Hello Book Bums families!
We hope you are enjoying your summer so far and finding time for many enriching experiences. This week in the newsletter we're sharing book club ideas and writing activities to keep your kids enjoying books all summer long. We're also feeling inspired by E.B. White; read on for three quotes from this beloved writer.
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“A library is a good place to go when you feel unhappy, for there, in a book, you may find encouragement and comfort. A library is a good place to go when you feel bewildered or undecided, for there, in a book, you may have your question answered. Books are good company, in sad times and happy times, for books are people—people who have managed to stay alive by hiding between the covers of a book.”
-E.B. White
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At the end of this newsletter find links to free Kindle books.
Word of the Week
contemplate (con-tem-playt) verb/ action word - to think seriously about something
She contemplated her next move in the chess match.
Literary Calendar
• July 11 is the birthday of author E.B. White.
• He created the beloved characters Wilbur and Charlotte in Charlotte's Web as well as other childhood favorites like Stuart Little and Trumpet of the Swan, featured in a past newsletter.
“All that I hope to say in books, all that I ever hope to say,
is that I love the world.”
-E.B. White
From our Bookshelves
This week we recommend All About Sam by Lois Lowry. Though this book was written in 1988, it’s a delectable classic that your kids will be sure to enjoy. You may have to share who He-Man and Popeye are, but they’re sure to love Sam from the moment they meet him.
Tips for Readers and Writers
When reading chapter books, kids may notice a space between two paragraphs. Typically, paragraphs are organized one right atop another. When there is a space, it means something. It means that time has changed, or the location has changed. Both of these would be categorized as setting changes—the when and where the story is taking place. Think of it like a scene change.
Leaving a space is a great way to skip the boring details and move the story along to those parts that are more exciting.
The next time you’re reading aloud to your children, notice when you see this happening, and share why the author made this move.
Tips for Families
As we’re nearing the beginning of a new school year, remember that your attitude can be infectious. If that’s true, it can go both ways. You can build a delightful anticipation, or you can build downright dread.
Truthfully, when I saw the “back-to-school” bins at Target, I did a little groan (but looked for treasures anyway). As an educator, I truly enjoyed my job. What I hated was the grind that comes from being a parent of school-aged kids. Sure, there are some parents who cannot wait to get the kids back into a schedule, but so many of us just want the freedom to stay up a little later, have s’mores, and not have to be the tough parent griping about homework.
Whichever parent you are, and I believe we can all find ourselves on both sides of that scenario, remember that our kids take cues from us. Let them hear you saying things like, “I wonder what cool things you’ll learn this coming year.” Share with them the things they can look forward to. Talk about the academic growth they’ve made so far and how exciting it will be to continue growing skills in all areas. But be real. If you try to fake “nice talk” your kids will see right through it. Find the positives, and focus on those.
Remember, your words are powerful, so mind them well.
Write on
At the end of Charlotte's Web, Wilbur famously says that, "It is not often that someone comes along who is a true friend and a good writer. Charlotte was both." If you're feeling inspired by that sentiment we have a some fun writing activities for your kiddo and their friends.
• Have a card making party. Gather some supplies like construction paper, card stock, markers, and stickers. Kids can make cards of appreciation and care for neighbors, grandparents, your mail carrier, or even you!
• Write a collaborative story. Let your child decide on a character, a setting, and a problem. Then everyone playing takes turns adding to the story. Use a pair of dice to determine how many words each person will add each time.
• Fractured fairy tales are very popular reading for kids and adults. Turn that idea into a game by having kids rewrite the ending of a fairy tale. Start by reading your chosen story. Choose a stopping place and pose a question such as, "What if the three little pigs took a karate class and tried to fight the wolf?" Let the kids' imaginations take it from there
Practical Grammar
Tricky Words
This week we’re going to look at three words, and each of these three words has a lookalike that can make spelling a bit tricky.
than- used in comparisons
He is taller than I am.
then- used to indicated time
I turned the corner then parked the car.
These can be tricky because when our speech is imprecise the two words begin to sound alike.
compliment- a kind expression of praise
He paid me a lovely compliment, and it absolutely made my day.
complement- a thing that completes or brings another thing to perfection
The wine you brought was a perfect complement to the delicious meal.
These can be tricky because they sound the same but mean different things. This next pair is like that too.
stationary- not moving
I don’t enjoy riding a stationary bike.
stationery- writing paper, often with matching envelopes
A wonderful gift might be some personalized stationery.
Kindle Free books
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