "The Adoption of Albert."

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Click for Pacific Library summer schedule

Thanks to a grant from MBEF the Pacific School Library will be open during the summer for current MBUSD students. Reading lists are posted at mbusd.org under the Students drop-down. Optional: complete this library activity sheet and return it to Mrs. Snively in the fall to receive a little gift.

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:: Fourth Grade ::
Summer Reading

Introduces the history of the California gold rush, describing the fortunes (and misfortunes) that came with it.

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Click for Pacific Library summer schedule

Thanks to a grant from MBEF the Pacific School Library will be open during the summer for current MBUSD students. Reading lists are posted at mbusd.org under the Students drop-down. Optional: complete this library activity sheet and return it to Mrs. Snively in the fall to receive a little gift.

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:: Fifth Grade ::
Summer Reading & Fortunes

MBMS Library - click for Overdrive instructions

Students entering 6th grade at MBMS may check out ebooks now and over the summer using overdrive.com. Reading lists are posted at mbusd.org under the Students drop down.

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What do your doodles reveal about you?

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WEEK OF MAY 26TH
Pacific School Library Summer Hours

:: TK & Kindergarten ::
On the Beach

This story of Sneakers, the Seaside Cat is adapted from Sneakers: Seven Stories About a Cat by Margaret Wise Brown, originally published in 1955. Through Sneakers children experience the sights, sounds, and smells of the ocean.
Click for a seashells coloring sheet

:: First Grade ::
Silkworms

Click for silkworms video clip

Worm attempts various jobs for his animal friends so that he can buy painting supplies and enter the art contest.

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:: Second Grade ::
Summer Reading

Part 1 of 2: When their mother drops them off at the library several afternoons a week, nine-year-old William and his brother dread the overbearing librarian, but are surprised at what they discover.

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:: Third Grade ::
Just for Fun

Mary Elizabeth relates the humorous misadventures of her brother Louis in this collection of short stories.
This week: "Louis at the Wheel" part 2 of 2.

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:: Fourth Grade ::
Narrative Nonfiction

Hachiko by Pamela Turner relates the true story of a dog who accompanied his master daily to and from a Tokyo train station and, after his master died, continued to wait for him there every day for many years. 
Hachiko movie trailer.

Paired with Sparky! by Jenny Offill. Our pets love us no matter what, and we must return the favor. A story of acceptance and unconditional love.

:: Fifth Grade ::
Novel Study

Conclusion. The themes of individualism, peer pressure, and conformity explored in Schooled are continued in Stargirl. Students will create bookmarks with oil pastels for next year's Kinder students.

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WEEK OF MAY 19TH

:: TK ::
Under the Sea

Mr. Seahorse by Eric Carle. After Mrs. Seahorse lays her eggs on Mr. Seahorse's belly, he drifts through the water, greeting other fish fathers who are taking care of their eggs.
Swimmy by Leo Lionni. A little black fish in a school of red fish figures out a way of protecting them all from their enemies. Sea life coloring sheet.

:: Kindergarten ::
Under the Sea

Click for ocean life slide show

A merman tends his farm under the sea and defends his fish friends.
Sea life coloring sheet.

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:: First Grade ::
Three Piggy Opera w/ Ms. Radha

The Three Ninja Pigs. In this fractured fairy tale, three little pigs fed up with a wolf that loves to huff and puff and blow houses down.
My Lucky Day. A crafty little pig comes knocking at the door of a hungry wolf who soon realizes that getting his dinner into the pot is harder than it seems. 2007 CYRM winner.

:: Second Grade ::
Writing Fairy Tales

Cooperatively writing a fairy tale for school, a girl imagines a beautiful princess whose beloved ponies are being stolen by a giant, and a boy conjures up a muscular biker who will guard the last pony in exchange for gold. 

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:: Third Grade ::
Just for Fun

Mary Elizabeth relates the humorous misadventures of her brother Louis in this collection of short stories.
This week: "Louis at the Wheel" part 1 of 2.

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:: Fourth Grade ::
Narrative Nonfiction

Click to see and hear Alex

The story of an African grey parrot named Alex (1976-2007) whose intelligence changed the way scientists view the brain.
Scientist Irene Pepperberg and Alex.

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:: Fifth Grade ::
Novel Study

The themes of individualism, peer pressure, and conformity explored in Schooled are continued in Stargirl.

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WEEK OF MAY 12TH

:: TK ::
Children's Book Week

The world of Mo Willems is exactly what Children's Book Week is about: books that engage readers of all ages - pictures that invite second and third closer looks - stories that are fun and meaningful - books that beg for repeat readings!

:: Kindergarten ::
Children's Book Week

Sylvester the donkey finds a magic pebble that grants his every wish, but in a moment of fright he wishes he were a rock, and then cannot hold the pebble to wish himself back to normal again.

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:: First Grade ::
Children's Book Week

Performed by John Lithgow (streaming video password protected)

When Officer Buckle visits schools to give safety tips, his ho-hum presentation gets a shot of life after he is joined by a police dog named Gloria.

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:: Second Grade ::
Children's Book Week

When Betty Bunny breaks a lamp, she blames it on the Tooth Fairy. “Is that the honest truth?” her mom asks. “It's an honest lie,” Betty Bunny replies proudly. Honest lies, white lies, crying wolf – how can a little bunny keep track of the right thing to do?

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:: Third Grade ::
Connection: Charlotte's Web

In Macaroni by Kathleen Lombardo a boy finds a little pig on the street and decides to take it home as a pet. Though she loved to draw as a child, often on the backs of paper bags, illustrator Cyndy Szekeres never thought she'd earn her living as an artist.

:: Fourth Grade ::
Children's Book Week

In The Taking Tree by Shrill Travesty a selfish little boy takes advantage of a long-suffering tree who finally gives him just what he deserves in this parody of The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein.
Teacher Tube: "Revenge," a Minecraft parody of Usher's "DJ Got Us Fallin' in Love."

:: Fifth Grade ::
Novel Study: Stargirl

The themes of individualism, peer pressure, and conformity explored in Schooled are continued in Stargirl.
Jerry Spinelli's inspiration for Stargirl (minute 1:40 to 2:40) 

Middle grade author Stuart Gibbs visits Pages Wednesday, May 14th, 7pm, with Poached, the long-awaited sequel to Belly Up. Click for details.

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WEEK OF MAY 5TH

:: TK & Kindergarten ::
Screen-Free Week

Illustrations present such imaginative possibilities as worms with wheels, caterpillar toothpaste, and whales in outer space. 

Paired with "Jimmy Jet and his TV Set" a poem to say and draw by Shel Silverstein from Where the Sidewalk Ends.

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:: First Grade ::
Screen-Free Week

The Dragon in the Clock Box by M. Jean Craig. When Joshua says he has a dragon's egg his family plays along. Note: no electronic entertainment is visible and readers can see how family members spend their leisure time. Take-and-make: pre-cut foldable boxes.
"Jimmy Jet and his TV Set"

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:: Second Grade ::
Screen-Free Week

The first story is an imaginative exploration of the art of book making and a charming tale of friendship and the power of books. 

