Grand View Elementary School Library
manhattan beach unified school district
Heidi snively - library RESOURCE specialist
310/546-8022 x5404
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Read-Alouds and Presentations
Week-to-Week by Grade Level
​March 2019 to June 2019

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.
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Presentations Only - Books or Lost Book Payments Due Now

Week of June 10 - TK - Wearing Pants, Reading Backwards, and Cooling Off

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But I Am an Alligator by Lauren Child Charlie tries to talk his little sister, Lola, out of wearing her alligator costume all of the time.
Panda Pants by Jacqueline Davies Reminiscent of Little Bear (Else Homelund Minarik, 1957) and his desire for "something to put on," a young panda tries to convince his father why he should be allowed to wear pants.
The End by David LaRochelle A princess starts a chain of events when she makes lemonade.
​Can't Catch Me by John Hassett A sassy ice cube escapes from the freezer and runs away to sea.
Activity Students use ice cubes to draw on colored construction paper.

Summer Reading Read just for the fun of it!

Week of June 10 - Kindergarten - Fun with Summer Reading

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Video Segment Driftwood Logs... Lemmings in Arctic Fox Food Chain Discovery Education Streaming Video (password protected)
Read the Book, Lemmings! by Ame Dyckman A fox attempts to teach a trio of lemmings to read in order to save them from their habit of jumping off cliffs.
How to Read a Story by Kate Messner Three steps that lead to the joy of reading: Find a story (a good one). Find a reading buddy (someone nice). Find a spot (a cozy one).
The Summer Nick Taught His Cats to Read by Curtis Manley When Nick decides to teach his cats to read, Verne is very much interested, especially in books about mice and fish, but Stevenson wants nothing to do with the project--or does he?​
But Excuse Me that Is My Book by Lauren Child Oh, no! Lola's favorite book is not on the shelf!
Activity Draw a butterfly bookmark 
Summer Reading MBUSD recommended lists

Week of June 10 - First Grade - Happily Ever After

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The Three Little Gators by Helen Ketteman An adaptation of the traditional folktale in which three little gators each build a house in an east Texas swamp, hoping for protection from the Big-bottomed Boar.
A Well-Mannered Young Wolf by Jean Leroy Sometimes good manners can backfire, as a young wolf discovers when he goes hunting alone in the forest for the first time.
Woolbur by Leslie Helakoski  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!"
Summer Reading MBUSD recommended lists and America's Battle of the Books

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Week of June 10 - Second Grade - Fun with Camping

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Amelia Bedelia Goes Camping by Peggy Parrish The maid who always follows directions literally, catches a fish with her hands, pitches a tent into the bushes, makes chocolate chip cookies with potato chips, and rows a boat by putting it in line with the other boats.
Camping Day by Patricia Lakin Despite getting lost in the woods on the way to their campsite and being chased by bees, four crocodile friends eventually have a great time in the great outdoors underneath the twinkling stars.
PBS Video National Parks, America's Best Idea
The Camping Trip that Changed America by Barb Rosenstock In 1903, Theodore Roosevelt read John Muir's book on the Sierra Nevada, which ended with a plea for government to save the vanishing forests. The president asked Muir to take him camping in the Yosemite wilderness among the giant sequoia trees. Returning to Washington, the president pushed to pass the laws that created national parks and forests as well as wildlife sanctuaries.
Monster & Mouse Go Camping by Deborah Underwood Monster's insatiable appetite destroys their campsite, but nothing can stop these two friends from having fun in the great outdoors.
Summer Reading MBUSD recommended lists and America's Battle of the Books

Week of June 10 - Third Grade - Empathy Leads to Kindness and Understanding

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Adrian Simcox Does NOT Have a Horse by Marcy Campbell A young girl learns that sometimes it is more important to be kind than to be correct.
Nothing Rhymes with Orange by Adam Rex All the fruits gather together to enjoy a rhyming party, but poor Orange feels left out because he does not rhyme with anything... until Apple invents a new word.
Sleepy the Goodnight Buddy by Drew Daywalt Roderick will think of any excuse not to go to bed at night, so his parents get him a goodnight buddy to help him sleep. But Sleepy is a wide-awake, talkative, bedtime resister himself.
Summer Reading MBUSD recommended lists and America's Battle of the Books

Week of June 10 - Fourth Grade - Visits Have Ended

Week of June 10 - 5th Grade - Our Stories, Our Voices, Ourselves Together

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Children's Books Can't Be Beat What was James Holzhauer's strategy that gave him a spectacular run of 32 consecutive wins, the record for the largest take-home in one game with over $77,000, and a total payout of $2,464,216? Reading children's books! Ironically, his run ended with an upset by a contestant who is a 27-year-old librarian from Chicago. Washington Post.
I Am a Story by Dan Yaccarino. A celebration of the art of storytelling traces how it has evolved from cave paintings and the invention of the printing press to the digital technologies that inform and unite today's diverse world. Sharp eyes will take note of the starry transition from cave people to contemporary folk as astrological signs reappear as constellations, with a tiny red bird on each page to remind us that stories give flight to our imagination.
The Rooster Who Would Not Be Quiet by Carmen Agra Deedy A rooster continues to sing no matter the punishments inflicted by a tyrannical mayor in this story about standing up to oppression.
The Antlered Ship by Dashka Slater A philosophical fox full of questions boards a ship full of strangers and discovers that nurturing curiosity and finding friendship is even better than finding answers.

Week of June 3 - Presentations Only - All Books Due for Inventory

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LOST A BOOK?
While fines are not charged for materials returned late, 
if a book is lost or damaged it must be paid for. See
 Library Policies.
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​TUESDAY JUNE 4
Library Volunteer Luncheon and Shelf Reading Project
11am to 2pm
Drop in for a bite and see the new book dedicated to each of you! Details

Week of June 3
​TK - Sharing

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How to Share with a Bear by Erik Pinder Thomas builds a cave of pillows and blankets where he can read, but when he goes to get a flashlight, a young "bear" goes inside and nothing Thomas does discourages the bear from being near him.
Activity Craft a brown bag bear puppet similar to this example, but drawn with felt pens, no paint or cut-out shapes.

Week of June 3
​Kindergarten - Fun with Cats and Kindness

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Lost Cat by C. Roger Mader Slipper the cat is mistakenly left behind in the commotion when the lady she has always lived with moves in with her daughter's family, so Slipper sets out to find someone new to adopt. 
The Cat Who Lost His Purr by Michele Coxon 
Bootle the cat searches inside and outside for his lost purr and only retrieves it when his owners return.
I Like Your Buttons! by Sarah Lamstein When a little girl compliments her teacher it starts a chain reaction of goodwill, good deeds, and thoughtfulness throughout the day.
June is Adopt-A-Shelter-Cat Month Click for info
Activity Create a bracelet made with buttons on pipe cleaners.

​Week of June 3 - First Grade - Just for Fun

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Please, Mr. Panda by Steve Antony What is the proper way to ask for a doughnut?
Tea Party Rules by Ame Dyckman How much can one bear take, even for cookies? 
Princess Sparkle-Heart Gets a Makeover by Josh Schneider A destroyed doll is made better than new.
The Wolf, the Duck, & the Mouse End by Mac Barnett When a mouse is swallowed by a wolf, he learns that a duck devoured earlier has set up a table to enjoy the food the predator eats.
Activity Donut coloring sheet 

Week of June 3 - Second Grade - Summer Reading

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Legend of Spud Murphy by Eoin Colfer 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. Chapter 5 of 5.
Summer and Beyond Book talk the titles on the recommended pleasure reading lists and the Battle of the Books. Describe privileges to come in 3rd grade.
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Video The Potato Song
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Week of June 3 - Third Grade - The Joys of Reading and Writing

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Macaroni by Kathleen Lombardo A boy finds a little pig on the street and decides to take it home as a pet. Compare and contrast to Charlotte's Web.
Also an Octopus by Maggie Tokuda-Hall This picture book walks readers through the storytelling process by introducing key story elements, like a main character, a desire, an obstacle, and an ending.
I Do Not Like Books Anymore by Daisy Hirst Natalie love listening to stories and telling stories, but when it comes time for her to learn to read she becomes frustrated with the process.
Noodleheads See the Future by Tedd Arnold Inspired by folktales about fools from around the world, brothers Mac and Mac Noodlehead exasperate Uncle Ziti, are fooled by their friend Meatball, and make a garden for their mother.

Week of June 3 - 4th Grade - Narrative Nonfiction and Summer Reading

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A Boy and a Jaguar by Alan Rabinowitz The renowned cat conservationist reflects on his early childhood struggles with a speech disorder, describing how he only spoke fluently when he was communicating with animals and how he resolved at a young age to find his voice to be their advocate. 
Video A Boy's Promise at Panthera.org
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A Tale Dark and Grimm by Adam Gidwitz Hansel and Gretel walk out of their own story and into eight other classic Grimm-inspired tales as the siblings learn to take charge of their destinies and become the clever architects of their own happily ever after.
Video Book trailer
Alex the Parrot by Stephanie Spinner The story of an African grey parrot named Alex (1976-2007) whose intelligence changed the way scientists view the brain. 
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Video Scientist Irene Pepperberg and Alex

Week of June 3 - Fifth Grade Visits Canceled - Next Week Burrows & Robertson Only

Week of May 27 - Pages Book Fair Returns to Grand View

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WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY We are excited to welcome Pages Bookstore as our Book Fair sponsor! Hours are 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. all three days in the Cafeteria, plus a fun-filled evening event on Thursday from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. with food trucks and a special guest reader. Students will visit the Book Fair during the school day to make purchases or to fill out wish lists for parents to purchase during their own visit. Want to volunteer? Click here.
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Week of May 27 - Presentations Only - Student Check Outs Have Ended

Monday is Memorial Day. Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday Grades 1-5 are on minimum day schedule for Fountas & Pinnell reading assessments with shorter class visit times for 4th and 5th grade, and make-up times for Monday classes.

Week of May 27 - TK - Insects

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Bubba and Trixie by Lisa Campbell Ernst An adventuresome ladybug befriends an apprehensive caterpillar and helps him to enjoy life and be happy with what he is and with what he becomes.
Activity 
Students will decorate a foam or die-cut butterfly and a folded (prepared) ladybug friend to clothespin together. ​​​
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Week of May 27 - Kindergarten - Just for Fun

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If Rocks Could Sing by Leslie McGuirk Amazing rocks found on a stretch of beach comprise this unique alphabet book. 
Diary of a Wombat by Jackie French A tongue-in-cheek account of a wombat's busy week; eating, sleeping, digging holes . . . and training her new neighbors to produce treats on demand.
Guess Again! by Mac Barnett Flaps, fold-outs and fool-the-eye illustrations keep the reader guessing again, and again, and again.
Activity Question mark bookmark to color and cut.

Week of May 27
1st Grade
​China

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The Story about Ping by Marjorie Flack A little duck finds adventure on the Yangtze River when he is too late to return to his master's houseboat one evening.
Video Fishing in China with cormorants
Activity Students will fold a simple origami boat
Extension How to fold a boat

Week of May 27
​2nd Grade
​Summer Reading

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Legend of Spud Murphy by Eoin Colfer  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. Chapter 4 of 5
Potatoes by Ann L. Burckhardt Simple text introduces potatoes.

The Potato King by Christoph Niemann A fictionalized account of how King Frederick of Prussia tricked his subjects into adopting the potato into their diet. The potato is the fourth largest food crop in the world today.
Activity Vegetables word search 
Recipe Potato Chip Cookies 

Week of May 27
Third Grade
Just for Fun

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My Brother Louis Measures Worms and Other Louis Stories by Barbara Robinson Mary Elizabeth relates the humorous misadventures of her brother Louis in this collection of short stories. This week: The Adoption of Albert
Activity
Worm Riddle Coloring Sheet

Week of May 27
Fourth Grade
​Summer Reading

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A Tale Dark and Grimm by Adam Gidwitz Hansel and Gretel walk out of their own story and into eight other classic Grimm-inspired tales as the siblings learn to take charge of their destinies and become the clever architects of their own happily ever after.
Video Book trailer

Week of May 27
Fifth Grade
​Novel Study

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Schooled by Gordon Korman. Although he knows a lot about Zen Buddhism, nothing has prepared home schooled Capricorn Anderson for an A-list bully, a popular girl, and middle school politics. The shifting points of view capture a pitch-perfect "fish out of water" story. ​
Video Schooled book trailer
Summer Reading Entering sixth graders are required to read three titles from this list.
This is the last class visit for DiBiase and Pliaconis. Burrows and Robertson will visit again on June 11.

​Week of May 20 - TK - Ladybugs

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Ladybug Girl and Bumblebee Boy by David Soman and Jacky Davis Lulu and Sam know how to include some new friends when they play Ladybug Girl and Bumblebee Boy, saving the playground from hairy monsters and big mean robots.
Activity Students embellish a prepared book with one red and one yellow page.

