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

6/2/2024

 
​Looking for content from previous weeks? Scroll further down.

Week of June 3, 2024 | TK | Chill Out with Summer Reading

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Can't Catch Me, by John Hassett
A sassy ice cube escapes from the freezer and runs away to sea.

Crafty Connection Draw the ice cube on blue construction paper and "color" it in with an ice cube

Summer Reading MBUSD reading lists and more

Week of June 3, 2024 | Kindergarten | Escape with Summer Reading

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Inky's Amazing Escape, by Sy Montgomery
When an octopus is whisked away to captivity in an aquarium, he manages to escape by squeezing out of his tank, sliding through the aquarium, and back out to sea, Based upon the 2016 escape from the New Zealand National Aquarium by an octopus named Inky.

Crafty Connection Draw Inky


Summer Reading MBUSD reading lists and more

Week of June 3, 2024 | First Grade | Happy Ends & Summer Reading

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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.
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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.

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Summer Reading MBUSD reading lists and more

Week of June 3, 2024 | Second Grade
Enjoy Your Public Library this Summer | Learn Facts & Have Fun

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The Man Who Loved Libraries, by Andrew Larsen
Andrew Carnegie was born in Scotland in 1835 and emigrated to the United States with his parents in 1848. Helping to support his family, Carnegie worked in a cotton mill. Later he became a messenger boy and then a telegraph operator. Always a hard worker, Carnegie saved and invested his earnings. By age 35 he was a very rich man, and over his lifetime was able to fulfill his lifelong desire to give away half a billion dollars. Much of the money went to the building of more than 2,500 public libraries around the world. His philanthropy revolutionized public libraries, which were not widespread at that time.

Video The Man Who Loved Libraries, an introduction by author Andrew Larsen

I Just Ate My Friend, by Heidi McKinnon
Having eaten his only friend, a monster seeks a new companion but each creature he meets has a good reason not to serve as a replacement. We've all been there.

Do Not Lick This Book (It's Full of Germs), by Idan Ben-Barak and Julian Frost
Everything is full of germs, from your socks to the top of Mount Everest. The tour concludes with more formal introductions and profiles for E. coli, Streptococcus, and more. Science at its best: informative and gross.

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Summer Reading MBUSD reading lists and more

Week of June 3, 2024 | Third Grade | Summer Reading
Fill Your Home with Books to Have Fun and Learn

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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 (part 2 of 2)

At-Home Connection Paint with coffee

My Pet Wants a Pet, by Elise Broach
A child's mother, reluctant to allow even one pet in the family, is increasingly unhappy as each new pet wants a pet of its own.


The Little Red Cat Who Ran Away and Learned His ABC's, by Patrick McDonnell
A little red cat runs away from home and begins an alphabetical adventure. Because of its (nearly) wordless nature, readers can make up their own stories while also hunting for what represents the letter on the page. Although some are obvious, in some illustrations, there may be multiple answers, providing a great opportunity for vocabulary building.

Week of June 3, 2024 | Fourth Grade | Summer Reading
Keep Reading for Fun to Train Your Brain for Fall Learning

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Your Fantastic Elastic Brain, by JoAnn Deak
Introduces the anatomy and functions of the brain; describes how the the brain is able to stretch and grow; and explains how mistakes are an essential part of learning.
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Alex the Parrot, by Stephanie Spinner
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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

Summer Reading MBUSD reading lists and more

Week of June 3, 2024 | Fifth Grade | Summer Reading at MBMS
Later, Gators! Time Flies When You're Having Fun

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MBMS library
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Mrs. Laurie Reiter, MBMS library specialist
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The End, by David LaRochelle
A princess starts a chain of events when she makes lemonade.

​The Night Before First Grade, by Natasha Wing

Penny's excitement over the start of first grade turns to sadness when she and her best friend are placed in different classrooms, but they make the best of it--and some new friends.

Required Summer Reading at Manhattan Beach Middle School Entering 6th Grade 2024 Book List

Your Deep Doodles What do your doodles reveal about your character and your personality? Students will draw a few doodles and find out what they may represent.

Read-Alouds and Presentations Week to Week by Grade Level

5/27/2024

 

Week of May 27, 2024 | TK | Vacation Plans

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Hamilton Fountain in New York City
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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.

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.
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Crafty Connection Goldfish coloring sheet and/or trace handprint onto a paper plate, color it like a goldfish and add plant shapes, sand, and other embellishments (see example above).

