I still can't believe that the theme of yesterday's post was pasta and I featured one of our favorite books, Tomie dePaola's Strega Nona. Then, last night we learned the sad news that Tomie dePaola passed away. It's weird.
Tuesday dinner is almost always "Taco Tuesday" but tonight I'm going to rally for "Tomie Tuesday" with pasta and popcorn. I've been craving spaghetti anyway since Sunday...
Did you know that I am known far and wide for my popcorn? My current and former students all call it "Rattner Popcorn." I bring it in to celebrate any occasion. If it's for more than one class, you could often catch me carrying many containers stuffed in one of those big, blue Ikea bags.
At last year's Bluebonnet Kickoff Party
Tomie wrote a book about popcorn in the 1970s. Although it uses the term "Indian" which I don't love, it is still a good book. He also mentions the Iroquois and Algonquins, which were our local Native American tribes. I found this read aloud online of the original version and then was thrilled to find out that the book was updated in 2018. Now I can weed the old one and happily replace with the new one:
It may be another mostly indoor day today so here are some popcorn related activities to do (Thank you Library Sparks):
Get your family members to all estimate the number of kernels in a bag or container and then count them to see who came closest.
Pop some popcorn and guess how many kernels will not get popped and see who came closest
Research popcorn on any one of our databases. Explore where it was first eaten and who ate it. What other new things did you learn? Share them with me!
Write a poem about popcorn. Use all your senses. Definitely share it with me!
Use unpopped and popped corn to make a picture. Maybe add some uncooked pasta and make it a Tomie dePaola collage.
Look up why popcorn pops. Do an experiment (with an adult, of course!) using different kinds of oils, temperature, kernels and see which way is the best.
Taste test which kind of popcorn you like best and make a graph.
Write an essay or make a video on why or why not popcorn is a healthy snack.
Dance to "Popcorn."
Here is the Muppets version. I love the idea of using the kitchen tools to make music but maybe, not go to the extreme like he does?
Everyone always asks me what my secret recipe is. No secret. Just canola oil, popcorn and salt in an old fashioned pot. Got an extra Ikea bag lying around? When we go back to school, popcorn party for ALL. That's a lot of bags.
RIP Tomie dePaola. We will miss you but know that your work will live on forever in our libraries and homes. Here's to pasta and popcorn to you today and always.
P.S.
ICYMI: Here's the Spirit Week Day 1 video of all the pets and stuffed animals. Don't forget to send me your family choice photos for today.
Everyday I watch Governor Cuomo. It's my one set routine. My daughter sits with me when she can. My friends and I text each other. "He just made me laugh," I type. "And cry," one replies. It's one daily routine we can have in this upside down world. Yesterday, he talked about being with his Italian family every Sunday. They would get together for an early dinner and eat spaghetti and meatballs. I bet it was awesome. He then shared how he attempted to continue this tradition with his own girls. Knowing he wasn't a good cook, he would go to an Italian shop, buy the meatballs and sauce but cook it on the stove. His daughters were skeptical (as they should be if he wasn't a good cook) and would just pick around them not aware they store bought. Joke's on them now.
Today's bipartisan post is dedicated to Governor Cuomo and the theme is pasta.
Daddy Makes the Best Spaghetti
Daddy Makes the Best Spaghetti by Anna Grossnickle Hines was a "book on tape" my daughter frequently checked out of the library. It started with a catchy tune that my husband and I still sing. 🎶 Daddy makes the best spaghetti...🎶 The book was published in 1986 so some things about it are dated. For one, not all families look like the one in this book. In fact, mine in 1986 didn't look like it. But, after hearing Cuomo's story about his not making the spaghetti, I just had to kick off the post with it.
The author's website has some ideas you can do related to the book. Here are a few that can be done together whether you read (or sing) the book:
Ask people: "What is your favorite food?" Make a graph to show the results.
Ask people "What is your least favorite chore?" Make a graph to show the results.
Make placemats: Use paper that is about 12 x 18" and decorate them (color, paint, collage). Maybe make a special one for each person that you live with. If you happen to have contact paper around, you can cover the front and back with it so they can be wiped off and used over and over again.
Make a recipe book: Fill in the blanks of this sentence-My _____ makes the best _____. Get the recipe, write it down and then draw a picture to go with it. Do this with different people and foods. Put them together and now you have a cookbook!
