Title I League Elementary
rogersr@norwalktruckers.net
Check in here for videos of read alouds, fun learning activities, and ideas to improve your reading, writing, speaking and other fun things! I'd love to chat with you via email, so drop me a line at rogersr@norwalktruckers.net .
I miss you all so much and I would love to hear from you! I've started a Flipgrid for you to send me short videos!
We Will Teach You Here or There
June 1, 2020
Here it is....my Seuss inspired "rap" to commemorate this unusual school year! We hope to see our students at the elementary send off tomorrow evening!
Last day of school!
May 29, 2020
Happy last day of school! Today's RAD is actually the end of the year slide show. We have missed teaching you in person this last quarter, but we did have a lot of fun with you during the first three quarters of school! I'd love to hear from you over the summer. You can always send a video on Flipgrid, Google Docs, or by email. Have a wonderful summer!
**Special Announcement**
Stay tuned for my very own Seuss inspired rap video, coming soon!! I'll post it here and on our school Facebook pages and website.
league20192020.mp4
The Relatives Came
May 28, 2020
Though this summer is probably going to be a bit different something that may happen is seeing your relatives. The RAD is The Relatives Came which is a Caldecott Honor Book. As you can imagine, it is all about relatives coming to visit. Your assignment today is to listen to the story and then tell me what it is like when your relatives come to visit. You can share it on Flipgrid, Google Docs, or by email. Have fun!!
**Special Announcement**
Stay tuned for my very own Seuss inspired rap video, coming soon!!
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(Read Aloud of the Day)The RAD for today is The Relatives Came by Cynthia Rylant. This fun story is all about what it is like when the relatives come to visit, always a summertime favorite!
Orion and the Dark
May 27, 2020
Today's book is a new one for me too! I looked up Ryan and Craig's read alouds so you could watch them again. They are a couple of very funny guys! I checked out a couple of their read alouds and chose this one to share with you today. Your assignment today is to tell me what you're afraid of and then brainstorm how to get rid of it. You can share it on Flipgrid, Google Docs, or by email. Have fun!!
**Special Announcement**
Stay tuned for my very own Seuss inspired rap video, coming soon!!
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(Read Aloud of the Day)The RAD for today is Orion and the Dark by Emma Yarlett. This is a fun story, but it's even better when told by Ryan and Craig. If you've been with me for awhile you know that they read The Very Impatient that I posted awhile back.
The Book with No Pictures
May 26, 2020
Today's book is for Miss Boss! By request, today's RAD is The Book with No Pictures. It is being read by B.J. Novak, the author. I think this makes the read aloud even better because we get to hear what he really had in mind when he wrote it. I love this read aloud because it is done during a school visit so you can hear the response from the students as well. Your assignment today is to draw a picture to go with one of the pages with no pictures. You can share it on Flipgrid, Google Docs, or by email. Have fun!!
**Special Announcement**
Stay tuned for my very own Seuss inspired rap video, coming soon!!
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(Read Aloud of the Day)The Book with No Pictures by B. J. Novak. This RAD is being read by the author, who also happens to be an actor!
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(Read Aloud of the Day)Memorial Day Surprise by Theresa Martin Golding.
Happy Memorial Day everyone!
May 23-25, 2020
This is Memorial Day weekend. Though we will not be having a parade and life right now is very different, it is still important to remember those who sacrificed their lives for our country. I have posted a couple different books for you to enjoy on this holiday weekend.
**Special Announcement**
Stay tuned next week for my very own Seuss inspired rap video!!
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(Read Aloud of the Day)The Wall by Eve Bunting.
The video below is a rap version of The Sneetches in case you're really liking hearing the stories this way!
Poetry five shows that classics will thrive!
The Sneetches
May 22, 2020
For our Friday and, almost, final of this round of books and lessons we have The Sneetches. This is the 1973 throw back original musical special created based from this Seuss book. Many Dr. Seuss books were made into usually short, but sometimes longer, versions for people to enjoy in a different form. I love the vintage music and the animation on this that really was pretty progressive at the time it came out. There is some adaptation of the written book form to add to the production.
Check out the video and then give me a review on it. What did you think? Did they do a good job of relaying the story? What did you think of the 1973 production of The Sneetches?
**Special Announcement**
Stay tuned next week for my very own Seuss inspired rap video!!
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(Read Aloud of the Day)Today's RAD is The Sneethces by Dr. Seuss. Sometimes classics are the best that there is!