​Week of May 20 - Kindergarten - Whales

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Dear Mr. Blueberry by Simon James A young girl and her teacher correspond about the whale she has discovered in her pond.
Mabel the Whale by Patricia King Tells about the capture and confinement of the whale who became known as Bubbles at Marineland in Palos Verdes, CA. Marineland operated from 1954-1987. The Terranea Resort opened on the site in 2009.
Activity Students color and cut out whale-shaped bookmark.

Week of May 20
​First Grade - Silkworms

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Worm Gets a Job by Kathy Caple Worm attempts various jobs for his animal friends so that he can buy painting supplies and enter the art contest.
I Can Only Draw Worms by Will Mabbitt 
Teaches the reader to count to ten using worms that have great adventures or everyday experiences, described but not illustrated due to the author/illustrator's inability to draw anything but worms.
Video Time lapse silkworms
Activity Students draw segmented worms onto a bookmark.

Week of May 20
Second Grade - Summer Reading

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Legend of Spud Murphy by Eoin Colfer 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. Chapter 3 of 5
I'm Bored by Michael Ian Black 
When a bored girl meets a potato who finds children tedius, she tries to prove him wrong by demonstrating all of the things they can do, from turning cartwheels to using their imaginations.
Activity Children draw and cut out a potato bookmark from brown paper.

​Week of May 20 - Third Grade -  Just for Fun

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My Brother Louis Measures Worms and Other Louis Stories by Barbara Robinson Mary Elizabeth relates the humorous misadventures of her brother Louis in this collection of short stories. This week part 2 of 2 Louis at the Wheel.
Wonderful Worms by Linda Glaser ​Describes the physical characteristics, behavior, and life cycle of the common earthworm.

Week of May 20
Fourth Grade - Military Appreciation

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A Tale Dark and Grimm by Adam Gidwitz. 
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Hansel and Gretel walk out of their own story and into eight other classic Grimm-inspired tales as the siblings learn to take charge of their destinies and become the clever architects of their own happily ever after.
Video Book trailer
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Tucky Jo and Little Heart by Patricia Polacco. 
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A fifteen-year-old soldier in World War II meets a sweet young girl in the Philippines who helps him remember what he is fighting for as he helps her and others of her village avoid starvation. Many years later she returns his kindness. Part 2 of 2.
Activity Students make a "Little Heart" bracelet with a pipe cleaner and pony beads.​

​Week of May 20
Fifth Grade - Novel Study

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Manhattan Beach Middle School Library
Schooled by Gordon Korman. Although he knows a lot about Zen Buddhism, nothing has prepared home schooled Capricorn Anderson for an A-list bully, a popular girl, and middle school politics. The shifting points of view capture a pitch-perfect "fish out of water" story. ​
Video Schooled book trailer
Summer Reading Entering sixth graders are required to read three titles from this list.

Week of May 13 - TK and Kindergarten - Making Vacation Plans

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Memoirs of a Goldfish by Devin Scillian A goldfish gives a personal account of his experiences while swimming around his bowl as it slowly fills with fish and accessories.
Activity Step-by-step on demonstration on board of how to draw a goldfish in a bowl.

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Goldfish on Vacation by Sally Lloyd-Jones Three goldfish live in a small bowl, in an apartment building, in the middle of a big city, until one summer they get to go on vacation--in a fountain, with lily pads, and reeds, and other neighborhood goldfish. Based on true events in New York City.
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The real Hamilton Fountain in New York City Named after Robert Ray Hamilton (1850-1890), the great-grandson of Alexander Hamilton. He gave the fountain as a place for city horses to have a drink. Located at Riverside Drive and 76th Street.

Week of May 13 - First Grade - Getting Ready for Three Piggy Opera with Miss Radha

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Wolves by Emily Gravett A young rabbit checks out a library book about wolves and learns much more about their behavior than he wanted to know.
Good Little Wolf by Nadia Shireen When the Big Bad Wolf teases him about being good, Rolf tries to prove himself by howling at the moon and blowing down Little Pig's house.
My Lucky Day by Keiko Kasza A crafty little pig comes knocking at the door of a hungry fox who soon realizes that getting dinner into the pot is harder than it seems.
Wolfie the Bunny by Anne Dyckman 
When her parents find a baby wolf on their doorstep and decide to raise him as their own, Dot is certain he will eat them all up until a surprising encounter brings them closer together.
Activity The Three Little Pigs Coloring Sheet

Week of May 13
Second Grade
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Summer Reading

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Legend of Spud Murphy by Eoin Colfer 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. Chapter 1 and 2 of 5

Week of May 13
​Third Grade

Just for Fun

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My Brother Louis Measures Worms and Other Louis Stories by Barbara Robinson Mary Elizabeth relates the humorous misadventures of her brother Louis in this collection of short stories. This week part 1 of 2: Louis at the Wheel.

​Week of May 13
Fourth Grade - 
Military Appreciation

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A Tale Dark and Grimm by Adam Gidwitz Hansel and Gretel walk out of their own story and into eight other classic Grimm-inspired tales as the siblings learn to take charge of their destinies and become the clever architects of their own happily ever after. Book trailer 
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Tucky Jo and Little Heart by Patricia Polacco A fifteen-year-old soldier in World War II meets a sweet young girl in the Philippines who helps him remember what he is fighting for as he helps her and others of her village avoid starvation. Many years later she returns his kindness. Part 1 of 2.

​Week of May 13
Fifth Grade - State Test & Deep Doodles

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Deep Doodles What do your doodles reveal about your character and your personality?

Week of May 6
National Police Week
​TK - Honesty

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That Is NOT a Good Idea! by Mo Willems 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!
Activity Children's Book Week fairy coloring sheet

Week of May 6
National Police Week
​Kindergarten 

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One Red Dot by David A. Carter Each page contains an original piece of artwork that challenges the reader to find the one red dot. Then explain that the red dot on GV Library book spines represents Caldecott medal/honor books.
Sylvester and the Magic Pebble by William Steig 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.
Activity Children's Book Week fairy coloring sheet and red glass pebble to keep

Week of May 6
National Police Week
​First Grade

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Officer Buckle and Gloria by Peggy Rathman 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.
Video Discovery Education 
​(password protected) John Lithgow narrates the book

Activity Students write/draw what they think MBPD officers enjoy doing on their day off, and they'll be presented to MBPD.

