Grand View Elementary School Library Manhattan Beach California

Read-Alouds and Presentations Week to Week by Grade Level

1/9/2023

Week of January 9, 2023 | TK and Kindergarten
Celebrating Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Happy Birthday, Martin Luther King, by Jean Marzollo
Focuses on highlights and accomplishments to help the very young appreciate Dr. King.

Crafty Connection All you need is love coloring sheet
Crafty Connection Use crayons to create scratch art in the style used to illustrate the book. Directions

Week of January 9, 2023 | First Grade
Celebrating Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Martin Luther King Jr. Day, by Mir Tamim Ansary
Introduces Martin Luther King, Jr., Day, explaining the historical events behind it, how it became a holiday, and how it is observed.

Strictly No Elephants, by Lisa Mantchev
Sweetly affirming, a boy and his unusual pet create a space where all are welcome.

Crafty Connection All you need is love coloring sheet

Week of January 9, 2023 | Second Grade
Celebrating Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Martin Luther King Jr. Day, by Mir Tamim Ansary
Introduces Martin Luther King, Jr., Day, explaining the historical events behind it, how it became a holiday, and how it is observed.

The Smallest Girl in the Smallest Grade, by Justin Roberts
Sally McCabe is a very little girl who speaks out about the unkindness she sees, and people start to pay attention.

Crafty Connection MLK coloring sheet

Week of January 9, 2023 | Third Grade
Celebrating Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Video The Story of MLK by Kid President

My Brother Martin: A Sister Remembers, by Christine King Farris
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.

Video Children give speeches inspired by Dr. King

Crafty Connection Have courage and be kind coloring sheet

Week of January 9, 2023 | Fourth Grade
Celebrating Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

My Uncle Martin's Words for America, by Angela Farris Watkins
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.

Video Children give speeches inspired by Dr. King

What a Wonderful World based on the song by Bob Thiele and George David Weiss Illustrations and lyrics introduce a song, first recorded in 1967 by Louis Armstrong, which celebrates the wonders of nature, loving friends, and the promise of the future in a baby's cry.

Video Louis Armstrong sings What a Wonderful World with spoken word introduction.

Video What a Wonderful Word, animation

Crafty Connection What a wonderful world coloring sheet

Week of January 9, 2023 | Fifth Grade
Celebrating Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

MLK August 28, 1963, Washington, DC

President Lyndon Johnson signs Civil Rights Act, July 2, 1964

MLK accepting Nobel Peace Prize December 10, 1964, Oslo, Sweden

The Famous Speech On August 28, 1963, the "I Have a Dream" speech was delivered to over 250,000 civil rights supporters from the steps of the Lincoln Memorial 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 John F. Kennedy.

A Place to Land, by Barry Wittenstein
The backstory to Martin Luther King Jr.'s "I Have a Dream" speech paints a portrait of the struggle Dr. King had with finding just the right words, even up to the night before they were to be delivered, only to abandon the agonized-over speech in favor of improvisation, summoning "the passion of a Sunday morning sermon."

Video I Have a Dream

President Johnson Signs Civil Rights Act 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.

Video Martin Luther King, Jr. accepting the Nobel Peace Prize on December 10, 1964 in Oslo, Sweden .
For students to view at home with their families, if library time is limited.

Say Something! by Peter H. Reynolds
Encourages readers to say something using their actions and words to show the importance and power of their voice to bring about change.

Video Children give speeches inspired by Dr. King

Audio All You Need Is Love

Crafty Connection All you need is love coloring sheet

Read-Alouds and Presentations Week to Week by Grade Level

12/26/2022

December 23, 2022 to January 6, 2023 | Winter Break

GET COZY WITH A CLASSIC

SEASON'S READINGS!

FEELIN' FROSTY? CHILL WITH A GOOD BOOK

Read-Alouds and Presentations Week to Week by Grade Level

12/19/2022

Week of December 19, 2022 | TK | Happy Hanukkah

Sammy Spider's First Hanukkah, by Sylvia A. Rouss
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.

Kitchen Connection Happy Hanukkah coloring sheet with simple latke recipe

Video Directions for At-Home Activity Use blue painter's tape to create a sticky web. Toss paper balls, balloons, and other objects to see what sticks! Click here

Week of December 19, 2022 | Kindergarten | Happy Hanukkah

I Know an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Dreidel, by Caryn Yakowitz
A beloved grandmother spreads out a yummy Hanukkah supper only to develop an insatiable appetite that alarms her family, in a story augmented by parodies of art by such masters as da Vinci, Rembrandt, and Picasso.

Crafty Connection Color and cut out a paper dreidel

Kitchen Connection Happy Hanukkah coloring sheet with simple latke recipe

Week of December 19, 2022 | First Grade | Happy Hanukkah

The Magic Dreidels, by Eric A. Kimmel
When Jacob drops his new dreidel down the well a friendly goblin gives him magic dreidels that are stolen by the neighborhood busybody.