Strega Nona
Another favorite of Tari's and her parents 😉 was Caldecott honor winning Strega Nona by Tomie dePaola. It also has a song we still sing.
You can find a ton of activities online to pair with this book. Scholastic has a bunch including some great discussion questions (Was Strega Nona's punishment for Big Anthony fair? Why or why not? What punishment would you give him? Why do you think Big Anthony disobeyed Strega Nona? Do you think he would do it again? What does it mean that "the punishment must fit the crime"? What is the theme or message of the book?
If you have play dough around, you can make figures of Strega Nona, Big Anthony, the pasta pot or all three. Don't have play dough? Most homemade recipes call for cream of tartar, not an ingredient we usually have in the house. I found this one that doesn't call for it.
This activity guide from Storylineonline has many more ideas including making stained glass pasta, how to have a "pasta party", a pizza recipe and ideas for virtual field trips to Calabria.
Noodleheads
Who doesn't love the Noodlehead books? These are perfect for our emerging readers. One even won a Geisel honor. They are hilarious. I love using them for choral read alouds with first grade. Even if you can't get the books on Sora, you can still check out this great document filled with activities--bookmarks, coloring pages, word find, games...It should keep you busy for a while.
This is a picture of my friend, Amy from Denver, and I when we were together at ALA in New Orleans in 2018. FUN!
Noodlemania: 50 Playful Pasta Recipes
Every Friday the fifth grade Reading Ambassadors and I have a lunch meeting. I've been trying to keep it up virtually. The past two weeks a strong but small group has been attending. I shared my screen and we read this cookbook together. It was fun! The use of food coloring in some of the recipes make them look less than appetizing. Ha! I will definitely be purchasing the print book for the library. It has easy pasta recipes and small facts throughout. Check it out on Sora and get cooking!
Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs
Who doesn't love this one? There is an overabundance of ideas of things you can do with this book. Want to make a "Delicious Wacky Weather Forecast"? Check out this link for tips on how to do it! I found a couple of different versions of read aloud for the book.
This one is the actual book:
This one is a little longer and goes along more with the movie:
Read the book, watch the movies and compare. Then maybe you can write the script for movie #3?
Finally...
For my older friends, want to watch a video on how a chef tries to invent new pasta shapes?
She goes on a wacky scavenger hunt (maybe you can make one throughout your house and backyard) and then gets to work in the test kitchen.
Are you hungry yet? Craving pasta for lunch or dinner? Sorry! But, don't blame me. Blame Governor Cuomo 😁 BON APPETITE!
I know we have a lot of dancers at school. Lyrical and Jazz. Modern. Tap. Irish. And the one I live with, ballet. These kids work hard for hours and hours every week. I know from experience. I have been taking my daughter to dance since before she was 3 years old. She loves it and most likely will major in it next year when she goes to college.
Our amazing PE teacher posts a daily short video of games to do at home. Follow him (@coachbiehler) if you don't already. They are entertaining and uplifting. His kids are too cute. My daughter was never really into basketball or tossing a ball around. It was (and still is) dance. These days she is taking online classes in our dining room. What can you do with your young dancer?
#HowDoYouDance
Back in early January, I shared How Do You Dance? with Mrs. Pryde's kindergarten class and we had a lot of fun dancing around the Dewey Section. Looking at these pictures makes me miss the kids and the library so much.
Watch this video of Thyra Heder talking about her book and dancing on KidLitTV. Can you share your dancing videos with the hashtag, #HowDoYouDance ?
I love this quote from Thyra that when you are "not feeling very joyful or feeling very happy to know that you can also move your body then and you can sort of roll around on your floor, you can dance alone in your room...that's also a good idea to show moving on a sad day." How did she know that dancing could be therapeutic especially TODAY? If you do get a hold of the book, look out for this particular spread, "Good days. Rainy days. Sad days. Sometimes you just need to flop around until you feel better." Today I could use a whole lot of flopping around, if you know what I mean.
To Dance: A Ballerina's Graphic Novel
In 2015 I met Mark Siegel for the first time at ALA. I nearly toppled him over. "YOU'RE Mark Siegel?! My daughter's FAVORITE book is To Dance!" He was very kind to me and we might have chatted for about three minutes. Then I kept running into him, and that was awkward. At every ALA or TLA since then, I have seen him and continue to salute him and remind him of my admiration for the book.
