Book Of The Week: The Busy Beaver

The Busy Beaver by Nicholas Oldland

Summary: What happens when you are too busy and careless to think about others?  Beaver finds himself "falling" victim to his careless ways and vows to make a change.  This book is a great way to introduce Earth Day activities while taking care of others around us.

Vocabulary:

felled - to cut down

hobble - to walk with difficulty

embark - to begin a task or project

rigorous - very strict

rehabilitation - to get back to or restore to a previous state or way

inspect - looking at something very closely and carefully

saplings - young trees

Questions:

1. Why do you think the beaver was so careless?

2. Why didn't anyone visit beaver in the hospital?

3. How did beaver feel when he looked out of the hospital window?

4. How did beaver show his friends that he was sorry?

5. Why was it important for beaver to replace the trees he had felled?

6. What is the lesson in this book?

7. When was a time that you were careless?  What happened and how did it affect others?

8. How does this book relate to Earth Day?

In need of a few last minute Earth Day activities?  Check these out!

https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Earth-Day-1169347

https://www.thewiseowlfactory.com/earth-day-printable-for-k-1-free-sorting-pdf/

http://www.happyandblessedhome.com/free-30-page-printable-earth-day-activity-pack/

http://www.totschooling.net/2017/04/earth-day-picture-word-tracing.html

https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Parts-of-Speech-FREE-A-great-free-Earth-Day-Activity-2473354

https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/FREE-Earth-Day-Facts-Fun-Task-Cards-229539

Book of the Week: Since We're Friends

"Since We're Friends" is our book of the week to highlight autism awareness month. This story written by Celeste Shally, introduces us to two friends who have lots in common including the love of  sports and animals. The story is narrated by a "friend" who talks about his neighbor, Matt (who has autism).  For those of you looking for a book to explain autism to your classroom students this is perfect. It outlines, "how to be a friend" to a child with autism by walking the reader through Matt's sensory needs and very specific interests. Your students will enjoy this story and it may even remind them of someone they know! 
Questions: What time of year does the story takes place?  What do the friend and Matt do together?  How does his friend help Matt at the swimming pool? How does his friend help Matt at the at basketball?

What happens when they try to catch fireflies? 

What happens when Matt talks about Animals? 

How does the story end? 

How could you be a friend to someone with Autism? 

Extension Activities:
http://media.autismspeaks.org/liub/LIUB+Educational+Toolkit.pdf
https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Autism-Facts-and-Myths-Quiz-1185364 https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Autism-Facts-and-Myths-Kid-Edition-1208840

Book of The Week: The Boy Who Loved Big Words

Selig was different than other boys his age. He had passion, a passion for words. He loved the way they sounded and loved the way they tasted. His father worries if any good can come from such a hobby. His mother worries he will never find happiness. Happenstance provides Selig a chance meeting with a magical Genie. This ally encourages Selig to live his dream of collecting words. When Selig has gathered so many words that he can hardly walk, he decides to start sharing his words with the world. Wordsmith, as he starts calling himself, discovers that the world was in dire need for some added describers. He goes on the help a poet, a baker, neighbors, friends and any who are in search of the perfect word. This book is geared toward 2nd-3rd grade students with a lexile level of 780L. 

Vocabulary:

Wordsmith- a person who is able to use words in many ways

Aflutter-a moving feeling or a feeling of butterfly wings

Lozenge -a medicated tablet (throat lozenge)

Spry-limber, feeling of youth and ability to move easily

Proclaimed- stated in a grand way

Voraciously-to eat or consume quickly or in a large amount

Rhapsody-a song or melody

Passion- strong love for or conviction to something

Story Questions:

Who is the main character in the story?

Where does Selig collect his words from? 

What does his father sell?

What does his mother worry about?

What does Selig do when kids call him "wordsworth" or "oddball"?

Who does Selig find at the Emporium (store)?

What happens when Selig collects all the words he wants?

Why does he have to lighten his load that he is carrying?

Who stands near Selig's tree and what is he also looking for? 

What does Selig decide he must do when he feels "word-heavy"?

How did Selig's words help the baker?

How did Selig's words help his fighting neighbors?

Why did they call Wordsworth (Selig) a legend? 

Why does he take Melody to see his parents?

