Week of June 1 - 5,

The Day You Begin and

The One and Only Ivan (#5)

Hello UES Friends and Happy Friday,

Guess what?  This year's Red Clover Award winner is ... (drum roll please)  

POTATO PANTS!  That was last week's picture book read aloud.  If you missed it, I'll post it at the bottom of this entry or you can check out last week's post.

This week there are two books available for you to listen to and discuss.  Our picture book this week is another one of this year's Red Clover Books, The Day You Begin. It's written by Jacqueline Woodson and illustrated by Rafael Lopez.  Our other book is the next reading installment (#5) of The One and Only Ivan, by Katherine Applegate.

The Day You Begin

This week's chapter book read aloud is the continuation of The One and Only Ivan, written by Katherine Applegate, read by Mrs. Frey:

The One and Only Ivan, #1

The One and Only Ivan, #2

The One and Only Ivan, #3

The One and Only Ivan, #4

The One and Only Ivan, #5

For more connections, information, activities...

Week of May 26 - 29: Library Freyday #7

POTATO PANTS! and

The One and Only Ivan (#4)

Happy Friday!

Again this week there will be two books available for your continued listening pleasure.  Our picture book this week is one of this year's Red Clover Books, POTATO PANTS! It's written and illustrated by Laurie Keller.  Our other book is, the continued reading of The One and Only Ivan, by Katherine Applegate.

POTATO PANTS!

This week's chapter book read aloud is the continuation of The One and Only Ivan, written by Katherine Applegate, read by Mrs. Frey:

The One and Only Ivan, #1

The One and Only Ivan, #2

The One and Only Ivan, #3

The One and Only Ivan, #4

For more connections, information, activities...

Week of May 18 - 22: Library Freyday #6

She's Wearing a Dead Bird on her Head and

The One and Only Ivan (#3)

Happy Friday!

Again this week there will be two books available for your listening pleasure.  One is a picture book, the other the continuation of reading the chapter book:  The One and Only Ivan.  This week the picture book we'll be reading is She's Wearing a Dead Bird on her Head, by Kathryn Lasky, illustrated by David Catrow:  

She's Wearing a Dead Bird on her Head!

This week's chapter book read aloud is the continuation of The One and Only Ivan, written by Katherine Applegate, read by Mrs. Frey:

The One and Only Ivan, #1

The One and Only Ivan, #2

The One and Only Ivan, #3

For more connections, information, activities...

Week of May 11-15: Library Freyday #5: Tom's Tweet and The One and Only Ivan (#2)

Happy Friday!

Again this week there will be two books available for your listening pleasure.  One is a picture book, the other the continuation of reading the chapter book:  The One and Only Ivan.  This week the picture book we'll be reading is Tom's Tweet, by Jill Esbaum, illustrated by Dan Santat:  

Tom's Tweet

This week's chapter book read aloud is the continuation of The One and Only Ivan, written by Katherine Applegate, read by Mrs. Frey:

The One and Only Ivan, #1

The One and Only Ivan, #2

For more connections, information, activities...

Week of May 4-May 8: Library Freyday #4:

Week of May 4-May 8: Library Freyday #4: 

The Day the Crayons Quit and The One and Only Ivan

Starting this week there will be two books available for your listening pleasure.  One is a picture book, one is a Chapter Book.  This week the picture book we'll be reading is The Day the Crayons Quit, by Drew Daywalt:

The Day the Crayons Quit

This week's chapter book read aloud is The One and Only Ivan, by Katherine Applegate:

The One and Only Ivan

For more connections, information, activities...

Week of April 27-May 1: Library Freyday #3: The Lorax

Week of April 27-May 1: Library Freyday #3:  The Lorax

This week's read-aloud is "The Lorax" by Dr. Seuss.  

Reading this book helps us mark the 50th anniversary of Earth Day, April 22, 2020.

The Lorax Read Aloud with Mrs. Frey

After you listen to the story, maybe you and your people can discuss...

• What are some of the differences between the “whisper-ma-phone” page and the next page, the first time we see Truffula Trees?  Why are there differences between the two?
• What do you think Dr. Seuss’ message is by writing this book? What does “The Lorax” have to do with Earth Day?
• Why do you think Dr. Seuss doesn’t show us what the Once-ler looks like?
• Why did the Once-ler get “terribly mad” ? What made him lose his temper?  What are you like when you get mad?
• Would you have bought a thneed? Why or why not?
• Have you ever participated in Earth Day?  What did you do to help celebrate Earth Day?
• What are some things you can do at home and in your own spaces to help make every day Earth Day?