I found the book on Tari's shelf last night. I know she re-reads it every once in a while. It's one of those books that always brings her back to a happy place. If you can get a hold of the graphic novel written by Mark's wife, Siena Cherson Siegel and illustrated by Mark, here are some discussion questions I found from AdLit.Org:
Do you like this book as a graphic novel? Do you think the story would work well without them?
Read Jill Krementz's A Very Young Dancer (one of my most favorite books growing up) and find similarities and differences in the way the two stories are told.
Do you have a hobby that you enjoy? Research ways you can turn that hobby into a job. (You can even think about this question without reading the book.)
Were you surprised at the choice Shana made when she turned 18? Why do you think Shana made that decision?
Ivy and Bean: Doomed to Dance
I love the Ivy and Bean series by Annie Barrows and illustrated by my friend, Sophie Blackall. Here's a book trailer for Doomed to Dance, Book #6 (The latest is Book #11!). Read the whole series! They are all good!
And to keep with the Ivy and Bean theme, here is Sophie reading from Ivy and Bean: One Big Happy Family, Book #11:
Dear Ballerina
I met author and illustrator, Monica Wellington many years ago. She was even our guest for the Read Over Sleep Over several years ago! Her daughter, Lydia Wellington, is a dancer with the NYC Ballet. When my daughter was about 10 years old we saw Lydia dance in Saratoga and she gave her a pair of her ballet shoes. I don't know who was more excited, Tari or me?
How exciting that Monica's book Dear Ballerina can be found at the NYC Ballet gift shop!
Here is a cupcake recipe from Monica's website that your family can bake together.
FYI: You know that leaping sketch of me in my Google bio? Monica drew that!
There are a lot of other books fiction and nonfiction related to dance. PLEASE email me if you want any more suggestions. First thing I will do is pirouette over to my daughter's bookshelf. Then I will check out the library catalog.
And for the TEEN dancers in your life...
I just wanted to share Sophie Flack's, Bunheads, another one I grabbed off Tari's shelf. You know how intense the world of ballet can be and woosh--the music in this interview says it all.
Two wild connections here: Aunt Ronnie (see above) is friends with Sophie's mom AND Jenna Gavigan is friends with Sophie!
Encore
I hope your very (or not so very) young dancer is still dancing in addition to doing academics, hanging with the family, and of course, playing outside. Even your non-dancer can benefit from a moving around to some music. Get that sunshine in your pocket, dance away and remember to share #HowDoYouDance ?
PS: I found this one I really like but can't get the YouTube link so check it out here to DANCE!
A long, long time ago a friend of mine gave me a card that said, "If you leave it to the last minute, it only takes a minute to do." That is forever my motto. In fact, I got a call yesterday from NYSUT asking for a book review due in 2 weeks. I was completely honest with her and said I would probably work on it in 13 days.
Today I had our usual "Pastries and Prose" meeting at 8:30. When we have school IN the building, we begin at 7:25 before school starts. This week and last I had it 8:30, thinking 4th graders would surely be up by then. Well, I had four kids show up. But it's not about the numbers, it's about the quality. And this was a good group.
Where does the procrastination come in? I wanted to share a book but didn't know which one. I had one downloaded but wanted to keep looking for ideas. This was at 8:18. I go into SORA and Women's History Month is being promoted. One of the first books available was Margarita Engle and Rafael Lopez's book, Drum Dream Girl.
I found today's book. Not only is it still "Women's History Month" (longest March ever, huh?) but it is also "Music in Our Schools" month. So this was a perfect match.
Drum Dream Girl
It's hard to believe that it has been almost a year now since Rafael Lopez took leaps with me in Castleton (and in the snow in April!). I am the luckiest person ever because I get to see his inspired artwork every day outside my library.
Multi award winning author and poet, Margarita Engle's lyrical text paired with Rafael's artwork (which won him the Pura Belpre medal) makes one perfect book. I just texted Mrs. Gibney, our music teacher and she simply said, "Love that book." Is there anyone who doesn't?
This book trailer will get you moving and wanting more, for sure:
There are many activities you can do with Drum Dream Girl. To start off, here is a discussion guide.
This article has SO many ideas and further links. These are a few I particularly like:
Write a story or poem about your own dreams.
Check out drums on Garage Band, if you have a Mac, or another program out there if you have a PC. Play around with it and make a song.
Make your own instrument out of toilet paper or paper towel rolls, paper plates and beans or anything else you can think of!
