JUNE 2018 Pick of the Month

          

  JUNE 2018 

Overview

It started as an assignment. Everyone in Caitlin's class wrote to an unknown student somewhere in a distant place.


Martin was lucky to even receive a pen-pal letter. There were only ten letters, and fifty kids in his class. But he was the top student, so he got the first one.

That letter was the beginning of a correspondence that spanned six years and changed two lives.

In this compelling dual memoir, Caitlin and Martin recount how they became best friends --and better people--through their long-distance exchange. Their story will inspire you to look beyond your own life and wonder about the world at large and your place in it.



DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:
1. Talk about the wide gap between Martin's hardscrabble life in Zimbabwe and Caitlin's privileged one in the U.S.  How did two 12-year-olds from such vastly different backgrounds and expriences bridge the gap between them?

2. What do each of the two pen pals reveal about themselves as they write to one another? What dreams do each have, especially Martin?

3. How does her growing awareness of Martin's poverty affect her? In what way does the correspondence change Caitlin with regard to her American classmates?

4. What do you make of Caitlin sending a portion of her babysitting money to Martin? Was her act naive, condescending, or a genuinely inspired act of kindness?

5. What moved you most about his book? 

ACTIVITIES:

Stamp Collecting for KIDS Website:  http://www.2-clicks-stamps.com/article/stamp-collecting-for-kids.html

There is magic in postage stamps! You can travel around the world without leaving your seat. Meet important people. Learn exotic plants and animals, know different languages…and many more. All these can be yours in stamp collecting.

PEN PALs:  http://www.studentsoftheworld.info/menu_penpals.php  

REMEMBER: IT IS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY TO MONITOR YOUR CHILD'S CORRESPONDENCE.

Zimbabwe for Kids:  https://kids.britannica.com/kids/article/Zimbabwe/345821

Beginner's GUIDE to Story Telling:  https://www.mensaforkids.org/teach/lesson-plans/the-art-of-storytelling/

Letterboxing 101:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7DlVAXwMnLQ

PURCHASE AT:

BARNES AND NOBLE:  https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/i-will-always-write-back-caitlin-alifirenka/1121120716?ean=9780316241335#/

AMAZON:   https://www.amazon.com/Will-Always-Write-Back-Changed/dp/0316241334/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1529787419&sr=8-1&keywords=i+will+always+write+back

August Book of the Month

Calpurnia Virginia Tate is eleven years old in 1899 when she wonders why the yellow grasshoppers in her Texas backyard are so much bigger than the green ones. With a little help from her notoriously cantankerous grandfather, an avid naturalist, she figures out that the green grasshoppers are easier to see against the yellow grass, so they are eaten before they can get any larger. As Callie explores the natural world around her, she develops a close relationship with her grandfather, navigates the dangers of living with six brothers, and comes up against just what it means to be a girl at the turn of the century.

The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate is a 2010 Newbery Honor Book and the winner of the 2010 Bank Street - Josette Frank Award.

Amazon Link: 

 https://www.amazon.com/Evolution-Calpurnia-Tate-Jacqueline-Kelly-ebook/dp/B002LA09MG/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1502581928&sr=8-1&keywords=the+evolution+of+calpurnia+tate

Activities:

Snacks to go with book:  Pecan cookies, in honor of the Tate’s pecan grove and the prominence that pecans have throughout the book in the foods the Tate's eat and Granddaddy’s experiments with distilling pecans.

How to Make a Calpurnia Science Notebook

Printables for NOTEBOOK:  http://creeksidelearning.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/Calpurnia-Tate-Inspired-Printables-from-Creekside-Learning.pdf

Discussion Questions:  http://www.startsateight.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/Evolution-of-Calpurnia-Tate-Study-Guide.pdf

Learn Microscope Basics – Learn about the basic parts of a microscope and how they work. You can also look up old microscopes and check out how they have changed throughout the years.

 View Prepared Slides – Use a set of prepared slides to give kids the opportunity to use the microscope with the guarantee of finding something interesting and distinct on the slide!

 

Toys or Us Online!!!

Dragonfly Art Project:  https://artachieve.com/art-classes-level-i/level-i-art-lesson-5-the-dragonfly-from-ecuador

Insect Nature Study:  http://www.homeschoolcreations.net/insect-nature-study-printables-learning-about-bugs/

July Book of the Month (2017)

Overview

In the tradition of Bridget Jones’s Diary, a lovably flawed high school student chronicles her life as she navigates the highs and lows of family, friendship, school, and love in a diary that sparkles with humor and warmth.