Writing Prompt If you had a magic dreidel, what would it spin out? Print the sheet

Week of December 19, 2022 | Second Grade | Happy Hanukkah

Runaway Dreidel! by Leslea Newman
In this rhyming tale a family's preparations for Hanukkah are disrupted by a wildly spinning dreidel that no one can catch.

Writing Prompt Write a descriptive new ending to explain where the dreidel went. Print the sheet

Week of December 19, 2022 | Third Grade | Happy Hanukkah

Hanukkah Bear, by Eric A. Kimmel
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.

Activity Sheet Help Old Bear find his way to Bubbe Brayna's house. Click here

Kitchen Connection Try this latke recipe from the back of the book. Click here

Directions for At-Home Activity Super simple instructions to finger crochet a cozy scarf. Click here

Week of December 19, 2022 | Fourth Grade | Happy Hanukkah

Hershel and the Hanukkah Goblins, by Eric Kimmel
A resourceful traveler must use his wits to outsmart a pack of ghoulish goblins if he wishes to celebrate a bright and cheery Hanukkah.

Backstory Although what we know about Hershele Ostropolyer (1770?-1810 is based mostly on oral tradition and folklore, he was a real person, thought to have come from Balta, Ukraine. His name is based on the town of Ostropol in Poland where he served as a shohet (ritual slaughterer). According to legend, he lost his job because of his constant joking that offended some community leaders. He then wandered through Ukraine and eventually found his calling as a court jester, frequently mocking the rabbi and his associates but delighting the common folk.

Kitchen Connection Happy Hanukkah coloring sheet with simple latke recipe

Week of December 19, 2022 | Fifth Grade | Happy Hanukkah

The Ninth Night of Hanukkah, by Erica S. Perl
With the help of their new neighbors, two resourceful children are able to celebrate Hanukkah even though they can't find their usual menorah, latke pan, etc., and then are inspired to celebrate a ninth night of Hanukkah as a way to say thank you to everyone who has helped them.

Writing Activity In the spirit of the season, write a compliment to a family member, friend, or neighbor. Print out the example pictured above or design your own using a 3"x5" index card.

Kitchen Connection Happy Hanukkah coloring sheet with simple latke recipe

Read-Alouds and Presentations Week to Week by Grade Level

12/12/2022

Week of December 12, 2022 | TK | Merry Christmas

Crafty Connection Use a pipe cleaner and bell to make a jingly bracelet before reading the story

Mouse's First Christmas, by Lauren Thompson
While exploring the house on Christmas Eve, a little mouse discovers the tree, a candy cane, a stocking, a jingle bell, and Santa Claus.

Video Sing Jingle Bells with the help of the jingle bell bracelet

Crafty Connection Carolers coloring sheet
Holiday Activity Track Santa with NORAD

Week of December 12, 2022 | Kindergarten | Merry Christmas

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

Crafty Connection Wreath coloring sheet
Kitchen Connection Wreath ornament made from cooked spaghetti
Holiday Activity Track Santa with NORAD

Week of December 12, 2022 | First Grade | Merry Christmas

Rabbit's Gift: a Fable from China, by George Shannon
The animals in the forest scurry to store their food away for the cold months ahead, but when Rabbit comes across an extra turnip and decides to have a special meal with his woodland friends, everyone is inspired by his act of generosity and soon demonstrates their thanks in their own special ways.

Marvin's Best Christmas Present Ever, by Katharine Paterson
Marvin makes a special Christmas present. He wants the wreath he made to last forever, but the pine boughs are turning dry and brown as winter turns to spring.

Crafty Connection Wreath coloring sheet
Kitchen Connection Wreath ornament made from cooked spaghetti
Holiday Activity Track Santa with NORAD

Week of December 12, 2022 | Second Grade | Merry Christmas

Ant and Honey Bee, a Pair of Friends in Winter, by Megan McDonald
Brrrr! The leaves are off the trees, and frost is on the ground. It's time for bugs to hunker down and hide out for the winter. But Ant isn't ready to hunker down. Will Honey Bee welcome an interruption of her peace and quiet? (Chapter 3 of 3)

McDuff's New Friend, by Rosemary Wells
On Christmas Eve, McDuff's persistent "woofing" leads to the rescue of Santa, whose sleigh has gotten stuck in the snow.

Little Santa, by Jon Agee
Little Santa loves the North Pole. So, when his family decides to move to sunny Florida, Santa is miserable. Lucky for him, a blizzard foils their plans. The only way out of the house is up the chimney. Up goes Santa to look for help, and along the way he meets a reindeer, a large group of elves... and the rest is history!

Video Sing Along Santa Claus is Coming to Town
Crafty Connection Carolers coloring sheet
Kitchen Connection Wreath ornament made from cooked spaghetti
Holiday Activity Track Santa with NORAD

Week of December 12, 2022 | Third Grade | Merry Christmas

The Best Christmas Pageant Ever, by Barbara Robinson
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.

How Murray Saved Christmas, by Mike Reiss
Up at the North Pole, Santa is unable to deliver presents one Christmas Eve.

