EDUCATION:
- Discover ways to get creative and document your personal experience of 2020 at: https://www.nytimes.com/2020/04/15/learning/12-ideas-for-writing-through-the-pandemic-with-the-new-york-times.html
- This week, we are reading “My Friend is Sad” by Mo Willems. In the story, Piggie sees that Gerald is sad, but she doesn’t seem to be able to cheer him up. She later learns that being there for a friend doesn’t have to be complicated! How have you supported your friends when they have been struggling?
- GIRAFFES CAN’T DANCE written by Giles Andreae and illustrated by Guy Parker-Rees
- Giraffes Can’t Dance is the story of Gerald the giraffe, who just wants to dance. With crooked knees and thin legs, it’s harder for a giraffe to dance than you might think. Gerald is finally able to dance to his own tune when he gets some encouraging words from a friend.
- Use this link to listen to the story: https://youtu.be/Fyl-fA65tlQ
- After you have listened to the story click on this link and find some fun activities all about Gerald:
- Youth across the country are becoming leaders in the fight for social justice. Some are organizing marches and protests, while others are writing to government officials. Read this Time for Kids article to learn more about the history of youth fighting against racism and what youth are doing today. What can you do in your community to help fight for social justice?
- Have you ever had a day that just didn’t go your way from the moment you woke up until the time you went to bed? Join Ms. Kerry while she reads Judith Viorst’s “Alexander and the Terrible Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day” and see how Alexander’s day seems to go from bad to worst. What are some things you do to feel better when you’re having a bad day?
- Read Aloud Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rt3ajTvzCqg
- Additional Activity: Alexander had a very bad day! Use these worksheets and the story to write out what were the causes of his bad day and their effects. For example, one cause was Alexander had fallen asleep with gum in his mouth. The effect was when he woke up he had gum in his hair.
STEM
- Have you ever wondered what goes into making yeast for bread dough? Click the link below to discover ingredients and follow the process!
- We had a couple of cold, snowy days but the weather is warming up again! It can be fun to make homemade ice cream in a bag and cool off by enjoying a tasty frozen treat with your favorite toppings!
CULTURAL ARTS:
- Get out the pipe cleaners and the googly eyes, because kids will have a blast making these adorable pipe cleaner animals! Encourage kids to make a whole zoo!
- As cooler days are upon us, we come upon a color that is cited as most people’s favorite, Blue. To illustrate this color, we revisit one famous painting in particular, Van Gogh’s Starry Night!
- Start by watching this short video to learn 10 Secrets about Starry Night by Vincent Van Gogh – https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=24&v=1BxZDzI6xVU&feature=emb_logo
- Read more about Starry Night, 1889 – https://www.vincentvangogh.org/starry-night.jsp
- Starry Night Art Lesson using basic supplies and four simple steps! https://arttoremember.com/about/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/Van-Gogh-Starry-Nights.pdf
- How to Paint the Starry Night With Acrylic Paint Step by Step – no need to copy the painting, just try your best to paint in the style of the original! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8AyfGDagDms
- Need to create the right atmosphere? Try playing the song “Vincent” by Don McLean while you work! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4wrNFDxCRzU
- The color blue is everywhere! It’s in the sky, the ocean, and on some of the most beautiful plants and animals. Celebrate the color blue with these fun crafts!
HEALTH/OUTDOOR ED/PE:
- Grab your friends and family for a game of Bottle Flip Chaos! Click the link below to find out how jumping jacks and water bottles create ‘Chaos’ for all!
- Mindfulness Walk at Kinglake National Park
Join Parks Victoria Ranger Tony Fitzgerald for a 15-minute mindfulness walk at Kinglake National Park. Relax, focus your mind on the present and enjoy a different journey through a spectacular part of the Kinglake National Park. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I3J4q2pcZVA&feature=youtu.be
- Need a brain break? Stuck in the house, but want to get your body moving? Join the GoNoodle crew for indoor recess with this video! You’ll stretch, run, and dance!
EMOTIONAL WELLNESS:
- The majority of young people screened between April and July 2020 mentioned loneliness and isolation as major concerns. If your kid or teen still seems to be struggling, something more might be going on. Get screened for mental health at MHAscreening.org. #BackToSchool2020