Little rabbit helps a bear see stars

This week, I read-aloud one of my all-time favourite books to the Grade 1 class. The book is called, "Gruff the Grump" written by Steve Smallman and illustrated by Cee Biscoe. It tells the story of a grumpy bear whose attitude is changed when he rescues a rabbit and receives a small thank you gift. Rabbit is desperately trying to catch all the "fallen stars." The story ends with Gruff the Bear smiling and covered in autumn leaves (the fallen stars) from his new little friend Rabbit.

Isn't it wonderful to be able to imagine a yellow leaf turning into a star? Books can transform our moods the same way that they can transform their characters lives!

WARNING! Do not open this book (5 star)

The Grade 2/3 class truly became totally captivated during the read-aloud of the book called, "WARNING! Do Not Open This Book!" by Adam Lehrhaupt. Lowering my voice to a whisper and pausing before turning the page built suspense that made this story very real. A few of the children actually moved from where they were sitting, feeling like the book was actually going to come alive. All of us laughed and chatted about each page and the anticipation of what was to follow. So many children wanted to borrow this book after I read it. Aah! Choosing the right book for the different classes makes it memorable and enjoyable and everyone left with a smile. All shivers were now gone.

Happy Halloween!

Kindergarten's enjoyed this book and author is visiting our school this Wednesday!

I read-aloud the book called "Chicken, Pig, and Cow On The Move" by Ruth Ohi. The children enjoyed the illustrations of miniature farm animals and found it interesting that even when they found a home that was spacious, they still wanted to be close to each other. The barn was built with popsicle sticks and their new home was a doll house. The kindergarten class certainly had connections with the doll house since some of the children had one at home. The children did not seem surprised when all of the animals squished together in the bathtub of the doll house. These miniature animals did not like the change in their accommodation.

Ruth Ohi, Canadian children's author will be visiting our school and presenting to JK-4. I hope everyone enjoys her presentation. Students will have an opportunity to do some drawings with the help of Ruth and they can ask questions at the end of her presentation.

Whale's song

My read-aloud today is a favorite of mine that I shared with the Grade 3 class. The title of the book  "The Whale's Song" by Dyan Sheldon and illustrated by Gary Blythe. I think we all wish we were fortunate enough to hear our grandmother tell us a story. The little girl in the story is named Lilly and she is at her grandmother's house near the sea. She shares a special moment with her grandmother when she suggests that Lilly leaves a special present for the whales like she did when she was young. Lilly leaves a beautiful flower in the water and waits for the whales. Her grandmother says that if the whales like the present they will give her something special in return, the whales will call her name! Lilly listens in the night to try to hear the whales sing. She hears sounds from the sea and runs down to the pier and to enjoy a special moment in time. She hears the whales call her name, "Lilly, Lilly, Lilly." Quietly, she stood and listened to the beauty of these words and felt blessed to have shared the same experience as her grandmother.