I’m Chloe Snow, and my life is kiiiiind of a disaster.

1. I’m a kissing virgin (so so so embarrassing).

2. My best friend, Hannah, is driving me insane.

3. I think I’m in love with Mac Brody, senior football star, whose girlfriend is so beautiful she doesn’t even need eyeliner.

4. My dad won’t stop asking me if I’m okay.

5. Oh, and my mom moved to Mexico to work on her novel. But it’s fine—she’ll be back soon. She said so.

Mom says the only thing sadder than remembering is forgetting, so I’m going to write down everything that happens to me in this diary. That way, even when I’m ninety, I’ll remember how awkward and horrible and exciting it is to be in high school.

START YOUR OWN JOURNAL!!!
http://www.bestproducts.com/parenting/teen/g1075/teens-writing-journals/?slide=5

April Book Choice!!

Out of the depths of the Great Depression comes the astonishing tale of nine working-class boys from the American West who at the 1936 Olympics showed the world what true grit really meant. With rowers who were the sons of loggers, shipyard workers, and farmers, the University of Washington’s eight-oar crew was never expected to defeat the elite East Coast teams, yet they did, going on to shock the world by challenging the German boat rowing for Adolf Hitler. 

At the center of the tale is Joe Rantz, a teenager without family or prospects, whose personal quest captures the spirit of his generation—the generation that would prove in the coming years that the Nazis could not prevail over American determination and optimism.

This deeply emotional yet easily accessible young readers adaptation of the award-winning #1 New York Times bestseller features never-before-seen photographs, highly visual back matter, and an exclusive new introduction.

Inspiration for the PBS American Experience Documentary 'The Boys of '36'

March is National READING Month!

Featured Book:

Samantha Kingston has it all: looks, popularity, the perfect boyfriend. Friday, February 12, should be just another day in her charmed life. Instead, it turns out to be her last.

The catch: Samantha still wakes up the next morning. Living the last day of her life seven times during one miraculous week, she will untangle the mystery surrounding her death—and discover the true value of everything she is in danger of losing.

NOW in Theaters--(Warning--this movies is pretty racy for this age group--preview prior to taking your child)

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1691916/

READING MONTH CHALLENGE!!

Pick 2-3 of these types of books to read this month!

1. Read one of your parents’ favorite books.
2. Read again a book you read when you were younger.
3. Read a book set in Africa.
4. Read a book about a missionary.
5. Read a book recommended by a friend.
6. Read a classic book, not required for homeschool (or school).
7. Read a book with a one-word title.
8. Read a book whose author was younger than 25 when they wrote it.
9. Read a book of historical fiction. 
10. Read an autobiography written by someone you’ve never heard of. 
11. Read a book that is a travel journal.
12. Read a book in which the main character is an animal.
13. Read a book in which animals speak.
14. Read a book with a giant in it.
15. Read a book set in London.
16. Read a book about a sports figure or artist.
17. Read a book based on true events.
18. Read a book that takes place in the Middle Ages.
19. Read a book that has a child as the main character.
20. Read a book that has a character with a disability of some sort.
21. Read a book that involves a flood or other natural catastrophe.
22. Read a book whose title contains the name of a city or country.
23. Read a book whose setting spans more than one hundred years.
24. Read a book that was authored by two people.
25. Read a book where one of the main characters is in law enforcement or the military.
26. Read a book in which a character is adopted.
27. Read a book written by G.A. Henty.
28. Read a book that is a compilation of short stories.
29. Read a book about someone who signed the Declaration of Independence.
30. Read a book that has been translated into another language.
31. Read a book with “how to” in its title.
32. Read a book that you never thought you would read.
33. Read a book where most of the action takes place on an island.
34. Read a book that is the first in a series.
35. Read a book written in the 1800s.
36. Read a book that takes place in the future.
37. Read a book that has a cover where the author’s name is written bigger than the title of the book.
38. If you’re a girl, read a book with a male protagonist. If you’re a boy, read a book with a female protagonist.
39. Read a dystopian novel.
40. Read a book with a color in the title.
41. Read a mystery novel.
42. Read a book that’s been made into a movie.
43. Read a book in which something happens that could never happen in real life.
44. Read a book written by C.S. Lewis.
45. Read a book that is a biblical allegory.
46. Read a book that contains time travel.
47. Read a book of poetry.
48. Read a book of mythology.
49. Read a book that has more than 500 pages.
50. Read a book that was the winner of the Newbery Medal.
51. Read a book that is set during a war.
52. Read a book that fits in at least 3 of the above categories.

FEBRUARY BOOK CHOICE 2017

For centuries mystical creatures of all description were gathered into a hidden refuge called Fablehaven to prevent their extinction. The sanctuary survives today as one of the last strongholds of true magic. Enchanting? Absolutely. Exciting? You bet. Safe? Well, actually, quite the opposite.

Kendra and her brother, Seth, have no idea that their grandfather is the current caretaker of Fablehaven. Inside the gated woods, ancient laws keep relative order among greedy trolls, mischievous satyrs, plotting witches, spiteful imps, and jealous fairies. However, when the rules get broken -- Seth is a bit too curious and reckless for his own good -- powerful forces of evil are unleashed, and Kendra and her brother face the greatest challenge of their lives. To save their family, Fablehaven, and perhaps even the world, Kendra and Seth must find the courage to do what they fear most.

Order:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1416947205/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=1416947205&linkCode=as2&tag=orsoshesays-20&linkId=SVYZEF6HK6K2BIWC

NOVEMBER BOOK CHOICE!!

NOVEMBER!!

A mysterious island.

An abandoned orphanage.

A strange collection of very curious photographs.

It all waits to be discovered in Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children, an unforgettable novel that mixes fiction and photography in a thrilling reading experience. As our story opens, a horrific family tragedy sets sixteen-year-old Jacob journeying to a remote island off the coast of Wales, where he discovers the crumbling ruins of Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children. As Jacob explores its abandoned bedrooms and hallways, it becomes clear that the children were more than just peculiar. They may have been dangerous. They may have been quarantined on a deserted island for good reason. And somehow—impossible though it seems—they may still be alive.

A spine-tingling fantasy illustrated with haunting vintage photography, Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children will delight adults, teens, and anyone who relishes an adventure in the shadows.

To ORDER ONLINE:

https://www.amazon.com/Miss-Peregrines-Home-Peculiar-Children

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/miss-peregrines-home-for-peculiar-children-ransom-riggs/1100388567?ean=9781594749711

OR VISIT YOUR LOCAL LIBRARY!!

QUESTIONS:

Pre-Reading

1. Do you believe that there is such a thing as time travel?
2. Do you think there could be another type of person out there we don’t know about?
3. Do you believe in monsters?
4. Do you believe in people having special powers?

Connections:

1. Write about an experience where you had to trust someone even if you thought it was a bad idea.
2. If time travel were possible, when and where would you go and why?

During Reading

1. Page 26- How would you explain the friendship between Ricky and Jacob?

2. Page 29- It never explained what really killed his grandfather. Was it the "monster" Jacob saw in the woods?

3. Page 91- When Oggie doesn't remember one person surviving the bombing does this seem like he's hiding more? Use evidence from the text to explain your answer.

4. Page 99- Is his grandfather really all that crazy, or is what he told him as a kid really true?

5. Page 102- Does the bird symbolize something? Will it later lead him to the woman he's looking for to figure out more about his grandfather?

6. Do you think Jacob going through the loop so often is a good thing? Explain your answer. Pg. 196

7. What questions would you want to ask Miss Peregrine? Pg. 204

8. What was the problem with Jacob talking to the children about his time and where he comes from? pg. 205

9. How is Jacob similar to his grandfather? Use quotes from the text to support your answer. Pg 230

10. What are some of the problems that you think will come from Jacob and Emma seeing each other? Pg. 239

ACTIVITIES:

Survival

List ways in which the peculiar children survive the world and ways in which modern equipment could help them.

Character Description

Write a physical, emotional, and relational description of two characters from Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children. Add a portrait to go along with your written description.

Special Ability

Choose a special ability you would like to have and explain why you would want it and how you would use it.

Comparison

Read another Ransom Riggs book and write a comparison and contrast between the two of them.

Posters

Create three posters about Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children using a variety of media (chalk, paint, markers, watercolors, etc.).

TV Reporter

Pretend you are a TV reporter and provide an on-scene report from a specific scene in Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children as if it is happening right now. For example, Abe being killed, Jacob...

WATCH THE MOVIE!!

OFFICIAL TRAILER

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mAdpJw-MM-M