Week of May 6
National Police Week 
Second Grade - Courage & Honesty

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Gaston by Kelly DIpuchio A proper bulldog raised in a poodle family and a tough poodle raised in a bulldog family meet one day in the park.
Antoinette by Kelly DiPucchio The beloved puppies of Gaston are back, this time with Antoinette's story of self-discovery as she reveals that every dog has a gift to share. 
Betty Bunny Didn't Do It by Michael B. Kaplan 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?

Week of May 6
Third Grade
​Writing Fairy Tales

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Elements of Fairy Tales Readwritethink.org
Videos Barbie Princess & the Pop Star and The Biker
Once Upon a Cool Motorcycle Dude by Kevin O'Malley 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.
Waking Beauty by Leah Wilcox 
Prince Charming tries all sorts of silly ways to wake Sleeping Beauty before he learns how he is really supposed to wake her up.

Week of May 6
Fourth Grade - Literary Device Parody

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A Tale Dark and Grimm by Adam Gidwitz Hansel and Gretel walk out of their own story and into eight other classic Grimm-inspired tales as the siblings learn to take charge of their destinies and become the clever architects of their own happily ever after. Book trailer
Definition of Parody literarydevices.com
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.

Video Eat It Weird Al Yankovic's music video parody of Michael Jackson's Beat It.

Week of May 6
Fifth Grade - Novel Study

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Schooled by Gordon Korman Although he knows a lot about Zen Buddhism, nothing has prepared home schooled Capricorn Anderson for an A-list bully, a popular girl, and middle school politics. The shifting points of view capture a pitch-perfect "fish out of water" story. 
Mood Music SoundCloud EP Tommy Hessenius That Lucid Place
Activity Students record response to literature prompts using cursive writing.

(link to chart). Why Writing by Hand Could Make You Smarter, by William R. Klemm, Ph.D., Psychology Today, posted March 14, 2013.
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April 29-May 5 Screen Free Week Unplug from screen-based entertainment and let your imagination run wild! Here are 101 activities to get you started. Find out more at screenfree.org. This is also Children's Book Week. Then on May 1 the California Young Reader Medal winners will be announced. Compare with our local voting results.

Week of April 29 - TK & Kindergarten - Screen Time Awareness

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​Jimmy Jet and His TV Set by Shel Silverstein Poem Though a child could never actually turn into a TV, or have brains turn to mush from excessive screen time, children who spend too much time with electronic entertainment might not enjoy an imagination such as is gained through exploratory play, pleasure reading, and quiet reflection.
If... by Sarah Perry Illustrations present such imaginative possibilities as worms with wheels, caterpillar toothpaste, and whales in outer space. 
Activity Jimmy Jet coloring sheet

Week of April 29 - First Grade - Screen Time Awareness & Imagination

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Jimmy Jet and His TV Set by Shel Silverstein Poem Though a child could never actually turn into a TV, or have brains turn to mush from excessive screen time, children who spend too much time with electronic entertainment might not enjoy an imagination such as is gained through exploratory play, pleasure reading, and quiet reflection.
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.
There's No Such Thing as a Dragon by Jack Kent Billy Bixbee's mother won't admit that dragons exist until it is nearly too late.
What Is Inside This Box? by Drew Daywalt Monkey has a box, which he tells Cake has a cat inside, but only when the box is closed; Cake suggests that maybe there is a dinosaur instead.

Activity Foldable boxes 

Week of April 29 - Second Grade - Screen Time Awareness & Imagination

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Jimmy Jet and His TV Set by Shel Silverstein Poem Though a child could never actually turn into a TV, or have brains turn to mush from excessive screen time, children who spend too much time with electronic entertainment might not enjoy an imagination such as is gained through exploratory play, pleasure reading, and quiet reflection.
Open this Little Book by Jesse Klausmeier 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...
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Emma Kate by Patricia Polacco The best thing to play with is a huge imagination.
Activity Jimmy Jet coloring sheet

Week of April 29 - Third Grade - Screen Time Awareness

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Jimmy Jet and His TV Set by Shel Silverstein Poem Though a child could never actually turn into a TV, or have brains turn to mush from excessive screen time, children who spend too much time with electronic entertainment might not enjoy an imagination such as is gained through exploratory play, pleasure reading, and quiet reflection.
Goodnight iPad by Ann Droyd In this parody for the next generation, a family bids goodnight to their electronic gadgets before going to bed. 
When Charlie McButton Lost Power by Suzanne Collins 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.
Activity Color in last week's Spine Poems

Week of April 29 - Fourth Grade - Screen Time Awareness

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Jimmy Jet and His TV Set by Shel Silverstein Poem Though a child could never actually turn into a TV, or have brains turn to mush from excessive screen time, children who spend too much time with electronic entertainment might not enjoy an imagination such as is gained through exploratory play, pleasure reading, and quiet reflection.
If You Give a Mouse an iPhone by Ann Droyd. In this parody of the Laura Numeroff story, if you give a bored little mouse an iPhone he's likely to miss out on all the real fun going on around him.
Video A Tale Dark and Grimm book trailer
A Tale Dark and Grimm by Adam Gidwitz Hansel and Gretel walk out of their own story and into eight other classic Grimm-inspired tales as the siblings learn to take charge of their destinies and become the clever architects of their own happily ever after.
Activity Jimmy Jet coloring sheet

Week of April 29 - Fifth Grade - Screen Time Awareness & Novel Study

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Jimmy Jet and His TV Set by Shel Silverstein Poem Though a child could never actually turn into a TV, or have brains turn to mush from excessive screen time, children who spend too much time with electronic entertainment might not enjoy an imagination such as is gained through exploratory play, pleasure reading, and quiet reflection.
Unplug by Aly Isaak 
Makes the case that, if used incorrectly, technological devices can be harmful to impressionable children.
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Schooled by Gordon Korman Although he knows a lot about Zen Buddhism, nothing has prepared home schooled Capricorn Anderson for an A-list bully, a popular girl, and middle school politics. The shifting points of view capture a pitch-perfect "fish out of water" story. 
Mood Music SoundCloud EP Tommy Hessenius That Lucid Place
Activity Students record response to literature prompts using cursive writing.

(link to chart). Why Writing by Hand Could Make You Smarter, by William R. Klemm, Ph.D., Psychology Today, posted March 14, 2013.
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​Week of April 22 - All Grades - Earth Week

Earth Day is an annual observance, held on April 22, to increase awareness of environmental issues. Millions of people worldwide gather to clean up litter, to protest threats to the environment, and to celebrate progress in reducing pollution. In 1969, U.S. Senator Gaylord Nelson suggested that a day of environmental education be held on college campuses. The following year, the lawyer and environmentalist Denis Hayes (then a recent graduate of Stanford University) led hundreds of students in organizing the observance of Earth Day on April 22, 1970. About 20 million people participated in this celebration. The event helped to alert people to the dangers of pollution and fostered a new environmental movement. Also in 1970, Congress created the Environmental Protection Agency to set and enforce pollution standards, and passed the Clean Air Act which limits the amount of air pollution that cars, utilities, and industries could release. Other environmental laws soon followed. (Hayes, Denis. "Earth Day." World Book Student. World Book, 2016. Web. 18 Apr. 2016.)
The effort continues with Grades of Green, a grassroots organization that teaches kids about environmental stewardship that got its start at Grand View Elementary School in 2009. 
Video ABC7 Eyewitness News Manhattan Beach Students are Pros at Saving the Planet

Week of April 22 - TK and Kindergarten - Natural Resources

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The Earth Book by Todd Parr Students learn simple ways to take care of the planet. 
Video Paired with the animated Think Earth 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!

Week of April 22 - First Grade - The Four Rs + Repurpose and Refuse

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Earth! My First 4.54 Billion Years by Stacy McAnulty A simple story that joyfully introduces readers to key moments in the planet's life, from its formation over four billion years ago to the present and ends on a reflective note to encourage sharing, playing nice, and cleaning up.
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Video Paired with the animated Recycle Rex 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 the Six Rs and how excessive packaging contributes to waste. 
Play My Garbology Game 
Coloring sheets
Composting... Life in the Slow Lane! 
Clean Storm Drains = Healthy Oceans!

Week of April 22 - Second Grade - Where Does Trash Go?

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Clean Your Room, Harvey Moon! by Pat Cummings 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. 
Video clip Toys All Gone
Play My Garbology Game 
Coloring sheets
Composting... Life in the Slow Lane! 
Clean Storm Drains = Healthy Oceans!

Week of April 22 - Third Grade - Wetlands and Resources

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Here We Are: Notes for Living on Planet Earth by Oliver Jeffers An uplifting, sweetly humorous observation about the importance of kindness, tolerance, and sharing.
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 
Coloring sheets
Composting... Life in the Slow Lane! 
Clean Storm Drains = Healthy Oceans!

Week of April 22 - Fourth Grade - Toxic Waste Disposal

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Someday a Tree by Eve Bunting A young girl, her parents, and their neighbors try to save an oak tree that has been poisoned by illegal hazardous waste dumping.
Video Big Yellow Taxi sung by Joni Mitchell. 
Play My Garbology Game 
Coloring sheets
Composting... Life in the Slow Lane! 
Clean Storm Drains = Healthy Oceans!

Week of April 22 - Fifth Grade - Making Promises and Taking Action for the Earth

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Earth Day is an annual observance, held on April 22, to increase awareness of environmental issues. Millions of people worldwide gather to clean up litter, to protest threats to the environment, and to celebrate progress in reducing pollution. In 1969, U.S. Senator Gaylord Nelson suggested that a day of environmental education be held on college campuses. The following year, the lawyer and environmentalist Denis Hayes (then a recent graduate of Stanford University) led hundreds of students in organizing the observance of Earth Day on April 22, 1970. About 20 million people participated in this celebration. The event helped to alert people to the dangers of pollution and fostered a new environmental movement. Also in 1970, Congress created the Environmental Protection Agency to set and enforce pollution standards, and passed the Clean Air Act which limits the amount of air pollution that cars, utilities, and industries could release. Other environmental laws soon followed. (Hayes, Denis. "Earth Day." World Book Student. World Book, 2016. Web. 18 Apr. 2016.)
The effort continues with Grades of Green, a grassroots organization that teaches kids about environmental stewardship that got its start at Grand View Elementary School in 2009. 
Love Your World by Dawn Sirett 
Simple text and photographs offer suggestions on things children can do to help the environment, such as grow garden, recycle, and reuse materials.
Pedal Power by Allan Drummond 
The story of the people in Amsterdam in the 1970s who led protests against crowded, unsafe streets and took over a vehicles-only tunnel on their bikes, showing what a little pedal power could do.
Discovery Education Streaming Video A Short History of Earth Day (password protected)

Video ABC7 Eyewitness News Manhattan Beach Students are Pros at Saving the Planet 
Play My Garbology Game 
Coloring sheets
Composting... Life in the Slow Lane! 
Clean Storm Drains = Healthy Oceans!

Week of April 15
​TK
"Ugly Ducklings"

Beloved Books

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Little Bear (1957) Else Holmelund Minarek (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 was her first.

​Week of April 15
Kindergarten

"Ugly Ducklings"
Loved Older Books

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Petunia (1950) by Roger Duvoisin (1904-1980) 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.
Take-home activity Ida and her chicks math manipulative.

Week of April 15
First Grade
"Ugly Ducklings"
​Beloved Older Books

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Harry the Dirty Dog (1956) by Gene Zion (1913-1975) Harry is a white dog with black spots who loves everything . . . except baths. 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.
The Sky Dog by Brinton Turkle 
A little boy is convinced that the white dog he finds on the beach is the same one he used to see playing among the clouds overhead.
​A Dog Wearing Shoes (2015) by Sangmi Ko Mini finds a dog and begs to keep him. Based on a true story. The author's niece once found a lost dog with shoes on, and after returning him to his owner, she adopted a dog named Ray. Sangmi lives and works in Seoul, South Korea, with two adopted dogs, White and Malti.
Found by Jeff Newman In this wordless story, a young who has lost her own dog bonds with a stray and makes a tough decision about doing the right thing when the dog's owner is found.

Week of April 15 - Second Grade - "Ugly Ducklings" Beloved Older Books and Poetry

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The Outside Cat (1957) by Jane Thayer. Samuel 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. 
Six-Dinner Sid (1991) by Inga Moore. A clever cat lives with six families.
Won Ton : a Cat Tale Told in Haiku (2011) by Lee Wardlaw. A cat arrives at a shelter, arranges to go home with a good family, and settles in with them, all the while letting them know who is boss and, finally, sharing his real name.

