Week of May 29, 2023 | TK | Sharing
Monkey and Cake are normally good friends, but today Cake is building a no-Monkey fort--until Monkey teaches him a lesson about being alone and he realizes that forts (and other things) are much better when they are shared.
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.
Crafty Connection Craft a brown bag bear puppet using paint and cut-out shapes, or simplify by using markers instead.
Week of May 29, 2023 | Kindergarten | Fun with Cats & Kindness
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
Crafty Connection Create a bracelet made with buttons and pipe cleaners.
Week of May 29, 2023 | First Grade | Fun with Cats and Kindness
Horatio, the cat, is quite disgruntled when his owner starts to bring other pets into the house. He runs away to get some peace but finds his troubles just beginning.
June is Adopt-A-Shelter-Cat Month Click for info
Crafty Connection Draw Horatio step-by-step from the book cover
Week of May 29, 2023 | Second Grade | Joy of Reading
A bit of reverse psychology employed by King Frederick the Great of Prussia helped make the potato the fourth largest food crop in the world today.
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. Conclusion: chapters 4 and 5
Crafty Connection Video directions to make an owl using a potato stamp or recreate using crayons
Week of May 29, 2023 | Third Grade | Fascinating Worms
Mary Elizabeth relates the humorous misadventures of her brother Louis in this collection of short stories. This week: The Adoption of Albert
Earthworms, Kevin J. Holmes
An introduction to earthworms' physical characteristics, habits, behavior, and relationships to humans.
Story Extender Can you add coffee grounds to your worm farm?
Crafty Connection Directions to fold a corner bookmark
At-Home Connection Paint with coffee
Week of May 29, 2023 | Fourth Grade | Kindness Goes Around
Ordinary Mary's Extraordinary Deed, by Emily Pearson
A young girl's good deed is multiplied as it is passed on by those who have been touched by the kindness of others. Reflect how this book connects to Tucky Jo and Little Heart, by Patricia Polacco.
Video Actions have consequences: PBJ machine
Activity Rock painting tutorial with suggested supplies, step-by-step and simple designs
Week of May 29, 2023 | Fifth Grade | Kintsugi
Celebrating Mental Health Month and AAPI Month in Art
Kintsugi is the Japanese art of putting broken pottery pieces back together with gold — built on the idea that by embracing flaws and imperfections, you can create an even stronger, more beautiful piece of art. Every break is unique and instead of repairing an item like new, the 400-year-old technique actually highlights the "scars" as a part of the design. Using this as a metaphor for healing ourselves teaches us an important lesson: Sometimes in the process of repairing things that have broken, we actually create something more unique, beautiful and resilient.
Golden Threads, by Suzanne Del Rizzo
A tale inspired by the Japanese art form of kintsugi follows the experiences of a beloved stuffed fox that is swept from its young owner by a storm and lovingly repaired by a girl who is recovering from an injury before she endeavors to return the toy to its home
Video The art of kintsugi
Crafty Connection Decorate bookmarks to pass on incoming TK and Kindergarten students