Week of May 27, 2024 | Kindergarten | We Love to Help at Home

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The Little Red Hen, by Paul Galdone
The little red hen finds none of her lazy friends willing to help her plant, harvest, or grind wheat into flour, but all are eager to eat the cake she makes from it. Read by Ms. Andibeez, running time 3:39

Put it on the List, by Kristen Darbyshire
When family members see the consequences of forgetting to write things on the grocery list, they not only do better at keeping the list up-to-date, they also help with the shopping.

Kitchen Connection Basic vanilla butter cake recipe with coloring sheet

Week of May 27, 2024 | First Grade | Puppy Fun

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Videos Cuteness overload French bulldogs and toy poodles 

Gaston, by Kelly DiPucchio
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
Raised in a family of talented bulldogs, Antoinette the poodle wonders what makes her special. She gets the chance to prove herself and find what she's good at when puppy Ooh-La-La goes missing
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Crafty Connection Color and cut out dog ears to attach to hair with tape

Week of May 27, 2024 | Second Grade | Joy of Reading

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The Potato King, by Christoph Niemann
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

Video The Potato Song It is so nice, we play it twice!


At-Home Crafty Connection Video directions to make an owl using a potato stamp at home or create in the library using crayons and markers: play video to second 0:08 so students may copy the picture.

Week of May 27, 2023 | Third Grade | Fascinating Worms

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Earthworms, Kevin J. Holmes
An introduction to earthworms' physical characteristics, habits, behavior, and relationships to humans.

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 part 1 of 2

Crafty Connection Directions to fold a corner bookmark 

Week of May 27, 2024 | Fourth Grade | Kindness Goes Around Again

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Video Kid President explains how to change the world with kindness 

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 


At-Home Crafty Connection Rock painting how-to with suggested supplies and simple designs

Week of May 27, 2024 | Fifth Grade | Kintsugi
Celebrating Mental Health Month and AAPI Month in Art

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Kintsugi
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

Read-Alouds and Presentations Week to Week by Grade Level

5/20/2024

 

Week of May 20, 2024 | TK | Kindness Week Spotlight on Sharing

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This Is MY Fort! by Drew Daywalt
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.
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Crafty Connection Craft a brown bag bear puppet using paint and cut-out shapes, or simplify by using markers instead.

Week of May 20, 2024 | Kindergarten | 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
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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 20, 2024 | First Grade | Cats and Kindness

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Horatio, by Eleanor Clymer
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.

Kitten and the Night Watchman, by John Sullivan
As he makes his rounds, a night watchman hears birds calling, insects buzzing, and vehicles roaring by, while a stray kitten keeps him company.

June is Adopt-A-Shelter-Cat Month Click for info 

Crafty Connection Draw Horatio step-by-step from the book cover

Week of May 20, 2024 | Second Grade | What Is Kindness?

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Be Kind, by Pat Zietlow Miller
Explores what a child can do to be kind, and how each act, big or small, can make a difference or at least help a friend. Presented by Reading Robin (play video from minute 0:36-3:40) 

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.
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Crafty Connection Step-by-step directions to draw and color a swimming pool 

Week of May 20, 2024 | Third Grade | What Kindness Looks Like

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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 featuring two very responsible children who somehow find themselves at the center of chaos.
​This week Louis at the Wheel part 2 of 2.

The Rabbit Listened, by Cori Doerrfeld

When a child's block castle is destroyed, all the animals think they know just what to do, but the rabbit knows what the boy needs is someone to just listen.

Video OK Go This Too Shall Pass

Week of May 20, 2024 | Fourth Grade | Kindness & Memorial Day

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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.

At-Home Crafty Connection How to make a friendship bracelet from candy wrappers

​The Cat Man of Aleppo, by Irene Latham
​In the midst of the ongoing Syrian Civil War which began in 2011, Alaa takes care of Aleppo's abandoned cats.

June is Adopt-A-Shelter-Cat Month Click for info

Week of May 20, 2024 | Fifth Grade | Kindness & Memorial Day
Summer Reading Teaser Continued

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Nobuo Fujita with family sword presented to Brookings, Oregon
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Nobuo Fujita (1911-1997)
30 Minutes Over Oregon :  a Japanese Pilot's World War II Story, by Marc Tyler Nobleman
After Japan's attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941, the U.S. retaliated with a bombing raid on Tokyo. Japan then sent Nobuo Fujita to fire bomb the woods of Oregon. Nobuo dropped the bombs near Brookings, but they were ineffective due to the wetness of the woods. After the war Nobuo resumed civilian life with his family but lived with guilt over his wartime actions. In 1962 Brookings invited the Japanese bomber to their Memorial Day festival to extend forgiveness and to work toward peaceful international relationships.