The special invitation at the end is the perfect lead-in for the second story in honor of Screen-Free Week about how the best thing to play with is a huge imagination.

Paired with "Jimmy Jet and his TV Set" a poem to say and draw by Shel Silverstein from Where the Sidewalk Ends.

:: Third Grade ::
Screen-Free Week

A boy who likes nothing but playing computer games is in trouble when the power goes out and his little sister has all of the batteries in the house.

All are paired with "Jimmy Jet and his TV Set" a poem to say and draw by Shel Silverstein from Where the Sidewalk Ends.

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:: Fourth Grade ::
 Screen-Free Week & CA VIP

An illustrated account of the life of Julia Morgan, the first woman to graduate with a certificate of architecture from the Ecole des Beaux-Arts in Paris, and who became California's first licensed female architect. She designed over 800 buildings, including Hearst Castle for W.R. Hearst.
Building the Dream.
La Cuesta Encantada.
Index of buildings by Julia Morgan.

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:: Fifth Grade ::
Screen-Free Week & Poetry

In this parody for the next generation, a family bids goodnight to their electronic gadgets before going to bed. 


Below: Using pages from discarded books to create Blackout Poetry

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WEEK OF APRIL 28TH

:: TK ::
"Ugly Ducklings"
Beloved Older Books

Else Holmelund Minarik (1920-2012) worked as reporter before becoming a first grade teacher and recognizing the need for children's books with simple words. She wrote over 40 children's books during her lifetime. Little Bear (1957) was her first.

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:: Kindergarten ::
"Ugly Ducklings"
Beloved Older Books

When Petunia finds a book in the barnyard she believes she is wise because she carries it under her wing. But when her advice to the other animals goes all wrong she realizes that to be truly wise she must learn to read. (1950) With Ida and her chicks - a take-home math manipulative craft. 

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:: First Grade ::
"Ugly Ducklings"
Beloved Older Books

Harry is a white dog with black spots who loves everything . . . except baths. So one day before bath time, Harry runs away. By the time he returns home, Harry is so dirty he looks like a black dog with white spots and his family doesn't recognize him. (1956)

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:: Second Grade ::
"Ugly Ducklings"
Beloved Older Books

Samuel, the outside cat, wants to get inside. He finally does, only to discover that the family and cat who were living there have moved. Now Samuel wants out, but he’s trapped in an empty house. (1957)

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Paired with a story about a clever cat who lives with six families at once. (1991)

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:: Third Grade ::
City Wildlife

Mother and Father Mallard search for the perfect home to raise their family in this Caldecott Award winner that illustrates the city of Boston in such detail that a police officer's shoe size can be observed.
Google Earth Lit Trip
Sights and Sounds in the Boston Public Gardens 
History of the Swan Boats 

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:: Fourth Grade ::
CA VIP Report

Part truth, part tall tale whopper, about how Levi Strauss came to his "aha" moment and converted tent material into pants strong enough to take the rigors of gold mining life.

Discovery Education (password protected): 
"Blue Jeans Innovation"

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:: Fifth Grade ::
Writers Workshop: Picture Books & Poetry

A sophisticated retelling of "Goldilocks and the Three Bears" through role reversal, sly humor and literary allusion. Uncluttered illustrations emphasize ritual plot elements.

Below: Creating poetry with book spines (print worksheet)
Next week: Using discarded books to create Blackout Poetry

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WEEK OF APRIL 21ST
Happy Earth Week

:: TK and Kindergarten ::
Natural Resources

One Red Apple joyfully introduces readers to the amazing and delectable way the earth provides food. 

Paired with Think Earth an animated videorecording which shows the impact humans have on the environment and how to minimize it for a healthier planet. Define and discuss natural resources: paper, metal, glass, oil. 

Play My Garbology Game 
Coloring Sheets:
Composting... Life in the Slow Lane! 
Clean Storm Drains = Healthy Oceans!

:: First Grade ::
Recycling

Students learn simple ways to take care of the planet in The Earth Book. Then, Recycle Rex and friends learn about recycling firsthand when the field where they play is in jeopardy of being turned into a landfill. Define and discuss 4 Rs (+ refuse) and how excessive packaging contributes to waste. 
Play My Garbology Game

:: Second Grade ::
Where Does Trash Go?

When Harvey cleans his room by stuffing everything under the rug he learns that though out of sight may be out of mind, it is not good enough when it comes to finding a place for his things. Discuss over-consumption and how landfills are filling to capacity. View Toys All Gone. 
Play My Garbology Game 

Author Sandra Feder visits 4/28. Click the image to purchase her books from Pages.

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:: Third Grade ::
Wetlands and Resources

Curriculum connection: Ballona Wetlands field trip. Opening with a visit to a wetlands preserve, and invoking "7th generation" wisdom, Common Ground, the Water, Earth and Air We Share imparts the message of conservation and responsibility for our shared natural resources and respect for the environment. 
Play My Garbology Game

Author Sandra Feder visits 4/28. Click the image to purchase her books from Pages.

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:: Fourth Grade ::
Toxic Waste Disposal

In Someday a Tree a young girl, her parents, and their neighbors try to save an oak tree that has been poisoned by illegal hazardous waste dumping. Paired with Big Yellow Taxi sung by Joni Mitchell. 
Play My Garbology Game

:: Fifth Grade ::
Habitat Restoration

Define and discuss land management and development. View The Sorcerer's Apprentice. Draw comparisons between Mickey's dilemma and the consequences conjured by over-development. On Meadowview Street illustrates habitat restoration one yard at a time. Curriculum Connection: storytelling with words and pictures. Play My Garbology Game

The themes of individualism, peer pressure, and conformity explored in Schooled are continued in Stargirl.

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WEEK OF APRIL 14TH
GV Kicks Off National Library Week with a Visit from Author D.J. MacHale
and the Fun Continues with a Performance of Who's on First for Every Class 

:: All Grades ::

With split second comedic timing Bud Abbott and Lou Costello bring their hilarious baseball routine to a new generation of delighted Who's on First fans.
Read the script. Watch the video.
Extended Costello family in the Library:
The Beach Reporter (5/2/13)
Lou Costello's daughter in the Library:
Easy Reader (4/14/10) 

:: Fourth Grade ::

Who's on First is paired with the nonfiction account of the Acerra family of Long Branch, New Jersey. They formed their own semi-pro baseball team in the 1930s and became the longest-running all-brother team in history.
Watch the brothers in action.

:: Fifth Grade ::

D.J. MacHale is the bestselling author of the Pendragon adventure series, the spooky Morpheus Road trilogy, and the whimsical Monster Princess. He has written, directed, and produced numerous award-winning TV series and movies including Are You Afraid of the Dark?, Flight 29 Down, and Tower of Terror. D.J. appears at Pages on 4/14 at 7pm - books may be purchased online.

WEEK OF APRIL 7TH
Happy Spring Break!