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The picture below is a Lego representation of the Sneetches.
Poetry 4 is a must, a clover with a speck of dust!
Horton Hears a Who!
May 21, 2020
Today's artistic poetry is a couple different versions of Horton Hears a Who. The RAD is not in song form today, but it has production value. The introduction involves costuming, dramatics and special effects. Then the story uses computer technology to make the pictures really come to life and move during the story. It also has some background music to enhance the story.
If you look to the left you'll see two more videos. These are the song version of Horton Hears a Who from Seussical the Musical. The top left video shows the lyrics of the song and the bottom is an actual performance of it. Your assignment today is to create your own speck of a dust on a clover, get creative and then send it to me on my Flipgrid!
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(Read Aloud of the Day)Today's RAD is Horton Hears a Who by Dr. Seuss. This version shows more of the artistic creativity using computer technology and drama.
Poetry set #3 will also have a Christmas Tree!
You're a Mean One, Mr. Grinch
May 20, 2020
This time we have a little bit of Christmas fun. As we listen in to these different versions of Dr. Seuss classics I had to take a day for the Grinch! The RAD is a well done rap version of the book to the tune of a Christmas Rock ballad. I had to, of course, post both versions of the song You're a Mean One, Mr. Grinch, which were songs inspired by the book, but with different words. Your assignment today is to check out all three videos and then tell me which was your favorite and why on my Flipgrid!
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(Read Aloud of the Day)Today's RAD is How the Grinch Stole Christmas by Dr. Seuss, sung in rap form to the tune of Trans-Siberian Orchestra's Christmas Canon.
Poetry second round, time for a new sound
Green Eggs and Ham from Seussical the Musical
May 19, 2020
Today's Seuss book is done in a song form from Seussical the Musical! As many, or most, of you know, I am the musical director at the high school. Four years ago we performed Seussical the Musical and we performed for all of the elementary students in the district! Green Eggs and Ham is the final song of the show and is used for the cast to perform their bows. The RAD shows the performers singing and dancing, which is called choreography. The video on the left shows the lyrics as the song is being sung. Your assignment today is to try out a little of your own choreography to the lyric video of Green Eggs and Ham on my Flipgrid!
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(Read Aloud of the Day)Today's RAD is Green Eggs and Ham by Dr. Seuss, performed by the off-Broadway cast of Seussical the Musical in self-isolation.
Poetry fun - Day 1
Cat in the Hat, rap style
May 18, 2020
This week I've decided to focus on poetry. But not just poetry, more of what you can do with poetry and books when you mix them with some extra creativity. Recently I happened upon Wes Tank, an artist in Milwaukee who decided to try out rapping some Dr. Seuss books to some Dr. Dre beats. He's done a few of them, but I decided to use Fox in Socks today because just reading the book normally is tricky because of the tongue twisters so it's extra impressive when done this way! Your assignment - pick out a book, Dr. Seuss books rhyme so they work well, and try to do a little rapping on my flipgrid!
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(Read Aloud of the Day)Today's RAD is Fox in Socks by Dr. Seuss, read by Wes Tank. Wes brings Dr. Seuss to life in a different way by rapping favorite books to a popular beat.
It's Beach Week!!
May 11-15, 2020
I love spirit week, yes, I do! I love spirit week! How about you?
I'm so excited for it to warm up outside and to have longer days filled with sunshine! I think we're all excited for that, so we're having League Elementary Beach Week. I'll be on the lookout for students visiting me this week. I will have my regular Read Aloud of the Day each day along with an activity. You can do the activity on my Flipgrid, on Google Docs (share with me), or send me an email. Any student who participates on my site this week will enter a drawing and I'll send or deliver a prize at the end of the week!
Surfing into Summer Friday
May 14, 2020
Today is the final day of our beach week. It wouldn't be complete without a book involving some fun oceanic folklore. The Jolly Mon was written by Jimmy Buffett and his daughter Savannah Jane. Sit back and have a listen to this story of the Caribbean Seas.
There is a song called Jolly Mon though I haven't included a link here. After you listen to the story you can list Jolly Mon's adventure spots in chronological order.
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(Read Aloud of the Day)Today's RAD is The Jolly Mon by Jimmy Buffett and Savannah Jane Buffett . The Jolly Mon travels around the Caribbean Seas to different islands, sit back and let this book take you to the ocean.