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 Hansel and Gretel are famous for eating a candy house. Candy is not gross, and, therefore, not awesome. But what if they ate a house of bugs? Ewww! Now THAT'S gross! The Case for Eating Bugs

Read-Alouds and Presentations Week to Week by Grade Level

5/13/2024

 

Week of May 13, 2024 | TK | Insects

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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.

Crafty Connection Students create their own picture book with a prepared red, yellow and black construction paper booklet

At-Home Craft Story Extender Video Step-by-step instructions to make a paper ladybug 
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Week of May 13, 2024 | Kindergarten | Curriculum Connection Frogs

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

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.

Frog on a Log? (also published as Oi, Frog), by Kes Gray
n rhyming text, cat explains why frog has to sit on a log, even if he finds it uncomfortable.
Froggy dot-to-dot and frog song to sing

Crafty Connection Froggy dot-to-dot and frog song to sing​

Week of May 13, 2024 | First Grade | A World of Worms

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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
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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.
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Video I Can Only Draw Worms (abridged)  presented by Puffin Books (running time 1:58)
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Crafty Connection Students cut out a wiggly worm friend

Week of May 13, 2024 | Second Grade | Books and Reading

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A Library, by Nikki Giovanni
In this ode to libraries where everyone who loves stories is welcome, a world-renowned poet captures the magic of libraries for imagination, exploration and escape.

Carlo and the Really Nice Librarian, by Jessica Spanyol
Carlo the giraffe and his cat, Crackers, learn that the library is a friendly place--even if the librarian is a crocodile.

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.

Crafty Connection Crocodile-shaped bookmark to color

Week of May 13, 2024 | Third Grade | Responsibility

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Video Click here to see Mo Willems stage the scenery for Nanette's Baguette.

​Nanette's Baguette, by Mo Willems
Complications ensue when a young frog's mother gives her the responsibility of buying the family baguette.

At-Home Connection Create a paper village of your own, inspired by buildings from your town​.
Ideas at petitarchitect.com

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 featuring two very responsible children who somehow find themselves at the center of chaos.
​This week part 1 of 2: Louis at the Wheel.


Crafty Connection Fill out and color your License to Read 

At-Home Connection Make a race car from a juice or milk carton 

Week of May 13, 2024 | Fourth Grade | Memorial Day

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Capital of Philippines, Manilla, Luzon
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Luzon rice fields
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Battle of Luzon, March 1945
Background The Republic of the Philippines is an archipelagic country in Southeast Asia made up of more than 7,000 islands that are categorized under three main geographical divisions from north to south: Luzon, Visaya, and Mindanao.

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 1 of 2.

Week of May 13, 2024 | Fifth Grade | Summer Reading Teaser

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The Three Sillies and Ten Other Tales to Read Out Loud, by Anne Rockwell
In this collection, "The Old Woman and Her Pig" is an example of an awesome folktale.

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 A Tale Dark and Grimm may be awesome and a little gross... but what if I told you that you have mites living on...your FACE?! Ewww! Now THAT'S gross! 

Read-Alouds and Presentations Week to Week by Grade Level

5/6/2024

 

Week of May 6, 2024 | All Grades Week Two of:
CYRM Winners | Screen Time Awareness | Children's Book Week

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California Young Reader Medal
Winners announced on May 1. Compare the state results with our local voting results.
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Screen Time Awareness Week
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 from screen-based entertainment and let your imagination run wild. Find out more at screenfree.org. ​

Children's Book Week
Celebrate with 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! Find out more.

Week of May 6, 2024 | TK
Celebrating Asian-American Pacific Islander Heritage Month

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Ling & Ting, Not Exactly the Same! by Grade Lin
Video Author/illustrator Grace Lin reads the first chapter from the book (running time 3:38)
Sticking together through everything from getting haircuts and preparing dumplings to practicing magic tricks and using chopsticks, identical twin sisters Ling and Ting display distinctive differences in personality and preference despite their similar looks.


Crafty Connections Follow along with author/illustrator Grace Lin to draw the Rabbit in the Moon, and learn what is symbolized by the apple, the orange, and the peach. Grace Lin also offers a Ling & Ting paper doll template to print, color, and cut out.

Week of May 6, 2024 | Kindergarten
Celebrating Asian-American Pacific Islander Heritage Month

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Video How to Dim Sum, a Beginner's Guide

Dim Sum, Here We Come! by Maple Lam
In this yummy celebration of togetherness, love, family and food, a girl and her younger sister attend their weekly dim sum family gathering.

Crafty Connection Dim sum coloring sheet

Week of May 6, 2024 | First Grade
Celebrating Asian-American Pacific Islander Heritage Month

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The Ugly Vegetables, by Grace Lin
A little girl thinks her mother's garden is the ugliest in the neighborhood until she discovers that flowers might look and smell pretty but Chinese vegetable soup smells best of all.

