Happy April Fool's Day

Not one of my favorite days, particularly in a school with 575 children!  They love it! So here are a few books to share with your pranksters ....................some party decorations, arts and crafts and tricks as well. A word scramble - complete it and you will find out in which country the tradition started.

Passover starts this evening .............March 29

 

For more info on this 8 day festival check out http://www.chabad.org/holidays/passover/default_cdo/jewish/Passover.htm   There are lots of children's books to introduce this Jewish holiday.  Check out a few, complete with recipes (yummy!) and activities.

Women's History Month - Women in Space - Female Astronauts and Cosmonauts

These scientists and astronauts have "paved" the way for young women to explore areas, including space!  Check out these names and accomplishments.  Biographies found as well.   Did you know ..........SVETLANA SAVITSKAYA - The first woman to perform a space walk was Soviet cosmonaut Svetlana Savitskaya in July 1984.  For some notable famous scientists ................

March is Women's History Month - a collection of lesser known, but still famous women

Check out these sources for stories about famous women, these are names that you may never have heard, but still have logged great accomplishments!
Some important dates in women's history, found in a timeline format. Try helping your youngster make a timelime of their life.
Download book marks to use in your favorite biography here, as well as reading about more current women making history at this very time.

Some coloring book pages as well, help to display this memorable month.

And who can resist checking out these famous women children's book illustrators - from Beatrix Potter of Peter Rabbit fame to one of my favorites, Tasha Tudor and her corgies!

March is Women's History Month - Beatrix Potter

March is Women's History Month - Helen Keller

There are so many resources and stories about this courageous woman.  From picture books, to primary resources actually written by Miss Keller, readers are able to learn so much more about diabiities, historical times and the determination of a teacher and her student.  Check out some of these titles and activities - from the American Foundation for the  Blind,

Take  a "road trip" to visit her birthplace in Alabama.  A rare 1930 video shows both her teacher and the student, not sure of its authenticity, but interesting none the less.

March is Women's History Month - Elizabeth Blackwell

US "physician, author".  she was the first woman to receive an MD in modern times, 1849; founded London School of Medicine for Women, 1875. Some great children's biographies will introduce young readers to this famous person.  Check out "My Hero" for a report on her life.

"It is not easy to be a pioneer -- but oh, it is fascinating! I would not trade one moment, even the worst moment, for all the riches in the world."

March is Women's History Month - Eleanor Roosevelt

Another first lady, but not your average "first lady".  A champion of social causes, Mrs. Roosevelt's life has been chronicled in a number of books.  One I just have to share by a favorite author and illustrator - Barbara Cooney.  This biography shares the early life of this famous American and the challenges she faced. Another title for readers is Eleanor by Russell Freeman.  This Newbery Award winner shares the life of Mrs. Roosevelt using beautiful pictures and factual details. 

Some classroom connections and activities such as writing a letter, a virtual; trip to the U.N, making a timeline, etc. are fun.

March is Women's History Month - Jane Goodall

A sciencetist and champion of animals, Jane Goodall's life is fascinating.  An Institute has been established and more information about her causes may be found there. Children love learning about her and the wonderfully, funny and interesting life of the chimpanzes that she has made famous. See videos on Animal Planet.  There is also a chimp quiz you can take. She has written books about her adventures. More detailed information about her intersting life is found at http://www.notablebiographies.com/Gi-He/Goodall-Jane.html 

Check out this famous woman adventurer.

Sojourner Truth by

Sojourner Truth (~1797-November 26, 1883), born into slavery in New York, became a preacher, abolishonist, and women's rights activist once New York State abolished slavery in 1825. Her most famous speech was given in 1851, "Ain't I a Woman", in Ohio, at a Women's Rights Convention. She became known to Harriet Beecher Stowe, William Lloyd Garrison and Lucretia Mott.  Truth became an outspoken campainger for liberty and worked tirelessly throughout the Civil War.
I first came upon this little known woman while attending graduate school in New York State (SUNY @ New Paltz). The Library (of course) just happens to be named The Sojourner Truth Library.
I wasn't very familiar with the name, but soon learned of her quiet accomplishments.

Happy St. Patrick's Day

Happy St. Patrick's Day!  Just a few fun ideas to share ................. Check out this Gail Gibbons book about the famous saint. Here are some coloring pages as well for your creative leprechaun. Jan Brett has some activities to celebrate the day, bookmarks, postcards, and a great placement for your holiday meal! Check out some of her wonderfully illustrated stories about March 17th as well.  One of our favorites by Tomie de Paola shares some familiar facts about the famous saint.

March is Women's History Month - Marian Anderson

This singer, born in Philadelphia PA, made history not only in the music world, but politiaclly as well.  A great person to share with young adults, she was thrown into the limelight when she gave a concert on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial in 1939 following events that led to being banned from singing in another venue.  A Museum and Historical Society have been formed in her name and are both located in Center City Philadelphia. While I am not an opera fan, one can appreciate her talent. Listen to her sing!  A video of her performance in front of 75 000 and millions on the radio is inspiring as one listens to God Bless America.

Pam Munoz Ryan shares Ms Anderson's story in When Marian Sang, a wonderful picture book to share with all ages.  

March is Women's History Month - Georgia O'Keeffe

Born in Sun Prairie, Wisconsin, Georgia O'Keeffe was a painter known for her unique, individualistic style. Her work is evoking the sense of the subject of the painting -- and somehow both realistic and abstract.
Georgia O'Keeffe painted both New England -- including New York -- and the Southwest. Her paintings of flowers and bones are perhaps the most recognizable of her images.