Thinking about the Pool Thursday
May 14, 2020
Today's theme is sea turtles! During some of my vacations in the past we have visited a sea turtle sanctuary and seen special places on the beach in Outer Banks that are roped off to help protect sea turtle nests. The RAD is One Tiny Turtle which will share a loggerhead sea turtle's life journey.
After that you can have a look and listen to the National Geographic Kids video, Turtle Time! When you are finished listening to the RAD and watching the Turtle Time! video you can let me know 5 sea turtle facts that you learned.
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(Read Aloud of the Day)Today's RAD is One Tiny Turtle by Nicola Davies. Enjoy the story of a loggerhead sea turtle and her journey.
Beach Bum Wednesday!
May 13, 2020
Do you know what one of the great things is about living here in Norwalk? We are just a stone's throw away from Lake Erie! We have beaches near by, islands that are just a quick boat trip away, and all sorts of fun in the sun so close to us! In today's RAD I share just a few of my favorite parts of the Island Alphabet Poetic Snapshots of Put-in-Bay. Have a listen and then check out the tour of Put-in-Bay on the left.
After you're done, let me know if you've ever been to any of our near by islands. If you have, then you can tell me your favorite part. If you haven't, then you can tell me if you would like to go and what you might like to see while you're there.
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(Read Aloud of the Day)Today's RAD is Island Alphabet Poetic Snapshots of Put-in-Bay by Sarah Booker. This book has a whole alphabet worth of photographs of one of our local "tropical" get aways, Put-in-Bay!
Tropical Tourist Tuesday
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(Read Aloud of the Day)Today's RADs are Volcano Rising by Elizabeth Rusch and My Mouth is a Volcano by Julia Cook.
May 12, 2020
Today you get two books for the price of one! This activity is called a paired reading. There are two RADs to listen to, but don't worry, they're both pretty short and simple. There is a nonfiction text called Volcano Rising and a fiction text called My Mouth is a Volcano.
Here are your directions:
Listen to both stories.
Visit the Hawaiian volcanoes in the video on the left.
Tell me your answers to these questions on Flipgrid, Google Docs, or by email.
Why are volcanoes dangerous?
How is a mouth like a volcano?
Would you like to visit a volcano for real?
School is Sunsational!!
May 11, 2020
Since today's theme is School is Sunsational I have a story with bright colors in it today. Today's RAD is The Rainbow Fish and you can't have a rainbow without some sunshine! This book has a good theme for us to learn. Listen to the story and then tell me the theme. How can this theme, or lesson, help us in our lives?
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(Read Aloud of the Day)Today's RAD is The Rainbow Fish by Marcus Pfister. What good is it to be a fancy fish, if you don't have any friends?
A Bad Case of the Stripes
May 8, 2020
As we continue on with our health theme I have a story about accepting and respecting others today. Do you care what other people think about you? Do you worry about being different or wonder why others are so different from you? These are things that come up in today's RAD.
It is important to understand that everyone is different, including you, and that's what makes our world so beautiful! It's incredibly important to embrace yourself! Today's activity is to draw yourself with "A Bad Case of...." whatever you have a case of! Be sure to share your picture with me!
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(Read Aloud of the Day)Today's RAD is A Bad Case of Stripes by David Shannon. Camilla is very worried about what others think. Have a listen to see what happens.
Do-Unto-Otters-Activity.pdfDo Not Lick This Book
May 7, 2020
I didn't have a theme picked out for the week, but I decided that it seems the last couple days have kind of been about health topics. Tuesday's book was about being considerate. Wednesday's book was about germs. Today's book is about using your manners.
Have a listen to the RAD Do Unto Otters: A Book about Manners and then take a look at the comic strip prompt. Draw your own comic illustrating how to use a polite phrase. Take a picture and send it to me. OR, you can take a flipgrid video of you actually using polite phrases at home!
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(Read Aloud of the Day)Today's RAD is Do Unto Otters: A Book about Manners by Laurie Keller. This is a fun and silly book that gives great lessons on how to use your best manners.
Do Not Lick This Book
May 6, 2020
Since we're still generally stuck at home and we have to do this online schooling at home for the rest of the year I thought it would be good to include a book about germs. This book is a bit silly but it also might help you understand how easily germs travel around.
After you watch it you should have a better understanding of germ travel and why it is necessary to wash your hands so carefully and to keep your hands away from your face as much as possible! There is a connect the germ activity to check out and then you can send a response on my flipgrid link above.