Listen to Cuban music. Maybe have some art supplies available and see if you are inspired to create something while you are listening.
Create a mural of dreams with your family.
Read other books by Margarita Engle, Rafael Lopez or on the same subject or idea. For middle grade readers, I suggest Brown Girl Dreaming by Jacqueline Woodson which is her Newbery Honor biography in verse or Ruth Behar's Pura Belpre winning Lucky Broken Girl, based on her own life in fifth grade (in Briarwood, Queens, where I also grew up!) with her Cuban American family. Note: Ruth has a new book, Letters from Cuba, coming out in August that I love, love, love.
Of course, check out more of Margarita and Rafael's books. There are more books they have done together (Bravo! Poems about Amazing Hispanics and Dancing Hands: How Teresa Carreo Played the Piano for President Lincoln) More love.
I found this short video from Ms. Carmina Reads about Millo Castro Zaldarriaga from the book, Goodnight Stories for Rebel Girls.
Be sure and check out Rafael's blog every day for a different coloring page. You could print them out and have a whole book when this is over.
Hope these photos get you leaping:
April 5, 2019
(Check out the blank wall behind us!)
The finished mural taken end of June 2019.
I miss that artwork so much now.💜
Haha Elisha Cooper :-)
By The Way
Speaking of Women's History Month, today is the birthday of Sandra Day O'Connor, born in 1930 in El Paso, Texas (yes, plug for my favorite state where I was hoping to be right now for the Texas Library Association conference) and Nancy Pelosi, born in 1940 in Baltimore, Maryland. You can find more information about both of these leaders in our databases: FactCite, PebbleGo (only Justice O'Connor) and of course, WorldBook and Britannica.
Happy Birthday Researching! Happy Women's History Month! Happy Music in Our Schools Month! xo
I'm a little late today because I took a shower (I know, crazy right?!) AND--wait for it--put on jeans and even a little make up. For my hangouts today, I won't be wearing the same free (?) yet very cozy sweatshirt from Albany Braces or the black sweater I throw on when I feel the need to look "professional." No, today something entirely different.
Ahhh...did that make you laugh? Oh man, I hope so. In my next life, I really want to be a stand up comedian. I know THAT had to make you laugh. Seriously. I just wish I was talented enough. Don't worry, for now I'll continue to be a school librarian.
For today's post, I have highlighted a few authors whose books make me laugh. This is not a complete list by any means. PLEASE share books or authors who make you laugh in the comments. Thanks in advance!
Jonathan Fenske
There's an emerging reader book that makes me laugh out loud every time I read it. It just gets to my funny bone, I guess. It's Jonathan Fenske's Geisel Honor winning books, A Pig, A Fox and a Box. The fox thinks he's tricking the pig every time but who gets the last laugh?
Here is Jonathan talking a little bit about the book and then reading the first chapter.
Jonathan has a lot of other books that will also be sure to make you laugh. Here's a video of him reading the first part of Hello, Crabby! (another funny one!)
Jon Scieszka
Jon Scieszka's books are sure to make you all laugh. This one is a classic.
Here's an audio excerpt from Jon's middle grade biography that you can find on SORA if you crave more. It's only 2 hours long, but that's 2 hours of funny.
I first fell for Cece Bell in 2014 before she won the Newbery Honor for El Deafo. She writes fun books for emerging readers that I love to share with my learners. Chick and Brain is her new series and it will have you all laughing out loud.
Here is Cece sharing her love for the letter "U" while she draws Chick and Brain:
The second book in the series came out recently, Chick and Brain: Egg or Eyeball? I haven't read it yet, but definitely look forward to it. Watch this short video and you will be "doing the egg" all day! I'm getting down with it right now IN MY JEANS!
Send me videos of YOU "doing the egg"!
The Usual Suspects
Of course, who doesn't laugh when reading these series: Jeff Kinney's Diary of a Wimpy Kid books, Big Nate by Lincoln Peirce, Hilo by Judd Winick, Babymouse by Jenni and Matt Holm, and Dogman by Dav Pilkey to name just a few. What funny books do you love?
Brand New Middle Grade
ICYMI: Fifth grade Reading Ambassador, Jess read an arc of Stand Up, Yumi Chung! by Jessica Kim and loved it. She wrote a review for me in an earlier blog post. Here is a link for activities you can do related to the book from Jessica's website.