WEEK OF MARCH 31ST

:: TK ::
School Library Month

Can you spot the frog on every page?
Can you find the frog's little friend?
Look at story hour. What kind of puppet is the librarian holding?
Now find the illustration of story hour in the barnyard. What animal is reading? What kind of puppet do you think she is holding?
The secrets behind Book! Book! Book!

:: Kindergarten :: 
Change

A little frog is upset when his simple life is changed by such things as other animals moving in nearby, but during an unexpected adventure away from the pond he learns that change can be good, after all. Students will draw little frog bookmarks.

:: First Grade ::
Egg Drop

With hopes of making a delicious omelet, Jack the cat builds a nest to catch a chicken, but ends up attracting more than the bird.
Humpty Dumpty Coloring Sheet

:: Second Grade ::
Dinos + Poetry

What Happened to Patrick's Dinosaurs? Patrick imagines that at one time dinosaurs were great friends of people and were responsible for building the world we enjoy today.
To celebrate Poetry Month:
Paired with selected readings from Dinothesaurus.

:: Third Grade ::
Bios + Poetry

In China, at a time when few girls are taught to read or write, Ruby dreams of going to the university with her brothers and male cousins.
To celebrate Poetry Month:
Paired with The Circle Game sung by Joni Mitchell (begin at minute 3:50).

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:: Fourth Grade ::
Miners + Poetry

Gracie Pearl has until sundown to find some gold to pay the rent to Mr. Bigglebottom, or he will take back the family gold mine and force her to marry him! 
To celebrate Poetry Month:
Paired with an animated version of Clementine with a surprise ending.

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:: Fifth Grade ::
False Apology Poems

This is just to say these poems are for anyone who has ever apologized... and not meant a single word of it! Students will craft false apology poems (for a fairy tale or for a real life situation) modeled after William Carlos Williams' This Is Just to Say, but with Gail Carson Levine's diabolical twist.

WEEK OF MARCH 24TH

:: All Grades ::
CYRM Primary Nominees

This week: "Children Make Terrible Pets" 
Lucy, a young bear, discovers a boy lost in the woods, and asks her mother if she can have him as a pet, only to find him impossible to train. REVIEW and VOTE!
Coloring Sheet: Pets

:: Fourth Grade ::
Women's History Month

"Brave Girl' describes how immigrant Clara Lemlich fought against poor treatment of her fellow factory workers, leading the largest walkout of women workers in the country in 1909. There is still no separate entry in World Book for this heroic woman.
World Book Online (password protected)
"Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Fire"
Discovery Education (password protected)
"The Triangle Shirtwaist Fire"

:: Fifth Grade ::
Novel Study

Stargirl captures Leo's heart with just one smile. She sparks a school spirit revolution with just one cheer. The students of Mica High are enchanted... at first. The themes of individualism, peer pressure, and conformity explored in "Schooled" are continued.

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WEEK OF MARCH 17TH

:: All Grades ::
CYRM Primary Nominees

This week: "Press Here." The reader is instructed to press the dots, shake the pages, and tilt the book in a reminder that imagination needs only the most basic of instruments to soar.
Activity: give each child a red, blue, or yellow dot to hold and have them act out the motions as the book is manipulated.
"This Too Shall Pass" by OK Go

:: Fourth Grade ::
Women's History Month

Describes the opposition Elizabeth Blackwell faced while pursuing a medical education, and her pioneering medical career that opened doors for future generations of women.

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:: Fifth Grade ::
Novel Study

Stargirl captures Leo's heart with just one smile. She sparks a school spirit revolution with just one cheer. The students of Mica High are enchanted... at first. The themes of individualism, peer pressure, and conformity explored in "Schooled" are continued.

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WEEK OF MARCH 10TH

All Grades
CA Young Reader Medal (Primary) Nominees

This week: "Interrupting Chicken." Little Chicken keeps jumping into the story to save the characters from danger.
Discovery Education (password protected):
"Animal Behavior: Chick Cam"
Modify a party favor to create an Interrupting Chicken.

Grades 4 and 5
CYRM (Older Readers) Nominees

This week: "14 Cows for America." A sacred gift is given by the Maasai people of Kenya to the U.S. as a gesture of comfort in the wake of the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001.
Discovery Education (password protected): 
"Sept. 11 Terrorist Attacks" / "The Maasai" / "Guarding Cattle"

WEEK OF MARCH 3RD

Great Gators Are Great Readers: 3,019 books were checked out in February... 341 more than during the same time last year!
Top Readers in February: Katie Katsuyama, Lillian Pollock-Richardson, Kyle Fukumoto, Harrison Krupin.

:: TK :: K :: 1 :: 2 ::
Welcome Rotary Readers

Volunteers from the Manhattan Beach Rotary Club read to our students.
TK/K: Mo Thanks CYRM ::  Banana Song
Elephant & Piggie Coloring Sheet
1st Grade: Dr. Seuss Website
Mulberry Street Coloring Sheet
2nd Grade: Teddy Bear Factory 
Teddy Bear Coloring Sheet

:: Third Grade ::
American Hero

"I was good at making my rows straight." Born the same year as Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Mr. Williams lived simply, sometimes facing the harsh reality of racism in the South. This understated biography drives home that though most of us will not grow up to be famous, we can live our lives with dignity.

:: Grades 4 and 5 ::
CYRM Nominees

This week: "Queen of the Falls." At the age of 62 a charm school instructor who was facing a penniless retirement went over Niagara Falls in a wooden barrel in an attempt to gain fame and fortune. Discovery Education (password protected)
"Niagara Falls"
"Daredevils and the Falls"

WEEK OF FEBRUARY 24TH

All Grades
CA Young Reader Medal (Primary) Nominees

This week: "Stars" paired with "Bats at the Ballgame"
Discovery Education (password protected):
"Constellations" paired with "See the Stars" 
"Baseball Bat Factory" paired with "The Helpful Fruit Bat"

Grades 4 and 5
CYRM (Older Readers) Nominees

This week: "Worst of Friends." John Adams and Thomas Jefferson were good friends with political differences and vastly different personalities. Discovery Education (password protected):
"American Lifestyle: Love, Liberty, and..."

WEEK OF FEBRUARY 17TH
No School - District Recess

WEEK OF FEBRUARY 10TH

TK
Valentine's Day

Click for a heart mouse paper craft

How can a tiny mouse get the kiss he needs?

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Kindergarten
Valentine's Day

Click for a necktie coloring sheet

The principal at Lynnhurst Elementary School is well known for his colorful and unusual ties, but his boss orders him to stop wearing them until he learns to love them too, and ties a knot of another sort.

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First Grade
Valentine's Day

Click for a Valentine collage coloring sheet

Austin has a hard time admitting he likes his new neighbor, Amy, but when her birthday comes he goes to fantastic lengths to get her an unexpected present.
Small Talk Interview: "Kids on Valentine's Day: What's this Love Thing All About?"