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(Read Aloud of the Day)Today's RAD is Do Not Lick This Book by Idan Ben-Barak. It gives you a very good idea of how tiny germs are and how easy it is for them to travel.
The Day the Crayons Came Home
May 5, 2020
I happened across this book read aloud as I was looking for a different one. It asks an excellent question that we should all consider, especially considering what we're going through right now.
Take a listen to the RAD and then tell me, what would happen if everybody did that? You can use a Google Doc to respond. or by using my flipgrid, or just send me an email.
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(Read Aloud of the Day)Today's RAD is What If Everyone Did That? by Colleen M. Madden. This book poses a very good question for us to consider, especially right now.
The Day the Crayons Came Home
May 4, 2020
It's been awhile since "The Crayons Quit" on March 18 - way back towards the beginning of when all of this staying at home and online schooling began. Today our RAD is The Day the Crayons Came Home.
After you enjoy this story - with fun voices - I would like you to send me a flipgrid using the link right above here to tell me what you've been doing since March 18th!
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(Read Aloud of the Day)Today's RAD is The Day the Crayons Came Home by Drew Daywalt. The crayons are very "colorful" characters! I love these fun stories, with fun characters, and fun voices!
The Empty Pot
May 1, 2020
Even the very best gardener can have a bad day, week, or even year of gardening from time to time. There are a lot of factors that go into gardening - soil, weather, seeds, animals, and the list goes on.
The RAD for today, The Empty Pot, is about a gardener but it has a message that is much greater than how to garden or what pollinators can do for us and our gardens. After you listen to it send me a Google Doc or an email telling me what you learned.
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(Read Aloud of the Day)Today's RAD is The Empty Pot by Demi. Ping is a tremendous gardener, but when he is put on the spot things don't go so well for him. Even an empty flower pot can be beautiful though...
A Home for Wildlife
April 30, 2020
Yesterday we heard about the birds in Eugene's garden. I've shared some stories about caterpillars and butterflies. This is the last pollinator that we'll talk about this week.
Today you get a two for one - after you listen to the story then you can check out the National Geographic for Kids video on A Beekeeper's Life. I'm still waiting to hear from you, so click on the flipgrid and send me a little video!
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(Read Aloud of the Day)Today's RAD is Please Please the Bees by Gerald Kelley. This is a story about Benedict and his honey. The bees aren't happy and he needs to figure out what to do.
Plant a pollinator garden
A Home for Wildlife
April 29, 2020
Another part of gardening that I love is having wildlife visiting! My butterfly plants are some of my favorites because I know that they attract butterflies, birds and some different pollinators.
The RAD for today has a really wonderful lesson; it also talks about gardening and using certain plants that attract wildlife. Your activity for today is to take a look outside, maybe even go on a walk or a hike, and try to find some new birds or animals that you haven't noticed before.
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(Read Aloud of the Day)Today's RAD is Mr. Lincoln's Way by Patricia Polacco. This is another one of Patricia Polacco's great books with a wonderful lesson. If you listen you'll hear how it connects to gardening.
Garden Planning Help
Let's get growing!
April 28, 2020
The Curious Garden is a short story about a garden popping up in unexpected places and a boy turning into a gardener to help it out. Maybe you don't have a great place to put your garden, but you would like to grow something.
Your activity today is to draw up a garden plan that will work for you. Maybe it will just be a small pot or planter that can sit inside. Maybe it will be a small boxed garden to fit in a small yard. Maybe it will be landscape around your house or a new garden in your yard. Once you design it you can send it in a video, on a Google Doc, or an email.
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(Read Aloud of the Day)Today's RAD is The Curious Garden by Peter Brown. This is a sweet little story about a garden that pops up in the most unexpected places!
Let's get growing!
April 27, 2020
I love gardening! I have a vegetable garden, flowers in my landscape, flowers in pots, and I even try growing my own herbs! I enjoy seeing birds and butterflies in my gardens and I even enjoy seeing the bees at work - as long as I'm not too close to them! So, my theme for this week is gardening!
I have seed packets scheduled to arrive soon. If you send me a video on my new flipgrid link above and then I will send you a seed packet as soon as they arrive.
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(Read Aloud of the Day)Today's RAD is The Tiny Seed by Eric Carle. Even the tiniest seed can grow into something beautiful if it's given the right opportunity!
