Your Name is a Song

Written By: Jamilah Thompkins-Bigelow

Illustrated By: Luisa Uribe

Synopsis: Frustrated by a day full of teachers and classmates mispronouncing her beautiful name, a little girl tells her mother she never wants to go back to school. In response, the girl's mother teachers her about the musicality of African, Asian, Black-American, Latinx, and Middle Eastern names on their lyrical walk home through the city. Empowered by this newfound understanding, the young girl is ready to return the next day to share her knowledge with her class.

Suggested Activities:

• Sing Your Name. Have students create their name song and teach it to others in the class. This book could also be used in collaboration with the music teacher.

• Decorate Your Name. Have the students create their own name tag that includes how to say it (phonetically). They can decorate the letters in their name and/or draw things they like around it.

• Find Your Nameday. Namedays are celebrate in some countries more than birthdays. There are several sites where you can learn about namedays and find your day (links below). Note: if your name is not listed, some of the sites have ways to request to add a name! Related Websites:

• Author pronounces the names in the book: https://www.theinnovationpress.com/yournameisasongvideo

• American Nameday Calendar: http://www.americannamedaycalendar.com/index.html

• My Name Day: https://www.mynameday.com/index.html

• Happy Name Day: http://happynameday.com/index.php

• Author Website: https://jamilahthewriter.com/

• Illustrator Website: https://luisauribe.com/

Text to Text Connections:

My Name is Sangoel by Karen Lynn Williams

My Name is Yoon by Helen Recorvits

The Name Jar by Yangsook Choi

Chrysantemum by Kevin Henkes Alma

How She Got Her Name by Juana Martinez

Neal Thunder Boy Jr. by Sherman Alexie

Unicorns Are The Worst

Written and Illustrated by Alex Willan

Synopsis: Gilbert is a busy goblin. He is documenting spells, gathering ingredients for spells, and alphabetizing ingredients for spells. No distractions. No worries. Until (ugh!) unicorns move on next door. All their frolicking and glitter and pointiness and glitter and playfulness and did I mention…glitter? Can Gilbert EVER find anything decent about his unicorn neighbors?

Suggested Reading Date: Week of September 28th – National Neighbor Day or week of April 9 th – National Unicorn Day Activity Descriptions:

Activities:

• Have the students write a sequel – either from the unicorns’ point of view of Gilbert or Gilbert’s view of the dragon! Have them list three things that would be annoying to that character. They could illustrate it too!

• Make a list of appropriate neighborhood values for you and your neighbors.

• Using the Natural Beach website – pick a unicorn project.

Related Websites:

• Alex Willan’s Website: https://www.alexwillan.com/

• National Unicorn Day Website: https://nationaltoday.com/national-unicorn-day/

• National Neighbor Day Website:https://nationaltoday.com/national-neighbor-day/

• The Novel Neighbor – Alex Willan reads Unicorns are the Worst. He also joins Sherri Duskey Rinker in an interview. Read aloud starts at 3:20 video mark and ends at 7:23. The interview of the two authors starts at 15:47 and the talk about the development of Revver story they worked on together.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zmOkZTLYwaw

• Natural Beach Living – Unicorn activities, crafts, printables: https://www.naturalbeachliving.com/unicorn-activities-crafts-printables-and-party-ideas/

• Unicorn Printable Words Search: http://allfreeprintable.com/unicorn-word-search

• WordsUp – Mythical Creature Word Search: https://wordsup.co.uk/wordsearch/Mythical-Creatures

• Simon and Schuster – Unicorns are the Worst printables and activities: https://d28hgpri8am2if.cloudfront.net/tagged_assets/6167517/9781534453838_as_%5bunicorns%20are%20the%20worst!%20activities%5d.pdf

Text to Text Connections:

Unicorn Thinks He’s So Great by Bob Shea

Dragons are the Worst by Alex Willan

Never let a Unicorn Scribble by Diane Albers

Unicorn Day: A Magical Kindness Book For Children by Diana Murray

Unicorn and Horse by David Miles

You Don’t Want a Unicorn by Ame Dyckman

Nobody Likes a Goblin by Ben Hatke

Hershel and the Hanukkah Goblins by Eric Kimmmel

I Will Dance

Written by Nancy Jo Flood

Illustrated by Julianna Swaney

I will Dance Synopsis: Eva's cerebral palsy makes it difficult for her to do many things, but she longs to dance and, finally, her dream is realized. Includes author's note and information about Young Dance Company.