Video Sing Along Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer
Crafty Connection Carolers coloring sheet
Kitchen Connection Wreath ornament made from cooked spaghetti
Holiday Activity Track Santa with NORAD

Week of December 12, 2022 | Fourth Grade | Merry Christmas

The Night Before Christmas, by Clement C. Moore
An illustrated presentation of New York clergyman Clement Clark Moore's famous 1822 Christmas poem, "A Visit from St. Nicholas," better known as "The Night Before Christmas."

Video Hurricane Katrina Storm Surge Running time 13:38; view beginning; sample after minute 7:09
Hurricane Katrina was a large and destructive Category 5 Atlantic hurricane that caused 1,833 fatalities and $125 billion in damage in late August 2005, especially in the city of New Orleans and the surrounding areas.

Cajun Night Before Christmas, by Trosclair
A reading of a Cajun version of the classic story in honor of the librarian from New Orleans who lost her entire collection in Hurricane Katrina, but not her optimistic outlook on life.

Live Video The Manhattan Beach Pier
Sing Along Jingle Bells at the Beach
Crafty Connection Make a telescoping palm tree
Holiday Activity Track Santa with NORAD

Week of December 13, 2021 | Fifth Grade
Peace on Earth at Christmas --and Always-- Begins with Us

The GATOR Good Peace on Earth begins with each of us. Find your inner peace at the calm center of your being and then share that feeling through kind acts to others.

The Wall in the Middle of the Book, by Jon Agee
Though a knight is confident that the wall in the middle of the book protects his side from the dangers of the other side, he fails to notice the danger lies on his own side of the wall.

The Duck in the Gun, by Joy Cowley
The War was ready to begin but then a duck was discovered nesting in the barrel of the only cannon.

Shooting at the Stars, by John Hendrix
On Christmas Eve during the trench warfare of World War I, in the bitter winter of 1914, a virtual miracle occurred. Enemies on both sides stopped fighting and began to sing Silent Night. On Christmas Day, enemy soldiers walked into the open ground between the trenches and shook hands. They exchanged biscuits and buttons and belts from their uniforms as souvenirs.

Video The Christmas Truce of 1914 from Oh! What a Lovely War running time 3:39
Video I Believe in Father Christmas by Greg Lake, 1975
Initially written to protest the commercialization of the Christmas holiday the words also speak of peace and hope that lie ahead, if we collectively work toward a kinder way of living.
Crafty Connection Paper snowflake video tutorial. Folding and snipping paper snowflakes can be a way to slow down, breathe, and find the peace that can come with focus.

Read-Alouds and Presentations Week to Week by Grade Level

12/5/2022

Week of December 5, 2022 | TK | Friendship Fun in Winter

Penguin and Pinecone, by Salina Yoon
Penguin finds a lost pinecone one day and an unlikely friendship blooms. Penguin discovers that love conquers distance and friendship grows stronger over time in this story of love and acceptance.

Close Reading Questions
1. Do the penguins love the forest? How can you tell?
2. Why do you think Pinecone dropped a pinecone in Penguin's sled?
3. Who do you think dropped the pinecone that penguin found on the first page? Why was it important to the story? Find the page(s) or text that supports your answer.

Crafty Connection Decorate pre-folded pine-tree-with-scarf bookmarks demonstration video

Week of December 5, 2022 | Kindergarten | Winter Wishes

Snow Dance, by Lezlie Evans
Two sisters perform a dance to make it snow and when it snows all through the night they bundle up and head outside for a busy day of angel making, snowball fights, and sledding.

Snow Dance Rituals They vary from person to person, but besides dancing, common snow dance rituals include sleeping with a spoon under your pillow, flushing ice cubes down the toilet, putting a white crayon in the freezer, or wearing your pajamas inside out and backwards.

Crafty Connection Experiment drawing with chalk and ice cubes on construction paper

At-Home Crafty Connection Snow Dance coloring sheet has a link to instructions to make "snow" using simple household ingredients

Week of December 5, 2022 | First Grade
Curriculum Connection: Step-by-Step How-to Writing Style

How to Bicycle to the Moon and Plant Sunflowers, by Mordecai Gerstein
A whimsical guide for aspiring young space travelers shares step-by-step instructions for using a bicycle, a garden hose, a large slingshot and a borrowed space suit to travel to the moon.

Crafty Connection Sunflower coloring sheet

How to Give Your Cat a Bath, by Nicola Winstanley
A little girl and her kitty make an escalating mess while respectively trying to follow and resist the cat-bathing instructions of a narrator who oversimplifies the process.

Video Cats that love baths

Crafty Connection Cat bookmarks coloring sheet

Week of December 5, 2022 | Second Grade | Winter Friends

Week of December 5, 2022 | Third Grade
Curriculum Connection: Reading Nonfiction

Time Zones, by David A. Adler
Mathematics and geography are combined with simple language to introduce the concept of time zones.

Video Time zones for kids

Crafty Connection Paper watch/bracelet with memo pad

Week of December 5, 2022 | Fourth Grade
Curriculum Connection: Reading Nonfiction and Growth Mindset

Video Slinky television commercial 1962

The Marvelous Thing that Came from a Spring, by Gilbert Ford
The toy was conceived during WWII, when an engineer noticed a spring he'd been working on could "walk" from a shelf. It gained momentum as a pop culture icon when his wife named the toy and marketed it.