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Second Grade
Valentine's Day

Click for a brief tour of Zamami Island, Okinawa, Japan

Shiro started as an unwanted pup left in a garbage dump, but after he was rescued he became famous in Japan. 
Valentine's Day Coloring Sheet

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Third Grade
Valentine's Day

Click for cockroach fun facts & coloring sheet

When her grandmother advises lovely cockroach Martina to spill coffee on suitors to see their true personality revealed, the beautiful cockroach is in for a surprise.
"Cockroaches: Public Enemy Number 1" (streaming video password protected)

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Fourth & Fifth
Cook Prize (STEM)

Describes how the cocoa bean is used to make chocolate and how the animals and other living things in the tropical rain forest play important parts in its creation.
"Bill Nye: Fair Trade Chocolate" (streaming video password protected)

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WEEK OF FEBRUARY 3RD

TK & Kindergarten
100th Day (2/11)

Click the image for a coloring sheet

The very kind rich lady is the very lucky caregiver of 100 lovable dogs!

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First Grade
Groundhog Day (Nonfiction) and Groundhogs (Fiction) 

Discovery Education streaming video password protected

Phil predicts six more weeks of winter! (Let's hope that means some much-needed rain for California!) Find out the story behind Punxsutawney Phil and the history of Groundhog Day.

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Brownie the groundhog is waiting for spring and meets a fox... will Brownie be able to talk her way out of becoming a mid-winter snack?

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Click the image for instructions to turn pudding, cookies, and simple trimmings into the cutest treat ever!

Coloring Sheet: Link to Groundhog Treat Recipe

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Second Grade
Connect: Heritage Project

Click the image for info about Los Bagels, a real multicultural bagel bakery

Pablo wants to take a treat from his family's bakery to school to reflect his culture, but he has a hard time deciding
between his mother's Mexican sweets and his father's Jewish treats. 
Los Bagels Bakery Chango Bars 
Recipe Link Bookmark

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Third Grade
Black History Month

Though a fence segregates a pre-Civil Rights Era town, two girls find a way to overcome it and become playmates. Students will view part of "Summer of 1964: Freedom Summer" when ministers, lawyers, teachers, and students came together to register African American voters in Mississippi (streaming video password protected).

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Set in Mississippi during the summer of 1964, the story underscores the bittersweet aftermath of the passage of the Civil Rights Act when, rather than opening pools and other public spaces to African Americans, many towns and private owners boarded up the doors. The story ends with the promise of rights and freedoms yet to come.

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Fourth & Fifth
Cook Prize (STEM)

What if you had no leg bones but kept your arm bones? Through riddles, wacky illustrations, and recommended websites we learn how the human skeletal system compares to that of other animals.
--The Body & Medicines
--Walking with Beasts

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WEEK OF JANUARY 27TH
ALA Announces Youth Media Awards Monday, 8 a.m. ET 
Follow on Facebook

TK
Chinese New Year

Click the image to draw a lucky dragon

Describes preparations for celebrating the Lunar New Year, as family members sweep out the old year with a broom, hang "spring-happiness poems," make "get-rich dumplings," get haircuts, and more. Percussion instruments will help drum in a lucky New Year!

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Kindergarten
Chinese New Year

Click the image to draw a lucky dragon

Chelsea's family is celebrating Chinese New Year and Chelsea gets to stay up late, watch fireworks and a parade with a dragon! Percussion instruments will help drum in a lucky New Year!

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First Grade
Chinese New Year

Click the image to draw a lucky dragon

A little girl thinks her mother's garden is the ugliest in the neighborhood until she discovers that flowers might look and smell pretty but Chinese Vegetable Soup smells best of all. Percussion instruments will help drum in a lucky New Year!

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Second Grade
Chinese New Year

Click the image to draw a lucky dragon

After chasing a special Nian Gao rice cake that Mother has made to celebrate the New Year, a poor family shares it with an elderly woman and has their generosity richly rewarded. Percussion instruments will help drum in a lucky New Year!

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Third Grade
Chinese New Year

Click the image to draw a lucky dragon

When Ping admits that he is the only child in China unable to grow a flower from the seeds distributed by the Emperor, he is rewarded for his honesty. Percussion instruments will help drum in a lucky New Year!

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Fourth & Fifth
Cook Prize (STEM)

The Environmental Impact of the Toilet (streaming video password protected)

A tour of the bathroom and the sewer system, from the familiar family toilet to the mysterious municipal water treatment plant.
The Art of Tai Chi (streaming video password protected)

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WEEK OF JANUARY 20TH
Noteworthy Books and Young At Art Book Project

TK
Past Caldecott Medal Winners

Click for Kitten & Daisy coloring sheet.

When Kitten mistakes the full moon for a bowl of milk, she ends up tired, wet, and hungry trying to reach it. Winner of the 2005 Caldecott Medal.

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Click for Kitten & Daisy coloring sheet.

Daisy learns a valuable lesson when her favorite ball is ruined by another dog. Winner of the 2012 Caldecott Medal.

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Kindergarten
Caldecott Medal

Click for Rabbit coloring sheet.

Something always seems to go wrong when Rabbit is around, but Mouse lets him play with his toy plane anyway because he is his good friend. Winner of the 2003 Caldecott Medal.

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First Grade
Caldecott Medal

Click for an at-home sewing activity.

A very old overcoat is recycled numerous times into a variety of garments. Winner of the 2000 Caldecott Medal.

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Second Grade
Caldecott Medal

Click to fold an origami whale.

At once deeply personal yet expressing universally held emotions, this tale of one man's love for two countries and his constant desire to be in both places. Winner of the 1994 Caldecott Medal. Curriculum Connection: Ancestor Project.

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Third Grade
Caldecott Medal

Click for a stunning art activity.

An adaptation of the Pueblo Indian myth which explains how the spirit of the Lord of the Sun was brought to the world. Winner of the 1975 Caldecott Medal. Curriculum Connection: Native Americans.

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Fourth & Fifth
Cook Prize (STEM)

Click for 30 seconds of Paul Erdos.

Nominated for the 2014 Cook Prize. At the age of four Paul Erdos (1913-1996) could ask you when you were born and then calculate the number of seconds you had been alive in his head. But he didn't learn to butter his own bread until he turned twenty! Tessellation Art: online or with paper.

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Young At Art
Between the Pages

"Weeding is the most undesirable job in the library. It is also one of the most important. Collections that go unweeded tend to be cluttered, unattractive, and unreliable resources." Will Manley, "The Manley Arts," Booklist, March 1, 1996, p. 1108.

Crying Over Spilled Milk 
Can Books Be Recycled? 
Upcyle Ideas for Old Books 

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WEEK OF JANUARY 13TH
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. (b. Jan. 15, 1929 d. April 4,1968)

TK & Kindergarten

Click the image for an "I Have a Dream" activity sheet.

A simple biography of this great leader that emphasizes his dream of equal treatment for all Americans.

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First Grade

Click the image for an "I Have a Dream" activity sheet.

Focuses on highlights and accomplishments to help the very young appreciate Dr. King.

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Second Grade

Click the image for an "I Have a Dream" activity sheet.

A brief biography of civil rights leader whose philosophy and practice of nonviolent civil disobedience helped African-Americans win many battles for equal rights.