Crafty Connections Follow along with author/illustrator Grace Lin to draw the Rabbit in the Moon, and learn what is symbolized by the apple, the orange, and the peach. Grace Lin also offers an Ugly Vegetable coloring sheet.
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Kitchen Connection Ugly Vegetable soup recipe

Week of May 6, 2024 | Second Grade
Celebrating Asian-American Pacific Islander Heritage Month

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Yoko, by Rosemary Wells
​Yoko's mother packs her a lunch with all her favorite sushi, but the other kids jeer ("Yuck-o-rama!") at the raw fish and green seaweed, and Yoko is devastated. In a well-meaning attempt to foster understanding, the teacher announces they will have an International Day, and everyone will bring in a dish from a foreign country. Will anyone try Yoko's sushi?

Crafty Connection Sushi coloring sheet 
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No Kimchi for Me! by Aram Kim
Yoomi doesn't like the taste of spicy kimchi, but when Grandma makes kimchi pancakes, Yoomi considers changing her mind. 

Kitchen Connection Recipe for Quick Kimchi Pancakes from Bon Appetit 

Week of May 6, 2024 | Third Grade
Celebrating Asian-American Pacific Islander Heritage Month

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The Many Colors of Harpreet Singh, by Supriya Kelkar
Harpreet wears different colored patkas to highlight how he feels each day. When it is time to move across the country, the color of his patka signals his unhappiness about the change, until chance helps him make a new friend with a special "hat" of her own. 

Crafty Connection 
The numerals we use originated in India in the 6th or 7th century and were introduced to Europe through the writings of Middle Eastern mathematicians. Create a unique tile pattern using numbers drawn bubble style on a 4" x 4" paper folded diagonally twice. Start at the center and repeat around the paper. Use random numbers or numbers of significance such as an address or birthdate.

Week of May 6, 2024 | Fourth Grade
Celebrating Asian-American Pacific Islander Heritage Month
Curriculum Connection: California History

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Photos such as this and the one above taken by Dorothea Lange documenting the camps were impounded by the military for their sympathetic nature and remained largely unseen until 2006
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Manzanar internment camp, approx. 230 miles north of Los Angeles CA near Lone Pine
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Poston internment camp in southwestern Arizona had three separate camps nicknamed by the prisoners as Roasten, Toastin and Dustin. The combined peak population of the Poston camps was over 17,000, mostly from Southern California. The camp was built on the Colorado Indian Reservation, over the objections of the Tribal Council. The US Bureau of Indian Affairs was keen to improve the agricultural infrastructure of the area for use after the war using War Department funds and "volunteer workers."
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Background After Japan bombed Pear Harbor, Hawaii, in December 1941, Executive Order 9066 was signed by President Franklin D. Roosevelt in February 1942. The order led to the incarceration of 120,000 Japanese Americans living on the West Coast for the duration of the the war.

My Dog Teny, by Yoshito Wayne, Osaki
The true story about a boy and his dog and the friendship that they shared during the time of the forced evacuation of Japanese Americans during World War II. Originally published in 2001 as an essay in a collection of short stories by eleven Japanese American writers about their experiences as children and youth during World War II: "From Our Side of the Fence."

Mr. Osaki 
studied architecture at Berkeley after the War and designed stores, apartments, schools, and churches. In 1988, the U.S. Government apologized to the surviving internees from the camps. It admitted that the internment was due to racial prejudice, wartime paranoia, and poor leadership. The government also acknowledged that no Japanese American was ever found guilty of endangering the U.S. during World War II.

Write to Me, by Cynthia Grady
When young Japanese Americans were incarcerated with their families in harsh desert conditions, a San Diego children's librarian corresponded with many of them, sending books and art supplies. Clara Breed also wrote articles and letters agitating for justice for the prisoners.

Week of May 6, 2024 | Fifth Grade
Celebrating Asian-American Pacific Islander Heritage Month |
Curriculum Connection: Fairy Tale Novel Study Continues

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Gyo Fujikawa (1908-1998)
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It Began with a Page: How Gyo Fujikawa Drew the Way, by Kyo Maclear
Growing up in a Japanese American family in California, Gyo Fujikawa enjoyed drawing. She studied art in college, traveled to Japan, and worked for Disney Studios in New York before beginning her career as an artist and picture-book illustrator. She is known for her inclusive illustrations of children, beginning with Babies (1963).

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 (page 5-16).