How does the story end? 

Did you like the story? Why or Why not? 

Extension Activities:

Lesson Ideas

Book of the Week: Cranberry Thanksgiving

Maggie and her grandmother live in the new england with its cranberry bogs and Thanksgiving traditions. Every year they each invite a special guest to Thanksgiving dinner. Every year they have a feast that includes grandmother's famous cranberry bread, a treat that is known all over the country. The story is sweet and sentimental and gives the audience so much imagagery, young readers are sure to feel as though they are actually in new England. 
Questions:
Who is darting about?  Where do Maggie and her grandmother live?  What was Mr. Whiskers real name?  What was Grandma famous for? Where did she hide her recipe?  How do you know Thanksgiving was Grandma's favorite day?  Who did Grandmother and Maggie invite for the meal?  Did Maggie and her grandmother have a lot of money? How do you know?  What do they eat for thanksgiving?  How does Maggie feel about the food?  Who steals the recipe? Why? What does grandmother do about the recipe theft? Do they let Mr. Horace back in to the house for pie? 
Vocabulary: 
Bog - deep pools of water where cranberries grow. Famous- known to many people. Feast- a large meal. Exquisite- another word for beautiful. Puffing- breathing hard. firmly- held tight.
Extension Activities:
Cranberry Thanksgiving

Book of the Week: Fletcher and the Falling Leaves

Our book of the week is by Julia Rawlinson and was illustrated by Stephanie Beeme
Summary:  Fletcher enjoys nature and is very excited to see green trees every morning on his walk. One morning he notices that all of the leaves are turning brown or dusty gold. Even though his mother tells him not to be alarmed, all the leaves keep falling off his favorite tree. Fletcher devises a plan to help the tree keep her leaves. Although he tries very hard and asks for help from many other animals, the tree still loses its leaves from the blowing wind. The book ends on a positive note with Fletcher seeing his favorite tree shine with ice. Geared for students ages 3-7, this book is a great way to introduce the changing seasons. 
Vocabulary: Dusty- faded in color. Autumn- another word for Fall. Worse- describer word for something terrible. Spun - the past tense of spin. Snuffled- to breathe in when you have a cold.
Questions: What does Fletcher notice about the forest? How do you know?  Why was Fletcher worried about his favorite tree?  What does his mother tell him about his tree?  Why is Fletcher still worried even after talking with his mom?  After the first leaf falls off what does Fletcher do?  Do you think putting the leaves back on will help the tree? Why or why not?  How does Fletcher feel when all the leaves blow off? How do you know he feels that way?  How does Porcupine use the leaves? How does squirrel use the leaves?  Does a tree need its leaves anymore? How do you know?  Why are the flock of birds in the tree?  What does Fletcher do when he wakes up to find only one leaf?  How does the story end? Did you like the story why or why not? 

Leonardo The Terrible Monster by Mo Williams

Summary
Leonardo is not very good at being a monster, in fact he is TERRIBLE at it. He does not have 1642 teeth, gigantic features or weirdness like other monsters. Even though Leonardo lacks natural ability, he has research skills and makes a detailed plan to scare the tuna salad out of someone. After Leonardo finds his perfect “Scaredy- Cat” Sam, he realizes it is better to be a wonderful friend than someone scary.

Questions 
What is Leonardo’s problem do you think? 

Who is scarier Tony or Eleanor? Why? 

Would you rather have 1642 teeth or be a giant monster? Why? 

How did Hector scare people? 

Was Leonardo scary at all? Why or why not? 

What was Leonardo’s plan? Do you think it will work? 

What does it mean to research something? Have you ever done that? 

Was Leonardo successful with scaring Sam? How do you know? 

What did Leonardo decide to become? 

Was Leonardo a wonderful friend? How do you know? 

Did you like the book? Why or Why not? 

Vocabulary

Scaredy-Cat- Someone who scares easily.

Snapped - Saying something mean as a comeback. 

Research- looking up information.

Candidate- a person who is nominated for a role or certain job.

Unsuspecting- does not suspect anything to happened. 

Wonderful- extremely good or great


Don't Have The Book? 