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Third Grade

Click the image for an "I Have a Dream" activity sheet.

Growing up in the segregated South forced a very young Martin to learn a bitter lesson, and as a seven-year-old he embarked on a journey that would change the course of American history.

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Fourth Grade

The niece of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. recounts her uncle's work to promote racial equality and introduces key events during the civil rights era, focusing on key tenets of King's philosophy: freedom, justice, brotherhood and nonviolence.

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Click image for the "I Have a Dream" speech on TeacherTube.

The "I Have a Dream" speech was delivered to over 250,000 civil rights supporters from the steps of the Lincoln Memorial on August 28, 1963 during the The March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom. The March was partly intended to show support for civil rights legislation proposed June 11th by President Kennedy.

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Fifth Grade

President Kennedy did not live to see the civil rights dream come true. The Civil Rights Act was signed by President Johnson on July 2, 1964. It outlawed major forms of discrimination against racial, ethnic, national and religious minorities, and women. It ended racial segregation in schools, the workplace, and public facilities.

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In a shining example of how focusing on a smaller element of a larger story can cut to the heart of its meaning, Eve Bunting tells the story of the faded wooden cart borrowed from a junk store that carried the body of Martin Luther King, Jr. through the streets of Atlanta, Georgia, on the day of his funeral, April 9, 1968.

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WEEK OF JANUARY 6TH

TK
Happy & Healthy New Year

Pete the cat loves the buttons on his shirt so much that he makes up a song about them, and even as the buttons pop off, one by one, he still finds a reason to sing. Click the image to hear Pete sing his song.

Gerald, a cautious and pessimistic elephant, believes he is allergic to his best friend, the optimistic and occasionally reckless Piggie, and is concerned that he will need to stay away from his pal forever. Click the image for instructions to make a sneezing pig face.

Kindergarten
Exploring Nonfiction

Students talk-share about subjects they like to read about. Explain that nonfiction books are organized by subject. Tour the nonfiction side of the library. Click the image for a YouTube video and song about the differences between fiction and nonfiction.

First Grade
SLJ Best of 2013

"Explore a Train" streaming video (password protected) imbedded under the image.

The dream train pulls into the station and the different cars are loaded by animal workers, each with the perfect cargo. Click for a YouTube video of "City of New Orleans" sung by Arlo Guthrie.

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Second Grade
Thank You Notes

Owen sends a real hug to his Grandmother through the mail. Click to learn how you can thank someone for a gift with a "giant hug" of your own. Click to hear Woody Guthrie sing "Mail Myself to You."

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Third Grade
American Hero

An introduction to the life of Booker T. Washington focusing on his determination to earn a college degree. "Introduction: Education" streaming video (password protected) imbedded under image.

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Fourth Grade
SLJ Best of 2013

Curriculum Connection: Endangered Animals. Xander's plan to host a panda party falls through since he is the only panda at the zoo, but when he extends the invitation to all of the bears, complications ensue. Includes author's note on the wonders of the animal kingdom and the international effort to save pandas from extinction. "P Is for Panda" streaming video (password protected) imbedded under image.

Fifth Grade
Novel Study

Stargirl captures Leo's heart with just one smile. She sparks a school spirit revolution with just one cheer. The students of Mica High are enchanted... at first. The themes of individualism, peer pressure, and conformity explored in "Schooled" are continued.

WEEK OF DECEMBER 16TH
Mrs. Snively Out Due to Illness

WEEK OF DECEMBER 9TH
Official NORAD Santa Tracker

TK
Christmas

In this rockin' spin on the traditional tale "The Night Before Christmas," Pete the Cat proves that giving your all in the spirit of Christmas is the totally groovy thing to do. Click the image to hear Pete's song.

KINDERGARTEN
Christmas

Dragon has a merry time decorating a tree outdoors, making a chocolate candy wreath, and sharing his Christmas gifts with needy animals. See if you can spot the homage to Vincent Van Gogh.

FIRST GRADE
Christmas

Marvin wants the Christmas wreath he made to last forever, but the pine boughs are turning dry and brown as winter turns to spring.

SECOND GRADE
Christmas

When Edison Elf accidentally knocks out Santa Claus on Christmas Eve, he finds an unlikely substitute Santa in the owner of Murray K's Holiday Diner.

THIRD GRADE
Christmas

A review of the classic Christmas poem is followed with a reading of a Cajun version in honor of the librarian from New Orleans who lost her entire collection in Hurricane Katrina, but not her optimistic outlook on life.

FOURTH GRADE
Christmas

The six mischievous Herdman kids lie, steal, and smoke cigars, and when they become involved in the local Christmas pageant, it becomes one of the most memorable Christmas plays the community has seen.

WEEK OF DECEMBER 2ND
Conference Week: 1st-5th Minimum Day Schedule - 5th Grade Visits Canceled 12/3 and 12/10 

TK & KINDER
Hanukkah

When the Shapiro family celebrates the eight nights of Hanukkah, Sammy Spider keeps his feet warm over the Menorah and yearns for a dreidel of his own. Click the image to play the Dreidel Game.

FIRST
Hanukkah

When Jacob drops his new dreidel down the well a friendly goblin gives him magic ones that are stolen by the neighborhood busybody. Click the image to play the Dreidel Game.

SECOND
Hanukkah

In this rhyming tale a family's preparations for Hanukkah are disrupted by a wildly spinning dreidel that no one can catch. Click the image to play the Dreidel Game.

THIRD
Hanukkah

At 97 years old, Bubba Brayna does not hear or see too well, so when old Bear wanders into her house she mistakes him for the rabbi and treats him to a delicious helping of potato latkes. Click the image to play the Dreidel Game.

FOURTH
Hanukkah

A resourceful traveler must use his wits to outsmart a pack of ghoulish goblins if he wishes to celebrate a bright and cheery Hanukkah. Click the image to play the Dreidel Game.

WEEK OF NOVEMBER 25TH
No School - Happy Thanksgiving!

WEEK OF NOVEMBER 18TH

TK
Thanksgiving Gratitude

At Thanksgiving time, children express their gratitude for the people and things in their lives. Click the image for a Thanksgiving coloring sheet.

All sorts of animals bring a variety of foods to share: bears bring pears, parrots bring carrots, mosquitoes bring burritos, mice bring rice, and so on! Click the image for a Thanksgiving coloring sheet.

KINDERGARTEN
Food Fun

Betty Bunny likes chocolate cake so much that she claims she will marry it one day, and she has trouble learning to wait patiently until she can have her next taste. Click the image for a YouTube demonstration of a little girl's recipe for chocolate cake baked in a cup.

FIRST GRADE
Food Fun

In this "easy to digest" story just in time for Thanksgiving, a clever mouse uses the threat of a terrifying creature to keep from being eaten by a fox, an owl, and a snake-- only to have to outwit that creature as well. Click the image for a Gruffalo Crumble recipe.

SECOND GRADE
Thanksgiving

A lonely, oddly-shaped pumpkin is sad that no one chose him for Halloween, but he soon discovers where he belongs. Click the image for a coloring sheet.