Read-Alouds and Presentations Week to Week by Grade Level

4/29/2024

 

Week of April 29, 2024 | All Grades
CYRM Winners | Screen Time Awareness | Children's Book Week

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California Young Reader Medal
Winners announced on May 1. Compare the state results with our local voting results.
​
Screen Time Awareness Week
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 from screen-based entertainment and let your imagination run wild. Find out more at screenfree.org. ​

Children's Book Week
Celebrate with 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! Find out more.

Week of April 29, 2024 | TK and Kindergarten
CYRM Winners | Screen Time Awareness | Children's Book Week

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Screen Time Awareness Week
If..., by Sarah Perry 
Illustrations present such imaginative possibilities as worms with wheels, caterpillar toothpaste, and whales in outer space.​
​Connections 101 Screen Free Activities

Children's Book Week
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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!
Crafty Connection Children's Book Week coloring page

That Is NOT a Good Idea! by Mo Willems
A plump mama goose is invited to dinner by a hungry fox while her babies warn that it is a bad idea.

Week of April 29, 2024 | First Grade
CYRM Winners | Screen Time Awareness | Children's Book Week

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Screen Time Awareness Week
The Dragon in the Clock Box, by M. Jean Craig
When Joshua says he has a dragon's egg his family plays along. Note: no electronic entertainment is visible and readers can see how family members spend their leisure time.
Connections 101 Screen Free Activities

Children's Book Week
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This book about imagination 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!
Crafty Connection Children's Book Week coloring page
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What Is Inside This Box? by Drew Daywalt
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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.
Crafty Connection Take and make foldable box

Week of April 29, 2024 | Second Grade
CYRM Winners | Screen Time Awareness | Children's Book Week

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Screen Time Awareness Week
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.
Connections 101 Screen Free Activities

Children's Book Week
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This book about honesty 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!
Crafty Connection Children's Book Week coloring page

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 April 29, 2024 | Third Grade
CYRM Winners | Screen Time Awareness | Children's Book Week

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Screen Time Awareness Week
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.
​Connections 101 Screen Free Activities

Children's Book Week
These fairy tales are 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!
Crafty Connection Children's Book Week coloring page

Elements of Fairy Tales Readwritethink.org
Once Upon a Cool Motorcycle Dude, by Kevin O'Malley
Videos Before reading the story, set the mood with We Are Princesses and The Biker.
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
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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 April 29, 2024 | Fourth Grade
CYRM Winners | Screen Time Awareness | Children's Book Week

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Screen Time Awareness Week
If You Give a Mouse an iPhone, by Ann Droyd
In this parody of the Laura Numeroff storiies if you give a bored little mouse an iPhone he's likely to miss out on all the real fun going on around him.
​Connections 101 Screen Free Activities
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Children's Book Week
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The following two stories are 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!
Crafty Connection Children's Book Week coloring page

The Taking Tree, by Shrill Travesty
In this parody of The Giving Tree, by Shel Silverstein, a selfish little boy takes advantage of a long-suffering tree who finally gives him just what he deserves.

Video Click here for The Tree's Revenge, a brief animated parody
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Video Eat It Weird Al Yankovic's music video parody of Michael Jackson's Beat It.

Week of April 29, 2024 | Fifth Grade
CYRM Winners | Screen Time Awareness | Children's Book Week |
Curriculum Connection: Fairy Tale Novel Study

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Screen Time Awareness Week
Jimmy Jet and His TV Set, by Shel Silverstein
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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 from screen-based entertainment and let your imagination run wild. Find out more at screenfree.org. 
Connections 101 Screen Free Activities
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Children's Book Week
This picture book biography 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 eye-opening - books that beg for repeat readings!

Girl Running : Bobbi Gibb and the Boston Marathon, by Annette Bay Pimentel
An uplifting account of the achievements of the first woman to run the Boston Marathon describes how as a girl, Bobbi Gibb 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.

27th Annual Exer Urgent Care Gator Run
Now let's get signed up for the Gator Run!

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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. We begin this novel today with the introduction and then up to page 5.

Read-Alouds and Presentations Week to Week by Grade Level

4/23/2024

 

Week of April 22, 2024 | All Grades | Celebrating Earth Week

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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. 

MBUSD Website Green District information page

Video ABC7 Eyewitness News Manhattan Beach Students are Pros at Saving the Planet 
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Week of April 22, 2024 | TK and Kindergarten | Earth Week
​Natural Resources

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Video Define the environment as what is all around us. Talk about trees, water, fuel, and electricity. Define and discuss natural resources: paper, metal, glass, oil. The animated Think Earth shows the impact humans have on the environment and how to minimize impact for a healthier planet.

