This week all classes will be hearing about friendship. Studies, and everyday observation, confirm again and again the value of friendship. Having even one friend can make an important difference in the life of a child. Adults can promote social practices that help children make friends. I hope that the books we are reading this week encourage the students to think about, talk about, and value friendship. A great many books about friendship are on display, if you'd like to check some out and continue the conversation at home.
Is a picture book about friendship "too young" for 5th grade? Not when the book is Amos & Boris, by William Steig. Consider this passage, describing the friendship between Amos (a mouse) and Boris (a whale): "They developed a deep admiration for one another. Boris admired the delicacy, the quivering daintiness, the light touch, the small voice, the gemlike radiance of the mouse. Amos admired the bulk, the grandeur, the power, the purpose, the rich voice, and the abounding friendliness of the whale." Upon reading that, I found myself reflecting on what I treasure in my friends (although my thoughts didn't quite attain the precision and beauty found in William Steig's prose). What qualities do you value most in your friends?
This Friday, September 18, from 4 to 10 p.m., is the Dragon Jamboree, a fun-filled event for Pennekamp families. There will be food, games, and a movie. Don't miss it!
The County of Los Angels Public Library's bookmark contest is on! Please go to the Contests page of this site for information and an entry form. Entries are due at the end of October.
September 17 is Constitution Day, so on display this week are many books about the United States Constitution. Haven't heard the Preamble lately? Here it is--those of us who are of a certain generation can surely sing along! (As always when on YouTube, beware of sidebars, ads, and inappropriate comments visible below the video.)
Is a picture book about friendship "too young" for 5th grade? Not when the book is Amos & Boris, by William Steig. Consider this passage, describing the friendship between Amos (a mouse) and Boris (a whale): "They developed a deep admiration for one another. Boris admired the delicacy, the quivering daintiness, the light touch, the small voice, the gemlike radiance of the mouse. Amos admired the bulk, the grandeur, the power, the purpose, the rich voice, and the abounding friendliness of the whale." Upon reading that, I found myself reflecting on what I treasure in my friends (although my thoughts didn't quite attain the precision and beauty found in William Steig's prose). What qualities do you value most in your friends?
This Friday, September 18, from 4 to 10 p.m., is the Dragon Jamboree, a fun-filled event for Pennekamp families. There will be food, games, and a movie. Don't miss it!
The County of Los Angels Public Library's bookmark contest is on! Please go to the Contests page of this site for information and an entry form. Entries are due at the end of October.
September 17 is Constitution Day, so on display this week are many books about the United States Constitution. Haven't heard the Preamble lately? Here it is--those of us who are of a certain generation can surely sing along! (As always when on YouTube, beware of sidebars, ads, and inappropriate comments visible below the video.)
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