Video Hear the story read by Kendra Helsel. The close up page views allow readers to notice the detailed illustrations featuring engineering tools and classic toys, such as using a twisted pipe cleaner to represent steam from a coffee cup!

Video Human Slinky

Crafty Connection Make a paper slinky following these video directions

Week of December 5, 2022 | Fifth Grade
Curriculum Connection: Reading Nonfiction and Social Justice

Lizzie Magie (1866-1948)

Charles Darrow (1889-1967)

Pass Go and Collect $200, the Real Story of How Monopoly was Invented, by Tanya Lee Stone
Monopoly's success as a board game boils down to the ideas and innovations of two individuals: Elizabeth "Lizzie" Magie (1866-1948) and Charles Darrow (1889-1967) -- but they weren't working together. Magie, a feisty woman who cared about social justice, created the Landlord's Game in 1903, hoping to educate the public about unfair practices within the real estate market. Roughly 30 years later, Darrow played an iteration of Magie's game and saw room for improvement -- and an opportunity to make money. He skillfully marketed his polished version of the game, calling it Monopoly.

Did You Know? These days, there are more than 300 versions of Monopoly including Star Wars, Pokemon and even Manhattan Beach, featuring the Manhattan Beach Pier, Shade Hotel, Polliwog Park, and the Kettle and more local landmarks.

Read-Alouds and Presentations Week to Week by Grade Level

11/28/2022

Week of November 28, 2022 | TK | Bundle Up in Winter

Video Segment Animal Behavior (Owl Cam)
Discovery Education Streaming Video (password protected)

Owl Babies, by Martin Waddell
Video Owl Babies picture book animation
Three baby owls worry when they awaken one night to find their mother gone.

Little Owl's Orange Scarf, by Tatyana Feeney
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?

Crafty Connection Look closely at Little Owl. Do you see how the strokes used in the illustration could be the shapes of letters? Draw Little Owl and his scarf on bookmark-sized paper.

Week of November 28, 2022 | Kindergarten | Winter Playtime

Live Video The Manhattan Beach Pier

Recess at 20 Below, by Cindy Lou Aillaud
How cold does it have to be before Alaskan kids stay inside for recess? For many schools, if it is colder than 20 below zero, they stay indoors; otherwise, it's outside for frosty fun! Compare and contrast with Grand View Kindergarten playground (center field at far right).

Video Putting on Snow Clothes First graders show how quickly they can put on their snow clothes all by themselves. Get out several layers of outerwear and see how fast you can put the items on!

Crafty Connection Snowmen coloring sheet

Week of November 28, 2022 | First Grade | Winter Weather

Live Video The Manhattan Beach Pier

The Blizzard of 1978
New England was hit by a nor'easter with hurricane-force winds approximately 86 mph with gusts up to 111 mph. A typical nor'easter brings steady snow for six to twelve hours, the Blizzard of '78 brought heavy snow for a full 33 hours.

Blizzard, by John Rocco
After a massive blizzard, a boy becomes a hero when he manages to walk to the local store and bring supplies back to his neighborhood which has been snowed in for days. Based on the author's childhood experience. Compare and contrast this experience with a typical Southern California winter.

Crafty Connections Enjoy this snowmen coloring sheet or make a simple snow globe

Week of November 28, 2022 | Second Grade | Winter Fun

Ant and Honey Bee, a Pair of Friends in Winter, by Megan McDonald
Brrrr! The leaves are off the trees, and frost is on the ground. It's time for bugs to hunker down and hide out for the winter. But Ant isn't ready to hunker down. Will Honey Bee welcome an interruption of her peace and quiet? (Chapter 1 of 3)

Lemonade in Winter, a Book About Kids Counting Money, by Emily Jenkins
Despite snow on the ground, icicles on window sills, and discouraging words from their parents, Pauline and her little brother, John-John, decide to open a lemonade stand.

Connection What do you do differently when the weather turns colder?
Video Extremely Epic Blanket Fort
Fun Stuff Honey Bears Coloring Sheet and Busy as a Bee Activity Sheet

Week of November 28, 2022 | Third Grade | Elements of Mystery

Elements of Mystery A mystery is a story about a secret or something that is not easily explained. The elements of mystery include: suspect, victim, evidence, witness, detective, crime, alibi, clue, red herring.

Grandpa's Teeth, by Rod Clement
It's a disaster when Grandpa's set of dentures goes missing and the whole town has to smile broadly all the time to prove they did not steal the teeth, and all that odd grinning scares away the tourists, causing the economy of the town to suffer. Who took those choppers?

Video How are dentures made?
Crafty Connection Dental hygiene coloring sheet

Week of November 28, 2022 | Fourth Grade | Curriculum Connection
Narrative Nonfiction and Endangered Animals Report

Jane Goodall (b. 1934, London)

Me...Jane by Patrick McDonnell Little Jane loves her stuffed animal, a chimpanzee named Jubilee, and carries him everywhere she goes. Mainly, they go outdoors, where they watch birds building their nests and squirrels chasing each other. Jane reads about animals in books and keeps a notebook of sketches, information, and puzzles. Feeling her kinship with all of nature, she often climbs her favorite tree and reads about another Jane, Tarzan's Jane. She dreams that one day she, too, will live in the African jungle and help the animals. And one day, she does.

The Watcher: Jane Goodall's Life with the Chimps by Jeannette Winter Goodall's passionate love of nature began in early childhood. As an adult, she moved to Tanzania, making the study and protection of the chimpanzees in the Gombe forest a focus of international fascination.

Video Segment Meet Jane Goodall Discovery Education Streaming Video (password protected)

Video Learn more about the life and work of Jane Goodall (running time about 13 min.)

Crafty Connection Step-by-step directions for a folded monkey corner bookmark

Week of November 28, 2022 | Fifth Grade | Curriculum Connection
Narrative Nonfiction and the Genius Report

Video Images from of W.A. Bentley's book set to guitar music

Winter Bees, by Joyce Sidman
Begin with the science information for the poem titled "Snowflake Wakes."

Snow Flake Bentley, by Jacqueline Briggs Martin
For almost half a century, Wilson Bentley caught and photographed thousands of snowflakes in his workshop at Jericho, Vermont, and made available to scientists and art instructors samples of his remarkable work. His singularity of purpose and passion is astonishing.

Video The Snowflake Man: a short film about Snowflake Bentley
Snow Crystals, by W. A. Bentley
In 1931, the American Meteorological Society gathered together the best of these plus some slides of frost, glaze, sleet, soft hail, and dew on vegetation and on spider webs. Over 2,000 beautiful crystals reveal the wonder of nature's diversity in uniformity; no two are alike, yet all are based on a common hexagon.

The Secret of Water: for the Children of the World, by Masaru Emoto
Presents an environmentally friendly introduction to water, its uses, its importance, and invites children to learn about the connection between water and all living things.

Video Children gather in gratitude to see if their thoughts can affect water.

Winter Bees, by Joyce Sidman
Conclude with the poem titled "Snowflake Wakes."

Crafty Connections Snowmen coloring sheet | Step-by-step paper snowflakes

Read-Alouds and Presentations Week to Week by Grade Level

11/21/2022

Looking for content from previous weeks? Scroll further down.

Week of November 21, 2022

No School -- Thanksgiving Holiday

Read-Alouds and Presentations Week to Week by Grade Level

11/14/2022

Week of November 14, 2022 | TK | Gratitude & Food Fun

Thanks for Thanksgiving, by Julie Markes
At Thanksgiving time, children express their gratitude for the people and things in their lives.

The Beastly Feast, by Bruce Goldstone
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!

Crafty Connection Trace "turkey hand" on reverse of Thanksgiving coloring sheet

Week of November 14, 2022 | Kindergarten | Manners & Dining Fun

Mind Your Manners, B.B. Wolf by Judy Sierra
Politeness and manners are always in good taste.

The Gruffalo by Julia Donaldson
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.

Crafty Connection Trace "turkey hand" on reverse of Gruffalo Crumble recipe and coloring sheet

Week of November 14, 2022 | First Grade | Step-by-Step Writing

Video Cranberry: How Does It Grow?
Time for Cranberries, by Lisl H. Detlefsen
A little boy helps his parents harvest cranberries on their family farm step by step: from flooding the field to preparing the vines for the picking machine to delivering the fruit to the receiving station.
Recipe Cranberry Pie recipe and coloring sheet

A Fine Dessert, by Emily Jenkins
Shows how food, technology, and families have changed throughout American history. Four families, in four cities, over four centuries, make the same dessert: Blackberry Fool. 1710 in Lyme, England. 1810 in Charleston, SC. 1910 in Boston, MA. Present day in San Diego, CA.
Video Instant whipped cream kitchen tool
Video Author/illustrator interview and recipe
Recipe Blackberry Fool recipe and coloring sheet

Week of November 14, 2022 | Second Grade | Harvest Fun/Gratitude

The Ugly Pumpkin, by Dave Horowitz
A lonely, oddly-shaped pumpkin is sad that no one chose him for Halloween, but he soon discovers where he belongs.

The Thankful Book, by Todd Parr
A celebration of the many things for which young children can be grateful, from everyday activities like reading and bath time to big family meals and special shared moments with parents.

Crafty Connection Draw or write a gratitude or two on the reverse of the Thanksgiving coloring sheet

Week of November 14, 2022 | Third Grade | Thanksgiving Traditions

Tony Sarg (1880-1942)

Felix the Cat 1927

Superman 1945

Balloons over Broadway, by Melissa Sweet
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.
After World War I, Sarg moved to New York City and quickly gained a reputation as a practical joker, the life of the party and a tireless worker. In his various ventures, the designer, inventor and illustrator worked on cartoons, children’s books, mechanical toys, advertising, and window displays and balloons.