The Earth Book, by Todd Parr
Students learn simple ways to take care of the planet in this board book version of the original. 

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Coloring sheets
Composting... Life in the Slow Lane! 
Clean Storm Drains = Healthy Oceans!

Week of April 22, 2024 | First Grade | Earth Week
Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, Rot, Repurpose, and Refuse

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Video 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. 
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Coloring sheets
Composting... Life in the Slow Lane! 
Clean Storm Drains = Healthy Oceans!

Week of April 22, 2024 | Second Grade | Earth Week
Out of Sight, Out of Mind. 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. Talk about the importance of a clean beach.

Video clip Toys All Gone 
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Coloring sheets
Composting... Life in the Slow Lane! 
Clean Storm Drains = Healthy Oceans

Week of April 22, 2024 | Third Grade | Earth Week
Wetlands | Making Land Use Decisions for the Seventh Generation

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Curriculum Connection Ballona Wetlands field trip.

Video Common Ground, the Water, Earth, and Air We Share Curriculum connection Opening with a visit to a wetlands preserve, the video imparts the message of conservation and responsibility for our shared natural resources and respect for the environment. The narrator references "The Seventh Generation" principle, an Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) philosophy: decisions we make today should result in a sustainable world seven generations into the future. ​

Coloring sheets
Composting... Life in the Slow Lane! 
Clean Storm Drains = Healthy Oceans!

Week of April 22, 2024 | Fourth Grade | Earth Week
Hazardous Waste Disposal

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Someday a Tree, by Eve Bunting
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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

Coloring sheets
Composting... Life in the Slow Lane! 
Clean Storm Drains = Healthy Oceans!

Week of April 22, 2024 | Fifth Grade | Earth Week | Taking Action

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Video Five Facts About the Santa Barbara Oil Spill of 1969 
In 1969, Santa Barbara woke up to its coast coated in sticky, pungent oil. What came next changed environmental policy for the nation. Ventura County Star video 

Black Beach: A Community, an Oil Spill, and the Origin of Earth Day, by Shaunna and John Stith

In 1969, Union Oil caused a hazardous oil spill off the coast of Santa Barbara that flooded the Pacific Ocean, harmed wildlife, and devastated habitats. But from this ecological disaster sprang a new wave of environmental activism that would change the world.

Coloring sheets
Composting... Life in the Slow Lane! 
Clean Storm Drains = Healthy Oceans!

Read-Alouds and Presentations Week to Week by Grade Level

4/15/2024

 

Week of April 15, 2024 | TK | "Ugly Ducklings" Beloved Old Books

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Manhattan Beach Pier c1950
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Published 1957
Little Bear (1957), by Else Holmelund Minarek (1920-2012) 
Else Holmelund Minarek 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, and was also the very first book in the I Can Read! series.
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Crafty Connection Embellish and color a teddy bear "chapter book"

Week of April 15, 2024 | Kindergarten | Beloved Older Books

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Manhattan Beach Pier c1950
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Manhattan Avenue c1950 looking north from about 9th Street
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Published 1950
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.
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Crafty Connection Color and cut out Ida and her chicks math manipulative

Week of April 15, 2024 | First Grade | "Ugly Ducklings"
Compare and Contrast Beloved Older Books with Newer Books

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Manhattan Beach Blvd. at Highland Ave.
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Downtown Manhattan Beach
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Harry the Dirty Dog, by Gene Zion (1956)
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 (1969)

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, by Sangmi Ko (2015)
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.

Crafty Connection "Reader of the Pack" dog coloring sheet

Week of April 15, 2024 | Second Grade | Poetry Month
Compare and Contrast Beloved Older Books with Newer Books

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Manhattan Beach Blvd. at Highland Ave.
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Manhattan Beach City Hall
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The Outside Cat, by Jane Thayer (1957)
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, by Inga Moore (1991)
A clever cat lives with six families.

Won Ton : a Cat Tale Told in Haiku, by Lee Wardlaw (2011)
Prefaced with a clear explanation of the traditional Japanese haiku, 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.
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.

Crafty Connection Haiku worksheet

Week of April 15, 2024 | Mrs. Borah's 2/3 Combo Class

Combo Class Content Delivery Strategy 
  • Send the 2nd graders to the nonfiction side of the library to start searching for their books
  • Present the spine poem activity (below) to the 3rd graders on the picture book side of the library
  • While 3rd graders are creating their spine poems on the picture book side of the library, present the 2nd grade content (above) to the 2nd graders on the nonfiction side of the library.