Suggested Reading Date: March is National Cerebral Palsy month, and Cerebral Palsy Awareness Day is March 25, 2022. National Dance Day is September 18, 2021. October 1, 2021 is World Ballet Day. February 2, 2022 (two two, tutu!).

Activity Descriptions:

• Partner with your PE teacher and include ballet/dance movements. Dancers use their bodies to tell a story in almost all types of dance, including ballet, hula, Native American, folk, African, etc. How can you use your body through movement to tell a story? Use your body to tell your favorite story.

• Choose music from famous ballets to play as part of the story. The Nutcracker, Coppelia, Swan Lake, The Sleeping Beauty, Don Quixote, Paquita, Giselle all have some of the most recognizable music. Ask how the music sets the mood & tone, and how it makes you feel. What types of movement could go with various ballets?

• Eva’s mother finds a ballet class that is open to all abilities. Think about your own school or community. What barriers exist that prevent everyone from participating? What equipment or adaptation can you create that can help everyone become “one circle?”

Related Websites:

• Author Nancy Bo Flood’s website https://nancyboflood.com/i-will-dance/

• Julianna Swaney’s Website: https://www.juliannaswaney.com/

• Book Trailer https://youtu.be/_djVdFxymzQ

• Kids Meet a Ballerina (Pacific Northwest Ballet dancer Elle Macy) https://youtu.be/K0vB8BGDYew

• MNRevenue story & footage of Young Dance Company, Eva’s dance class https://youtu.be/Wbf9fGebx9U

• Young Dance Company performs excerpts from The Vitals https://vimeo.com/191545386

Text to Text Connections:

Henry the Boy by Molly Felder

King for a Day by Rukhsana Khan

My Three Best Friends and Mae

Zulay by Cari Best

Tallulah’s Tutu by Marilyn Singer

Firebird by Misty Copeland

Bunheads by Misty Copeland

Boys Dance! by John Robert Allman

Codzilla

Written by Dave Zelster

Illustrated by: Jared Chapman

Synopsis: Bertie can’t help that he is a big boy, who loves to go the library and read about sharks…and that doesn’t mean that Maxwell can pick on him! And Bertie! Shame on you! Just because Maxwell is picking on you doesn’t mean that you can eat him! Now Maxwell is in trouble when a Shark comes to their school! And Bertie comes to the rescue! Bertie does what he does best!

Suggested Reading Date:

Week of June 4th – Fish and Chips Day

Month of October – Anti-Bullying Month Second Wednesday of October is National Stop Bullying Day

Activity Descriptions:

• We can’t eat a bully, what can kids do instead? Either write a poem, story, meme or create a poster encouraging people to stand up to a bully!

• What would Codzilla say about bullying or being a friend?

• Have the kids do the Chubby joke – (check the chubby joke script below if you need a refresher!) Related Websites:

• Sea Iceland – Cod: https://seaiceland.is/what/fish/codfishes/cod • Holidays Calendar – National Stop Bullying Day History: https://www.holidayscalendar.com/event/national-stop-bullying-day/

• National Picture Book Writing Week Interview with David Zelster: https://napibowriwee.com/2019/05/06/2019-napibowriwee-day-6-meet-guest-authordavid-zeltser/

• David Zelster’s Website: http://www.davidzeltser.com/author

• Jared Chapman’s Website: https://www.jaredchapman.com/

• The Chubby Joke Script: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pnnxdxPe59w

Text to Text Connections:

Enemy Pie by Derek Munson

Stick and Stone by Beth Ferry Lion vs. Rabbit by Alex Latimer Hooway for Wodney Wat by Helen Lester

Each Kindness by Jacqueline Woodson

Hey Little Ant! by Phillip Hooses

Stand Tall Molly Lou Melon by Pat Lovell

Recess Queen by Alexis O’Neill

this way, Charlie!

Jack, an introverted goat, and Charlie, a blind horse, meet at Open Bud Ranch, an animal rehabilitation center, and form an unlikely friendship that grows stronger in the face of adversity.

Suggested Reading Date:

National Pet Day is April 11th.

Random Acts of Kindness Day is February 17th.T

This would also be a good book to read at the beginning of the year for students forming community in your classroom.

