Story Activities

Read Aloud:

Margaret and the Moon: How Margaret Hamilton Saved the First Lunar Landing

By Dean Robbins, Illustrated by Lucy Knisley

Margaret asked a lot of questions, studied hard in school and developed innovative solutions. This mindset helped her to become one of the only female computer scientists in the 1950’s and 1960’s. In 1969, Margaret’s computer programming helped Apollo 11 land safely on the moon.

Wondering and asking questions helps us to figure out what is happening in a story, and when we find the answers to our questions we often learn new things. Ask questions!

Vocabulary:

Innovative

Convinced

Gazed

Solution

After the story:

How did asking questions and wondering shape Margaret’s life?

Where did her questions lead? What did she do?

How can you take what you learned from Margaret and use it in your own life?

Activity:

Make a Wonder Poster by using a big sheet of paper and writing what you “wonder” about on sticky notes. Use those notes to find out more information about a topic you wonder about!

Puddle

By Hyewon Yum

Hear Ms. Magoon read about a boy who is tired of being inside!

Library Update-August 31-Sept 7, 2020

Nerdy Birdy

By Aaron Reynolds

Nerdy Birdy is not like the other cool birdies. One day a group of nerdy birdies invite him to join their flock. But when Nerdy Birdy tries to welcome another unusual bird (Vulture) to join the group, the flock refuses. So Nerdy Birdy decides to befriend Vulture on his own.

Purpose: People who show empathy (caring about others) think about how others are feeling. As you listen to Nerdy Birdy, listen for the characters’ emotions and think how it might feel to be in the same situation.

Vocabulary Words:Can you get the meaning from the story?

Confused

Exhausting

lonely

After listening:

Do you have any questions?

What do you think Nerdy Birdy and Vulture are going to do?

Name some of the emotions that the characters feel?