Georgia O'Keeffe (Getting to Know the World's Greatest Artists) by Mike Venezia is a great picture book to share. This is part of a series of books that include artisits Calder, Cezanne, DaVinci, Degas, Van Gogh, and many, many others.  Check them out. In the meantime, enjoy some of O'Keefe's most famous works at her museum.....................

March is Women's History Month - Where to start?

A little change of pace today - I thought I might share some internet resources to highlight many famous women this month, rather than just one.  So for all of you looking for something to do with your young people on a Friday in March ............... here we go ......................

Start with an internet scavenger hunt from Education World to learn the names of over 20 women of note, then there is the National Women's History Project to check out, then take a look at Distinguished Women Past and Present. This site features over 5000 links to over 1800 women. Here's your webquest and quiz for today - do you know anything about Sarah Caldwell, Phillis Wheatley, Queen Liluokulani or Coco Chanel? Well, now you do!  While you are searching, check out The State of Women in the World Atlas by Joni Seager. Share with a friend and both of you will have gained important historical and social knowledge!

March is Women's History Month - Marie Curie

For all those inquisitive young minds out there - check out Marie Curie. A Nobel Prize winner in Physics in 1903 (yes, a woman, 1903). There are many biographies written about this famous woman, more slanted toward adults.  There are a few children's books out there to introduce our young aspiring scientists to this woman.  Gotta love the title - Get a Life - Marie Curie, by Philip Ardagh.

March is Women's History Month - Maria Tallchief

Born on a reservation and moving to Los Angeles as a young girl, dance lessons opened up the wonderful opportunities to this famous ballerina.  A must know for any child interested in dance and music. Dancing in Firebird, her performance was called "electrifying". Experiences with the American Ballet Theater and the New York City Ballet, she danced with Rudolf Nureyev, premiering on television in 1962.

The children's book Tallchief: America's Prima Ballerina by Rosemary Wells, introduces children to the life and accomplishments of this determined woman. Check out book reviews for this picture book.

March is Women's History Month - Juliette Gordon Low

The founder of the Girl Scouts of the U.S.A, Juliette Gordon Low was born in Georgia in 1860.  Check out the link on the Girl Scouts of the U.S.A. website.  I had the opportunity to visit and tour her birthplace a few years ago.  A wonderful antebellum mansion, there are many artifacts and memorabilia from her life.  Called "Daisy" as a child, she is a member of the National Women's Hall of Fame.

Daisy and the Girl Scouts by Fern Brown, outlines the life of this famous woman in a biography/story format.

Appropriate independent reading level of grade 4, it is a great book for ages 9-12.

March is Women's History Month - Dolley Madison

I recently saw a great show about this first lady - PBS American Experience.  Widowed at an early age, her first husband died in the Fever epidemic in Philadelphia in 1793 (see former post), she married James Madison and was the first woman to champion causes as first lady. 

Another Adler biography traces the accomplishments and historical facts sourrounding this courageous lady who saved a painting during the War of 1812.  This is a great story to begin sharing with young girls (and boys). 



Check out another book on this same topic.

March is Women's History Month - Babe Didrikson Zaharias

The Olympics may have ended for this winter season, but check out this famous woman sports person. One of Sports Illustrated 100 famous women athletes, she was a pioneer in blazing a trail for female involvement in sports. A stand out in golf and track, she excelled in softball and basketball as well.  Gold and silver medals in track and field were earned in the 1932 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles.

Check out a biography by Robert Freedman, Babe Didrikson Zaharis - The Making of a Champion. Check out a preview.

Women's History Month - Emily Dickinson

A mysterious, yet intriguing truly American poet - check out a wonderfully illustrated book by Barbara Cooney - Emily by Michael Bedard. Set from the point of view of a child, this fictionalized account takes a look into the life of this poet. Read more about this poet and book. Some great vocabulary activities, complete with audio pronunciation are included. Be sure your sound is enabled.
Check out other wonderful books written and illustrated by Cooney.

"Not knowing when the dawn will come, I open every door." —Emily Dickinson

March is Women's History Month - Sandra Day O'Connor

As the first female justice on the Supreme Court, Ms O'Connor has secured a place in United States history.  A wonderful opportunity for girls (and boys) to read about the journey people have taken to reach their dreams.

Another series of books entitled - "Meet My Grandmother: She's a ........................." are interesting and thought provoking.  They certainly remind us that "grandmothers" can do amazing things!

March is Women's History Month - Maria Mitchell

An astronomer, educator and first woman elected to the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, she discovered a comet from her Nantucket Island rooftop observatory in 1847. A graduate of Vassar College, she blazed a trail for women to study the sciences. Check out Maria's Comet by Deborah Hopkinson and Maria Mitchell by Beatrice Gormley. An Association has been established at her home in Massachusetts.

 "When we are chafed and fretted by small cares, a look at the stars will show us the littleness of our own interests."

March is Women's History Month - Mary Cassatt

Each day (or almost!) during the month of March, a post will be published highlighting a memorable woman in history. while most will be from the United States, some will have impacted worldwide.  This passion with famous women began while I was teaching 3rd grade (back in the mid 1990's)  and wrote an integrated literacy program, which included student choice, collaboration among readers, reflective writing and independent learning.  The program was recognized by the State Department of Education and the children
had the distinct opportunity to welcome State level visitors to their classroom to observe.

Here is a photo of former first lady of PA, Ellen Casey and me (ignore the '90s "big" hair, LOL!).