Website poets.org A traditional Japanese haiku is a three-line poem with seventeen syllables, written in a 5/7/5 syllable count. Often focusing on images from nature, haiku emphasizes simplicity, intensity, and directness of expression.
Activity Haiku worksheet

Week of April 15 - Third Grade - Poetry Month: Creating Book Spine Poems

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I'm Just No Good at Rhyming by Chris Harris Read the title poem as an introduction to the activity.
Book Spine Poems
 Print worksheet It’s fun! It’s easy! It makes a bit of a library mess! Oh, well! Select three to six books with titles that inspire your poetic fire. Stack the books flat, one on top of the other, so the spines are visible. Move the books around until you like the way it reads, top to bottom. Write the titles in the diagram the way you want the poem to read, top to bottom. Go over the titles with marker. Shade in each rectangle lightly with a different color crayon to create book spines.

Week of April 15 - Fourth Grade - Poetry Month: Black Out Poems from Weeded Books

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Black Out Poetry Choose a page from a discarded book and rip it out neatly. Find the poem by scanning the page and lightly underlining or boxing interesting words. Black out the rest of the page so only the poem is left. Alternatively, highlight the poem with a doodle..
Video How to: Black Out Poetry by Ariel Bisset (running time 5:37 stop at 4:13)

Week of April 15 - Fifth Grade - Poetry Month: Hidden Poems in Discarded Books

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Hidden Poetry Choose a page from a discarded book and rip it out neatly. Don't read the words on the page. Draw the outline of any object and then choose your words from within the object. Look for words that fit your drawing. You will be surprised when they seem to emerge like magic from the object you have drawn. Lightly underline the selected words with pencil. When you are sure of them, box them in. And now you can draw freely, filling in the details of your object.
Video Hidden Poems by Miriam Paternoster (running time 3:28)

Week of April 8 
All Grades - Celebrating National School Library Month with Who's On First?
All Grades -  Beverly Cleary Turns 103 Friday, April 12! Drop Everything and Read! Details

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Who's on First? With split second comedic timing Bud Abbott and Lou Costello bring their hilarious baseball routine to a new generation of delighted fans.
Script Who's on First?
Video Who's on First? 
5th Grade Bonus Video "7 into 28" Lou Costello invents CGI math (chuckle-chuckle).
Local news report Extended Costello family in the Library The Beach Reporter (5/2/13)
Local news report Lou Costello's daughter in the Library Easy Reader (4/14/10) ​​

Week of April 8
First Grade - Baseball

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Playing Right Field by Willy Welch 
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Although he is always chosen last and sent to play in right field where there is little action, and nothing much to do but watch the dandelions grow, a young boy has his moment of fame.
Video Right Field sung by Peter, Paul, and Mary (YouTube)

Week of April 8
Second Grade - Baseball

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Batter Up Wombat by Helen Lester An Australian wombat joins the Champs baseball team, and even though he is disastrously ignorant about the game, his innate talents save everyone when a tornado suddenly strikes.

Week of April 8
Third Grade - Baseball

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Dad, Jackie, and Me by Myron Uhlberg In Brooklyn, New York, in 1947, a boy learns about discrimination and tolerance as he and his deaf father share their enthusiasm over baseball and the Dodgers' first baseman, Jackie Robinson. Based on the author's experience growing up as a hearing child with deaf parents.
Video Umpire demonstrates balls and strikes calls at home plate.

Week of April 8
Fourth Grade - Baseball

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Brothers at Bat by Audrey Vernick The Acerra family of Long Branch, New Jersey, formed their own semi-pro baseball team in the 1930s and became the longest-running all-brother team in history.
Video Click to watch the brothers in action 
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Top left: Tony, Joe, Paul, Alfred, Charlie, Jimmy. Bottom left: Bobby, Billy, Freddie, Eddie, Bubbie, Louie. Circa 1950.

Week of April 8
Fifth Grade - Novel Study

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Schooled by Gordon Korman 
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Although he knows a lot about Zen Buddhism, nothing has prepared home schooled Capricorn Anderson for an A-list bully, a popular girl, and middle school politics. The shifting points of view capture a pitch-perfect "fish out of water" story. 

Mood Music SoundCloud EP Tommy Hessenius That Lucid Place
Activity Students record response to literature prompts using cursive writing.

(link to chart). Why Writing by Hand Could Make You Smarter, by William R. Klemm, Ph.D., Psychology Today, posted March 14, 2013.

Week of March 25
TK and Kindergarten
​The Alphabet

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A Busy Creature's Day Eating! by Mo Willems A raucous creature eats everything in sight from A to Z.
Activity Spring flowers coloring sheet

Illustrator Chris Van Dusen visits the Manhattan Beach Public Library April 4 at 3:30 p.m. Free Details

Week of March 25
First Grade
Annual Egg Drop

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The Perfect Nest by Catherine Friend
With hopes of making a delicious omelet, Jack builds a nest to catch a chicken, but ends up attracting more than the bird.
Activity Humpty Dumpty coloring sheet

Week of March 25
Second Grade
Eggs Again

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The Good Egg by Jory John A very good egg learns to relax and not be perfect all the time.
Activity Spring flowers coloring sheet

Week of March 25 - Third Grade - Women's History Month

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Ada Byron Lovelace and the Thinking Machine by Laurie Wallmark Ada Lovelace (1815-1852) was fascinated by numbers as a child and is considered by many to be the mother of computer programming. In 1953, more than a century after her death, her notes on Charles Babbage's Analytical Engine were republished. The engine has now been recognized as an early model for a computer and her notes as a description of a computer and software. ​
Margaret and the Moon by Dean Robbins
Margaret Hamilton (1936-    ) loves mathematics; in fact, she loves knowing about everything, and she wonders, "Why didn't more girls grow up to be doctors? Or scientists? Or anything else they wanted?" Computers are still brand-new in the 1950s and '60s, so when Margaret discovers them, she experiments to figure out what they might do: simple mathematics, tracking airplanes, predicting the weather. As the director of software programming for an MIT laboratory working for NASA, she helps Apollo 8 orbit the moon and Apollo 10 get within 9 miles of the moon's surface. When Apollo 11 runs into problems, Margaret and her computer codes get them out of trouble and onto the moon.

Week of March 25 - Fourth Grade - Women's History Month

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Who Says Women Can't Be Doctors? by Tanya Lee Stone Describes the opposition Elizabeth Blackwell (1821-1910) faced while pursuing a medical education, and her pioneering medical career that opened doors for future generations of women. Blackwell was rejected by 28 medical schools before being accepted to Geneva College (now Hobart College) in New York. She was the first woman in the United States (1849) to earn a medical degree.
Video Connections 
Building the Dream and Index of Buildings by Julia Morgan
Julia Morgan Built a Castle By Celeste Davidson Mannis An illustrated account of 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. Julia Morgan (1872-1957) designed over 800 buildings, including Hearst Castle for W.R. Hearst.
Kid Blink Saves the World by Don Brown Details the events in the summer of 1899 when hundreds of young news vendors stood up to two of the most powerful men in the U.S. --William Randolph Hearst and Joseph Pulitzer-- over the one extra penny that the newspaper owners wanted to charge the vendors.

