Book Of The Week: Leprechaun On The Loose

Leprechaun On The Loose by Marcia Thornton Jones

Summary:  Sydney finds himself in a lot of trouble, caused by a sneaky leprechaun who seems to be sabotaging his class's St. Patrick's Day party!  First the leprechaun licks the icing off of the cupcakes, ruins the decorations, and spills all of the juice.  Then Sydney devises a plan to catch the leprechaun, but will it work?

Vocabulary:

• icing - frosting
• backstroke - a swimming stroke done on the back
• dove - to move from a higher to lower place with the head or front part of the body first
• soggy - very wet
• scurry - to move quickly as if in a hurry
• faint - weak
• tidbit a little bit
• bait - food used to catch an animal or fish

Questions:

Who were the two main characters in the story?  Name one way that they are the same and one way that they are different.

When and where did the story take place?

What did the leprechaun do first that got Sydney in trouble?

What happens to Sydney when he tries to get the leprechaun from the fish tank?  Was this a good idea?  Why or why not?

Why did Sydney open up the hamster's cage?  What happened when he did?

Why did Sydney want to catch the leprechaun?  How did he do it?

What choice did Sydney have to make once he caught the leprechaun?  Would you have made the same choice?  Why or why not?

What happened at the very end of the story?

Extension Activities:

St. Patrick's Day Writing and Describing

What Have I Learned has great ideas from constructing a leprechaun trap, to shamrock craftivities, to math and literacy

Pre-K activities from Over The Big Moon and itsy bitsy fun

Book of the Week: Green Eggs and Ham

Our book of the week this week is an old classic, but with a new twist.  This week with our reading groups we will be reading the story of Sam-I-am and the unnamed narrator. While Sam tries his sales pitch of different places and dinner partners the narrator is equally determined not to try green eggs and ham. Sam's idea eventually works and the narrator begins to like green eggs and ham. After reading we will discuss the book and then write our own persuasive paragraph for or against trying green eggs and ham.

Story Questions:

Why does the Narrator hesitate to taste green eggs and Ham?

Do you think he will not try it because Sam-I-Am is too pushy?

Do you think it is possible to like green eggs and ham with one friend but not another?

Do you think is possible to like green eggs and ham in one place but not another?

Do you think Sam I am is nice or mean to the narrator?

What is a food that you have tried that is new? Did you like it?

Can you say you do not like something without tasting it? Why or Why Not?

Do you think the narrator and Sam will be friends at the end of the book, why or why not?

If you could change the title what would you change it to?

Persuasive Prompts:

Write to the narrator and tell him your reasons he should try green eggs and ham.

Write to narrator and tell him your reasons he should avoid green eggs and ham.

Write to Sam- I-Am and tell him why he should find a better job.

Write to someone you know and explain why they should try green eggs and ham. 

Extension Activities:

https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Green-Eggs-and-Ham-Persuasive-Writing-573840

https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Persuasive-Essay-Peer-Review-84766

Book Of The Week: President's Day by Anne Rockwell

President's Day by Anne Rockwell

Summary:  The students in Mrs. Madoff's class are putting on a play.  Get to know a little bit more about four of the nation's Presidents: George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, Thomas Jefferson, and Theodore Roosevelt. 

Vocabulary: 

assembly - a group of people gathered together for a reason

paper-mache - a material made of shredded paper and glue that becomes hard when dry

granite - a hard stone used for making monuments and buildings

elected - to chose by voting

divided - separated

nation - people who live in a space and have their own government

gallop - to ride a horse at full speed

hobbyhorse - a toy that has the head of a horse at the end of a long stick that children can pretend to ride

mural - a large painted picture

spouting - to flow out in a forced way

election - choosing a person for position by voting

Questions:

Which Presidents were born in February?

What important job do adults have every four years?

What did the students decide to do?

Who helped the American people fight for freedom from the king of England?

Why did Charlie get to be Abraham Lincoln?

Who was the 16th President of the United States?

Who wrote the Declaration of Independence?

What was the Declaration of Independence?

Who had the nickname "Teddy?"

What was important to Theodore Roosevelt?

Why do you think the audience clapped for a long time when the play was finished?

What did the students do after the play?

Who won the election?