Week of April 15, 2024 | Third Grade | Poetry Month

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Read title poem on pages 2-3
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Example 1
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Example 2
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Example 3
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I'm Just No Good at Rhyming, by Chris Harris
A frolicking romp through the zany world of nonsense verse. Read the title poem on pages 2-3, then click each image above to show the examples of spine poems, simple to elaborate.

Crafty Connection Book Spine Poems
It’s fun! It’s easy! It makes a bit of a library mess! Oh, well! Print worksheet 
  • Select books from the picture book side of the library that inspire your poetic fire
  • Select books without using shelf marker sticks; books will be put away later
  • Select at least 3 books (worksheet can accommodate 6 books)
  • Stack 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
  • With a pencil, write the titles on the worksheet in the rectangles the way you want the poem to read, top to bottom
  • Go over the titles with a thin marker
  • Shade in rectangles with a colored pencil or crayon to create appearance of book spines (lightly shade in, so your lines of poetry can be seen)
  • Give your poem a title, write your name as the poem's author, and include your room number
  • Leave the worksheet in the library to complete next week and to be considered for a poetry display. Your poem will be returned to you later (so remember to write your name and room number)

Week of April 15, 2024 | Fourth Grade | Poetry Month
Black Out Poems Created from Weeded Novels

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Black Out Poetry 

Video How to: Black Out Poetry by Ariel Bisset (running time 5:37 stop at 4:13)
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. Write your name and room number on the back and leave your poem in the library to be considered for a poetry display. Click images above to view examples. 

Week of April 15, 2024 | Fifth Grade | Poetry Month

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Dr. William Carlos Williams (1883-1963)
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I Saw the Figure 5 in Gold painted by Charles Demuth, 1928
A River of Words : the Story of William Carlos Williams, by Jen Bryant
This picture book biography of William Carlos Williams (1883-1963) traces childhood events that lead him to become a doctor and a poet. First read two poems from inside cover: This Is Just to Say and The Great Figure. Then show an enlarged example of I Saw the Figure 5 In Gold posted on Wikipedia. Then read the book.

Delving Deeper Video 1 Analysis of the Demuth painting posted by Ladykflo 


Delving Deeper Video 2 Further analysis posted by The Canvas Williams and the artist Charles Demuth knew each other at university. I Saw the Figure 5 in Gold (1928) is one of a series of eight abstract portraits of friends, inspired by Gertrude Stein's word-portraits, that Demuth made between 1924 and 1929. This painting pays homage to a poem by William Carlos Williams and consists not of a physical likeness of Williams, but of an accumulation of images associated with him. Williams' poem The Great Figure describes the experience of seeing a red fire engine with the number 5 painted on it racing through the city streets.
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Crafty Connection Video United Art and Education Project #170 Instructions for drawing a number then precisely segmenting the drawing in the style of I Saw the Figure 5 in Gold.

Read-Alouds and Presentations Week to Week by Grade Level

4/8/2024

 

Week of April 8, 2024 | TK and Kindergarten
Celebrating National School Library Month and
Beverly Cleary's Birthday April 12 with D.E.A.R. Time

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Book! Book! Book! by Deborah Bruss
The animals on the farm go to the library to find something to do, but the librarian doesn't understand what they are trying to say.

Crafty Connection Frog and duck coloring sheet

At-Home Crafty Connection Step-by-step instructions to make cheerful paper frogs (add a paper book)

Celebrating Author Beverly Cleary
April 12, 1916, McMinnville, Oregon - March 25, 2021, Carmel-by-the-Sea, California
From Henry Huggins (1950) to Ramona's World (1999) Beverly Cleary wrote books for children, about children much like themselves. Children of today may find themselves amazed at the freedom to roam that was enjoyed by the children in Beverly's books, not unusual at the time.

National D.E.A.R. Day April 12 Drop Everything And Read
In 2006, to mark Beverly's 90th birthday, the American Library Association, and others set aside her birthday, April 12, as a day to remind and encourage families to make reading together on a daily basis a family priority. When Beverly’s own children were young, they participated in sustained silent reading time at school, known as D.E.A.R. Their enthusiasm for this activity inspired Beverly to give the same experience to Ramona, who gets to enjoy D.E.A.R. time with her class in Ramona Quimby, Age 8 (1981), introduced in Chapter 2.

Week of April 8, 2024 | First through Fifth Grade
Celebrating National School Library Month with Who's On First?

