First Grade has begun its study of whales! This week in the library, we shared three new books, each about a different species of whale. The first, Little Polar Bear and the Whales, by Dutch author Hans de Beer, is about a polar bear’s attempt to save some beluga whales from a whaling ship. In the second, Billy Twitters and his Blue Whale Problem, author Marc Barnett shows what happens when Billy Twitter doesn’t listen to his mom and ends up with a pet whale for punishment. Our final story, Julia Donaldson’s book in verse, The Snail and the Whale, describes the unlikely friendship that develops between a tiny snail who meets a humpback whale and set off on an adventure in a far-away land. We concluded with book browsing and check out. Happy Reading!
First Grade’s Create-A-Creature
Taking inspiration from our recent exploration of Dr. Suess, who combined art and story to create impossible magic, the first grade embraced the challenge of creating their own creatures. Using a plethora materials (straws, duct tape, model magic, spoons, fabric, paper, foam), each student crafted his or her own creature and then developed a “story” to share with the class. Each child’s story included a name, habitat and what qualities or powers the creature had. We concluded by sharing our creatures–hopefully they all traveled safely home to you!
The Tale of the Lifted Lorax: A Play with a Meaning
Today the B3s and Pre-K joined the First Grade in the library for a dramatization of Dr. Suess’ classic eco-tale of the Lorax. Complete with props, scenery and dynamic acting provided by Mrs. Atwater and 8th grader Amal Al-Ahmadi (and sister to Preschooler Abdullah), we told the sad but hopeful story of The Lorax. Though it was written 40 years ago, The Lorax is a gentle reminder of the fragility of the earth and our responsibility as stewards of the planet. As the Once-ler builds his empire of thneeds, not only the fate of the truffula trees is put in jeopardy, but also of the creatures that depend on the fruit of the truffulas, and clean air and water. With its vibrant illustrations and sincerity of voice, the The Lorax is one those books to read and keep forever!
A New Take on Suess
Today first graders saw a new side of our old friend, Dr. Suess (whose birthday is celebrated this week). My Suessian experts recalled that Suess stories tend to have colorful pictures, made up words and characters and RHYME! Today, we shared one of Suess’ less familiar stories for older readers, The 500 Hats of Bartholomew Cobble. Bartholomew Cobble is plagued by hats—when he takes one off to show respect for his King, Derwin, a new one appears. This continues to happen, and of course, the King is outraged and calls for his hat experts, wise men and magicians to help rid the kingdom of the constantly appearing hats. With a surprise ending, and humor abound, this story delights students and adults of all ages. We concluded with book browsing and check out. Happy Reading!