Extension Activities:

President's Day Pack

US Presidents: Finding Text Evidence Reading Comprehension Passage

President's Day Powerpoint Presentation

President's Day Vocabulary

President's Day Bingo

Book of the Week: Lilly's Chocolate Heart

It is the end of Valentine's Day and Lilly has just one chocolate heart left. She want to save the heart for later, but must find the best possible spot. She would like to keep her chocolate as safe as possible. For ages Pre-K-2nd grade. This book is perfect for introducing descriptive words to younger readers. 

Questions

When does the story take place? 

What does Lilly want to do with her heart? 

Why does she want to hide it? 

What would be the perfect place to put the heart? 

Where does she want to hide it at first? 

Why can’t Lilly hide it in the dresser? 

What would happen if she keeps it behind the radiator?

Do you think it will stay on the picture frame? Why or Why not? 

Did Lilly put it in on the book shelf? Why or why not? 

What does Lilly do at the end when she cannot find a good hiding space? 

Did you like this story? Why or Why not? 

Vocabulary 
Valentine-  a gift given to someone on valentines day (usually chocolate or a card)

Perfect- just right

Dusty- covered in dust

Messy- not clean, cluttered

Radiator- emits heat in a house

Narrow- thin or skinny

Additional Resources:

http://www.kevinhenkes.com/

Book Of The Week: The Biggest Snowman Ever

The Biggest Snowman Ever by Steven Kroll

Summary: Clayton and Desmond are strong competitors when it comes to building the biggest snowman...ever.  It's not until they realize they cannot do it alone that they team up to do what they set out to do-together.

Vocabulary:

mayor - the head of a town or city

declare - to announce

drift - a mound of snow, sand, or other material

base - the foundation or bottom of something

Questions:

Who were the two main characters in this story? 

Where did Penelope and James live?

Where did Desmond and Clayton live?

What were Desmond and Clayton trying to do?

What part of the snowman did Desmond and Clayton make first?

What part did they make second?

Why were all of the snow people the same size?

How did Desmond and Clayton make the biggest snowman?

How did they celebrate at the end of the story?

What lesson did Desmond and Clayton learn?

Book Of The Week: I Am Martin Luther King, Jr.

I Am Martin Luther King, Jr. by Brad Meltzer

If there was one person who I could meet, it would be Martin Luther King, Jr.,  hands down.  Every time January rolls around, I get so excited and passionate about incorporating him and his work into my lessons before and after the third Monday of January and in to February for Black History Month, so I thought it was only fitting to post this book by Brad Meltzer. 

This book shares about the life and work of Martin Luther King, Jr. and sends a message that everyone can be a hero.  The illustrations by Christopher Eliopoulos give a comic-book like feel while maintaining the integrity of King's life.



Need ideas for activities?  Teach Junkie has some helpful ones. Included are writing prompts, videos, play dough activities, character traits, poems and quotations, and much more!

You an also check out our MLK activity pack here which is on sale.  

Book of the Week: Stella Queen of the Snow

Our book of the week is perfect for a snowy night cuddled with your little queens or kings. Stella Queen of the Snow, tells the story of Sam who had never seen snow and is not too interested, until his sister Stella explains,"Snow is as cold as ice cream but as soft as rabbit's fur." This intrigues Sam and he begins to ask Stella a flurry of questions about the snow. Full of descriptive language and bright pictures, this is the perfect book to introduce winter vocabulary. 

Vocabulary: 

Fort- short for fortress, a strong building

Silver- shiny gray color

Freeze- turning to ice

Breath- exhaled or inhaled air from lungs

Winter-cold season from 

Snowfall-amount of snow to fall. 

Fog-low lying clouds, close to the ground

Questions: 

Who are the main characters? 

Which character doesn't know about snow? 

Why does Sam wonder about the snow? 

Why do you think Stella is the queen of the snow? 

Do you think Stella is a real expert about the snow? Or do you think she is making it up? Why? 

Why does fog come out of their mouths?

Do you think Stella is a good older sister? Why or why not? 

How does Sam react to Stella helping? 

How do you help your siblings or family? 

Did you like this book? Why or Why not? 

This week with our younger students we are focused on comparing and contrasting characters. Please feel free to use the freebie worksheet we created for our students. You can get it here.

