Interesting Characters

The first three chapters of A Cricket in Times Square introduced you to Chester Cricket and to several other characters in the book. With a story set in New York City where there are so many people, I wonder if there will be lots of characters in this book!

I think Papa Bellini will be an interesting character to watch. Even though he's Mario's father and he owns the news stand, I don't think he'll be a major part of the story. But already he sounds like a good person and a caring father. Remember how the author describes him when we first meet him on page 11?  "...He had a kindness that shone about him" and "there always seemed to be something smiling inside Papa."  I also noticed that he was the one to finally say (in a certain quiet tone!) that Mario could keep Chester. That part made me smile because I was really worried that Mario would have to let Chester go!

Which character do you like? What do you like about the character already? What do you think - or hope - might happen to that character as the story continues? In the comment section below, tell us who you like and why! But don't forget to ask an adult before you post private information - like your first name!

One School/One Book Begins!

After tonight's wonderful NHCS Winter Concert, each family received a copy of our One School/One Book read-aloud for this year. A Cricket in Times Square by George Selden is a Newbery Honor Book set in New York City. It tells of the friendship between a cricket, a mouse, a cat, and a boy. The first four chapters will introduce you to those characters and set the tone for the story. 

Much of the action in the book takes place in the Times Square subway station. Check out the video below to see what that place looks like!

Packets of questions were passed out with your books. If you misplace them and want to view or print out a copy at home, click below:

Introduction

Chapters 1-3

Chapters 4-6

Chapters 7-9

Chapters 10-12

I'd love to know how you and your family like the book and if any of you have co

nnections to it! So leave me a comment, below!  Have fun reading - and don't forget to check back to this blog from time-to-time for more postings related to A Cricket in Times Square!

Book Awards

Every January, two important children's literature awards are presented by the American Library Association. Most NHCS students are familiar with the Caldecott Award, given for the best picture book. This year's winner is A Sick Day for Amos McGee illustrated by Erin Stead and written by her husband, Philip. I have ordered the book for the NHCS library and will share it with the children the minute it comes in!

The Newbery Award is given for the best children's novel and this year's winner is Clare Vanderpool for Moon Over Manifest. I have not yet read it but know that its setting is Kansas during the Depression. It has gotten wonderful reviews for this first time author! You can read the Amazon.com reviews here.

I just read on a Seattle news site that Moon Over Manifest was ranked at 49,676 in sales on Amazon.com the morning of the awards ceremony. By the end of the day, it was number 17. Amazing the power of these two awards. 

Internet Safety

In ICT classes this month, internet safety is a focus at each grade level.  As an introduction and review, many classes watched and discussed online movies like this one from BrainPopJr. These movies stress the fact that personal information should be safeguarded and not shared online. They also send the message that adults at home and at school can help if a child sees or reads something online that makes him or her feel uncomfortable. Review this with your child - let them know that you're there to help if the internet gets to be too confusing or too scary for them.

Going Places Safely

First graders went to The New England Aquarium in Boston and to the Bronx Zoo in New York! They heard lots of facts about animals and even saw an octopus move and a whale spout air! And they never even left our Library Media Center! These students are learning that the internet can take them to exciting places! But just as they are supervised when traveling in the real world, they are learning to also bring an adult along when going into cyberspace.

Here are some websites you and your young student can visit together!

The Los Angeles Zoo

The Museum of Modern Art

The New York Philharmonic Kids Zone

If you know of other good "virtual field trip" destinations, leave us a comment and a link, below!