Make the earth beautiful!
April 24, 2020
It's our last day of Earth Week! Today I want you to focus on making the earth more beautiful. Find some biggish and flattish rocks and then paint them. You can deliver them to a friend by leaving them outside their house, or you can leave them somewhere around town to brighten a stranger's day.
I would love to see your artwork! Take a picture of your scribble stones and email it to me. I'm going to work on some surprises for everyone over the weekend!
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(Read Aloud of the Day)Today's RAD is Scribble Stones by Diane Alber. Some of you may have done this fun activity already, but in the case you haven't - here is a book for you to enjoy and before making some scribble stones of your own!
Go Green to help the Earth!
April 23, 2020
We're still focusing on the earth for the rest of the week. So, today's RAD is about going green. Here is a list of things you can do to "go green" or help out the earth.
Recycle
Drink out of a reusable water bottle instead of bottled water.
Use a reusable bag when shopping.
Ride a bike or walk instead of riding in a car.
Use less energy. Shut off lights and water when not in use.
Use energy efficient light bulbs.
Buy less and borrow more.
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(Read Aloud of the Day)Today's RAD is Miss Fox's Class Goes Green by Eileen Spinelli. What does "go green" mean? It means making choices that help the earth. Check out the book for some ideas.
Happy Earth Day!!
April 22, 2020
Not only is today Earth Day, but it is the 50th Earth Day! Pollution around the world is currently decreasing because of everything being shut down, but it is only temporary until things get back to normal. We need to think about ways that we can help our earth all the time.
Not a surprise - today's RAD is.....The Lorax...coming from your Dr. Seuss loving teacher! You'll find that one on the right. Today is a two for one day though, I posted another short RAD, The Earth Book, that goes along with the list of 10 Ways You Can Help the Earth on the left.
Your activity for today is to choose one of the things below to do. These are activities that you can continue to do after today as well!
Plant a tree. Check out https://www.arborday.org/ as a resource.
Start a garden. https://www.businessinsider.com/best-gardening-kit-kids
Go on a hike or an outdoor scavenger hunt.
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(Read Aloud of the Day)Today's RAD is The Lorax by Dr. Seuss. Why? It is a wonderful story, one of my favorites, and it is Earth Day today!
The Giving Tree
April 21, 2020
The Giving Tree is a great short story because there are different themes that can be considered as you read, or listen to, the story. Please remember that theme is THE MEssage of the story. There are two different themes that I would like you to focus on today: 1. Trees provide an endless list of items for us each and every day and 2. Giving to others is a source of happiness for the giver and the recipient.
Now what I'd like you to do is think about something you can give to others. Now, obviously, you are restricted as to where you can go and the people that you can interact with at the moment. However, there are lots of things that you could still give to provide a source of happiness for others. I would love for you to share pictures of what you did to bring happiness to others.
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(Read Aloud of the Day)Today's RAD is The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein. This is a classic story that has been around for more than 50 years.
In a Google Doc tell compare and contrast the very impatient caterpillar with yourself. Tell at least 2 ways that you are the same and 2 ways that you are different. Share a story about a time when you were very impatient. Share it with me when you're done. I can't wait to hear from you!
The Very Impatient Caterpillar
April 20, 2020
Caterpillars are a big deal at our house right now. We have five that have been living with us for a couple weeks. Our caterpillars recently got into the chrysalis form and we put them into their net container yesterday. And now, we wait.
Waiting is hard, especially if you're impatient. We're kind of in the same situation as the caterpillars right now. We're stuck inside our "cocoon" waiting to be released into the wild, or at least be released to go a bit back to normal. For now, it's important that we stay put so we can be safe, just like the caterpillar needs to stay put to transform. Anyway, check out the book to the right, it is super funny. Then check out the activity to the right. I hope to hear from you!!
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(Read Aloud of the Day)Today's RAD is The Very Impatient Caterpillar by Ross Burach. "Are we there yet??" Does this sound like you? Check out this funny book, it's sure to make you chuckle!
Fun Things To Do List:
Write notes to family, friends, or nursing homes
Learn a magic trick
Simple cooking
Interview a family member
Crafts
Simple Science
Outdoor scavenger hunt
Color a picture
Do a puzzle
Sing or play music
Spring Break
April 10-19, 2020
Here are some ideas of things to keep busy and have fun during your "stay-cation"!
