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Looking for content from previous weeks? Scroll further down Week of November 18, 2024 | 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 Happy Thanksgiving coloring sheet Whole-School Book Fair Decoration Project Students design and cut a paper snowflake Week of November 18, 2024 | 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 Whole-School Book Fair Decoration Project Students design and cut a paper snowflake Week of November 18, 2024 | First Grade | Favorite Holiday Foods |
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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
Whole-School Book Fair Decoration Project Students design and cut a paper snowflake
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
Whole-School Book Fair Decoration Project Students design and cut a paper snowflake
Week of November 18, 2024 | Second Grade | Harvest Fun/Gratitude
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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 Happy Thanksgiving coloring sheet
Whole-School Book Fair Decoration Project Students design and cut a paper snowflake
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 Happy Thanksgiving coloring sheet
Whole-School Book Fair Decoration Project Students design and cut a paper snowflake
Week of November 18, 2024 | Third Grade | Thanksgiving Traditions
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 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
Whole-School Book Fair Decoration Project Students design and cut a paper snowflake
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
Whole-School Book Fair Decoration Project Students design and cut a paper snowflake
Week of November 18, 2024 | Fourth Grade
Thanksgiving and Indigenous Traditions
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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
Whole-School Book Fair Decoration Project Students design and cut a paper snowflake
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
Whole-School Book Fair Decoration Project Students design and cut a paper snowflake
Week of November 18, 2024 | Fifth Grade | Feeling Thankful
and Joining Together for a Stronger Community
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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, giving thoughts to consider during No Place for Hate Week.
This Story is not About a Kitten, by Randall de Seve
An ode to community and kindness.
Crafty Connection No Place for Hate bookmark
Whole-School Book Fair Decoration Project Students design and cut a paper snowflake
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, giving thoughts to consider during No Place for Hate Week.
This Story is not About a Kitten, by Randall de Seve
An ode to community and kindness.
Crafty Connection No Place for Hate bookmark
Whole-School Book Fair Decoration Project Students design and cut a paper snowflake
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Week of November 11, 2024 | TK | Surprise Endings
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Rosie's Walk, by Pat Hutchins
Although unaware that a fox is after her as she takes a walk around the farmyard, Rosie the hen still manages to lead him into one accident after another.
Video Pedestrian Safety for Young Children
Crafty Connection Hen coloring sheet
Although unaware that a fox is after her as she takes a walk around the farmyard, Rosie the hen still manages to lead him into one accident after another.
Video Pedestrian Safety for Young Children
Crafty Connection Hen coloring sheet
Week of November 11, 2024 | Kindergarten | Surprise Endings
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Good-night, Owl! by Pat Hutchins
Because owl can't find a quiet moment to sleep during the day, he is frustrated by the noise of other animals...until night arrives.
Video Owl Sounds
Crafty Connection Owl coloring sheet
Because owl can't find a quiet moment to sleep during the day, he is frustrated by the noise of other animals...until night arrives.
Video Owl Sounds
Crafty Connection Owl coloring sheet
Week of November 11, 2024 | First Grade | Surprise Endings
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The Doorbell Rang, by Pat Hutchins
Each time the doorbell rings, there are more people who have come to share Ma's wonderful cookies.
Mary Smith, by Andrea U'Ren
Before alarm clocks were affordable or reliable, there were "knocker-ups" who rapped on doors or windows to make sure people woke up in time for school or work in exchange for a few pennies.
Crafty Connection Front doors coloring sheet
Each time the doorbell rings, there are more people who have come to share Ma's wonderful cookies.
Mary Smith, by Andrea U'Ren
Before alarm clocks were affordable or reliable, there were "knocker-ups" who rapped on doors or windows to make sure people woke up in time for school or work in exchange for a few pennies.
Crafty Connection Front doors coloring sheet
Week of November 11, 2024 | Second Grade | Surprise Endings
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The Teddy Bear, by Mark McPhail
Lost by a young boy, a beloved teddy bear is found by a man who loves it also in this story of empathy, understanding, and kindness.
Video Inside the Vermont Teddy Bear Factory in Shelburne
Crafty Connection Happy Thanksgiving bear coloring sheet
At Home Connection DIY teddy bear folded washcloth
Lost by a young boy, a beloved teddy bear is found by a man who loves it also in this story of empathy, understanding, and kindness.
Video Inside the Vermont Teddy Bear Factory in Shelburne
Crafty Connection Happy Thanksgiving bear coloring sheet
At Home Connection DIY teddy bear folded washcloth
Week of November 11, 2024 | Third Grade | Surprise Endings
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Extra Yarn, by Mac Barnett
With a supply of yarn that never runs out, Annabelle knits for everyone and everything in town until an evil archduke decides he wants the yarn for himself.
Video Dallas Yarn Installation
Crafty Connection Finger knitting with one finger
With a supply of yarn that never runs out, Annabelle knits for everyone and everything in town until an evil archduke decides he wants the yarn for himself.
Video Dallas Yarn Installation
Crafty Connection Finger knitting with one finger
Week of November 11, 2024 | Fourth Grade
Making Music, Forging Connections
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Symphony for a Broken Orchestra, by Amy Ignatow
The schools of Philadelphia were filling up with broken violins, drums, pianos, and more, making it difficult for students to learn to play. This sparked an idea for a symphony, played entirely with the broken instruments, that would raise funds to repair the instruments themselves. Based on a true story, this book celebrates a community coming together to make a joyful, meaningful noise.