Extension Activities

Character Study- Mo Williams Popular Books

Lesson Plan Ideas

Pete the Cat: Rocking in My School Shoes

Pete, our favorite cool cat is rocking his way back to school. In his new adventures, he discovers all the reason's kids love school, reading, playing, eating, and painting. He tries new things in his new school shoes singing and rocking as goes along. This book is for ages Pre-K -1st and is good for some beginning inferencing skills. We welcomed our speech students back to school this week with reading this book. 
Vocabulary: 
Rocking: Moving to the music.   Shoes: Worn for Protection of your feet Lunch Room: Location where lunch is served Playground: Outside space for recess or for play Art Class: Specialist class for drawing and painting Gym Class: Specialist class for running and playing games

Questions: 
What is Pete doing down the street?

What is he wearing on his feet?

How does he feel about going back to school? How do you know?

What song is pet singing?

What does Pete do in the Library?

How does Pete feel about the Library?

Where does he go to eat?

What does Pete have for lunch? Do we know?

What kind of slides are on the playground?

Does he have fun on the playground? How do you know? 

How do you think the story ends? 

What is your favorite part of school? 

Do you think they would let Pete come to our school? Why or why not? 

Book Of The Week: Ish

Ish by Peter H. Reynolds

Summary: Ramon loved to draw.  He drew everything everywhere until his brother, Leon, made a rude comment about one of his drawings.  Leon's comment stuck with Ramon, and he became critical of every drawing he did until he finally gave up on it.  It wasn't until Ramon's sister, Marisol, made one small comment that made him see things differently.  
Vocabulary:
Haunt - to come to the mind or memory of very often Snap - to suddenly shout in an angry way Sneer - a look that shows a lack of respect or angry To Fall Silent - to suddenly become quiet Exclaim - to say something in a loud voice with a lot of feeling (to feel) light - to be free from worry Inspire - to give someone the desire or courage to do something Capture - to get control by planning or by force Savor - to enjoy something
Questions:
Before reading the book, share the title and ask the students to make a prediction about the book. How did Ramon feel about drawing at the very beginning of the book?  How did his feelings change after his brother's comment? How did Leon's comment change Ramon's attitude about drawing?   What was Ramon's reaction when he saw Marisol's bedroom filled with his crumpled pictures? The author shared that Ramon began to see his drawings "in a whole new way."  What did he mean? How did Marisol change Ramon's attitude about drawing? How is Marisol different that Leon? What is something that you enjoy doing?  Do you have the same passion as Ramon?  Why do you think that? What makes something "art?"  Is it perfection?  Is it a vision? What lesson did you learn from this book?
Extension Activities:
Teaching With Picture Books Teach Kids Art

Book of the Week: Ice Cream Summer

Summary: A grandfather writes to his grandson to see how his summer is going. The clever and ice cream loving boy writes about his adventures in learning which often have an ice cream theme. Perfect for summer with some pretty sweet illustrations. Students will love this cool experience just as much as ice cream.   Vocabulary: delicious- a wonderful taste encyclopedia-a book giving information on many subjects ancient-very old cartography- map making equation- a math sentence
Questions: Who sends the boy a letter?  Where do you think they will go for their special trip?  What is the boy busy with this summer?  What does he read everyday?  Why is it important to read in the summer?  What do you stay busy with in summer?  What do you think the boy is writing a book about? How do you know?  What happens when the boy drops his ice cream cone? How does the boy feel about word problems?  How dies he feel about ice cream?  What does he do at day camp?  When was the first ice cream invented?  Why is the boy reading an encyclopedia?  Where did they go at the end of the story?  Do you think there is a mountain made of ice-cream? Why or why not? 
Summer Ice Cream Learning: Ice Cream Sentences Ice Cream Story Retell  Ice Cream Articulation Practice Following Ordinal Directions Ice Cream Math K-1 Ice Cream Glyph

Book Of The Week: I Just Don't Like The Sound Of No!

I Just Don't Like The Sound Of No! by Julia Cook

This week, I had no difficulty picking out a book for this post!  It's definitely summer time, and by that, I mean more quality time with my kids.  I absolutely treasure this time: going to the zoo, the park, and on walks, but on some days, I am ready for a full day back in the classroom, especially when they do not accept "no" for an answer!  