Activity Descriptions:

• Caron Levis has a variety of activity pages on her webpage which you can find some coloring sheets and an activity here: https://www.caronlevis.com/post/activity-sheetsfor-this-way-charlie

• Peaceful Fields and Brave Breaths with Jack and Charlie: https://12a42d98-e3a0-faba4e64-994574e49625.filesusr.com/ugd/c0e481_a8b51dbfac5d47e1a2532254f40fbdfc.pdf

• Visual Story Kit from Alpena County Library: https://www.alpenalibrary.org/thiswaycharlie

• Compare and contrast this story with Two Bobbies: A True Story of Hurricane Katrina, Friendship, and Survival by Kirby Larson and Mary Nethery

• Contact your local animal shelter or animal rescue to see if you can have a guest speaker in your library

• Think of random acts of kindness that students can give to other students, a teacher, or a family member.

Related Websites:

• Author Website: https://www.caronlevis.com/

• Illustrator Website: https://www.charlessantoso.com/wp/

• Wild Heart Ranch: http://www.wildheartrescue.org/default.asp

• Q & A With Kit Lit TV: https://www.kidlit.tv/2019/08/this-way-charlie-cover-reveal/

• Read Aloud by the Author: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OkQwDW0G18c&t=1s

• Story Makers with Caron Levis (Geared toward teachers and teacher-librarians): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o3Ji3dBQPeI

Text to Text Connections:

Two Bobbies: A True Story of Hurricane Katrina, Friendship, and Survival by Kirby Larson and Mary Nethery

Inky’s Amazing Escape: How a Very Smart Octopus Found His Way Home by Sy Montgomery

See the Ocean by Estelle Condra

Written and Illustrated by Kim Smith

Synopsis: Meg goes to Maker School to hone her talent for building with boxes, but when Simone, another boxitect, arrives they become so competitive they nearly fail in the annual Maker Match.

Suggested Reading Date: STEM Day, November 8th

Activity Descriptions:

• Have students brainstorm a list of things that can be created with cardboard.

• Have a discussion about the benefits of working as a TEAM. What attributes are required for a successful team? (Compromise, Sharing, Listening, etc.) Use attributes to create a What Does it Look Like and Sound Like Chart.

• Encourage students to take on the author’s boxitect castle challenge at the end of the story.

• Share visuals of items created by students. Links to Sample Visuals below. 17 Ways to turn Cardboard Boxes into Epic Creations: https://redtri.com/the-best-cardboard-creations/slide/1

10 Easy Cardboard Crafts for Kids: https://www.brightstarkids.com.au/blog/creating/10-easy-cardboard-crafts-for-kids/

95 Cardboard Creations Ideas: https://www.pinterest.com/grandycamp/cardboard-creations/

Related Websites:

• Author’s Website (Kim Smith’s Boxitect Activities) https://kimillustration.com/index.php/portfolio/boxitects/

• How cardboard was used to solve a problem for students in a little village in India where basic material is limited. https://sites.google.com/pdsb.net/tinkeringintheforest/blue-spruce/boxitects

• Author, Kim Smith’s corrugated cardboard experiment. (Kids will be AMAZED!) https://youtu.be/rwsQrWMgifY

• How cardboard boxes are made. https://www.funkidslive.com/learn/howsitmade/cardboard-boxes-made/

• Kim Smith is also an illustrator. Drawing Tutorial: How to Draw Meg https://youtu.be/49Ui5cK1VZo

Text to Text Connections:

The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind by William Kamkwamba

What to do with a Box by Jane Yolen

Not a Box by Antoinette Portis

Bag in the Wind by Ted Kooser

Written by: Meg Medina

Illustrated by: Sonia Sanchez

Synopsis: Evelyn Del Rey is Daniela's best friend, her mejor amiga. But after today, everything will be different. After today, Evelyn won't live in a mirror-image apartment across the street. Today Evelyn Del Rey is moving away. The two girls spend one last afternoon together in Evelyn's apartment, playing among the boxes, until the apartment is empty and it's time to say their goodbyes. They promise to visit and keep in touch, and though they will be apart, they know they will always be each other's first best friend, their número uno."--Jacket flap.

Suggested Reading Date:

Anytime. Also: National Make a Friend Day (February 11), Best Friends Day (June 8), International Friendship Day (July 30).

Activity Descriptions:

• Create Cards. Have students make card for a student who is moving. Discuss what the card should contain and why giving a card is a nice thing to do.

• Discuss Friendship. How do we know Evelyn and Daniela are good(best) friends? What in the text and illustrations show this?

• Discuss Moving. Some students may have experienced a move, other may not have. Have students share their experiences.

• Write a Letter. Write a letter from either Evelyn or Daniela. What might they say in their first letter after the move?