Write Your Own Jokes
Got 8 minutes? Watch this video from Marvin Terban. He gives lots of tips on how to write simple jokes. If you write one, please send it along to me. Of course, I'll credit you if I use it in my bit. 😉
Finally, check out my son's Instagram @zacksgoodjokes. He posts a new joke pretty much every night! He thinks he's funnier than me. Hmmm....what do you think?
I'll keep you posted when I'm on the lineup for an open mic. Until then, I charge YOU to "make 'em laugh" as I leave you with this cover from Glee, originally performed in the movie, "Singin' in the Rain." Perhaps, it will motivate you to create an active, humorous gig today. Enjoy. 🤣
I think of Mrs. Silva as the quintessential Girl Scout leader. Not sure why. With that in mind, this post is dedicated to her AND all the leaders AND cookie moms AND Brownies AND Girl Scouts AND really anyone who loves to bake.
BTW: I think I ordered seven boxes this year. Fingers crossed I will still be able to plow through my box of Samoas in record time. If not, this post could really be helpful.
COOKIES
My family has started to watch episodes on the Bon Appetit YouTube channel. It was recommended in the New York Times as something families can enjoy together and we are. Last night we watched this one on how to replicate EXACTLY (not sure I have the patience for that) Samoas, Thin Mints and Tagalongs.
By the way, I love the Brownie sash she designs. Maybe you have some puffy paint around and can make your own.
Side Note: I went to the Girl Scouts USA and they have a list here of 25 conversation starters. Whether you have a Girl Scout or not, these could be helpful at dinner (or anytime). I will try them out tonight with my own family. I personally like the "What's Your Theme Song?" question and then to make a family play list and have a dance party. What is YOUR theme song? Of course, an obvious one for me is Van Halen's "Jump." But it could be this one I found on GoNoodle. It will sure to get your heart racing for a good three minutes.
Juliette Gordon Low
March is Women's History Month, so why not celebrate the woman who started the Girl Scouts, Juliette Gordon Low? Maybe take a virtual trip to her birthplace through her website here or read a brief biography on her here OR go to PebbleGo and check out her biography there OR do all three!
My author friend, Shana Corey wrote a great book about Juliette Gordon Low, Here Come the Girl Scouts! illustrated by Hadley Hooper. Here is a list of activities you can do from Shana's website. Scroll down to the middle of the page until you get to this book.
Here is Shana sharing a little bit about her book:
And here is a read aloud of the book:
More COOKIES
Since we can only treat ourselves to Girl Scout cookies in the Spring (although I do buy extra to keep in my freezer for a summer delight), chocolate chip cookies are a year round favorite. I love Gilbert Ford's book, How the Cookie Crumbled: The True (and not so true) Stories of the Invention of the Chocolate Chip Cookie about Ruth Wakefield and her Tollhouse cookie recipe. Here's a fun video of Gilbert Ford comparing cookie making to research.
Mrs. Kosinski's class and I read that book and then actually baked the cookies earlier this year.
Personally, my family prefers the One Girl Cookies recipe. It's from a bakery in Brooklyn. Maybe you can order their cookbook an Indie bookstore or message me and I will share it lovingly. Then when this all is over, and you take a trip to NYC, put "stop at One Girl Cookies" on your list.
If You Give a Mouse a Cookie
Who doesn't love Laura Numeroff's circular stories? This one is a classic.
Here are some links for activities to pair with that book (Thank you TeachingBooks.net):
A counting activity I found on Kidlit TV that you can do at home with your youngest learners.
Discussion guide from Center for Philosophy for Children
So...if you weren't craving cookies and milk before reading this post, I imagine you are right now.
AND...before I go, I must leave you with one of my favorite COOKIE MONSTER LIBRARY videos. It always makes kids (and adults) laugh. And we could use that now more than ever.
May your pantry be well stocked with flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda and of course, chocolate chips! Happy Baking! xo
The heat is on in my "hot yoga studio." It will be ready for my class of one by the time this post is complete. Are you doing prerecorded or Zoom workouts at home? I am so thankful for my Hot Yoga Spot classes. These are the real deal. My daughter's Friday modern dance class was via Zoom and she was sore from it all weekend.
Let's celebrate Mindful Monday together.
Susan Verde
We'll begin with our friend, Susan Verde. Last May she was our gala guest. You know I have a lot of authors and illustrators visit our school so when one teacher remarked that "she was one of his favorites" I knew she was good. Today, Susan can come into your home virtually.