I would love to hear about the conversations you have with your people about The Lorax, Dr. Seuss and Earth Day. I am hosting a hangout meeting (hangout code: ueslibrary) for UES students and families TODAY from 11-1. Please check with your parents and caregivers about joining me (remember to be good digital citizens...). I would love to see you and talk about what you're reading. Remember, I am always available via email at maritaf@mpsvt if you have any questions or just want to check-in (get it?).

Here are more ways you can celebrate Earth Day...

• Here is an Earth Day Scavenger Bingo Game you can play in your yard or on a walk.
• Here is a link to Pete Seeger and Friends (including Bruce Springsteen) singing This Land is Your Land.  Pete Seeger was instrumental, so to speak, in promoting Earth Day.
• Here are a couple more Read-Alouds that celebrate the Earth:
• The Earth Book, by Todd Parr (Read by Todd Parr, too!)
• The Digger and the Flower, by Joseph Kuefler

Week of April 13-17: Library Freyday #2: Katherine Johnson, the Moon and Apollo 13

This week's read-aloud is Counting on Katherine:  How Katherine Johnson Saved Apollo 13.  This helps mark the 50th Anniversary of the Apollo 13 Mission.

Counting on Katherine Read Aloud with Mrs. Frey

After you listen to the story, maybe you and your people can talk about...

• Why did Katherine have to go to a different school?  
• What does segregation mean?  
• Why was Katherine's brother upset?
• Katherine loved mathematics and counting things.  Math was her favorite subject.
• What is your favorite subject in school?  Why is it your favorite?
• Would you like to visit the moon?  Mars?  Why or why not?
• Why were countries in a rush to go to the moon?  Why did they have a "space race" ?

I'd love to hear about some of the conversations you have with your people about Katherine and the moon.  Remember, all of the specials teachers are available via email from 11-1 Monday through Friday.  We'd love to hear from you!

Here is some additional information about Katherine Johnson:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nKxgieXQ82w

Here is a view of the moon the Apollo 13 crew saw even though they couldn't land:

https://thekidshouldseethis.com/post/far-side-of-the-moon-4k-visualization

Here is some information about the Women of the next lunar mission, Artemis:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1zI58gefDNg

Here is some general information on the next lunar mission:  ARTEMIS.

https://www.nasa.gov/specials/artemis/

Week of April 6-10 Library Freyday #1: We Are In a Book!

Two Guest Stars, Mo and Mrs. Frey

We are in a book!

Hello Reader Friends, here is a read aloud for you and your people to enjoy.  I hope you are all having fun and going outside to enjoy the sunshine. Can you see signs of spring when you are outside?  Please note that I've included a link to Mo Willems' YouTube Channel:  Lunch Doodles with Mo Willems, Episode #3.  You'll know why this is important near the end of this video. 

Enjoy! Happy Reading and Doodling! See you soon. 
xox Mrs. Frey

Lunch Doodles with Mo Willems! Episode 3

Welcome to the Daily Special!

Welcome to The Daily Special, brought to you by your UES Specials Teachers! Click HERE to watch our "Hello" video. 

You are invited to join us every weekday for new lessons and activities. We are excited to take turns posting each morning for you to enjoy here on this blog. 

Weekly Schedule

• Movement Monday with Mr. Williams & MJ (Physical Education)
• Tuneful Tuesday with Mrs. Clayton (Music)
• Wellness Wednesday with Mrs. Francke (Guidance) and Tempting Tech with Mr. Jarrad
• Artful Thursday with Mrs. Kane (Art)
• Freybrary Friday with Mrs. Frey (Library)

We truly miss seeing you all at UES! You are always welcome to send us an email with questions, share your learning and work from home, or just say hello! We would LOVE to hear from you!

Mr. Williams: EmmanuelR@mpsvt.org

MJ: MJ@mpsvt.org

Mrs. Francke: SuzanneF@mpsvt.org

Mrs. Kane: KristinaK@mpsvt.org

Mrs. Clayton: jessicaclayton@mpsvt.org

Mrs. Frey: MaritaF@mpsvt.org

Mr. Jarrad: Jeffreyj@mpsvt.org
HOOT HOOT! 

Mrs. Francke, Mrs. Frey, Mrs. Clayton, MJ, Mr. Williams, Mr. Jarrad, and Mrs. Kane