I love this book, and so does my daughter, who seems to challenge me the most.  In fact, she knows when she has had a day full of "RJ challenges" and will often ask my husband or I to read this book to her before bed.  It's amazing how well she relates to RJ and how this book has helped her say "OK" instead of "NO!"

Summary:  RJ does not like the sound of "no!"  Instead, he asks for a "maybe" or a "later" at home, at school, and in the community.  It's not until he becomes a member of the "Say YES to NO Club" that he begins to learn how to accept "no" for an answer and add his name to the Star Board.

Vocabulary:

schedule - a list of times when things will happen

disagree - to have a different opinion

appropriately - to be right for a certain time or place 

"running the show" - to be in charge

official member - to be part of a group or club

"thumbs up" - to show approval or support 

to knock someone over with a feather - to surprise someone

to spoil your appetite - to make you eat less at the next meal

Questions:

What does the word "no" mean to you?

When was a time you were told "no?"  How did it make you feel?    What did you do about it?

What steps did RJ use to accept "no?"

How do you feel when you accepted "no" in an expected way?

Share a time when you accepted "no" in an expected way.

What steps did RJ use to disagree with someone?

How do you feel when you disagree in an expected way?

Share a time when you disagreed with someone in an expected way.
How did these skills help RJ become more successful at school?
How can these skills help you become more successful?

Extension Activities:
Boys Town Training or you can download our FREEBIE here!

Book Of The Week: Fourth of July Mice

Our book of the week has been a hit with our summer students. The Holiday Mice celebrate with some very patriotic ways to wish America, "Happy Birthday!" The little mice start the day dressing up and parading around. Their afternoon is also filled with fun, playing baseball, having sack races and finally taking a dip in a cool pool. The littlest mouse proves his bravery by saving his toy, Mr. Mouse who floats too far down stream. The story ends with the four characters honoring Independence Day with fireworks. Geared toward readers Pre-K to 2nd grade, this story will appeal to all your summer students with colorful illustrations and extra red, white and blue!

Vocabulary:
Parade- a public march or procession to celebrate an event or holiday.  Sack- another word for bag, many times made of cloth.  Sunflower Seeds- seeds from the sunflower plant, small oval in shape.  Marches- walk in a military manner.  Quaking- shaking, ground moving.  Sparkle- shine, opposite of dull. 
Questions:
Why are the mice parading? Why do they have the colors red white and blue? What do they have for lunch? What game do they play after lunch? Do you have enough players? Which mouse wins the sack race? How many mice go in the water? Why does the last mouse stayed behind? Why were the mice so warm? How is Mr. Mouse saved? How does the day end for the little mice? What will you do on Independence Day?  Did you like the story why or why not? 
Extension activities: 
4th of July Mini book
4th of July Picture Writing Prompts
Visualizing the Star Spangled Banner
Color Sheet
Printable Photo Booth Props

Book Of The Week: Library Lion

Library Lion by Michelle Knudsen

Summary: Miss Merriweather has very strict rules in the library, and everyone must obey them, including Lion.  Lion follows the rules and helps Miss Merriweather by licking stamps, dusting books, and anything else she needs.  When Miss Merriweather falls, Lion breaks a rule to help his friend.  After helping Miss Merriweather, Lion knows he has broken a rule, and sadly leaves the library.

Vocabulary:

circulation desk - the main desk or area at a library, usually near the entrance, where books are checked in and out

particular - certain or specific

card catalog - a file of cards used to find a books in a library; it has been replaced by searching on computers

nervous - feeling worried about something

stride - a long walking step

demand - to ask with force; something that must be done

stern -  firm and determined; not flexible

encyclopedia - a book or set of books that has information on many subjects

nervous  - feeling worried about something

well-suited - just right for something

scowl - an angry frown

familiar - to know about something or someone 

circle back - to come back another time

Questions:

Who surprised everyone when he came to the library?

How did Miss Merriweather react when she found out there was a lion in the library? How would you have reacted?

What kind of a character is Miss Merriweather?

What were some of the ways Lion showed he liked the library?

What did Lion do that made Miss Merriweather angry?

Why do you think Lion roared when he found out Story Hour was finished?

What were some of the tasks Lion did to help Miss Merriweather?

What happened to Miss Merriweather when she tried to reach the book that was too high?  What could she have done differently so that she didn't fall?