Related Websites:

• Author website: https://megmedina.com/

• Candlewick Press Activity packet: https://megmedina.com/wpcontent/uploads/2020/10/Evelyn_TG.pdf

• Preliminary Sketches by Illustrator: http://blaine.org/sevenimpossiblethings/?p=5153

Text to Text Connections:

Birdsong by Julie Flett

Bruce’s Big Move by Ryan T. Higgins

The Blue House by Phoebe Wahl

Neighbors by Kasya Denisevich

Written and Illustrated by:

Scott Magoon

Synopsis: Linus and his eraser, Ernie, don't always see eye to eye. But with the family art show drawing near, these two will have to sharpen their collaboration to make something neither one could do on their own!

Suggested Reading Date:

Anytime

Activity Descriptions:

• Introduce students to multiple meanings of words. (The most heart, feeling dull, rubs me the wrong way, feeling sharper than ever, idea blossomed, drew a crowd)

• Foster cooperation with having pairs of students work together to create a work of art.

• Discuss the problems and solution in the story.

• Discuss what positive self-talk is and have students create a list.

• Put out different art supplies that were mentioned in the story for students to try out. Related Websites:

• Scott Magoon’s website: https://scottmagoon.com/linus

• Drawing with Scott Magoon: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z_7aWM8lGuU

Text to Text Connections:

Sam & Eva by Ohi, Debbie Ridpath Perfect by Amato

Max Pencil's Perfect Picture by McKay

Jodi The Book of Mistakes by Luyken Corinna

Art & Max by Wiesner, David

Written by Wendy Meddour

Illustrated by Daniel Egneus

Synopsis: "Lubna's best friend is a pebble. Pebble always listens to her stories. Pebble always smiles when she feels scared. But when a lost little boy arrives in the World of Tents, Lubna realizes that he needs Pebble even more than she does"--Provided by publisher.

Suggested Reading Date:

January 7th ,Old Rock Day

June 20th , World Refugee Day

around June 10th Empathy Day

Activity Descriptions:

• Learn about Refugees and their challenges- there are many links for lessons below.

• Take time to name the feelings that Lubna and Amir experience.

• Talk about the importance of stories to Lubna. Why does she tell pebble so many?

• Discuss what objects students might have that bring them comfort. You could ask what they would bring could choose only one object.

• Decorate rocks to make them special and unique. You could combine this with an SEL facial expression lesson and have them create faces for different emotions.

Related Websites:

• Video of author reading the book: https://youtu.be/EYlaGQxHKgY

• Author Wendy Meddour’s website: https://wendymeddour.co.uk

• Illustrator Daniel Egneus’ website: https://danielegneus.com

• United Nations Refugee Agency links to a curriculum to support understanding, empathy and compassion for refugees- many ideas for discussions and activities for students of all ages: https://www.unhcr.org/en-us/teaching-about-refugees.html

• Refugee Week Organization UK Children and Young People’s page- a treasure trove of ideas for teaching about refugees including many activities and short videos: https://refugeeweek.org.uk/get-involved/at-your-school/

• From the Institute for Humane Education, an article about cultivation compassion and empathy in the classroom. A link at the bottom links to a list of other books about refugees. https://humaneeducation.org/9-strategies-for-cultivating-empathy-andcompassion-in-your-classroom/

• Empathy Lab an organization in UK to promote teaching empathy. They partner with many authors and illustrators and come up with an annual list of kid’s books promoting empathy. https://www.empathylab.uk

Text to Text Connections:

Lost and Found Cat: The True Story of Kunkush’s Incredible Journey by Doug Kuntz and Amy Schrodes

My Name is Sangoel by Karen Lynn Williams and Khadra Mohammed

My Two Blankets by Irena Kobald

Boxes for Katje by Candace Fleming

Written and Illustrated By: Sam Wedelich

Synopsis: Chicken Little is NOT afraid of anything. Well, okay, maybe a mysterious BONK to the head can produce panic. But only momentarily. It's not as though she meant to send the barnyard into a tailspin, thinking that the sky was falling. How ridiculous! But can she calm her feathered friends with facts and reason?

Suggested Reading Date:

During a study about Farm Animals

Activity Descriptions:

• Compare and Contrast Chicken Little using a Venn Diagram to another Chicken Little or Henny Penny selection. (Refer to text to text connection below.) Chicken Big by Keith Graves would be a fun one and this story is a Tumblebooks selection.