Fun Things List Continued:
Ride bikes, or go on a walk
Plant a garden, or mow the yard
Read a book
Go on a bear hunt
Stay tuned for more ideas!
Dance
Put together Legos
Play with Play-Doh
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(Read Aloud of the Day)Today's RAD is The Looking Book by P.K. Hallinan. This book should be a good kick off to get everyone outside and moving some. Time to get your "lookers" on!
The Tale of Peter Rabbit
April 9, 2020
Peter Rabbit is a bit mischievous rabbit. Your activity today is a bit different. Design a way to keep rabbits out of a garden, or a trap to catch them if they do get in. You can write a paragraph on Google Docs, draw a picture, or actually create it one. If you choose to draw a picture or create one then take a picture and email it to me! I'm always looking for good ways to keep my garden safe.
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(Read Aloud of the Day)Today's RAD is The Tale of Peter Rabbit by Beatrix Potter. This is a must read - or listen to - as it is one of the most classic Easter tales ever!
The Egg-cellent Egg Drop.pdfThe Easter Egg
April 8, 2020
Today the Easter bunny encounters a problem. Please read the attached story to the side, The Egg-cellent Egg Drop. Then in a Google Doc type a paragraph telling what the problem was that the bunnies encountered and how they solved the problem. You can also share how you would have solved the problem for them. Have you ever had an egg-xtremely terrible egg problem?
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(Read Aloud of the Day)Today's RAD is The Easter Egg by Jan Brett. Jan Brett has a some great books with wonderful illustrations. Have you ever made any fancy Easter eggs?
Baskets and Bunnies.pdf
Baskets and Bunnies
April 7, 2020
I'm continuing on with the Easter theme today. Please read the selection posted to the left. Then you can click on the Google Form here to answer a few short questions.
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(Read Aloud of the Day)Today's RAD is The Story of the Easter Bunny by Katherine Tegen and Sally Anne Lambert. Are you going to color eggs this year?
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(Read Aloud of the Day)Today's RAD is Chicken Sunday by Patricia Polacco. Hopefully you enjoyed Thunder Cake on Friday as well. Maybe after listening you'll have some new ideas of some things you can do to brighten this difficult time as Easter approaches.
Chicken Sunday
April 6, 2020
As we begin the week of Easter I felt that it was a great time to share this special story with you. Please listen to my read aloud first. Then answer the following questions in a paragraph or two in a Google Doc and then share it with me.
Think about a person in your life that inspires you to always make the best decisions. Tell me about them in a few sentences then
Tell about a time that you did something special for them.
Chicken Sundays are a special time for the family. Tell about a special time that you have with your family.
Tell how you usually celebrate Easter.
Mrs. Rogers' Easter Playlist
This is a link to the Easter songs that my family listens to every year. We used to always play the record as I was growing up. Now all you have to do is click on the link on YouTube!
Every year, except this one, people gather in New York City for the Easter Parade and Bonnet Festival. This event has been going on since the 1870s. There are some pretty amazing Easter bonnets there!
Here is the recipe for Thunder Cake if you'd like to bake it during your free time - we have a lot of free time right now!
April Showers &
Thunder Cake
April 3, 2020
The saying goes, "April showers bring May flowers." Sometimes those April showers come along with thunder and lightning. When I was young I was always afraid of thunderstorms. Are you afraid of them too? The RAD to the right may help you overcome your fear. Check it out and then tell me about some things that you are afraid of and what could help you overcome those fears.
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(Read Aloud of the Day)Today's RAD is Thunder Cake by Patricia Polacco. She is one of my favorite authors because her stories have wonderful messages. She is the reader in today's video as well; it's always awesome to hear an author read their own book.
*BONUS ACTIVITY*
Mo is hosting "Lunch Doodles with Mo Willems!" each day at 1:00. He teaches how to draw some of his characters or do other fun doodles. I posted a link here for you to check out. If you draw a doodle, please email me a picture to post here!
Here's a link to his whole website: http://pigeonpresents.com/
Because...
April 2, 2020
Mo Willems has a lot of fun short stories that you may be familiar with, such as the Pigeon books, Knuffle Bunny, and Elephant & Piggie. However, this is a book of his that I just happened upon. It is a nice little story that can maybe make us think about the "becauses" in our life and the effect that our actions have on others. Check out the short RAD and then reflect upon some of the "becauses" in your life or effects that you can have on other people.