Why did Lion roar at Mr. McBee?

What happened to Miss Merriweather after she fell?

Why didn't Lion return to the library?

What was the new library rule?

How did Miss Merriweather change from the beginning of the story to the end of the story?

When might it be okay to break a rule?

How would the story be different if Lion was an elephant?  A penguin?  A monkey? 

Find a reading of the book here!

Extension Activities

Library Lion Story Hour Guide

Picture-Book-a-Day

Book of the Week: Interstellar Cinderella

Summary: 

What would happen if Cinderella lived in outer space in and was a mechanic? If you want to know you should read our book of the week! "Interstellar Cinderella." You will love this modernistic twist on the old fairy tale. Age range is 3-6 but can be used with older students to answer wh questions or to compare to the original Cinderella Story. 

Vocabulary:

Sprocket- a wheel with teeth (moves in an engine) Wicked-a person who intends harm to someone Stranded- left behind SOS- A call for help  Glorious - grand or wonderful Socket wrench- a tool used by a mechanic 

Questions:

Who is the main character?  What does she dream of fixing?  Who comes to tell Interstellar Cinderella about the parade?  Do you think she will get to go to the parade? Why or Why Not?  How does Interstellar Cinderella feel about the ships in the parade? Why does the prince's space ship break?  How does Interstellar Cinderella fix it? What tool does she use?  If she can fix rocket ships what is her job title?  What event does the prince invite her to?  Why is it a "gravity free" ball? What kind of time did Interstellar Cinderella have at the ball?  Why does she leave her socket wrench behind?  Who traps Interstellar Cinderella in the attic? Why?  How does she escape?  How does the story end?  Did you like the story? Why or why not?  Why is the title "Interstellar Cinderella?" 

Book Of The Week: Jennie's Hat

Summary: Jennie's favorite aunt is sending her a hat, and when it arrives, it is not exactly what she expected.  Instead of a fancy, flowery, frilly hat, she receives a plain hat.  She tries to find a new hat: a basket from her house, a lampshade, and even a flowerpot, but they just don't work.  Feeling frustrated and disappointed, Jennie is surprised by some of her friends, and her dream hat comes true!

Vocabulary:
plain - simple; not fancy
expect - to hope or look forward to something
scatter - to toss everywhere
peep - to look secretly through a small opening
appear - to become visible
flutter - to fly with quick and light wing movements
swan - a large white bird with a very long neck that usually swims in the water
swoop - to suddenly come down from above
twitter - to make a series of short, light sounds
coo - to make low sounds like a dove or pigeon

Questions:
Who sent Jennie the hat?
What did does the author mean when he wrote, "Jennie blinked back her tears..." after she opened her a hat?
Why did Jennie try on the basket?
What else did Jennie try to wear as a hat?
How do you think Jennie felt when she fed the birds?  Is it the same way she felt when she opened the hat?
Why did Jennie peek out of the window?
What kind of hat did Jennie's mom have?
Where did Jennie wear her plain hat?
Why do you think the birds decorated Jennie's hat?
When the birds decorated Jennie's hat, the author wrote, "...she felt like she was walking on air."  What did he mean?

Extension Activities:

Jennie's Hat: Free Extension Activities

Jennie's Hat Game

Jennie's Hat Activities

Book of the Week: The Day the Crayons Came Home

Summary

What if your Crayons could talk? What if they had adventures? What if they wrote you post cards? These are all questions answered by reading our book of the week, "The Day the Crayons Came Home." In this second installment of the crayon saga, we hear again about a boy, Duncan and his very "colorful" band of crayons. We hope your students enjoy hearing about Maroon who gets marooned, Turqoise who is stuck to a sticky sock and other funny adventures. The intended audience is for K-2nd grade but will have your older students engaged as well. 
Vocabulary:  Marooned- stranded  Formerly- happening in the past or in a previous context Sunny- cheerful or bright personality  Pretty- looking nice Undigestible- inedible  Pointless- no reason 
Story Questions:  What happened to Maroon Crayon?  Why did Pea Green change his name?  Do you like his new name better?  What happened to Yellow and Orange?  Do you think they like being outside? Why or why not? What happened to the crayon that was eaten? Would you want to use that crayon anymore?  What does Esteban the Magnificent want Duncan to do?  What happens to glow in the dark crayon?  Why is he sad?  Why is Gold pointless?  Are the crayons happy or unhappy? Why?  Why is turquoise unhappy?  What happens to Big Chunky Toddler Crayon?  Why is Brown Crayon embarrassed?  How does Duncan fix the problem? 
Extension ideas: http://www.penguin.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/CrayonsGuide-revised15-nocrops.pdf https://www.readingrainbow.com/site/blog/2015/03/03/day-crayons-quit-author-drew-daywalt-joys-challenges-writing-reading/