To kick it off, check out this video of Susan Verde and Emily Arrow on Kidlit TV. If you're not into the interview at the beginning (Did you know I want to be Rocco when I grow up? FACT), then just forward to about 10:15 to start the yoga class with the amazing singer, Emily Arrow. I LOVE Emily's voice. She also has fun ideas to do on her website and her YouTube channel. Tune in every day at 1PM EST live. Who knows? She may inspire you to learn how to play the ukulele. If so, send me videos! Send me videos anyway of anything you are doing at home!
Last week, Susan began reading her books for all of us on Facebook. This is the beautiful and appropriate I am Love. Be sure and watch through the end for a special meditation.
And if you want just a meditation, here is a post from Susan's Instagram. She is posting live every Tuesday and Thursday.
And, if you want even more, check out this Teacher's Guide for activities you can do together at home.
Peter H. Reynolds
Peter H. Reynolds is one of Susan's amazing illustrators, who also writes and illustrates his own books. Everyday he is reading on Facebook Live. This was Friday's read aloud of his newest creation, Be You! (It just came out on March 3!) A perfect book for all of us right now! Then, at the end of each video Peter teaches us how to draw. Side note: I could listen to him all day--he kind of has that Mr. Rogers feel in his voice, don't you think? And he even does a little Romper Room like shout out with the comments, so maybe he will say your name one day 🤞 (I always waited for "I see Stacey" on Romper Room. Must have happened the day I didn't watch 😉)
More Mindful Resources
If you are reading this and you are from Castleton, be sure and check out the Teacher Resource page from Mrs. O'Grady-Day, Mrs. Sober and Mrs. Friedfel from the Schodack website. They have posted many, many more mindful activities.
Older kids at home? I found this list of resources that might be helpful to you. Personally, I am going to print out the coloring pages and maybe watch the TedTalk. The second padlet has more ideas for younger kids and up. I love the Sesame Street videos.
Happy Mindful Monday.
My "studio" is hot now.
My mat is ready.
I'm off to practice some yoga.
Until we meet again, hands on heart center.
NAMASTE. 🙏💗 xo
Our annual Read Over Sleep Over (ROSO) was planned for tonight. Author and actor, Jenna Gavigan, was slated to join us for our Lulu the Broadway Mouse themed evening. I couldn't have been giddier. I love the theatre. I love Jenna and I love giggly 2nd and 3rd graders skidding down the school hallways in their footed PJs. But alas, it was cancelled.
I reached out to Jenna and am thrilled that she agreed to read the first chapter of her book during the actual ROSO time via Google Meet. See you at 7. PJs required 😉
While searching for what to include in this post, I found a new author to love, Katrina Moore. Here she talks about the writing prompt, "What Could Go Wrong?" which could totally be used for an improv activity. Try to act this out with someone. And don't forget to include the important line always used in improv, "Yes, and..." See how long you can keep the improv going.
My family and I are trying to change our personas at dinner these days. Since we're all home together, there isn't much to report in on. So, I've asked them to become a new character. Although it hasn't been too successful, we have certainly gotten our full of laughs as I attempt to be the Queen of England.
Full disclosure: I am a huge Modern Family fan. We even made sure to see Jesse Tyler Ferguson on Broadway a few summers ago.
I don't know if Ty Burrell has ever been on Broadway but he is an actor and I could listen to him read aloud for hours. Storyline Online has a great activity guide to go with Mice Twice, which includes a recipe, charades (an acting game!) and even yoga ideas. After you read the book, be sure and talk about the important lessons and how they are especially relevant right now.
I would be remiss if I didn't mention Tim Federle's Nate series in a post about Broadway. These are perfect for your middle grade theatre buff. Download the audiobooks (https://soraapp.com/home) to accompany you during chores or walks. Tim reads them and they are great. Fun fact: Tim and Jenna were in Gypsy together with Bernadette Peters and they are still good friends.
Here's Tim reading the first chapter of his book. Check out this YouTube video of Tim interviewing the young stars of Newsies. It's a few years old but worth the watch. One of the kids sings (amazing!) and they share a game they played backstage that we can do at home.
If you are still looking for more book ideas, try Tuck Everlasting by Natalie Babbitt. I found the audiobook on Sora. This musical wasn't on Broadway long but the book is well loved.