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(Read Aloud of the Day)Today's RAD is Because by Mo Willems. It's a simple story but it has quite a bit of meaning in it. There is often a "because" that is the behind the scenes part of many stories.
ACFrOgB9oAMgaSHErz4wsLVP9G-u4CUdCrHWeVSWFb3Fi3hkaLslMo-x8R44t1pG93oV-qq5AhlnvZvNfnxekbAQpe-1DHOCrHnuUXOr3WkE6eS2oWgCBc1D9UfrCKTevF00MTQvbVTSgriS7ozs.pdfApril Fools!
April 1, 2020
Happy April Fool's Day! If you have any good jokes or tiny pranks that are good for today then send them my way! Today's activity is to read the selection to the left called April Fools'. After you read then please email to tell me why April Fool's Day is called that and what you do to celebrate this silly holiday.
Where do you learn to make ice cream?
-Sundae school.
Why is Peter Pan always flying?
-He Neverlands.
Which state has the smallest drinks?
-Mini-soda
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(Read Aloud of the Day)Today's RAD is Me and My Cat? by Satoshi Kitamura. It's a shorter one, but funny - considering what day it is!
Imagination round 2!
March 31, 2020
Well, it seems that we're going to be at this learning from home thing for awhile longer. It's important to use your imagination and creativity to keep your spirit up! Listen to the RAD posted next door and then come up with a list of creative things that you can do to make your stay at home a bit more exciting - not just plain scrambled eggs. I mention a few things in the video to give you some ideas too!
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(Read Aloud of the Day)Today's RAD is Scrambled Eggs Super! by Dr. Seuss and read by yours truly again! Be sure to listen all the way to the end and enjoy!
Imagination time!
March 30, 2020
I was one day off when I posted this morning, so here's a second post today that's actually dated correctly. Our Author of the Month during March has been Dr. Seuss. So, tonight here's another RAD to enjoy. Listen all the way to the end for your challenge for the day. I'll be posting another Dr. Seuss story tomorrow as well since it will be the last day of March.
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(Read Aloud of the Day)Today's 2nd RAD is And to Think that I Saw It on Mulberry Street by Dr. Seuss. It's always great to use your imagination from time to time!
Long Island's infamous garbage barge of 1987 still influences laws.pdfGarbage!
March 29, 2020
We are spending a lot of time at home! Do you ever think about how much garbage you're responsible for, especially right now while we're at home all day every day? This can be a problem if we don't make good choices! Listen to the RAD video of Here Comes the Garbage Barge then read the article to the side about the garbage barge. Use information from both the read aloud and the article to write an opinion paragraph in Google Docs about your thoughts on the garbage barge and then share it with me.
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(Read Aloud of the Day)Today's RAD is Here Comes the Garbage Barge by Jonah Winter. This is a picture book based on a true story that happened back in 1987. What's a town to do when they have too much garbage??
Pajama day at the zoo!
March 27, 2020
Though it's good fun and so comfy to stay in your pajamas all day; we make sure that we start each of these days at home as normal as possible. During "Get Up and Get Moving" time we eat breakfast, change into clothes, make beds, do some chores, and call Grandma and Grandpa. We feel like we do a better job when we're wearing clothes, today is an exception! Anyway, one of our favorite things each day is to "visit the zoo"! Check out one or more of the zoo links here, choose an animal, write an informative paragraph about that animal in Google Docs, and then share it with me!
http://cincinnatizoo.org/home-safari-resources/
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(Read Aloud of the Day)Today's RAD is If I Ran the Zoo by Dr. Seuss. This is a very fun book to go along with one of our new favorite stay at home activities. Enjoy! I'll do some filming over the weekend so I'll be featured a couple times next week or over the weekend!
Jersey Day (Favorite Team)
March 26, 2020
It's no secret that my favorite team is The Ohio State Buckeyes! I was in the OSU Marching Band and I loved my time in college. However, I struggled to find a great activity to do with OSU. So instead, today's activity is going to focus on a season that should be "taking the mound" right now. Listen to the RAD posted here then type a paragraph in Google Doc telling me who Marcenia Lyle was, why she is important, and use at least 2 character traits to describe her and use evidence from the story.
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(Read Aloud of the Day)Today's RADs are Kevin Costner and Jillian Estell. They are going to read the story Catching the Moon. Enjoy and then check out the activity posted to the left.