Video Symphony for a Broken Orchestra Vimeo link
Video The Last Repair Shop trailer
Once commonplace in the United States, today Los Angeles is one of the last American cities to provide free and freely repaired musical instruments to its public schoolchildren, a continuous service since 1959.
The schools of Philadelphia were filling up with broken violins, drums, pianos, and more, making it difficult for students to learn to play. This sparked an idea for a symphony, played entirely with the broken instruments, that would raise funds to repair the instruments themselves. Based on a true story, this book celebrates a community coming together to make a joyful, meaningful noise.
Video Symphony for a Broken Orchestra Vimeo link
Video The Last Repair Shop trailer
Once commonplace in the United States, today Los Angeles is one of the last American cities to provide free and freely repaired musical instruments to its public schoolchildren, a continuous service since 1959.
Week of November 11, 2024 | Fifth Grade
Making Music, Sparking Hope and Joy
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Building an Orchestra of Hope, by Carmen Oliver
When a children's orchestra in Cateura, Paraguay, grows to have more students than instruments, music teacher Favio Chavez works with a brilliant local carpenter to create instruments out of garbage from the local landfill.
Video Recycled Orchestra, Cateura, Paraguay
A brief look at the work of music teacher Favio Chavez from the documentary Landfill Harmonic
Video The Recycled Orchestra performs
A live performance by the Recycled Orchestra, after a 2015 screening of Landfill Harmonic
When a children's orchestra in Cateura, Paraguay, grows to have more students than instruments, music teacher Favio Chavez works with a brilliant local carpenter to create instruments out of garbage from the local landfill.
Video Recycled Orchestra, Cateura, Paraguay
A brief look at the work of music teacher Favio Chavez from the documentary Landfill Harmonic
Video The Recycled Orchestra performs
A live performance by the Recycled Orchestra, after a 2015 screening of Landfill Harmonic
Looking for content from previous weeks? Scroll further down.
Week of November 4, 2024 | TK and Kindergarten
Children's Book Week and Seasonal Veggie Silliness
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Website Children's Book Week
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 | CBW coloring page
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 | CBW coloring page
Week of November 4, 2024 | First Grade
Children's Book Week and Feasting Season Silliness
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Website Children's Book Week
The Wolf, the Duck, and the Mouse, by Mac Barnett
When a mouse is swallowed by a wolf, he learns that a duck devoured earlier has set up a table to enjoy the food the gluttonous predator eats.
My Little Sister Ate One Hare, by Bill Grossman
Little sister has no problem eating one hare, two snakes, and three ants, but when she gets to ten peas, she throws up quite a mess.
Stop that Pickle!, by Peter Armour
In this variation of The Gingerbread Man, a pickle tries to escape being eaten by fleeing through the city streets, pursued by a variety of other food items
Crafty Connection Rainbow food choices coloring sheet | CBW coloring page
The Wolf, the Duck, and the Mouse, by Mac Barnett
When a mouse is swallowed by a wolf, he learns that a duck devoured earlier has set up a table to enjoy the food the gluttonous predator eats.
My Little Sister Ate One Hare, by Bill Grossman
Little sister has no problem eating one hare, two snakes, and three ants, but when she gets to ten peas, she throws up quite a mess.
Stop that Pickle!, by Peter Armour
In this variation of The Gingerbread Man, a pickle tries to escape being eaten by fleeing through the city streets, pursued by a variety of other food items
Crafty Connection Rainbow food choices coloring sheet | CBW coloring page
Week of November 4, 2024 | Second Grade
Children's Book Week and National Monuments
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Website Children's Book Week
Video Washington, D.C., tour
Earl the Squirrel, by Don Freeman
Earl the squirrel learns to gather acorns on his own.
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 Find the Alligator coloring sheet | CBW coloring page
Video Washington, D.C., tour
Earl the Squirrel, by Don Freeman
Earl the squirrel learns to gather acorns on his own.
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 Find the Alligator coloring sheet | CBW coloring page
Week of November 4, 2024 | Third Grade
Super Literacy Quiz Bowl Launch with Ms. Barbara and Mrs. Im
Children's Book Week and Gratitude for Equine Veterans
| |  |  Reckless serving in Korea  Reckless serving herself (1954) |
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Super Literacy Quiz Bowl 2024-25
Click for information
Website Children's Book Week
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 | CBW coloring page
Click for information
Website Children's Book Week
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 | CBW coloring page
Week of November 4, 2024 | Fourth Grade
Super Literacy Quiz Bowl Launch with Ms. Barbara and Mrs. Im
Children's Book Week and Gratitude for Canine Veterans
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Super Literacy Quiz Bowl 2024-25
Click for information
Website Children's Book Week
Video Veteran's Day | PBS Kids
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.
Hey, Boy, by Benjamin Strouse
A bittersweet story of love and loss, reconciliation and aging.
Super Literacy Quiz Bowl
Crafty Connection Children's Book Week coloring page
Click for information
Website Children's Book Week
Video Veteran's Day | PBS Kids
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.
Hey, Boy, by Benjamin Strouse
A bittersweet story of love and loss, reconciliation and aging.
Super Literacy Quiz Bowl
Crafty Connection Children's Book Week coloring page
Week of November 4, 2024 | Fifth Grade
Children's Book Week and Gratitude for Caprine Veterans
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Website Children's Book Week
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.
Crafty Connection Children's Book Week coloring page
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.
Crafty Connection Children's Book Week coloring page
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