Naked Mole Rat Gets Dressed

Dear Friends,

 End the year with a naked mole rat?!!?!Sure, why not! Wilbur is the mole role model we would all like to be: self assured, brave, fun, and a trendsetter. One of our favorite authors, Mo Willems, creates another interesting character in Wilbur, giving us the opportunity to discuss social norms and taboos, rules and laws. 

In "Naked Mole Rat Gets Dressed" Wilbur knows what he likes. He enjoys fashion and clothes. Were you ever considered an outsider or criticized for what you chose or loved? What did you do? 

As we close another year at Allamanda, where diversity abounds, I will enjoy the world around me where we have princesses, runners, passionate techies, lego boys, but all come together to make the "Allamanda family". The book sneaks in one last tiny question "why me?" I'd like to also as "why not me?"

The Empty Pot

Dear Friends,

     I think our April Book of the Month, "The Empty Pot", by Demi, is one of my favorite so far. Surprisingly, I did not know where the author was taking us with this little tale. But boy, is the final message loud and clear.

     Our main character, Ping is certainly a talented little boy. As I look out the window and watch our Allamanda gardeners coaxing vegetables into life, I respect Ping and his ability to do the same with beautiful flowers. And then it is all put on the line. It is a chance of a lifetime; to be emperor. We see Ping question himself, doubt himself, and humble himself. Finally, truth wins out.

   Some of us have recently been talking about telling the truth, honestly, and our children. Sadly, some will lie or manipulate to get what they want, or to protect themselves. "The Empty Pot" opens the door to some very important conversations about integrity, character, and right versus wrong; perseverance, courage and honesty. The ultimate lesson, of course, is to be true yourself and you can't lose!

Look how some classes are celebrating the book: 

King of the Playground

Dear Friends,
          If you have ever experienced winter, you know the saying "out like a lion, in like a lamb" is very apt way to describe the weather in the month of March. What may start with frigid temperatures, and even snow, ends with mild breezes and spring flowers blooming. Well, in my experience, it is the opposite in our schools. The closer we get to Spring Break and summer vacation the less mellow our children get. That's why I think our March book of the month. "King of the Playgrounds", by Phyllis Reynolds Naylor, is so fitting, Kids are comfortable; they know the ropes and may test the limits. Bullying, our topic this month, may occur. 
         "King of the Playgrounds" is full of imagination and colorful characters. Children will identify with Kevin. Will any of them remember times when they were like Sammy? What a great book to use examine and explore character's feelings and emotions.
         As we enter the month of  March and watch as some of our little lambs exhibit lion-like behavior, share this cute but powerful book with them.  And may each of us have someone in our lives, as wise as Kevin's father, comforting us while guiding us to come to our own conclusions, in our own way and time. 

Look how some classes celebrated the book:

City Dog, Country Frog

                                                    

                   The February Book of the Month, "City Dog, Country Frog" is a wonderful book about friendship through the seasons. Mo Willems' spare, poignant text and Jon J. Muth's expressive watercolors team up to tell a story that will resonate with reader's of all ages. The book is bursting with themes of season, animals, and a main focus on friendship. Friends come into our lives from unexpected directions, friendships go through hard times, and friendships sometimes end. This theme is explored in this book using a story of a dog befriending a frog. While enjoying his new country freedom on a warm spring day, City Dog meets Country Frog who is sitting on a rock. City Dog asks what Country Frog is doing and he says, " Waiting for a friend..But you'll do." the pair of them quickly became great friends. Although they come from different areas, they enjoyed running and playing games together through the spring, summer, and fall. When winter arrives everything changes and City Dog learns a hard lesson about how friendships change over time.
                  After reading this book it reminds us of the motto "Friendship is essential to the soul!" In the process of being friends, we teach each other about our different worlds, and we may even create a new one together. People that we love sometimes leave us or move on in a wide variety of ways that may have nothing to do with us. We miss the people we've lost, but they leave their imprint on us. As educators,w e can encourage our students to think critically about what makes a friend, and challenge them to make a new friend with the possibility of new discoveries.
                In closing, "City Dog, Country Frog" allows students to build on their beliefs of the seasons and the concept of friendship, the natural course relationships take, and transitions in people's lives. This book shows the benefits of a valuable friendship and how a friendship can positively impact one's emotions and life. This is an opportunity for children to relate to a new found friend in relation to their own life experiences. The children may react by yelling names of their friends, telling stories about their friend, and things they do together. Enjoy!     


Look how some classes celebrated the book:

Reach for the Stars

          What a great book to kick off the New Year! It has both a message and literary elements to get us thinking. It is a month for goal setting and resolutions. Let us dream together!
           As I listen and ponder on dreams, I find they are very personal things. They come in about as many shapes and sizes as do those who are dreaming them. We will encourage our students to create academic goals, as well as healthy resolutions. 
           I recently watched a video that encouraged us to forget the goal. It suggested focusing on the behavior that leads to the achievement of our goals. This is also very important for kids, especially in the classroom setting.
        As you share "Reach for the Stars," by Serge Broch, our January Book of the Month, examine the idioms and unique illustrations within. But also take time to set New Year's resolutions, academic and wellness goals, and discuss behaviors needed to achieve these goals. Encourage them to dream big and "Reach for the Stars".
     
Until Next Time

Look how some classes celebrated the book:

 

          

How to Heal a Broken Wing

How to Heal a Broken Wing

Dear Friends,

                 As we embark on this holiday season, the month of December is special in the hearts of children and families all around the world. "How to Heal a Broken Wing", by Bob Graham, our December Book of the Month, is a beautifully illustrated book about caring for others with respect, patience, and understanding. By using few words, and wonderful drawings, Graham allows children to explore how best to be active citizens and caring individuals in a very busy world.

             The premise of this picture book appears simple: a young boy is the only person among a busy crowd who cares that a bird with a broken wing has fallen. Along with his parents, he takes the bird home to nurse it back to health and eventually returns it to its home. Even though it may seem straightforward,  "How to Heal a Broken Wing" is actually a very powerful story that shows empathy for others that can be used with children of all age levels. 

           The illustrations, symbolism, and message are sure to inspire discussion about empathy, environment, hope and healing, and these are all great class topics to focus on. Remind your class after reading this story that they should come away with the affirming message that each living thing matters and that an individual who performs a selfless act of service can make a difference, especially this time of year. Remember the old saying, "It's better to give than receive" as this book reminds us of HOPE for a more caring world to come.

Gratefully Yours,

David

See how some classes celebrated the book:

Gratitude Soup

          Lots of thoughts come to mind when we think of the month of November. But at the top of most lists will be Thanksgiving. Close your eyes and you can conjure up family, good food, and holiday traditions. "Gratitude Soup" by Olivia Rosewood, our November Book of the Month, fits right in!

         Research shows that whether you write weekly in a gratitude journal or share your gratitude in other ways, the benefits are many. Better health, less anxiety, higher levels of optimism, and sounder sleep are reported. Certainly a worthwhile reason to share this book with everyone!

       You will notice that the writing style has changed in this Book of the Month. That's another great class topic or discussion. Was it effective? Why? I am not sure why but I can almost smell the soup cooking!

      Before reading this wonderful book, think about gratitude. Have everyone take some quiet time to think of the may things they are grateful for; both big and small. After sharing the story, make your own class gratitude soup. Enjoy the delicious aroma and wonderful feelings a great pot of soup gives us all! 

Gratefully Yours

Look how some classes celebrated the book: