Taking a Break...

Due to a tragic and unexpected death in my family, I am taking a break from blogging. In the meantime, feel free to visit other links on this blog. And remember that tomorrow is not promised: Go hug someone that you love and be kind to one another.


Weeping may remain for a night, but rejoicing comes in the morning. ~Psalm 30:5

BOOK OF THE DAY: A Giraffe and a Half

A Giraffe and a Half by Shel Silverstein

Related Activities:

• Learn about (what else...) giraffes. There are many great links:
• National Geographic For Kids
• San Diego Zoo
• Find a zoo that has a giraffe cam like Kid Zoo, Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, or Marwell Wildlife Center. (Check for times and availability as webcams change often).
• Giraffe webcams, photos and videos.
• Giraffe information from Enchanted Learning and First School.  
• Use a giraffe pattern to make puzzles (cutting the giraffe in 2 pieces to make halves, 3 pieces to make thirds).
•  Make a list of rhyming words used in the book.
• Visit Shel Silverstein's website for great information, printables, and games.
• Make black and white drawings using large paper (water color paper works nicely) and black felt tipped markers.
• Invite someone in to play the flute for your class.
• Create some fraction activities related to the "halves" (ex, during snack time, break cookies in half).
• Read other silly books.
• Mark on a map or globe where giraffes live in Africa.

Other Books By Shel Silverstein:

Other Giraffe Books:

My Childhood Favorites

Occasionally I get a little nostalgic and begin thinking of old TV shows, toys and books that I loved as a child. Well, its one of those times. Here are some books that I remember reading over and over again as a little girl:

And as I got a little older:

What were some of your "back in the day" favorite books?

BOOK OF THE DAY: King Bidgood's in the Bathtub

King Bidgood's in the Bathtub by Audrey Wood and Don Wood

When I taught kindergarten (many, many moons ago) this was one of the books that my children would ask me to read over and over again. King Bidgood refuses to get out of the tub and the hilarious illustrations show him eating, fishing, and even dancing in the bathtub. (Ever had a little one who just doesn't want to stop playing in the tub - he or she will appreciate this story even more!). The illustrations are so rich and engaging that when you're reading, you'll want to leave time to really enjoy the pictures. The text is simple and predictable which is a draw to many preschool and kindergarten children. There's a book and musical CD that I haven't heard, but may be a nice addition to the story.

If you enjoy this story, here are more books that will tickle your funny bone!

Related Activities:

• In the water table or sensory area, add a baby bathtub and props (dolls or "block" people).
• Visit Audrey Wood's website for to learn more about the author and illustrator.
• Do Sink and Float activities in a baby bathtub!
• Make a classroom chart and learn to Sign Three Men in a Tub.
• Ask the children to tell you what they do while they are in the bathtub (play with boats, blow bubbles, etc). Make a class list.
• Children can also draw pictures to illustrate what they like to do in the bathtub (give each child bathtub shaped paper). Bind the pages together into a class book (Room 5 In the Bathtub).

Other Books By Audrey Wood:

Other Bathtub Books: