WSSD Elementary Libraries
Week 4
WSSD ELEMENTARY LIBRARY
Hello WSSD Families!
We’re more than halfway through April, and it’s beginning to feel like spring. As the flowers continue to bloom, and bunnies pop out of their burrows, Earth Day, April 22nd, is almost here! Time’s 2019 Person of the Year, Greta Thunberg the young Swedish environmental activist, whose strong voice inspired an international movement to fight climate change, immediately comes to our minds. Malala stated on Twitter, ”She’s the only friend I’d skip school for.” Many of our activities this week focus on appreciating the outdoors. Lessons will be crafted around nature and the environment, always giving students the flexibility to choose their own literature experiences. Our resources and activities are selected to attract a wide range of ages and reading levels, so pick your favorites to share with your family. Feel free to reach out with questions or feedback.
Next week we’re voting on our favorite PYRCA books. Students in 4th & 5th grade check your bookmarks to prepare for your PYRCA vote next week. Epic! has quite a few 2020 PYRCA titles available in both K-3rd & 4th-5th you only have one more week to read them. For students in K-3rd grade, color your PA map. Librarians' TumbleBooks recommendations for a favorite author, and titles will appear weekly too.
Kindergarten and 1st Grade
Wump World by Bill Peet
Enjoy Wump World written and illustrated by Bill Peet, who also drew the characters for Walt Disney’s famous animated movies. The Wumps live in a pristine, beautiful world with abundant trees and green grass. Listen to find out what happens when the Pollutians arrive from planet Pollutus.
2nd and 3rd Grade
Compost Stew : An A to Z recipe for the Earth by Mary Mckenna Sidais
Listen to Compost Stew by Mary Mckenna Sidais. Watch a video about how to compost at home (or at school). What materials in your home and outside can you use to make a compost stew of your own?
4th 5th Grade
Stickeen: John Muir and the Brave Little Dog
Read Stickeen: John Muir and the Brave Little Dog using your Epic! classroom link. After completing the death defying survival tale of John Muir and Stickeen, based on environmentalist John Muir’s true adventures exploring nature, consider why he is known as the Father of National Parks.
5th Grade Additional Stickeen Activities
Consider in the future, you might like a dog to help you with your job. (Even Stickeen was helpful to John Muir.) Enjoy reading National Geographic Kids: Everything Dogs using your Epic! Classroom account. Then imagine yourself grown up, with a dog assisting you in your job.
Maker Challenge
Design an agility course for your dog, by drawing the plan first.
a. Make a small scale course using recycled objects around the house tubes, sticks, boxes, etc.
b. If your dog needs exercise, checkout the AKC equipment below. Improvise and make your own. Take a picture of it with your dog using its agility course.
Author Spotlight of the Week! Peter Reynolds!
Our Librarians’ pick for favorite author of the week goes to award winning illustrator/author Peter H. Reynolds. Did you know he’s a twin? Check out his author website to learn more about this creative individual. Rose’s Garden would be a great story to inspire Earth Day activities. Go to TumbleBooks on your library website below, and find your favorite title from his collection to share with your family.
Swarthmore Rutledge Username - srs Password - books
Nether Providence Username - npes Password - books
Author Activities
Meet Christopher Paul Curtis
Erin Entrada Kelly Shares Her Notebooks
Earth Day Activities
After enjoying Kate Messner’s Read Aloud above, Over and Under the Rainbow
She’s prepared an Earth Day activity challenge for you. This is her message…. "After the story, check out this page with more information on the wildlife of Costa Rica", where Kate did most of the research for this book.
Writing challenge: Write a short article to teach people about your favorite rainforest animal! It will be hard to decide which Costa Rican animal to pick.
Fun & Games
Ready for fun, Highlights Kids offers interactive learning through; Jokes, Games, Explore, etc. This site provides lots of interactive activities for all ages.
Virtual Field Trips
Nasa Space Telescope Tours
Blarney Castle in County Cork, Ireland.
WSSD Elementary Librarians
WES Elementary Librarian Media Specialist: Martha Lambertsen
SRS Elementary Librarian Media Specialist: Courtney Aaron