Week of March 25 - Fifth Grade - Women's History Month and Having Grit

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The Good Lion by Beryl Markham adapted by Don Brown In 1936 Beryl Markham (1902-1986) became the first woman to fly solo east to west across the Atlantic (from England to Canada). "As a small girl, I was eaten by a lion." And so begins a true story from Beryl's girlhood.
Encyclopedia Article Beryl Markham World Book Online A brief biography about the famed aviatrix and horse trainer (password protected).
After the Fall: How Humpty Dumpty Got Back Up Again by Dan Santat Like Beryl Markham, Humpty Dumpty has grit and fortitude and though he is very afraid of climbing up again after falling off the wall, he is determined not to let fear stop him from being close to the birds. 
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Activity Humpty Dumpty coloring sheet 

Week of March 18
All Grades - California Young Reader Medal, Picture Book Category Vote

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About the California Young Reader Medal 
2018 Winners Grand View, MBUSD, and statewide results  
This Week we read the fifth and final nominee in the picture book category, review and vote.
If You Ever Want to Bring an Alligator to School, Don't! by Elise Parsley A child provides insights, based on personal experience, into everything that can go wrong if one brings an alligator to school for show-and-tell. 
Encyclopedia Britannica Video Alligators 

Week of March 18
​First Grade

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Good Night, Good Knight by Shelley Moore Thomas A Good Knight helps three little dragons who are having trouble getting to sleep.

Week of March 18
​Second Grade

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Kid Sheriff and the Terrible Toads by Bob Shea Sheriff Ryan might only be seven years old, and he might not know much about roping. But he knows a lot about dinosaurs. And it turns out that knowing a thing or two about paleontology can come in handy when it comes to hoodwinking and rounding up a few no-good bandits.

Week of March 18 
​Third Grade - Women's History 

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Queen of the Diamond by Emily Arnold McCully Lizzie Murphy (1894-1964) was good at baseball. In fact, she was better than most of the boys. But she was a child in 1900, and back then baseball was not a game for girls.
Girl Running by Annette Bay Pimentel 
Bobbi Gibb (1942-    ) was not allowed to participate in sports at school and was subsequently barred from the 1966 Boston Marathon, compelling her to prove that women are just as capable as men by sneaking onto the race course. It wasn't until 1972 that women were allowed to legally register for the Boston Marathon.
News article Flotrack.org

Week of March 18 Fourth Grade - Women's History Month

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Brave Girl by Michelle Markel Describes how immigrant Clara Lemlich (1886-1982) 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.
Article Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Fire 
World Book Online (password protected)
Video segment The Triangle Shirtwaist Fire Discovery Education streaming video (password protected) about 2 minutes
Fourth Grade CYRM Voting Party Thursday, March 28 To qualify to vote in the intermediate novel category, students must read all three nominees and turn in this completed worksheet by Monday, March 25. Questions? Email hsnively@mbusd.org or call 310-546-8022 x5404.

Week of March 18 Fifth Grade - Women's History Month

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Miss Moore Thought Otherwise by Jan Pinborough Once upon a time, American children couldn’t borrow library books. Reading wasn’t all that important for children, many thought. Luckily Miss Anne Carroll Moore (1871-1961) thought otherwise! This is the true story of how Miss Moore created the first children’s room at the New York Public Library, a bright, warm room filled with artwork, window seats, and most important of all, borrowing privileges to the world’s best children’s books in many different languages.
Fifth Grade CYRM Voting Party Tuesday, March 26 To qualify to vote in the intermediate novel category, students must read all three nominees and turn in this completed worksheet by Monday, March 25. Questions? Email hsnively@mbusd.org or call 310-546-8022 x5404.
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I Dissent, Ruth Bader Ginsburg Makes Her Mark by Debbie Levy A picture book portrait of the celebrated Supreme Court justice traces her achievements through the lens of her many famous acts of civil disagreement against inequality, unfair treatment and human rights injustice. In celebration of her 86th birthday on March 15, fans "planked like Ruth."

Week of March 11
All Grades - California Young Reader Medal, Picture Book Category

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About the California Young Reader Medal 
2018 Winners Grand View, MBUSD, and statewide results  
This Week we connect to our schoolwide focus social/emotional wellness with two 2019 CYRM picture book nominees:
Mother Bruce by Ryan T. Higgins Bruce is a grumpy bear who likes no one and nothing but cooked eggs-- but then some eggs he was planning to boil hatch out and the goslings believe Bruce is their mother.
Images on The Dodo Orphaned animals adopted by a different species 
 
Encyclopedia Britannica Video Leopard frog eating an earthworm (password protected)
I Don't Want to Be a Frog! by Dev Petty 
A frog who yearns to be any animal that is cute and warm discovers that being wet, slimy, and full of bugs has its advantages.
Activity Teddy bear coloring sheet

Week of March 11 - Third Grade - Women's History Month - Jane Addams

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The House that Jane Built by Tanya Lee Stone. Details the life of social worker and activist Jane Addams (1860-1935). At a young age, Addams became aware that not all people had the advantages in life that she enjoyed, and she was determined to "find a way to fix the world."
Video segment Jane Addams Founds Hull House in Chicago Discovery Education streaming video (password protected) about 3 minutes (begin at :38). Conclude with details from back matter of The House that Jane Built..

Week March 11 - 4th & 5th Grade - CYRM Picture Book for Older Readers

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About the California Young Reader Medal 
2018 Winners Grand View, MBUSD, and statewide results
Emmanuel's Dream by Laurie Ann Thompson Emmanuel Ofosu Yeboah was born in Ghana with a severely deformed leg. If you are born disabled in Ghana, West Africa you are likely to be poisoned, or left to die by your family; and if you are not poisoned or left for dead, you're likely to be hidden away in a room; and if you're not hidden, you are destined to spend your lifetime begging on the streets. Of the twenty million people in Ghana, two million are disabled. Emmanuel, against incalculable odds, is opening minds, and effecting social and political change throughout his country: that people with disabilities are valuable contributors to any society.
Trailer Emmanuel's Gift, 2005 documentary
YouTube Adaptive clothing ad helps to educate about body shape perceptions.

Picture Book for Older Readers Fourth and fifth grade students vote this week in this category.