Thanksgiving Day Parade History and Balloons of Today social.macys.com/parade
Crafty Connection Thanksgiving coloring sheet

Week of November 14, 2022 | Fourth Grade
Thanksgiving and Indigenous Traditions

Thanksgiving Is... by Gail Gibbons
Provides information about the origins and meaning of Thanksgiving in America, and describes many of the symbols and traditions associated with the holiday, including feasts and parades.

Website The National Women's History Museum provides a brief biography of Sarah J. Hale (b. New Hampshire 1788-d. Pennsylvania 1879)
Thank You, Sarah, by Laurie Halse Anderson
Relates how Sarah Hale, a magazine editor and author, persuaded President Lincoln to transform Thanksgiving Day into a national holiday.

Crafty Connection Ojos de Dios were made by the Huichol, an indigenous group in Mexico, during the 15th century and have become a popular southwest holiday tradition. The Huichol considered them good luck and used them for protection. The Huichol people have strong connections to the land, and their spiritual beliefs are aligned with nature. The four ends of the Ojos de Dios represent water, fire, air and earth. Video directions using sticks and yarn

Week of November 14, 2022 | Fifth Grade | No Place for Hate Week
Feeling Thankful and Joining Together for a Stronger Community

Feeling Thankful, by Shelly Rotner and Sheila Kelly
Words and pictures help children reflect on what they feel thankful for.

The Hill We Climb, by Amanda Gorman and recorded for TIME
Amanda S. C. Gorman is an American poet and activist. Her work focuses on issues of oppression, feminism, race, and marginalization, as well as the African diaspora. Born in 1998, Gorman is the youngest inaugural poet in U.S. history. The Hill We Climb calls for unity, collaboration, and togetherness.

This Story is not About a Kitten, by Randall de Seve
An ode to community and kindness.

Crafty Connection Thanksgiving coloring sheet

Read-Alouds and Presentations Week to Week by Grade Level

11/7/2022

Week of November 7, 2022 | TK and Kindergarten
Picture Book Month and Seasonal Veggie Silliness

I Yam a Donkey! by Cece Bell
Last week we met a bored potato. This week, a stern yam corrects a grammatically-challenged donkey.

Crafty Connection Draw a yam bookmark on orange construction paper.
Website Picture Book Month

Week of November 7, 2022 | First Grade
Picture Book Month | Introducing Int'l Food Showcase on 11/15

The Sandwich Swap, by Her Majesty Queen Rania Al Abdullah, with Kelly DiPucchio
Best friends Lily and Salma disagree over their preferred foods.

I Really Like Slop! by Mo Willems
Can Gerald find the courage to taste Piggie's slop?

Kitchen Connection Recipe for peanut butter hummus dip
Grand View's International Food Showcase After school event on 11/15
Website Picture Book Month

Week of November 7, 2022 | Second Grade
Picture Book Month and National Monuments

Video Washington, D.C., tour
One More Acorn, by Don Freeman
As winter nears, Earl the Squirrel searches for the acorns he stashed in the parks of Washington, D.C. Iconic author/illustrator Don Freeman began this story in 1963. His son completed it with help from an illustrator almost 50 years later.

Crafty Connection Make leaf rubbings on the reverse of the Find the Alligator coloring sheet.
Website Picture Book Month

Week of November 7, 2022 | Third Grade
Picture Books Teach Gratitude for Equine Veterans

Video Veteran's Day | PBS Kids
Background Video Sergeant Reckless, a Horse of a Different Breed | view minute 0:54-1:43

Sergeant Reckless, by Patricia McCormick
With every war comes stories of heroism. In this case, it's a little mare used to haul ammunition by U.S. soldiers during the Korean War. Though the marines had doubts about her ability to haul the heavy loads, they began her training. It quickly became apparent that not only did Reckless have a large heart, she'd also consume anything-including chocolate, Coca-Cola, and poker chips.

Training Activity Do you have a dog at home? See if you can train your dog to carry a basket, following the steps in this video. Note the similarities and differences in how the dog is taught and how Reckless was taught.

Kitchen Connection Reckless surely did love sweets! Use leftover Halloween candy to bake Candy Loaded Oatmeal Bars.
Website Picture Book Month

Week of November 7, 2022 | Fourth Grade
Picture Books Teach Gratitude for Canine Veterans

Video Veteran's Day | PBS Kids

Wag! by Patrick McDonnell
A little dog is eager to please.

Dogs on Duty, by Dorothy Hinshaw Patent
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.

Video A salute to military working dogs.
Website Picture Book Month

Week of November 7, 2022 | Fifth Grade
Picture Books Teach Gratitude for Caprine Veterans

Sergeant Billy returns

Video Veteran's Day | PBS Kids

Sergeant Billy, the True Story of the Goat Who Went to War, by Mireille Messier
In 1914, Canadian soldiers headed for battle in France borrowed a goat from a girl and promised to bring him back. He trained with his new buddies and, despite orders, they smuggled him aboard their ship. The goat did well in the trenches, comforted and amused the soldiers, and was even jailed as a spy.