AND one more thing: I just learned that Camp Broadway is offering FREE digital learning classes starting next week. LINK HERE.
And Finally...
Can't sleep? Same. And neither can this house.
Maybe I'm stretching this read aloud a little for the theme, but I love this book and am so glad that the illustrator, Shawn Harris, posted this on his Instagram. There is a hint of acting in it, so I say it's ok. Adults: Be on the look out for the humor and pop culture references in the text and illustrations.
I am pushing physical education every day with my family. Mr. Biehler's daily posts on Twitter help with ideas. Yesterday we simulated a stick run. Walks with friends are a regular part of my routine. This morning, I even woke up early to take an online yoga class.
Rain, Rain Go Away
Today we might need an umbrella for our walk. Time to put some extra art in the schedule. With that in mind, today's theme is crayons and coloring. To begin, let's read this nonfiction book about the man who invented crayons.
With a few clicks, I was able to find many resources for the book that you can use at home.
HERE is a 27 page lesson guide that goes with the book! It's crazy how many curriculum connections can be made to this one book! Math, Science, ELA, History, Technology, Social Emotional Learning and of course, Art! Here is a LINK for a couple of coloring pages, as well. Because the weather isn't great today, this could the perfect book to use as a baseboard for home learning.
I found a couple of different videos about how crayons are made. One from Mr. Rogers and one from the UK:
And once things get back to normal, maybe your family could even plan a trip to the Crayola Factory. They are all over the country.
Speaking of drawing...We were, right?
Shout out to my buddy, Jarrett Lerner for his drawing tips of robots:
Check out his WEBSITE for blank comics or ones to finish. This is a great use of creativity with your pencils and/or crayons:
And a reminder for Lunch Doodles with Mo Willems at 1PM.
And LIVE with Jarrett Krosoczka at 2PM.
Have fun creating today!
Stay happy, healthy and positive! xo Ms. Rattner 💗
If you have a child at home who was SO looking forward to March Madness (me!) or any other event, ESPN's Hardwood classics may not be cutting it. Yesterday, our ears and eyes actually perked up when the news came in that Tom Brady may be signing with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. I wonder what the many Patriots fans at Castleton Elementary School are thinking. It certainly was a mini distraction from all other news for a bit.
Here is Lisa Cline-Ransome reading her book, Game Changers: The Story of Venus and Serena Williams illustrated by James E. Ransome. Maybe you can make your own tennis court in your backyard or just trying to see how many times you can bounce a ball on a tennis racket without dropping it.
Below, check out National Ambassador for Children's Literature, the incomparable Jason Reynolds, reads the first chapter from his middle grade novel, Ghost. Note: There are some mature themes in the book, but it is so good. Maybe you can find a copy on Overdrive and read it together with your child. And afterwards, you just might be hooked and want to read all the other books in the "Track" series.
Here is a story from NPR from our friend, Kwame Alexander. Although it is not sports related per se, he has written many books with sports themes and beyond (The Crossover,Booked, The Undefeated are just a few and they are all on Overdrive).
Take a listen below and then challenge yourself to write an ekphrastic poem. (You'll have to listen to find out what that means lol!).
If you want to view the art referred to in the story, go to this link.
Kwame has a new book coming out in October written with James Patterson on Cassisus Clay (Muhammed Ali). Here's a brief article about it with the cover reveal.
Research
Is there someone in the world of sports you would like to find more about? Check out our databases on the CES website. We have Pebble Go, World Book, Britannica. If you do learn something new, share it with me!
Movies
My family is going to start catching up on our sports related movies and series. Last night was HOOSIERS. Common Sense Media rates it for ages 9+ here. It's based on a true story about a small town in Indiana that works its way up to the state championship. Tonight might be MIRACLE.
And...
Don't forget to look at Mr. Biehler's Twitter posts every day for tips to stay physically active. Here's his tweet from yesterday:
Hey @CastletonES check out the @SchodackCSD website for some fantastic stuff from all of your teachers (specials included). Here is a fun activity the Biehlers played to break up the morning. pic.twitter.com/WPmVY46Rhm
I'm trying to walk or run every day. While out, I saw one second grader riding her scooter and one kindergartener riding his bike (without training wheels!). Today is a beautiful day in Castleton. I hope the sun can brighten your day and outlook.
As always, stay happy, healthy and positive! xo Ms. Rattner