Book Of The Week: One Fine Day

One Fine Day by Nonny Hogrogian

Summary: A curious fox sneaks milk from an old lady.  She becomes angry and cuts off his tail, only willing to sew it back on when he bring her milk.  The fox goes through great lengths to get his tail back, as he negotiates with the cow, the field, the stream, and the fair maiden among many others.

Vocabulary:

• lap - to drink by lifting up the tongue
• fair - to look nice or pleasing
• maiden - a young woman or girl who is not married
• peddler - someone who sells good in the street or from door to door
• fetch - to go somewhere, pick something up, and bring it back
• clever - smart
• desperate - having almost no way to escape or find a way out
• miller - a person who works on a mill which is a place to make grain into flour

Questions:

Where was the fox traveling?

Why do you think the fox was thirsty?

Why was the woman mad at the fox?  

What did the woman do to the fox when she discovered he drank her milk?

How did the fox feel when the old woman chopped off his tail?

What did the cow want the fox to do?

What did the field want the fox to do?

What did the stream tell the fox?

What did the fair maiden want from the fox?

What did the peddler want from the fox?

What did the hen want?

What did the miller do for the fox?  How was this different than everyone else?

What was the lesson you learned from this story?

Share three details in the story that the author uses to show that this story is nonfiction.

Extension Activities:

http://www.teacherjodieblack.com/Fox_s_Tail_Sample_lesson.pdf

https://books.google.com/books?

id=mrH1l3kVIXcC&pg=PA178&lpg=PA178&dq=one+fine+day+by+nonny+hogrogian+activities&source=bl&ots=CCFiakvbVC&sig=VA6PHaEGJwj_pvIaQoI9SXMd3Vs&hl=en&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwj654O38bjMAhUFHB4KHcnGCB8Q6AEIVTAJ#v=onepage&q=one%20fine%20day%20by%20nonny%20hogrogian%20activities&f=false

Book of the Week The Pain and the Great One

Summary:

Our book of the week is told in two parts. The first part entitled "the pain" shows the perspective of an eight year old girl and the second section entitled "the great one" is told by her younger 6 year old brother. They both bring a different perspective to each situation and provide the listener with humor along they way. It is the perfect book for point of view, comparing/contrasting or to introduce your students to the idea of compromise.  Questions:                      What happens when she goes to school without her brother?                       Do you think she deserves a later bed time? Why or Why not?                      How does she describe her brother's drawings?                        Why does she get mad when her brother plays with his trucks?                      Why can't the boy feed the cat?                       The girl has more responsibility with their cousin? Why?                      Both the boy and girl think their parents show favoritism, is this true?                       Why did the author tell the story from each child's perspective?                       Do you have a sibling? How do you feel about them?                       How do the boy and girl annoy each other?                       How do they help each other?                       Did you like the story? Why or why not?  Vocabulary:  Pokey- slow, sluggish Pain - unpleasant feeling Slob- someone who is messy Ordinary- plain or common happening Lovable - deserving of love  Dial- act of typing in a number to call

Extension Activity:

https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/The-Pain-the-Great-One-696521

Book of the Week: Farfallina & Marcel

Farfallina & Marcel by Holly Keller

Summary: Farfallina and Marcel were an odd pair of best friends.  Farfallina, a caterpillar, and Marcel, a gosling, did everything together.  One day, Farfallina didn't feel well and needed to rest.  Marcel waited and waited, and finally decided Farfallina would not return.  Weeks later, Farfallina emerged as a butterfly and realized Marcel wasn't waiting for her.  She waited and waited, only to find that he did not return.  By a chance meeting, the two friends reunited, unaware of who the other was until they discovered each other's true identities.  This is a beautiful story of enduring friendship despite time and change.