GrandparentsDayInterview.pdf
Dress Like an Old Person Day
March 25, 2020
Today's activity is to "hang out" with a grandparent or an older person. Now, obviously you're probably not able to actually see them in person, but with all of the technology today it's pretty easy to do. We have been able to have Nana read aloud some books and we've done science projects with Papa while we've been at home. We used FaceTime on our phones. If you can't Zoom or FaceTime with them just give them a call and chat, or you can even interview them. I've posted an "interview" for you to use on the side. After your "hang out" send me an email or type up a Google Doc of what you learned from your grandparent or older generation friend.
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(Read Aloud of the Day)Today I have two RADs who are both famous actors of the "older" kind. Here's Betty White reading Harry the Dirty Dog and The Rainbow Fish read by Ernest Borgnine.
metaphor-hunt.pdf
Crazy Hair and School Spirit!
March 24, 2020
I have a couple short activities to go with our spirit day today. In honor of the hair stylists out there who aren't able to keep us spiffy right now I have posted a metaphor hunt called The Haircut. Read the selection and identify the metaphors as you read. Choose 3 and let me know what they mean. The second activity is in honor of missing our awesome school! Write a paragraph on Google Docs telling me what you miss most about being at League Elementary and share it with me. I miss seeing all of your smiling faces, teaching and talking with you!
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**NEW** I'll be posting a Read Aloud of the Day or RAD each day from here on out. There are a ton of them online and at least once a week I'll be the reader. Today's is Josh Gad reading The True Story of the Three Little Pigs.
Super Hero Day
March 23, 2020
Not all heroes wear capes. Right now there are a lot of people out in our world taking care of us and other people; hospital staff, firefighters, police officers, truck drivers, grocery store workers, restaurant workers, warehouse workers, and anyone else helping others during this difficult time can all be considered heroes.
Write a paragraph telling me about your favorite super hero - remember, not all heroes wear capes!
Get ready for Spirit Week!
March 22, 2020
This coming week, we will have SPIRIT WEEK. We want to stay as connected as possible to our students and our community. We'd love to see your pictures, I'll be sure to share mine here! Let your friends know too!
"No School Day"
March 21, 2020
Today was a "no school" day since it is Saturday. We spent the day putting together puzzles and cleaning house. I'd love to hear about your day!
The Sneetches
March 20, 2020
Many people think Dr. Seuss books are just for little kids, but that couldn't be further from the truth! There are so many great lessons to learn from his books! Watch the video of The Sneetches then take a look at the critical thinking questions.
Choose 3 or 4 questions to focus on and then email me your answers.
Look what we found on our morning walk today! A four-leaf clover! (picture to the right)
Sneetches.pdf
The Invisible String
March 19, 2020
Ok, today I made my own video! We're all learning how to go about this school at home stuff. The book that I read, The Invisible String, is absolutely perfect for this crazy time we're going through.
After watching the video let me know what the theme of the story is and why it is a great message for all of us right now.
The Day the Crayons Quit
March 18, 2020
Today I have an excellent video posted that everyone is sure to enjoy. Josh Gad is the actor that is the voice of Olaf and he also played Lefou in the live action Beauty and the Beast. He is posting regular videos of children's books. Today I'd like you to check out the video posted of him reading The Day the Crayons Quit.
https://twitter.com/joshgad/status/1238959846566719488
Email me to tell me who your favorite crayon is and why. Also, choose two crayons and tell me about their troubles.
Shamrocks & Clovers
March 17, 2020
Happy St. Patrick's Day! Today is a great day to learn about Shamrocks and Clovers. Please read the selection first and then you can click on the link to answer questions about the selection.
I have also posted a Shading Shamrocks activity to practice your synonyms, antonyms, and homophones. If you are able to print then you can color them. Otherwise you can just read them over and let me know which words go into which category. I'll post an answer sheet later this week.
Shamrocks and Clovers selection.pdfshading shamrocks.pdf
Leprechaun's Green Trivia
March 16, 2020
Tomorrow is St. Patrick's Day so today's activity is some leprechaun fun! I'll post the answer sheet in a day or two so be sure to check back then.
Leprechaun's Green Trivia.pdf
In Like a Lion, Out Like a Lamb
March 15, 2020
It seems that the month of March is feeling confused! Here's a nice little story to check out called In Like a Lion, Out Like a Lamb. After you watch it, please let me know what the figurative language means in the title of this book. I hope to hear from some of you!