THIRD GRADE
Thanksgiving

The story of puppeteer Tony Sarg, the man who first invented the helium balloons that have become the trademark of the annual Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. Click the image for news about the 2013 parade.

FOURTH GRADE
Thanksgiving

Relates how Sarah Hale, a magazine editor and author, persuaded President Lincoln to transform Thanksgiving Day into a national holiday. Sarah Hale wrote an iconic nursery song: click the image (go forward to minute 3:15).

FIFTH GRADE
Novel Study

Stargirl captures Leo's heart with just one smile. She sparks a school-spirit revolution with just one cheer. The students of Mica High are enchanted... at first. The themes of individualism, peer pressure, and conformity explored in "Schooled" are continued.

WEEK OF NOVEMBER 11TH
Closed for Veterans Day on Monday. Closed to attend a seminar on Wednesday.

FIRST GRADE
Crows

Emma outwits a crafty crow, but the wily bird (who just can't resist shiny objects) tricks her right back! Click the image for a Discovery Education video clip about intelligent crows (password protected). Crafty students will fashion a shiny bookmark out of stir sticks and tinfoil.

SECOND GRADE
Choosing Just Right Books

Need a Just Right Book? Forget the Five-Finger Rule, go see Al Foxword! He takes bookselling to new heights through wordplay, slapstick humor, and a can't-be-beat punchline.

THIRD GRADE
Navajo Weaving

Geraldine, a goat, describes each step as she and her Navajo friend make a rug, from the hair clipping and carding to the dyeing and actual weaving.

FOURTH GRADE
Endangered Species

An artist teaches Asian elephants to paint to raise funds and awareness for their endangered plight. Click the image for such elephants in an Eco Travel Media Vimeo. Students will experiment with watercolor pencils.

FIFTH GRADE
Novel Study

Stargirl captures Leo's heart with just one smile. She sparks a school-spirit revolution with just one cheer. The students of Mica High are enchanted... at first. The themes of individualism, peer pressure, and conformity explored in "Schooled" are continued.

WEEK OF NOVEMBER 4TH

TK
Imagination

When a bored girl meets a potato who finds children tedious, she tries to prove him wrong by demonstrating all of the things they can do.

It is not long before Frankie and Sal realize there is no way to do nothing. TK students will attempt the impossible!

KINDERGARTEN
Fun with the ABCs

Mrs. Tuttle has 25 children in her Kindergarten class and though they are all named Matthew they are all unique. When a new boy joins the class, it is obvious he is the perfect 26th student!

FIRST GRADE
Scarecrows

Although made of straw and borrowed clothes, a scarecrow appreciates his peaceful, gentle life and the privilege of watching nature at work. Click the image for a scarecrow coloring sheet.

SECOND GRADE
Fun with the ABCs

Musk Ox takes over an alphabet book, explaining to his friend Zebra why almost every letter can be used to describe musk oxen. Click the image for "M is for Musk Oxen" on Discovery Education (password protected streaming video).

THIRD GRADE
Veterans Day

A true story of a feral dog in war-torn Iraq who is befriended by an American Marine, then embarks on a treacherous journey to find him when the man is stationed seventy miles away. Click the image for a brief video.

FOURTH GRADE
Veterans Day

When the news broke of the raid on Osama Bin Laden's compound, the SEAL team member that stole the show was a highly trained canine companion. Click the image for a salute to military working dogs. Recommended reading: "Letters from Wolfie," "Saving Zasha," and "Cracker! The Best Dog in Vietnam."

FIFTH GRADE
Novel Study

Stargirl captures Leo's heart with just one smile. She sparks a school-spirit revolution with just one cheer. The students of Mica High are enchanted. At first. The themes of individualism, peer pressure, and conformity explored in "Schooled" are continued.

WEEK OF OCTOBER 28TH

Thanks to our friends at Pages Bookstore, author/illustrator Judy Schachner (Skippyjon Jones and Bits & Pieces) will visit our K-2 students at Grand View on Friday, November 1st, and will appear at Pages at 3:30pm the same day.

Pre-sale book orders are available on the Pages website, including personalized autographing.  

Click the image for a YouTube video of Judy Schachner reading Bits & Pieces, a warmly affectionate portrait of a family's devotion to their beloved cat. K-2 students will view a brief webisode: Skippyjon Jones Cirque de Ole.

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TK
Bundle Up, It's Autumn

Discovery streaming video is password protected

Little Owl does not like his new orange scarf! Can he and his mom come up with a solution on how he can stay warm?
Students will view a brief video clip about the characteristics of Autumn, and get up close and personal with a burrowing owl.
Students will draw Little Owl and his scarf.

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SECOND GRADE
Halloween

Jasper Rabbit cannot resist pulling tasty carrots to munch out of Crackenhopper Field each time he passes by, until he starts thinking there are creepy carrots everywhere. Click the image to see the illustrator explain the inspiration for his art. Students will create Creepy Carrot bookmarks from construction paper.
Play "The Invaders" by Jerry Goldsmith for a creepy read-aloud sound effect.

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KINDERGARTEN
Halloween

Even though the Halloween Queen has the best candy on the block and the best decorations, one young trick-or-treater is hesitant to join the fun.

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FIRST GRADE
Scarecrows

Early one morning, a little scarecrow whose father warns him that he is not fierce enough to frighten a crow goes out into the cornfield alone.

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THIRD GRADE
Curriculum Connection: Contributions of the Navajo Nation

Explains the role that a group of Navajo Native Americans took in World War II, transmitting coded messages based on the Navajo language, helping the United States and its allies win the war.

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Click the image for the Official Website of the Navajo Code Talkers

Click the image for an overview of the code, once a tightly-held military secret.

FOURTH GRADE
Clockwork

Click the image for a discussion guide.

Long ago in Germany (and just in time for Halloween) a storyteller's story and an apprentice clockwork-maker's nightmare meet in a menacing, lifelike figure created by the strange Dr. Kalmenius.

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FIFTH GRADE
Schooled

Click the image to view a book trailer.

The shifting points of view capture a pitch-perfect "fish out of water" story. Capricorn Anderson, home schooled by his hippie grandmother, is forced to attend the local middle school when "Rain" falls from a tree. Although he knows a lot about Zen Buddhism, nothing has prepared Capricorn for an A-list bully, a popular girl, and middle school politics.

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WEEK OF OCTOBER 21ST

TK
Pumpkins

A brother and sister plant and tend their own pumpkin patch so they will have jack-o-lanterns for Halloween.
Students will make a pumpkin bracelet or door deco with orange beads and green chenille stems.

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Coloring sheet: Pumpkin heads and jack-o-lanterns abound when Halloween comes around.

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KINDERGARTEN
Red Ribbon Week

Pete the Cat is not bothered when he steps into things and the color of his footwear changes--
"because it's all good!"

Activity: Pete the Cat Dot-to-Dot and Foldable Coloring Booklets.
Click the image to hear Pete sing his song.