• Learn the Chicken Dance via GoNoodle: https://youtu.be/kiK0QvDtoWU

Related Websites:

• Author’s Website: https://www.samwedelich.com/

• Author’s Read Aloud and Drawing Tutorial of Chicken Little: https://youtu.be/5p4gSwp4ndY

• Introduce students to author’s second book to series: Chicken Little and the Big Bad Wolf, introduced by author: https://youtu.be/o2XLHldiMnY

Text to Text Connections:

Chicken Big by Keith Graves

Chicken Little by Rebecca Emberley

Chicken Little by Steven Kellogg

Henny Penny by Jane Wattenberg

Henny Penny by Paul Galdone

Henny Penny by Werner Zimmermann

Written By: Katy S. Duffield

Illustrated By: Mike Orodán

Synopsis: A non-fiction exploration of animal crossings built by animal lovers around the world to help animals cross over, under, around, and through human construction.

Suggested Reading Date: National Wildlife Day is celebrated on September 4th and February 22nd .

Activity Descriptions:

• Help! Your school mascot is trapped across the street from your school due to increased traffic. Design a “crossing” using an overpass, underpass, tunnel, bridge, or something else creative to get your school mascot safely delivered back to your school.

• Research animal crossings in Washington State.

• Work on increasing vocabulary by drawing pictures and labeling specific animal crossings.

• Have your students research a specific animal crossing in the world.

• Solve the riddle: A student has to get a fox, a chicken, and a sack of corn across a river. He has a rowboat, and it can only carry hm and one other thing. If the fox and the chicken are left together, the fox will eat the chicken. If the chicken and the corn are left together, the chicken will eat the corn. How does the student do it?

Related Websites: •

Author Website: https://www.katyduffield.com/

• Katy S. Duffield has some of her “Crossings” listed as short videos on her website. Take a gander: https://www.katyduffield.com/crossings

• The great state of Washington has several Animal Crossings on I-90. You can find information here: https://i90wildlifewatch.org/

• Here is a sample video via YouTube to show an animal crossing on I-90: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6FvOTh2_s3g

• This video explains animal crossings in Washington (may be geared for older students): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9cO9NXD3Ynw&t=8s

• Math puzzle in getting animals across in a boat: https://www.mathsisfun.com/chicken_crossing_solution.html#:~:text=The%20Puzzle%3A&text=He%20has%20a%20rowboat%2C%20and,chicken%20will%20eat%20the%20corn

Text to Text Connections:

A Book of Bridges: Here to There and Me to You by Cheryl Keely and Celia Krampien

How a Bridge is Built by Sam Aloian

Secret Engineer: How Emily Roebling Built the Brooklyn Bridge by Rachel Dougherty

The Science of Bridge and Tunnels: The Art of Engineering by Ian Graham

Written By: Joanna Ho

Illustrated By: Dung Ho

Synopsis: A young Asian girl notices that her eyes look different from some of her peers, who have round eyes. She realizes that her eyes are like her mother’s, her grandmother’s, and her little sister’s. Drawing from the strength of these powerful women in her life, she recognizes her own beauty and discovers a path to self-love and empowerment.

Suggested Reading Date: Start of school or Jan/Feb near lunar new year.

Activity Descriptions:

• Point out the similes and metaphors in the story and have students write one of each about themselves. My Best Friend Is as Sharp as A Pencil has many examples for students.

• Have students write about what they love about themselves.

• Activity sheets by Harper Collins (color a butterfly, draw a self-portrait, flower matching cards, fill in a family tree).

• Compare this book with other books that have different family structures/circumstances.

Related Websites:

• Joanna Ho’s website: https://www.joannahowrites.com/

• Joanna Ho reading the book: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VFz0wktGr2k&t=12s

• Joanna Ho’s twitter feed Twitter Handle: @JoannaHoWrites

• Teachingbooks.net Video book trailer: https://www.teachingbooks.net/booktrailer.cgi?a=1&id=7971

Text to Text Connections:

Hair Love

My Name is a Song

Proudest Blue,

Laxmi’s Mooch

I Am Enough

Written By: J. Kenji Lopez-Alt

Illustrated By: Gianna Ruggiero

Synopsis: Convinced that pizza is the best food, Pipo will eat nothing else until her fed-up parents send her on a quest to prove that no dishes in their multicultural neighborhood are better.

Suggested Reading Date:

National Pizza Day is February 9, 2022

National Pizza Month is October.

Activity Descriptions:

• Take a poll and collect some data from the class to find out the favorite type and/or style of pizza and graph your results! Pepperoni? Sausage? Plain cheese? Deep dish or thin crust?

