First Graders got their passport stamped as they entered Russia today! After locating Russia on our globe (and Boston, and Adis Abbaba!), we examined some Russian cultural objects—matrioshki (colorfully painted nesting dolls), pysanki (decorated wooden eggs), khokhloma (native crockery) and had a chuckle as I donned my rubashka (shirt), sarafan (ornate apron) and covered my head with a platok (headscarf). It was now time to weave the story of Babuskha Baba Yaga, a modern twist on the classic Russian fairy tale witch, Baba Yaga. Award winning author Patricia Polacco, who is of Russian heritage, tells a story that is, in traditional fairy tale style, enchanting, a little spooky and with a hint of surprise at the end. We concluded with book browsing and a hearty “Do Svidaniya” (goodbye). Books are due on 10.21.10. Happy Reading!