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FIRST GRADE
Red Ribbon Week

Though sheep are famous for following the flock, Woolbur is one sheep who knows how to think for himself and make his own lifestyle choices. "Isn't that great!"
Create a Woobur stick puppet.

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SECOND GRADE
Monster Project

A small boy tries to control ten insatiable monsters demanding food and creating chaos throughout the house at bedtime.
Recipe: Applesauce Cinnamon Oat Muffins.

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A household of unusual creatures!

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THIRD GRADE
Halloween

Click the image for a coloring sheet

Herbert doesn't have a home but he loves visiting the library -- it's always warm, and there are lots of good books to read. 

Coloring Sheet: Wishing You a Purr-fect Halloween!

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FOURTH GRADE
Clockwork

Click the image for a discussion guide

Long ago in Germany (and just in time for Halloween) a storyteller's story and an apprentice clockwork-maker's nightmare meet in a menacing, lifelike figure created by the strange Dr. Kalmenius.

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FIFTH GRADE
Schooled

Click the image to view a book trailer

The shifting points of view capture a pitch-perfect "fish out of water" story. Capricorn Anderson, home schooled by his hippie grandmother, is forced to attend the local middle school when "Rain" falls from a tree. Although he knows a lot about Zen Buddhism, nothing has prepared Capricorn for an A-list bully, a popular girl, and middle school politics.

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WEEK OF OCTOBER 14TH
TK and KINDERGARTEN Canceled for Lizard Wizard Exhibition

FIRST GRADE
Halloween

When Senor Calavera comes calling on Grandma Beetle, she forestalls him by performing a series of tasks that result in her own birthday party.

Students will learn how to draw "Pinky."

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SECOND GRADE
Monster Project

From monsters to ghosties to goblins, everyone's favorite beasties haunt and howl and rattle their way through their forest home in this silly, spooky twist on the beloved nursery rhyme "Over in the Meadow."

Paired with "Halloween Bugs" by David Carter.  Artist website.

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THIRD GRADE
Halloween

Little witch Cordelia loves to spell, but can she beat the long-time champion in the Witchy Spelling Bee?

Click to print a copy of the Basic Author Search Worksheet that was sent home.

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FOURTH GRADE
Clockwork

Long ago in Germany (and just in time for Halloween) a storyteller's story and an apprentice clockwork-maker's nightmare meet in a menacing, lifelike figure created by the strange Dr. Kalmenius.

Click the image for a discussion guide from Scholastic.

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FIFTH GRADE
Schooled

The shifting points of view capture a pitch-perfect "fish out of water" story.  Capricorn Anderson, home schooled by his hippie grandmother, is forced to attend the local middle school when "Rain" falls from a tree. Although he knows a lot about Zen Buddhism, nothing has prepared Capricorn for an A-list bully, a popular girl, and middle school politics.
Click the image to view a book trailer.

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WEEK OF OCTOBER 7TH

TK
Spider Season

Click the image to use Art Pad to draw the Spider on her web... on the Web! Print your picture, turn it in to Mrs. Snively to decorate the Library hallway!

A clever spider is lonely and longs to become a family pet!

Activity: students draw spider bookmarks.

Natural History Museum Spider Pavilion open now to November 3rd.

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KINDERGARTEN
Spider Season

Click the image to use Art Pad to draw the Spider on her web... on the Web! Print your picture, turn it in to Mrs. Snively to decorate the Library hallway!

The farm animals try to divert a spider from spinning her web, but she persists and produces a thing of both beauty and usefulness.

Students receive spider rings and sing "There's a Spider On the Floor, On the Floor." 

Activity: Very Busy Spider Coloring Sheet.

Natural History Museum Spider Pavilion open now to November 3rd.

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FIRST GRADE
Spider Season

Click the image to use Art Pad to draw the Spider on her web... on the Web! Print your picture, turn it in to Mrs. Snively to decorate the Library hallway!

The well-known poem about a wily spider who preys on the vanity and innocence of a little fly.  The silvery black and white illustrations earned Tony DiTerlizzi a Caldecott Honor.

Activity: students trace and cut out spider hand print bookmarks.

Natural History Museum Spider Pavilion open now to November 3rd.

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SECOND GRADE
Monster Project

What happens when the monster comes to school, eats the principal, wanders into town, and falls in love?
He becomes the parent of a baby monster, who may grow up to be an under-your-bed monster in this circular tale of possibilities.

Activity: students cut out hand print bookmarks on monster-green paper.

Natural History Museum Spider Pavilion open now to November 3rd.

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THIRD GRADE
Spider Season

Describes the characteristics of spiders and the methods they use to trap their prey in webs.

At home activity: look for string game demonstrations online...here is the amazing Running Dog.

Natural History Museum Spider Pavilion open now to November 3rd.

(Mrs. Goodlad and Mrs. Robertson will have the Destiny Catalog demonstration this week.)

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FOURTH GRADE
Clockwork

Long ago in Germany (and just in time for Halloween) a storyteller's story and an apprentice clockwork-maker's nightmare meet in a menacing, lifelike figure created by the strange Dr. Kalmenius. Click the image for a discussion guide from Scholastic.

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FIFTH GRADE
Schooled

Click the image to view a book trailer.

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WEEK OF SEPTEMBER 30TH

TK and KINDERGARTEN
Read for the Record

Since 2009, millions of individuals have come together to celebrate literacy and early childhood education during the first week of October. Click the image for more info about Read for the Record. Read and play with your kids every day!

THIRD GRADE
Using the Online Catalog

Click the image for a copy of the Basic Author Search Worksheet that will be sent home. Completion of the worksheet is required for students to earn the privilege of using the Library computers.

FIRST GRADE
Hispanic Heritage Month

Juan Carlos discovers that, with the right touch, he can transform a tiny ball of special tortilla dough into unexpected shapes--all the while learning to be patient. Click the image to use Art Pad Painter to create a magical tortilla of your own!

FOURTH GRADE
Clockwork by Pullman

Long ago in Germany (and just in time for Halloween) a storyteller's story and an apprentice clockwork-maker's nightmare meet in a menacing, lifelike figure created by the strange Dr. Kalmenius. Click the image for a discussion guide from Scholastic.

SECOND GRADE
Hispanic Heritage Month

Chato, the coolest, low-riding cat this side of East LA, is cooking up a feast to serve with his new neighbors, a family of five plump mice-- who have no idea they are to be the main course at their own housewarming party. Luckily, the mice are bringing a surprise guest! Click the image to use Art Pad Painter to create gatos, ratones, y mas!

FIFTH GRADE
Schooled by Korman

The shifting points of view capture a pitch-perfect "fish out of water" story. Capricorn Anderson, home schooled by his hippie grandmother, is forced to attend the local middle school when "Rain" falls from a tree. Although he knows a lot about Zen Buddhism, nothing has prepared Capricorn for an A-list bully, a popular girl, and middle school politics. Click the image to view a book trailer.

WEEK OF SEPTEMBER 23RD

TK
Autumn is Coming

Fall leaves are for catching, stomping, kicking, jumping...even for making art! Includes a description of how leaves change through the year.