• Bring in photo of favorite food item from your home and share the recipe with your class! Make the recipe at home with your family! Who is willing to try something new at home with your family “for science?!”

• What are some of the best foods for the best activity pairings you can come up with as a class? Best food to eat while watching a movie at home? Best food to eat outside in the summertime? Best food to eat on a Sunday morning?

Related Websites:

• Virtual Barnes & Noble Storytime: Every Night is Pizza Night, read by J. Kenji Lopez-Alt, with a drawing lesson by Gianna Ruggiero. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wMQwf9LUa3A

• J. Kenji Lopez-Alt website http://www.kenjilopezalt.com/

• Gianna Ruggiero website https://www.giannaruggiero.com/

• Serious Eats Food Lab Junior recipes & photos from the book. Now you can try the recipes at home! https://www.seriouseats.com/tags/food%20lab%20junior

Text to Text Connections:

My Papi has a Motorcycle by Isabel Quintero

Betty Bunny Loves Chocolate Cake by Michael Kaplan

Dragons Love Tacos & Dragons Love Tacos 2, both stories by Adam Rubin

Cookies: Bite-Size Life Lessons by Amy Krouse Rosenthal

Written and Illustrated By: Liz Wong

Synopsis: You have scales--like a snake? A long tongue--like a frog? A strong scent--like a skunk? You can roll in a ball--like an armadillo? And a name that sounds a lot like...penguin? We love penguins! What's a poor pangolin got to do to be understood?

Suggested Reading Date: February 20th (World Pangolin Day)

Activity Descriptions:

• Pangolin Coloring Page: https://rachellshaw.com/resources/colouring/

• World Pangolin Day Site: https://www.pangolins.org/ The website has all kinds of suggested activities that students could engage in if they wanted to take social action or just raise awareness regarding saving the pangolins worldwide. Their scales are desired and it has resulted in their species becoming endangered.

Related Websites:

• Pangolin craft website: https://rachellshaw.com/crafts-pangolin/ this website is precious and very focused on what students can do to help pangolins, plus crafts!

• At home or upper level craft: how to make your own felt pangolin companion (not an in school activity): https://rachellshaw.com/2021/02/14/make-your-own-pangolincompanion/

• Pangopup crafts: https://rachellshaw.com/2018/02/03/colour-in-a-pango-mom-andpangopup/ (there are crafts on this same webpage—making a pangolin using a brad).

• Liz Wong’s Website: http://www.lizwongillustration.com/

Text to Text Connections:

Roly Poly Pangolin by Anna Dewdney

P is for Pangolin by Anna Kierst

Pangolins by Victoria Blakemore

Written By: Rebecca J. Gomez

Illustrated By: Elisa Chavarri

Synopsis: A modern retelling of Little Red Riding Hood in which Federico rides his bicycle to the market for Abuelo's groceries, then stands up to a hungry wolf.

Suggested Reading Date: National Tell a Fairy Tale Day on February 26; National Wolf Awareness Week - 3rd week of October.

Activity Descriptions:

• Compare with other versions of Little Red Riding Hood such as the one at: https://www.dltk-teach.com/RHYMES/littlered/story.htm

• Compare with other Latin versions of other fairy tales

• Make pico from the recipe in the back of the book

• Read and practice pronouncing the Spanish words and phrases in the back of the book

• Have students write and/or draw their own “Little Red Riding Hood” stories. Answer questions such as, “Who would they take food to?”, “What food would they take?”, and “How would they get rid of the wolf?”

• Make Papel Picado as seen in the book or in this video: https://youtu.be/Lo5nkPbAcMc

Related Websites:

• Freebie Compare & Contrast Activity: https://www.speechieadventures.com/post/federico-and-the-wolf

• Author’s Website: https://www.rebeccajgomez.com/

• Illustrator’s Website: http://www.elisachavarri.com/

• Free Coloring Page: https://www.dropbox.com/s/dwy3d9tdu6nv02v/Federico_coloringpage.jpg?dl=0

• Author Video - 5 Reasons You Should Read Federico and the Wolf: https://www.facebook.com/rebeccajgomez/videos/2534757033297242

• 25 Versions of Little Red Riding Hood: https://mrswillskindergarten.com/versions-oflittle-red-riding-hood/

• 3 Multicultural Little Red Riding Hood Stories: https://kidworldcitizen.org/little-red-ridinghood-3-multicultural-versions/

Text to Text Connections:

The Cat, the Dog, Little Red, the Exploding Eggs, the Wolf, and Grandma by Diane Fox

La Princesa and the Pea by Susan Middleton Elya

Little Red and the Very Hungry Lion by Alex T. Smith

Little Roja Riding Hood by Susan Middleton Elya

Written By: Jen Bryant

Illustrated By: Frank Morrison

Synopsis: A description of how Elgin Baylor impacted the game of basketball and was an advocate for civil rights.