Book of the Week: The Three Snow Bears

The Three Snow Bears by Jan Brett

Summary:  

When Aloo-ki's huskies float out to sea, she goes looking for them.  While looking for them, she stumbles upon an igloo that she decides to visit.  The story takes off from there, reminiscent of a familiar tale.

Vocabulary: huskies - dogs that have thick fur and are often bred to pull sleds in arctic areas ice floe - a large piece of floating ice stroll - to walk slowly mound - a raised pile fringe - an edge of hanging threads adrift - moving or floating without being steered sloshed - to move with a splashing sound through water, mud, etc. wail - to make a long, loud cry bellow - a loud, deep shout or cry
Questions: Where do you think Aloo-ki lives?  Why do you think that? Why does Aloo-ki have a team of dogs instead of just one dog? What kind of a girl is Aloo-ki?  Wha makes you think that? Why are Aloo-ki's actions unexpected? How would you feel if someone entered your house and used your belongings in the way that Aloo-ki did?  Would you have reacted the same way? Why were the huskies bouncing around and smiling at Aloo-ki when she left the bears' house? What story is this similar to?  Explain your thinking.
Don't have the book?  No problem!  You can watch it here: In need of an activity?  No worries!  Check out our FREEBIE here!

Book Of The Week: If I Were President

If I Were President by Catherine Steir

With the upcoming election, I've spent the last week heavily focusing on the election process.  We've implemented it in our language arts class with an emphasis on vocabulary, comparing/contrasting, and writing as well as in our math class.  On Tuesday, the students will get to participate in a school-wide voting process complete with ballots and booths.  I'm so excited for them to have this experience!  

This week's book of the week is a bit different.  There is a two-part FREEBIE in our TPT store for you!  The first part is a vocabulary activity that targets 12 vocabulary words in the form of the game "I have-who has..."

The second part is a writing activity with the prompt, "If I Were President..."  (I'm sure you wouldn't have guessed that!)  Included is a graphic organizer and paper for a final copy.

Some of the students needed a bit more scaffolding, so I provided a simple introductory sentence for them.  They really enjoyed this activity, and I equally enjoyed reading their ideas!  As long as they were able to give a (somewhat) reasonable reason, I went with it!

If you don't own the book, you can watch the video here!

Book of the Week: Room on the Broom

Room on the Broom by Julia Donaldson

Summary:  The witch and her cat fly through the sky on her broomstick when suddenly she loses her hat, bow, and her wand.  Several animals help her find her items, and in return, she gives them a ride on her broom.  With all of her friends on the broom, it breaks, and the witch is faced with a ferocious foe.  How will she escape?

Vocabulary:

ginger - a light reddish or reddish-brown color

wail - to make a long, loud cry

keen - to be able to quickly understand

clamber - to climb with difficulty

glee - a feeling of delight or joy

moors - land that is open and wet

bog - and that is soft and wet
glint - a brief flash of reflected light

yowl - to make a loud, sad cry

squelch - to crush or squash

cauldron - a round metal pot that is often hung over a fire for cooking

Questions:

What does the witch look like?  (see description at the beginning of the story or show a picture)

Who was riding with the witch when the story started?

What happened to the witch's hat?

Who helped the witch find her hat?

Where did the witch's bow fall?

Who found the bow?

Where did the witch lose her wand?

Who found the witch's wand?

What happened to the witch's broomstick?  Why do you think it broke?

Who wanted to eat the witch?

Who scared the dragon?  What did he do?

What did the witch do at the end of the story?

Were the animals and the witch friends?  How do you know?  Share details from the story.

You can listen to the book read aloud here: 

or watch the movie here:

Extension activities:

• http://www.twinkl.co.uk/resources/early-years-story-resources/early-years-story-books/early-years-story-books-room-on-the-broom
• Literacy and Math Freebie from Happy Little Learners
• Writing Prompt from Second Grade Smiles
• https://images.scholastic.co.uk/assets/a/b6/b7/room-on-the-broom-activities-1070440.pdf
• Story cut-outs from Kindergarten Nana

Book Of The Week: The Legend of Spookley The Square Pumpkin

The Legend of Spookley The Square Pumpkin by Joe Troiano

Summary:  The alliteration and rhyme-filled story's character, Spookley, is a pumpkin, but he's not just any pumpkin.  He is a square pumpkin, much to his dismay.  He can't roll like the others and is teased until a storm approaches.  Spookley soon discovers that being different is a beautiful thing!