Children will make a variation in the library. Song to sing to the tune of Frere Jacques: Leaves are falling, leaves are falling, all around, all around. They are falling softly, they are falling softly, to the ground, to the ground.

FIRST GRADE
Apple Season

KINDERGARTEN
Exploring with the Five Senses

Livingston must choose a new home that suits his sense of smell, sight, hearing, taste, and touch.

"This must be... CHINA!"

SECOND GRADE
Apple Season

Lizzy's best friend in all seasons is her apple tree. When school starts, Lizzy sees how her apple tree can help her overcome her shyness and make new friends. Click image for directions for making an apple doll.

6 lbs. apples, three varieties or more. 2 or more cups liquid (water, cider, or juice) as needed. 1/3 cup cinnamon sugar (more as needed). 1/2 teaspoon butter. Dash of salt (omit if desired). Wash and cut up apples. Put in heavy saucepan. Add liquid and cover. Cook at medium flame until completely soft and foamy, about 20 minutes. Remove from flame, uncover, let cool briefly. While still warm transfer mixture to a food mill placed over a large bowl. Grind down thoroughly. The sauce will be loose, but will thicken as it cools. Season to taste with cinnamon sugar, butter, salt. (Optional: a cut up quince added to the pot will make the sauce pink and sweeter.)

THIRD GRADE
Using the Dewey Decimal System

The Lure of the Library (a Sharp Wits video) shows why organization is important in a library.  Children try organizing the books in their clubhouse by color, but it is not a practical system. They go on to learn the conceptual structure of the Dewey Decimal System and the content of Dewey's ten major sections. The video supports students in developing research skills by showing the functions of the catalog and call numbers.  

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FOURTH GRADE
The Sinister Side of Reading

In this mildly sinister chapter book from France, a strange breed of vampire sucks the black blood of literature and changes a book-hating boy...forever.

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FIFTH GRADE
Banned Books Week: Celebrating the Freedom to Read

A brief explanation of why the American Library Association
celebrates Banned Book Week.  In this faithful adaptation of Little Red Riding Hood, something in the basket of goodies for grandmother lands the title on the naughty list. Hyman's illustrations earned a Caldecott Honor in 1984.  Watch ALA Puppet Book Banners on YouTube. Click image for banned/challenged book lists.

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The shifting points of view capture a pitch-perfect "fish out of water" story.  Capricorn Anderson, home schooled by his hippie grandmother, is forced to attend the local middle school when "Rain" falls from a tree. Although he knows a lot about Zen Buddhism, nothing has prepared Capricorn for an A-list bully, a popular girl, and middle school politics. Click the image to view a book trailer.

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After a lesson on kindness, Chloe aches to make amends for making fun of a student and refusing to play with her.  Click the image to hear the author tell how she came to write the story, and read a short passage.

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WEEK OF SEPTEMBER 16TH

TK

Baby llama creates bedtime drama!

It's laundry day: will Small Bunny's blanket ever be the same? Activity: students will draw Small Bunny and his blanket.

KINDERGARTEN

In this Caldecott Honor book, Bear loses his hat and patiently asks the animals he meets if they have seen it.

Fish is honest about his dishonesty in this Caldecott Medal winner. Activity: students will draw Fish and his ill-gotten hat.

FIRST GRADE
Creative Play

Click the image to hear author/illustrator Bob Shea read the story. Extension: Bedtime is one challenge little dinosaurs might face...what are some others? Sharing? Picking up toys? Limiting screen time?

SECOND GRADE
Thinking Outside the Box

Duncan arrives at school one morning to find a stack of letters, one from each of his crayons, complaining about how he uses them. Click the image to view a video of the 1950s classic, "Harold and the Purple Crayon" by Crockett Johnson.

THIRD GRADE (FOURTH GRADE REVIEW)
Information Literacy: How the Dewey Decimal System Came to Be

Melvil Dewey (1851-1931) education reformer and librarian. Click for a chart of his classification system.

Click image for a map of the library.

Click the image to view The Caveman's Guide to the Dewey Decimal System (thank you Mount Erie Elementary, Anacortes, Washington).

FIFTH GRADE
Review Library Catalog and World Book Online
The Continuation of Schooled, by Gordon Korman

Click the image to view a book trailer.

The shifting points of view capture a pitch-perfect "fish out of water" story.

Capricorn Anderson, home schooled by his hippie grandmother, is forced to attend the local middle school when "Rain" falls from a tree.

Although he knows a lot about Zen Buddhism, nothing has prepared Capricorn for an A-list bully, a popular girl, and middle school politics.

Themes: changes/new experiences; pride/self-esteem; grandparents/grandchildren.

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WEEK OF SEPTEMBER 9TH

TK
Library Manners

KINDERGARTEN
Making New Friends

FIRST GRADE 
Taking a Book Home

Ten rambunctious dinos show that while they are full of energy and antics, they know how to control themselves at school. Song to sing: If You're Happy and You Know It

Halibut Jackson is so shy, he makes special outfits to blend in wherever he goes. Click the image for a video clip of a camouflaged halibut. Take-home activity: wrapping paper camouflage fish.

Beverly Billingsly loves the dinosaur book she borrowed so much, she forgets to return it on time. A lighthearted way to introduce first graders to the new privilege and responsibility of taking a library book home to enjoy.

SECOND GRADE 
The Perfect Book for YOU

Goldie Socks cannot resist entering the home of the three Libearians to find a cozy place to read.

A student stubbornly resists her school librarian's efforts to convince her to love books until she finds one that might change her mind. Click the image to print a Shrek coloring sheet.

THIRD GRADE 
Information Literacy: Locating Materials in the Library / Using the Map 

Click the image for a map of the school library.

FOURTH GRADE 
Curriculum Connection: Plants 
Shaw Only: Slater, Kinzer, Fairbrother Canceled Due to Minimum Day

When Mortimer volunteers to care for a plant over the summer he gets more than he bargained for.

Wesley's garden produces a crop of huge, strange plants which provide him with clothing, shelter, food, and drink, helping him to create his own civilization and changing his life.

FIFTH GRADE 
Exploring Friendship and Developing Compassion through Nonfiction
Review: Locating Library Materials

An inspirational story of how two very different animals formed an unlikely bond. Click the image for a video update about Tarra's enduring love for Bella. Spoiler alert: have a tissue ready.

Click the image to view The Caveman's Guide to the Dewey Decimal System (thank you Mount Erie Elementary, Anacortes, Washington).

Organizing books by color is great for a photo shoot, but by subject is better for locating them. Click the image for a colorful chart of the Dewey Decimal System.

Click the image for a map of the school library.

WEEK OF SEPTEMBER 2ND

TRANSITIONAL KINDERGARTEN 
Getting to Know You

Click image for a coloring sheet

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Click the image to hear Pete's song

KINDERGARTEN 
Getting to Know You

Click image for a coloring sheet

Will Gerald find a way for everyone to play?

Click image to hear Pete's song