Dr. Seuss’ birthday is March 2nd and on (or near) that date schools across the country recognize the famous author/illustrator with activities that celebrate the joy of reading. At CJL, we honor Dr. Seuss with a special kindergarten storytime. This year the Seuss book I Can Read with My Eyes Shutwas featured. Mrs. Miliano wore her “Cat in the Hat” hat as she read the story. Afterwards, the students built a “Cat in the Hat” hat with red and white strips featuring pictures of rhyming words. Students matched the rhymes and added the strips to a brim to make a tall hat. We all know how much Dr. Seuss liked rhymes! The Seuss story One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish was introduced and so was a special contest inspired by the book. There was a jar of Rainbow Goldfish crackers and students were asked to identify the most common color of fish in the jar. Anyone who correctly identified the right color won a baggie of goldfish crackers and everyone received a bookmark with illustrations from One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish. Three cheers for Dr. Seuss!
Storytime with Dr. Seuss
On display
Mrs. David’s sixth graders have created a “History on a Box” display in the library. Each student researched a Renaissance monarch, inventor, or painter and used the information to write an essay about the person. Then the students decorated cereal boxes with images and highlights of the person’s accomplishments. A copy of their essays appear on the back of the boxes. Do stop in to see the display!
Mrs. Gagne’s class tours Asia
Mrs. Gagne’s second graders finished their study of the Asia with a Google Earth tour of the continent. The tour left from school and zoomed out over North America before heading east. There was a brief stop over Europe, just long enough to recall their previous tour. And then it was eastward to the Ural Mountains of Russia, the natural land feature dividing Europe and Asia. From the Urals, the tour went to Lake Baikal, the world’s deepest lake, and then to a volcano along the coast of Northeastern Russia (part of the Pacific Ring of Fire). The tour left Russia and headed to Japan. The sights included the crowded capital city of Tokyo, a majestic view of Mt. Fuji, the Himeji Castle, and a temple. From Japan, the students traveled to China. There they saw the amazing Great Wall of China, the beautiful Forbidden City, and the mysterious Terra Cotta Army. Before heading for India, the students caught a glimpse of Mt. Everest, the world’s highest mountain. In India, the children visited Kolkata, the magnificent Taj Mahal, and several temples. From India, the tour went to Israel for a quick dip in the Dead Sea. It is so salty, six times saltier than the ocean! The class headed home from there. Upon their return, the students received a souvenir ticket (aka a bookmark) to help them remember their tour of Asia.
Estimation contest in honor of Dr. Seuss
The popular children’s author/illustrator Dr. Seuss was born on March 2nd. At the beginning of March each year, the library sponsors a “one fish, two fish, red fish, blue fish” estimation contest in his honor. Students are asked to estimate the number of rainbow goldfish in a jar. This year’s jar held 189 goldfish. Third grader Colby’ Vezina’s estimate of 183 was the closest so he wins all the crackers. Congratulations, Colby!
School newspaper
Ms. King’s fifth graders are starting a school newspaper! They are currently accepting suggestions for the newspaper’s name. Suggestions may be placed in the newspaper box in the library. The fifth graders will create a list of possible names for everyone to consider. Voting will take place soon.