Suggested Reading Date:

• Black History Month (February)

• Also fits the PBIS theme for January (perseverance)

Activity Descriptions:

• Use Google Maps to show the moves that Elgin Baylor made from Washington D.C. to Caldwell, Idaho (home of the College of Idaho) to Seattle University.

• The book tells parallel stories of what was happening in Elgin’s life along with other significant events in the Civil Rights movement: the Montgomery Bus Boycott, school desegregation, and lunch counter sit-ins. Highlight for the kids why those were each important in their own way, along with what Elgin was doing.

• School Library Journal also has a collection of ideas here: https://www.theclassroombookshelf.com/2021/01/above-the-rim-peaceful-activism-fora-new-year/

Related Websites:

• Pairing Elgin Baylor with primary sources, from the American Association of School Librarians: https://knowledgequest.aasl.org/pairing-picture-books-and-primary-sourcesabove-the-rim-how-elgin-baylor-changed-basketball/

• The author page for Jen Bryant: https://www.jenbryant.com/

• Illustrator Frank Morrison’s website: https://morrisongraphics.com/pages/about-frankmorrison

• ….and his Instagram page: https://www.instagram.com/frankmorrison/?hl=en

• Seattle University’s obituary of Elgin Baylor: https://www.seattleu.edu/newsroom/stories/2021/seattle-u-legend-elgin-baylor-passesaway.html

Text to Text Connections:

Feed Your Mind: A Story of August Wilson by Jen Bryant

Muhammad Ali: A Champion is Born by Gene Barretta

The Youngest Marcher: The Story of Audrey Faye Hendricks by Cynthia Levinson

Written By: Deborah Underwood

Illustrated By: Hannah Marks

Synopsis: A narrator's story is disrupted by the main character, Panda, who refuses to play the part.

Suggested Reading Date:

National Panda Day - March 16;

World Storytelling Day - March 20

Activity Descriptions:

• Discuss story elements – learn vocabulary of narrator, main character, setting, problem, solution.

Helpful videos: https://youtu.be/1M0pFLXegG0 https://youtu.be/RGzKUdWkcAs

• Have students write their own stories with wild story elements or write the continuation of this story (what is the bedtime story the pandas tell about the narrator?)

• Learn about Pandas and their habitat (bamboo grove). Answer the question: where do they live in the world?

• Look at the author and illustrator’s bios on the inside of the book cover. Predict who wrote the words in green and why.

• Write words spelled out in jelly beans.

• Make boats out of paper, pretend you are sailing to Antarctica, and study its climate and that there are no bamboo trees in Antarctica.

• Read the book Old Rock (is not boring) by Deb Pilutti and discuss if the narrator would have preferred that main character instead of the panda.

• Make a Venn Diagram comparison of pandas and penguins including that they are both black and white, but live in different places and eat different foods.

• Draw and/or write about Panda in the bamboo grove, Antarctica, or on an alien planet. Related Websites:

• Author’s Website: https://www.deborahunderwoodbooks.com/index.html

• Illustrator’s Website: https://www.hannahmarks.uk/

• Lesson ideas and Freebie: https://amylemons.com/the-panda-problem-with-freebies/

• Video of Author Interview: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OmpA1_5-SCM

• Book Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XzFQmUplND8

• National Geographic Kids – Giant Pandas: https://kids.nationalgeographic.com/animals/mammals/facts/giant-panda

• San Diego Zoo Panda Archival Cam Footage: https://kids.sandiegozoo.org/videos/livecam/panda-cam

Text to Text Connections:

Chester by Melanie Watt

A Perfectly Messed Up Story by Patrick McDonnell

This is Not That Kind of Book by Christopher Healy

Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! by Mo Willems.

Written and Illustrated By: Michael Rex

Synopsis: Do you know the difference between a fact and an opinion? Some things are facts– like the number of robots in this book. Other things are opinions–like which robot would make the best friend, or which robot dances best. And sometimes to tell the difference between a fact and an opinion, you need to wait to get more information.

Suggested Reading Date:

National Robotics Week: April 3rd – 11th .

Activity Descriptions:

• Brain Pop re: facts vs. opinions, if you want to dig in deeper with students: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UqZE2jnLmk4

• Younger students can build media-literacy skills by analyzing things such as toy packaging and cereal boxes. Have them analyze all of the text on the packaging – are they all facts or are there opinions there as well?

• We hear news at home, school, and in other communities we're a part of. But word-of mouth" stories/rumors aren't always true. Playing an old-school game of telephone illustrates the idea of how information can change along the way.

• Talking about a real-life situation can help children understand the idea that different people have different points of view. Ask: "Remember when you and your sister were arguing? How many sides to the story were there?"

• For better ideas regarding media literacy, go to Commonsense Media: https://www.commonsensemedia.org/blog/news-literacy-101

Related Websites:

• Some good websites for further explaining facts vs. opinions to students include:

Factmonster: https://www.factmonster.com/

Info Please: https://www.infoplease.com/

Windows to the Universe: https://www.windows2universe.org/ You can change the language to Spanish and adjust the reading level.

Text to Text Connections:

Frederick by Leo Lionni

Robo-Sauce by Adam Rubin

The Bug Girl by Sophia Spencer

Start Now! You Can Make a Difference by Chelsea Clinton

Eats, Shoots & Leaves by Lynne Truss

Written and Illustrated By: Phoebe Wall

Synopsis: Both Leo and his father are angry and sad when their landlord says their old house will be torn down, but soon they find a way to make their new house feel like home.

Suggested Reading Date:

• For schools that follow PBIS, either January (Perseverance) or May (Being Positive)

• World Habitat Day (October 4th, 2021)

Activity Descriptions:

• Use a website like https://www.washingtonruralheritage.org/ or https://www.washingtonhistory.org/ to find historical pictures of your town or area. What do students notice is different from then to now?

• Discuss the strategies that Leo uses to regulate his emotions. He’s understandably angry about moving; what are three techniques that he and his dad use to process that anger?

• Leo used a dance to work out some of his anger. What does an angry dance look like? Give volunteers an emotion at random to try and express through dance, and have the rest of the class guess at the emotion they’re trying to depict.

Related Websites:

• Phoebe Wall’s website: https://www.phoebewahl.com/

• KQED, a radio station in San Francisco, has lesson plans on teaching gentrification: https://www.kqed.org/lowdown/26269/what-you-need-to-know-about-gentrification

• An interview with Phoebe Wall, from Artists of the North Sound: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iFmPOJAmJbc

Text to Text Connections:

Evelyn Del Rey is Moving Away by Meg Medina Clementine

Family Meeting by Sara Pennypacker

Goodbye Brings Hello by Dianne White

Oscar’s American Dream by Barry Wittenstein

Florette by Anna Walker

Written and Illustrated By: The Fan Brothers (Terry, Eric, and Devin)

Synopsis: In a world built for Perfect Pets, Barnabus is a “Failed Project,” half mouse, half elephant, kept out of sight.

Suggested Reading Date: Oct. 28th – Plush Animal Lover’s Day, Feb. 1st – Freedom Day

Activity Descriptions:

• Discuss different themes: perfection and failure, freedom, tolerance, acceptance.

• Look for ways in the text the creatures worked together to escape and discuss times in their own lives that students have needed to work together to succeed.

• Have students create a “Perfect Pet” or a “Failed Project.” There are excellent resources in the web links.

• Share opinions on whether it would be better to know a “Perfect Pet” or a “Failed Project” and why.

• Show the hidden treasures of the covers under the dust jacket and the front and back endpapers.

• Explore the process of the Fan Brothers- the interview below is an excellent resource.

Related Websites:

• The Fan Brothers reading The Barnabus Project - https://youtu.be/ipk377rsxzc

• The Fan Brothers website - http://www.thefanbrothers.com

• Interview with the Fan Brothers on creating the book together- lots of excellent artist notebook photos - http://www.letstalkpicturebooks.com/2020/11/lets-talk-illustrators162-the-fan-brothers.html

• Drawing Video of character by Terry Fan - https://youtu.be/js1R2ZRq8KU

• Activity Guide from Tundra Books to create your own creature - https://tundrabooks.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/The-Barnabus-Project_activitysheets.pdf

• For a longer multi-day unit – https://www.tes.com/en-us/teaching-resource/thebarnabus-project-mindfulness-planning-12487800 You need to make a free account: https://www.tes.com/en-us/

Text to Text Connections:

Sweety by Andrea Zuill,

Nerdy Birdy by Aaron Reynolds,

Quackers by Liz Wong,

The Adventures of Beekle by Dan Santat