Website Picture Book Month

Read-Alouds and Presentations Week to Week by Grade Level

10/31/2022

Week of October 31, 2022 | TK and Kindergarten
November Picture Book Month and Seasonal Veggie Silliness

I'm Bored, by Michael Ian Black
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.

Crafty Connection Students draw a potato bookmark.
Website Picture Book Month

Week of October 31, 2022 | First Grade
November Picture Book Month and Patience

Betty Bunny Loves Chocolate Cake, by Michael B. Kaplan
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.

Video A little girl mixes and bakes chocolate cake in a cup
Crafty Connection Patience mandala coloring sheet
Website Picture Book Month

Week of October 31, 2022 | Second Grade
November Picture Book Month and Patience

Corduroy Writes a Letter, by Don Freeman
When Lisa notices that her favorite cookies have fewer sprinkles, her mother suggests that she write a letter to the bakery.

Crafty Connection Students write a kind note of appreciation on a Teddy Bear to be given to a teacher, friend, or family member.
Website Picture Book Month

Week of October 31, 2022 | Third Grade
Picture Books and the Role of Empathy in Conflict Resolution

What Grew in Larry's Garden, by Laura Alary
Helping her teacher next-door neighbor with his amazing garden, young Grace learns powerful lessons in community teamwork and environmental mindfulness when a plan for the garden's vegetables is threatened by an unanticipated problem.

Give It a Try This video shows how to start tomato plants from tomato slices.
Crafty Connection Conflict resolution strategies coloring sheet
Website Picture Book Month

Week of October 31, 2022 | Fourth Grade
November Picture Book Month and the Spirit of Creativity

Video Joseph Cornell art boxes
The Amazing Collection of Joey Cornell, by Candace Fleming
Tells of the childhood of artist and sculptor Joseph Cornell (1903-1972) and details his painstaking collections of innumerable ordinary objects that he assembled into creations of astonishing art.

Crafty Connection Students will cut and fold discarded Thanksgiving cards into boxes | how-to-steps
Video Create a Cornell art box at home with interesting paper and ordinary objects
Website Picture Book Month

Week of October 31, 2022 | Fifth Grade
November Picture Book Month and the Power of Unity

Cooperative Hula Hoop Balance Game Students in groups of 5-6 will start with one hula hoop at about nose level and using only their fingertips, they need to work together to lower the hoops to the ground.
Video example of the challenge Video example of the technique

Unstoppable, by Adam Rex
When a bird and a crab team up to combine the advantages of flight and claws, it gives them an idea: why not expand the team to include other animals who have a special trait--and soon they all set out to rescue their lake from development, because united together they are unstoppable.

The Three Billy Goats Gruff, by Mac Barnett
When the three Billy Goats Gruff decide to clip-clop across the bridge to get to the grassy ridge, a hungry troll is already imagining all the ways to prepare a delicious goat dinner.

Website Picture Book Month

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Week of January 9, 2023 | TK and Kindergarten​Celebrating Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Week of January 9, 2023 | First Grade​Celebrating Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Week of January 9, 2023 | Second Grade​Celebrating Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Week of January 9, 2023 | Third Grade​Celebrating Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Week of January 9, 2023 | Fourth Grade​Celebrating Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Week of January 9, 2023 | Fifth Grade​Celebrating Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

December 23, 2022 to January 6, 2023 | Winter Break

Week of December 19, 2022 | TK | Happy Hanukkah

Week of December 19, 2022 | Kindergarten | Happy Hanukkah

Week of December 19, 2022 | First Grade | Happy Hanukkah

Week of December 19, 2022 | Second Grade | Happy Hanukkah

Week of December 19, 2022 | Third Grade | Happy Hanukkah

Week of December 19, 2022 | Fourth Grade | Happy Hanukkah

​Week of December 19, 2022 | Fifth Grade | Happy Hanukkah

Week of December 12, 2022 | TK | Merry Christmas

Week of December 12, 2022 | Kindergarten | Merry Christmas

Week of December 12, 2022 | First Grade | Merry Christmas

Week of December 12, 2022 | Second Grade | Merry Christmas

Week of December 12, 2022 | Third Grade | Merry Christmas

Week of December 12, 2022 | Fourth Grade | Merry Christmas

Week of December 13, 2021 | Fifth GradePeace on Earth at Christmas --and Always-- Begins with Us

Week of December 5, 2022 | TK | Friendship Fun in Winter

​Week of December 5, 2022 | Kindergarten | Winter Wishes

Week of December 5, 2022 | First GradeCurriculum Connection: Step-by-Step How-to Writing Style

Week of December 5, 2022 | Second Grade | Winter Friends

​Week of December 5, 2022 | Third GradeCurriculum Connection: Reading Nonfiction

​Week of December 5, 2022 | Fourth GradeCurriculum Connection: Reading Nonfiction and Growth Mindset

Week of December 5, 2022 | Fifth GradeCurriculum Connection: Reading Nonfiction and Social Justice

Week of November 28, 2022 | TK | Bundle Up in Winter

Week of November 28, 2022 | Kindergarten | Winter Playtime

Week of November 28, 2022 | First Grade | Winter Weather

Week of November 28, 2022 | Second Grade | Winter Fun

Week of November 28, 2022 | Third Grade | Elements of Mystery

Week of November 28, 2022 | Fourth Grade | Curriculum ConnectionNarrative Nonfiction and Endangered Animals Report

Week of November 28, 2022 | Fifth Grade | Curriculum ConnectionNarrative Nonfiction and the Genius Report

​Week of November 21, 2022

Week of November 14, 2022 | TK | Gratitude & Food Fun

Week of November 14, 2022 | Kindergarten | Manners & Dining Fun

Week of November 14, 2022 | First Grade | Step-by-Step Writing

Week of November 14, 2022 | Second Grade | Harvest Fun/Gratitude

Week of November 14, 2022 | Third Grade | Thanksgiving Traditions

Week of November 14, 2022 | Fourth GradeThanksgiving and Indigenous Traditions

Week of November 14, 2022 | Fifth Grade | No Place for Hate WeekFeeling Thankful and Joining Together for a Stronger Community

Week of November 7, 2022 | TK and KindergartenPicture Book Month and Seasonal Veggie Silliness

Week of November 7, 2022 | First GradePicture Book Month | Introducing Int'l Food Showcase on 11/15

Week of November 7, 2022 | Second GradePicture Book Month and National Monuments

Week of November 7, 2022 | Third GradePicture Books Teach Gratitude for Equine Veterans

Week of November 7, 2022 | Fourth GradePicture Books Teach Gratitude for Canine Veterans

Week of November 7, 2022 | Fifth GradePicture Books Teach Gratitude for Caprine Veterans

Week of October 31, 2022 | TK and KindergartenNovember Picture Book Month and Seasonal Veggie Silliness

Week of October 31, 2022 | First GradeNovember Picture Book Month and Patience

Week of October 31, 2022 | Second GradeNovember Picture Book Month and Patience

Week of October 31, 2022 | Third GradePicture Books and the Role of Empathy in Conflict Resolution

Week of October 31, 2022 | Fourth GradeNovember Picture Book Month and the Spirit of Creativity

Week of October 31, 2022 | Fifth GradeNovember Picture Book Month and the Power of Unity

Library Program

Archives

Categories

Week of January 9, 2023 | TK and Kindergarten
Celebrating Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Week of January 9, 2023 | First Grade
Celebrating Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Week of January 9, 2023 | Second Grade
Celebrating Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Week of January 9, 2023 | Third Grade
Celebrating Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Week of January 9, 2023 | Fourth Grade
Celebrating Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Week of January 9, 2023 | Fifth Grade
Celebrating Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Week of December 19, 2022 | Fifth Grade | Happy Hanukkah

Week of December 13, 2021 | Fifth Grade
Peace on Earth at Christmas --and Always-- Begins with Us

Week of December 5, 2022 | Kindergarten | Winter Wishes

Week of December 5, 2022 | First Grade
Curriculum Connection: Step-by-Step How-to Writing Style

Week of December 5, 2022 | Third Grade
Curriculum Connection: Reading Nonfiction

Week of December 5, 2022 | Fourth Grade
Curriculum Connection: Reading Nonfiction and Growth Mindset

Week of December 5, 2022 | Fifth Grade
Curriculum Connection: Reading Nonfiction and Social Justice

Week of November 28, 2022 | Fourth Grade | Curriculum Connection
Narrative Nonfiction and Endangered Animals Report

Week of November 28, 2022 | Fifth Grade | Curriculum Connection
Narrative Nonfiction and the Genius Report

Week of November 21, 2022

Week of November 14, 2022 | Fourth Grade
Thanksgiving and Indigenous Traditions

Week of November 14, 2022 | Fifth Grade | No Place for Hate Week
Feeling Thankful and Joining Together for a Stronger Community

Week of November 7, 2022 | TK and Kindergarten
Picture Book Month and Seasonal Veggie Silliness

Week of November 7, 2022 | First Grade
Picture Book Month | Introducing Int'l Food Showcase on 11/15

Week of November 7, 2022 | Second Grade
Picture Book Month and National Monuments

Week of November 7, 2022 | Third Grade
Picture Books Teach Gratitude for Equine Veterans

Week of November 7, 2022 | Fourth Grade
Picture Books Teach Gratitude for Canine Veterans

Week of November 7, 2022 | Fifth Grade
Picture Books Teach Gratitude for Caprine Veterans

Week of October 31, 2022 | TK and Kindergarten
November Picture Book Month and Seasonal Veggie Silliness

Week of October 31, 2022 | First Grade
November Picture Book Month and Patience

Week of October 31, 2022 | Second Grade
November Picture Book Month and Patience

Week of October 31, 2022 | Third Grade
Picture Books and the Role of Empathy in Conflict Resolution

Week of October 31, 2022 | Fourth Grade
November Picture Book Month and the Spirit of Creativity

Week of October 31, 2022 | Fifth Grade
November Picture Book Month and the Power of Unity