Vocabulary:

peer - to look closely at something

huddle - to move into a small spot to keep warm or dry 

drizzle - a light rain

fern - a plant with large green leaves shaped like a feather

lonely - to feel alone

glossy - looking smooth and shiny

confused - to feel like something is difficult or hard to understand

flutter - to quickly move back and forth or up and down

solitary - single

disappointment - feeling sad because of not getting or receiving something

brilliant - very shiny or colorful

to vanish into thin air - to disappear

Questions: 

Who is this story about?

Where do the characters live?

What did Marcel mean when he told Farfallina she was eating his umbrella?  

How do you know Farfallina and Marcel were thinking about teach other when they were playing hide and seek? 

Why do you think Farfallina uncomfortable?  

Do you think Marcel was patient when waiting for Farfallina?  Why or why not?

Why did Marcel beat his wings and swim round and round when Farfallina told him her name at the pond?

How did Marcel and Farfallina feel when they found each other again?

When the leaves turned red and gold, what was the author trying to tell you?  

With spring here, it would be a great time to sequence the life cycle of a butterfly!

thebutterflysite.com

The Life Cycle of a Butterfly Wheel

Butterfly Life Cycle Craft

Book of the Week: Peanut Butter and Cupcake

Peanut Butter and Cupcake by Terry Border

Summary: Peanut Butter was new, and he wanted to make friends.  He asked Hamburger to play, but he was too busy walking his dogs.  Cupcake was too busy building a sprinkle castle.  Meatball was too busy trying to set a record.  Everyone was too busy to play with Peanut Butter until he met another new person, Jelly!  This is a cute story about making friends and persevering with a lot of hidden humor! 

Vocabulary:

• balance - to keep something steady
• chuckle - to laugh
• you crack me up - to let someone know that they are funny

Questions:

How did Peanut Butter feel at the very beginning of the story?

Who was Hamburger walking?  Why is that funny?

What kind of a friend do you think Cupcake might be?  Why do you think that?

What did egg really mean when he said, "You're cracking me up!"?

Why didn't Peanut Butter want the egg to keep cracking?

What record do you think meatball was trying to set?

With whom did French Fries need to catch up?

What is funny about French Fries needing to "catch up?" (What did the author really mean?)

What did Peanut Butter and Jelly do at the end of the story that no one else did for Peanut Butter?

Extension Activities:

Teaching Friendship in the Classroom by TheHappyTeacher

Peanut Butter and Jelly Activities by Nicole Shelby

Peanut Butter and Jelly Sequencing Cards (Math and Literacy) by Heather Cacak

How to Make a Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwich by A Plus Classroom Creations

Book of the Week: Dumb Bunnies' Easter

This week our book post is the "Dumb Bunnies' Easter" by Sue Denim. With this book we follow the Bunny family into yet another zany adventure as they get ready for Easter. Mother, Father and Baby Bunny all do their best to get ready by trimming the tree and dressing the turkey. Wild adventures ensue as they don't realize that Easter actually comes at a different time of year. Our students today enjoyed laughing at the bunny family. Target audience is k-3 but can be used with students at higher levels as well if they need more guided learning. 

Vocabulary:

Wonderful-extremely good. Carolers-a group of singers. Easter-the holiday in the spring celebrated with the Easter Bunny and eggs. Sleigh- an open vehicle to ride in. Chimney-a pipe that conducts smoke away. Worst-extremely bad.

Questions:

What was the date? Should they be hanging valentines? Is that how your mom stuffs a turkey? What is baby bunny doing that make the carolers frightened?  What kind of clothes is the dad wearing? Is this a good choice in winter?  Look at the Baby Bunny;s clothes, what is wrong?  Do you have an aster tree at home? Does yours look the same as the bunnies?  What is wrong with their tree?  What do you think is in Momma Bunny's boxes? What holiday are tinsel, lights and ornaments for?  What does the turkey look like? Would you eat it?  Where does baby bunny put the cheese? Would you eat it?  Do they paint Easter eggs in a different way than you?  Did they hang their stockings the correct way? Why or why not? What kind of sleigh does the Easter Bunny drive?  Why does he throw Easter eggs down the chimney?