Vocabulary:

rare- not common; not often seen
might - lots of force or power
fair - fine; ok
discovered - to find
bay - part of a sea or lake that cuts in to part of the coast line is partly surrounded by land
fright - a strong feeling of fear or being in danger
teeter totter- to move back and forth
dense- thick; hard to see or more through
wedged - to force something into a small space
sown - to plant or scatter on the ground

Questions:
Where was Spookley hatched?
How was Spookley different from the other pumpkins?
How did Spookley feel about being different from the other pumpkins at the beginning of the story?
What couldn't Spookley do like the other pumpkins?
How did Spookily help save the pumpkins from rolling out in to the bay?
Who knew how special Spookley was?  What did he do?
How did the pumpkin patch change from the beginning to the end of the story?
What is the lesson from the story?



Extension Activities:
Identifying Shapes
Text to Self Connections
Pumpkin Sequencing
Thematic Pumpkin Unit
Pumpkin Investigation

Book Of The Week: Agate

Agate by Joy Morgan Dey

Summary: 

Agate, the awkward moose, has poor self-esteem.  Upon meeting his friends, he asks himself, "What good is a moose?"  He compares himself to all of his friends: Aquamarine the penguin who surfs and dives, Pearl the monkey who swings and jokes, Topaz the eagle who soars and doesn't have doubts, and many others.  Agate cannot find any good qualities within himself until his friends help him to see that he is a gem too!

Vocabulary:
lopsided - uneven
nondescript - plain; bland
awkward - without physical skill or grace
practical jokes - a trick played on someone to make others laugh
shuffle -to drag or scrape feet when walking
waltz - a round dance for two people that has three beats
quills - sharp, hollow spines of a porcupine
compost - a mixture of leaves, vegetables, and manure used to improve garden soil
mischief - playful teasing that can be annoying
marvel - a thing, person, or event that causes wonder
engineering - using math and science to design and build

Questions:
How does Agate feel at the beginning of the story?
What does he think about this friends?
What is the crocodile known for?
How long will Amethyst live for?
Where does Aquamarine live?
What does Pearl like to do?
What talent does Ruby have?
What might happen if someone gets in to Peridot's personal space?
Agate compares himself to all of his friends throughout the book.  Why does he do this?
What advice does Agate's friends give him?
What does Agate learn at the end of the story?
How do Agate's feelings change from the beginning to the end of the story?

Theme of this story revolves around self-confidence.  Agate must learn that beauty can be found on the inside.  Here are several activities to drive home this idea for students:
Self-Esteem Building Activity
Positive Message Game
iAm
Elementary School Counseling 

Book of the Week: I Don't Want To Be A Frog

Summary:

Frog, does not like being who he is. He would rather be a cat, rabbit, a pig, or a wolf, just anything but a frog. He talks with his father who discusses all of the reason's why he can't be those animals. It is a lesson on understanding your gifts, appreciating who you are as well as good for a laugh. The target audience is Pre-K- 2nd grade but can be a good life lesson for older students as well. 

Vocabulary:
Slimy- feeling slippery Wise -a word for knowing a lot of information Glum - sad gobble - eat up quickly fierce - a word to describe a scary predator  lucky - to have good luck or things that happen
Questions:
Why does frog want to be another animal?  Who tells him he cannot be a cat?  Why can't frog be a rabbit?  Why can't frog be a pig? How do you think garbage would taste? Why can't frog be an owl? Why was the frog glum?  What is the little secret the wolf tells him? Does the wolf change the frog's opinion about being a fuzzy and cute animal? Does the wolf eat badgers? How do you know?  Does frog feel lucky in the end Why or Why not?  Don't have the book? View the link below: 

Book Of The Week: The Gingerbread Man Loose in the School

The Gingerbread Man Loose in the School by Laura Murray

Summary: He began in a bowl, was measured and mixed, was rolled and molded, and was decorated and baked.  He was the gingerbread man!  But wait!  He was left behind by his class and was on a mission to find them...a mission that lead him through the school.