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Who's On First
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Extended Costello family
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Bud Abbott and Lou Costello
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Chris & Paddy Costello (front L to R)
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 (1953)

Bonus Video 7 into 28 Lou Costello invents a new kind of math

Crafty Connection Who's On First coloring sheet 


Local news report Extended Costello family in the Library Beach Reporter article (May 5, 2013) 

Local news report Lou Costello's daughter in the Library Easy Reader article (April 14, 2010) ​

Week of April 8, 2024 | First through Fifth Grade
Celebrating Author Beverly Cleary's Birthday with D.E.A.R. Time

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Celebrating Author Beverly Cleary
April 12, 1916, McMinnville, Oregon - March 25, 2021, Carmel-by-the-Sea, California
From Henry Huggins (1950) to Ramona's World (1999) Beverly Cleary wrote books for children, about children much like themselves. Children of today may find themselves amazed at the freedom to roam that was enjoyed by the children in Beverly's books, not unusual at the time.
Audio Excerpt Listen to actor Neil Patrick Harris read Chapter 1 of Henry Huggins.

"Quite often somebody will say, What year do your books take place? and the only answer I can give is, in childhood."

Learning to read did not come easily for young Beverly, and once she did learn, she found the stories contained in early readers to be boring, simple, and unsurprising. Then, in the third grade, on a rainy afternoon at home, she found herself enjoying reading The Dutch Twins, by Lucy Fitch Perkins about the adventures of ordinary children. The book awoke in her the joys of reading for pleasure and she began spending extra time in the public library.

"Children should learn that reading is a pleasure, not just something that teachers make you do in school."

By the time Beverly was in sixth grade, a teacher suggested she should become a children's author, based on essays she had written for class assignments. Beverly first worked as a children's librarian and in a bookstore before becoming a full-time writer for children. In her work as a librarian, she struggled to find books to recommend to children, books that they would have fun reading, so she decided to write children's books herself, books about characters that young readers could relate to.

"I enjoy writing for third and fourth graders most of all."

During an interview with the Los Angeles Times in 2011 at the age of 95 she stated, "I've had an exceptionally happy career." Beverly Cleary died in a retirement home a few weeks shy of her 105th birthday. No cause of death was given.

National DEAR Day April 12 Drop Everything And Read
In 2006, to mark Beverly's 90th birthday, the American Library Association, and others set aside her birthday, April 12, as a day to remind and encourage families to make reading together on a daily basis a family priority. When Beverly’s own children were young, they participated in sustained silent reading time at school, known as DEAR. Their enthusiasm for this activity inspired Beverly to give the same experience to Ramona, who gets to enjoy DEAR time with her class in Ramona Quimby, Age 8 (1981), introduced in Chapter 2.
Audio Excerpt Listen to Chapter 2 of Ramona Quimby, Age 8, presented by MrsMorrisReads

Week of April 8, 2024 | Monday Classes Only
Partial Solar Eclipse in Our Area Begins Monday Morning

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A Few Beautiful Minutes, by Kate Allen Fox
What happens during a solar eclipse? The sun vanishes. Light becomes dark. Day animals sleep, and night animals wake. The moon takes over the sky. People stop what they're doing and together, they look up. The whole world changes for a few beautiful minutes. Read by Diane Pust 

Note Though this is a lovely, evocative story, throughout the book people looking at the sun are not wearing eye protection, which critical to prevent lasting damage to one's vision.

A Message from Principal Tara Grings
For the first time this millennium, a total solar eclipse will be visible in the contiguous U.S. April 8th.
Here in Manhattan Beach, a partial eclipse will begin at 10:05 a.m., when the moon will appear to touch the sun’s edge. At 11:11 a.m., the sun will reach its maximum eclipse of about 49% covered. The partial eclipse will end at 12:21 p.m. 
 
It is important for everyone to understand that although California is not along the line of totality, looking directly at the sun without proper protection is still dangerous to one’s eyes. Please speak with your student(s) about this event and the precautions they should take during the eclipse.
All elementary schools in MBUSD will be following these safety guidelines:
  • We will have indoor recess and lunch during the eclipse, just like a rainy day schedule.
  • Parents and staff will remind students to not look at the sun ever, but especially not during the eclipse when transitioning from classrooms to other locations on campus.
  • School staff will NOT be providing solar eclipse glasses.
  • Students are NOT permitted to bring solar eclipse glasses.

Read-Alouds and Presentations Week to Week by Grade Level

4/1/2024

 

Week of April 1, 2024 | Spring Break

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    Library Program

    Our students enjoy weekly visits for presentations crafted to instill a love of reading, to enhance
    Common Core classroom lessons, and to inspire life-long learning. Visits include checking out materials, practicing information literacy, and exercising digital citizenship.
    Colleagues are welcome to borrow program ideas.

    California Model School Library Standards ​

    Read Aloud 15 Minutes. 
    Every Child. Every Parent. Every Day See why it matters at readaloud.org
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