Intermediate Novel Voting Information for Fourth and Fifth Grade Students

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CYRM Intermediate Novel Category Voting Party. Students in 4th and 5th grade who have read all three nominated novels and who fill out a qualifying worksheet (available for pick-up from the library) by Monday, March 25, are invited to a voting party in the library during their regular lunch time. Pizza, carrots, cookies, and water will be provided. Fifth grade lunch date: Tuesday, March 26. Fourth grade lunch date: Thursday, March 28. Sorry, no make-ups if students are absent on those dates. Questions? Email hsnively@mbusd.org. ​​

​Week of March 4 - TK, Kindergarten, First Grade, and Second Grade
Rotary Club Volunteers Help Us Wish Dr. Seuss a Happy Birthday

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Theodor Seuss Geisel (March 2, 1904-September 24, 1991)
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Rotary volunteer Donn Ennis
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You find magic wherever you look. Sit back and relax, all you need is a book.
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Rotary Four Way Test
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Working to end polio worldwide
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Operation Teddy Bear provides school supplies
Volunteers from the Manhattan Beach Rotary Club visit annually to read to our K-2 students. The visits not only give a boost to literacy and show our students the value of libraries, books, and reading, but also demonstrate to our young people the importance of community service.
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Ten Apples Up On Top! by Dr. Seuss writing as Theo. LeSieg A lion, tiger, and dog are balancing ten apples on their heads when two irritable bears start to chase them.
Activity Cat in the Hat coloring sheet 

Website Seussville

KINDERGARTEN
I Can Read with My Eyes Shut! by Dr. Seuss The Cat in the Hat takes Young Cat in tow to show him the fun he can get out of reading.
Activity Cat in the Hat coloring sheet
Website Seussville


​FIRST GRADE
And to Think That I Saw It on Mulberry Street
 by Dr. Seuss Marco struggles to report truthfully to his father the events of his day, rather than embellish the dull sights in order to make for a more exciting tale. Published in 1937, this first book for children by Dr. Seuss was rejected by 27 publishers before being accepted by Vanguard Press.
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Activity Create your Dr. Seuss name Students experiment with their names to create their own pseudonyms: Doctor + Middle Name and Abbreviation of First Name + Last Name spelled backwards.
Website Seussville
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​SECOND GRADE
​Wild About Books by Judy Sierra 
In this celebration of the literary life, librarian Molly McGrew drives her bookmobile into the zoo, and then the fun begins! The animals draw close to listen to a Dr. Seuss story, and once they "learn all about this new something called reading," they try creating their very own stories.
Activity Create your Dr. Seuss name Students experiment with their names to create their own pseudonyms: Doctor + Middle Name and Abbreviation of First Name + Last Name spelled backwards.
Website Seussville

Week of March 4 - Third Grade - Women's History Month

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Ruby's Wish by Shirin Yim Bridges 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.

Week March 4 - 4th & 5th Grade - CYRM Picture Book for Older Readers

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About the California Young Reader Medal 
2018 Winners Grand View, MBUSD, and statewide results ​
Separate is Never Equal: Sylvia Mendez & Her Family's Fight for Desegregation by Duncan Tonatiuh (Part 2 of 2) Most associate the fight for school integration with the landmark case of Brown v. Board of Education. However, seven years earlier, Mexican-American students in California saw an end to discrimination there. The little girl at the center of that case, Sylvia Mendez, was the daughter of parents who looked forward to sending her to the school near their newly leased farm. When her aunt attempted to register the family children, they were directed to the "Mexican school," despite proficiency in English and citizenship. No one could explain to Mr. Mendez why his children were not allowed to attend the better-appointed school nearby. Despite the reluctance of many fellow Mexican-Americans to cause "problems," he filed a suit, receiving the support of numerous civil rights organizations.

​Week of February 25 to March 1
All Grades - California Young Reader Medal, Picture Book Category

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About the California Young Reader Medal 
2018 Winners Grand View, MBUSD, and statewide results  
This Week we connect to our schoolwide focus on empathy and kindness with two 2019 CYRM picture book nominees:
Samson in the Snow by Philip C. Stead In this depiction of deliberate acts of kindness, a friendly giant mammoth falls asleep and wakes up in the middle of a blizzard, finds and shelters a little red bird and a flower-loving mouse, which begins new friendships for all.
The Bear and the Piano by David Litchfield In this story of leaving and returning home, a bear finds a piano in the woods, learns to play it, and travels to the big city to become rich and famous, but ultimately discovers his best audience.
Video David Benoit plays Freedom at Midnight 
​Video David Benoit plays the Linus and Lucy Song 

Week of February 25 to March 1 - Third Grade - Black History Month & Narrative Nonfiction

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Farm Boy circa 1940 (top right). Library of Congress, Bound for Glory exhibit
Tenant Farmhouse, Poplar Grove Plantation, North Carolina (bottom right). Library of Congress, Bound for Glory exhibit
Mr. Williams
 by Karen Barbour "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.

Week of February 25 to March 1 - 4th & 5th Grade - CYRM Picture Book for Older Readers

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About the California Young Reader Medal 
2018 Winners Grand View, MBUSD, and statewide results ​
Separate is Never Equal: Sylvia Mendez & Her Family's Fight for Desegregation by Duncan Tonatiuh (Part 1 of 2) Most associate the fight for school integration with the landmark case of Brown v. Board of Education. However, seven years earlier, Mexican-American students in California saw an end to discrimination there. The little girl at the center of that case, Sylvia Mendez, was the daughter of parents who looked forward to sending her to the school near their newly leased farm. When her aunt attempted to register the family children, they were directed to the "Mexican school," despite proficiency in English and citizenship. No one could explain to Mr. Mendez why his children were not allowed to attend the better-appointed school nearby. Despite the reluctance of many fellow Mexican-Americans to cause "problems," he filed a suit, receiving the support of numerous civil rights organizations.

​Intermediate Novel Voting Information for Fourth and Fifth Grade Students

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CYRM Intermediate Novel Category Voting Party. Students in 4th and 5th grade who have read all three nominated novels and who fill out a qualifying worksheet (available for pick-up from the library) by Monday, March 25, are invited to a voting party in the library during their regular lunch time. Pizza, carrots, cookies, and water will be provided. Fifth grade lunch date: Tuesday, March 26. Fourth grade lunch date: Thursday, March 28. Sorry, no make-ups if students are absent on those dates. Questions? Email hsnively@mbusd.org. ​
PAST PRESENTATIONS LISTED FEB 2019 TO AUG 2018