Vocabulary:
ingredients - part of a mixture; usually flour, sugar, eggs, etc.
molasses - a thick and sweet, dark brown syrup
ginger - a spice
mold - to give something a certain shape
bound - to leap or jump
announce - to tell or make known
limp - to walk in a difficult way because of an injured leg or foot
spectacular - wonderful
peer - too look hard to see something
explore - to travel in order to look for something
cozy - comfortable

Questions:
Who was this story about?
How did the story begin?
How did the children make the gingerbread man?
Where do you think the students made the gingerbread man?
Why did the children leave the gingerbread man behind?  Where did they go?  How did it make the gingerbread man feel?
Where did the gingerbread man go first?
What happened to the gingerbread man when he was at the gym?  Where did he go next?
How did the nurse fix the gingerbread man's toe?
Whose lunch did the gingerbread man fall into?
Who helped the gingerbread man find his class?
How do you know the class couldn't find the gingerbread man?
How did the class feel when the gingerbread man came back?
What did the students do for the gingerbread man?
How did the gingerbread man feel at the end of the story?  How do you know that?



Extension Activities:
Laura Murray Books
Emergent Reader FREEBIE
Back To School Gingerbread Man Scavenger Hunt
The Gingerbread Man Loose In The School Missing Poster
http://www.penguin.com/static/images/yr/pdf/tl-guide-gingerbread-man-loose.pdf

Book Of The Week: How I Became A Pirate

Summary: 

Jeremy Jacob is spending his day building a sand castle. He is so good at digging that Braid Beard and his crew decide to invite him along for a pirate adventure. Soon Jeremy has learning how to talk like pirate, how to eat like a pirate and why pirates all have green teeth. Fun and heart warming, this book is sure to please your clients or students age targets for 6-8 year olds but can be adapted for older students with vocabulary and question tasks.


Vocabulary:

Ahoy- a way of saying hello.
Slather- to rub a thick portion on.
Landlubber- A name to call people who are not pirates.
Hammock- a bed made of rope and hung up from a tree or on a ship
Swab- to wipe off
Treasure- term for something very valuable

Questions: 

How does the boy tell they are pirates? 

Who does he try to tell? Why don't they listen?  Who climbs out of the boat first?  Do you think Bora Bora is a real place? Why or Why no?  What do the pirates think of his sand castle? How do you know?  Why do they need Jeremy's help?  What do Jeremy and the pirates do on board the ship?  How are pirate manners different at your house?  After dinner what game does Jeremy teach the pirates to play?  Why does the ball go overboard?  Do you think someone should have rescued the ball? Why or why not?  Pirates don't change into pajamas is that a good plan? Why or why not?  Why do you think the pirates have green teeth?  Why does Jeremy change his mind about being a pirate?  What happens to the Mast? Why is it hard to fix?  Where did they bury the treasure?  How will Jeremy remember where it is buried?  What do the pirates do after they busy the treasure?  How will Jeremy call the pirates again, if he needs help?  Extension Activities: 
Comparing/Contrasting Writing Activity Cause/Effect Pirate Extra Activities  

Book of the Week: I Am the Dog

Summary: 

Is being a dog better than being a kid? This is the question Jacob contemplates one evening. He decides to find the answer, and trades places with his loving companion dog, Max. The next day Jacob does only dog things, sleeping on a rug, playing fetch, eating dog food. Max, in turn eats breakfast with the family (at the table), attends school and has to do homework. Geared toward ages K-2 you will love the creativity behind this story. You will also find out is it better to be a dog or a boy.

Vocabulary

Idea- a thought stretched- sprawled or pulled out sniff - to smell with the nose reason- a given idea as to "why" something is happening kibble- another name for dog food

Questions: 

Who are the main characters?

Why is he sleeping on the rug?  How does he feel about being a dog?  How much toothpaste does Max eat?  What is the parent's reaction to the switch?  Where does Max go for the day?  Why is the park a good place for a dog?  Why does he have to wait in the garage?  What does Jacob get for supper?  Where does Jacob go after supper?  Why does Max have to to do the homework all over again? What lesson did the Jacob and Max learn at the end of the story?  Would you want to be a dog? Why?  You can get our free extension activity, by clicking the picture below: