Week of Nov. 4 - Nov. 8

IN NOVEMBER WE CELEBRATE VETERANS DAY

We have been reading books about Veterans Day to celebrate the holiday on Monday.  First graders learned about the meaning of the words from the Pledge of Allegiance. 5th graders learned about the symbolic place settings set for our POW's, MIA's, and those soldiers who never made it home from war. We also read some books about animals who helped in the war and a service dog who helps a veteran suffering from PTSD. Hopefully everyone gets a chance to thank a veteran for their dedication to our country and their hard work to keep us safe!

A NEW BOOK FROM OUR WISH LIST!

Thank you to the Schiavo family for purchasing I am Marie Curie by Brad Meltzer for the library in honor of Lizzy's birthday! Mrs. Ferullo thought it was a great choice and said when she was in the third grade, she did a report on Marie Curie! The Ordinary People Who Changed the World is a great series, and I am glad to add another to our collection. It was Marie Curie's birthday yesterday when I took the photo of Lizzy...how fitting is that? For more information about donating a book to the library in honor of a special person, visit the Library Wish List page of this blog.


TISSUE BOX DESIGN CONTEST

Congratulations to 4th grader Natthalie for winning the tissue box design contest! I had students vote for their favorite.  I particularly loved the way the snitch writes out the word "Reading." She chose Raina Telgemeier's new book, Guts, for her prize.  Thank you to all the students who entered!

AMERICA'S WHITE TABLE

America's White Table by Margot Theis Raven describes the Veterans Day tradition of setting a table for the soldier who did not come home.  This tradition was established after the Vietnam War, when many families were unable to welcome their loved ones home because these soldiers were Prisoners of War or Missing in Action.  Each item in the place setting is a symbol, including the chair that won't be sat in, the overturned glass symboling the meal that won't be eaten, and the red rose that stands for the hope that someday the soldier might return home.

Fifth graders learned what each item symbolized, and we arranged our own place setting to honor these heroes. It was a solemn book which made us think about and respect all our Veterans, both living and dead.

 

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 In honor of Veterans Day, I read I Pledge Allegiance written by Bill Martin and Michael Sampson to first grade.  It breaks down the vocabulary and phrases in the pledge and defines them in kid friendly terms.  We talked about how the flag is actually a symbol for the U.S.A., so when we say "I pledge allegiance to the flag," we are actually saying "I promise to be loyal to the U.S.A."

We also talked about proper etiquette when reciting the pledge (standing, hand over heart, facing a flag, removing your hat, etc.).  After learning what all those fancy words mean and reviewing what to do while reciting, we all recited the pledge together.

Chris Raschka illustrated the book using torn paper, and in art, Mrs. Bailey will work with them to create their own torn paper flags.  I look forward to seeing how they turn out!

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Through the photographs and text, Tuesday Tucks Me In: The Loyal Bond Between a Soldier and His Service Dog tells about the relationship between a soldier named Luis and his service dog.  This true story explains how Tuesday helps Luis overcome a traumatic brain injury and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder he suffered after serving in Iraq. Tuesday helps Luis walk down stairs, fetch objects, and calm him when he becomes anxious when in a crowd or when it is noisy. Tuesday is adorable, and the special bond that he shares with Luis is touching. Luis' condition is a reminder of the sacrifices that many veterans have made while serving our country. Students love seeing all the day-to-day things that Tuesday helps Luis with.

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Hero Dad is a sweet story about a boy who is comparing his dad, who is a soldier, to a superhero.  Each page makes a comparison: "He doesn't wear rocket-propelled boots--he wears Army boots" and "He doesn't wear a cloak that makes him invisible--he wears camouflage." The book ends with "My dad is an American soldier. My dad is a hero, my superhero." The story lends itself well to talk about real life heroes, and what traits they have and what jobs they might hold.  Students mentioned police officers and firefighters are heroes because they help people, and Hero Dad helps students remember that people serving our country are also helpers and heroes.

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Another war story involving a dog is called Rags: Hero Dog of WWI by Margot Theis Raven (same author as America's White Table). This book tells the true story of a stray dog who was found by Private James Donovan while stationed in Paris during World War I.  Even though there was no official canine division in the Army, Rags accompanied Donovan on the battlefield and assisted with delivering messages and sensing incoming shells before the soldiers did. Rags and Donovan were very devoted and protective of each other, and Rags was hailed as the hero mascot of the First Division.  Another fine example of how dogs have played an important role in protecting our safety  and freedom.