RED APPLE READING FEBRUARY 2016 LEARNING SUPPORT GUIDE
WWW.REDAPPLEREADING.COM
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WAYS TO EXPRESS LOVE
NURTURING A LOVE FOR
BEST
VALENTINE’S DAY
BOOKS READING BREAKFAST AND A BOOK: Somebody Loves You, SPOTLIGHT ON... Mr. Hatch
MADISON FINN BOOKS
F E B R U A R Y R E A D E R:
GET WELL PETE!
CONTENTS 04 NURTURING A LOVE FOR READING
How to encourage your child to love reading as much as we do.
06 BREAKFAST AND A BOOK
Somebody Loves You, Mr. Hatch – make a special breakfast with the kiddos!
08 BOOK REVIEWS:
VALENTINE’S DAY BOOKS Five lovely stories for reading and cuddling up with.
WAYS KIDS CAN
10 EXPRESS LOVE
Teach these seven ways to show kindness and gratitude.
11 STORY TIME!
Good friends help out a sick friend in Get Well Pete.
12 LEVEL A - GET WELL PETE This vocabulary-rich version is best for reading aloud to pre-readers or for fluent readers, then has two pages of literacy activities for fun.
23 LEVEL B - GET WELL PETE
The text in this version has been simplified for emerging readers, and has two fun pages of literacy activities after.
34 LEVEL C - GET WELL PETE
Early readers can practice reading this version of the story, then enjoy two fun pages of literacy activities.
45 COMPREHENSION SKILLS Check in with these story questions after reading Get Well Pete.
46 LITERACY TIME
Amusing activities that promote literacy!
49 SPOTLIGHT ON
MADISON FUNN BOOKS
©2015 Red Apple Reading. All rights reserved. Unauthorized use and any reproduction or redistribution of part or all of this material without express and written permission is strictly prohibited. For questions or inquiries please email support@redapplereading.com.
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Connect with us!
Love is in the air this month, and for us at Red Apple Reading that translates to literacy love! I truly believe there is no greater gift to share with children than the love of reading – it’s something they will enjoy as they get older IF they become proficient readers themselves. So, how do we help little kiddos along the path to becoming fluent readers? Besides exposing them to fun and educational online content like the Red Apple Reading program, this month’s feature article, Nurturing a Love for Reading, provides helpful suggestions for you. Every month we also share a brand new story written at different reading levels for much-needed practice. In addition, we recommend several fun stories to read together, as well as highlighting one and pairing it with food. I can’t think of any child
who doesn’t enjoy eating! Finally, be sure to check out the Literacy Time activities in each edition for fun-filled ways to help nurture your child’s reading skills. It might take a few attempts, but if you are patient, diligent and have fun with it, even the most reluctant reader can learn to love reading. My favorite part of teaching in the classroom was watching that happen. Best wishes,
Tammy Bennecke PRESIDENT AND FOUNDER
tammybennecke@redapplereading.com
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W W W. R E D A P P L E R E A D I N G . C O M
NURTURING A LOVE FOR READING It’s February already and Valentine’s Day is right around the corner. Here at Red Apple Reading, there’s nothing we love more than a good book! Check out these suggestions for how you can encourage your child to love reading just as much as we do. It’s a skill they will use the rest of their lives. After all, there’s no reason why serious learning shouldn’t be seriously fun!
PICK INTERESTING MATERIAL Most children won’t enjoy reading if they are stuck reading books and genres that don’t appeal to them. While it’s fine to encourage your child to try out several different kinds of books, it’s a good idea to help him find a genre, author, or series he prefers. If he enjoys reading those books, he’s more likely to want to read more. Don’t forget that poetry, comic books, and magazines all count as reading material too!
TAKE ADVANTAGE OF TECHNOLOGY Supplementing traditional books with technology can keep reading exciting and interesting. If your child is a bit bored with traditional books, then mix things up with an eBook. Some reading apps are even interactive, making reading a book feel more like a game.
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W W W. R E D A P P L E R E A D I N G . C O M
to make a collage or draw a favorite scene from a book. Hang up these works of art around the house to encourage your little one’s interest
MAKE READING SOCIAL
in reading.
Everything’s more fun with friends!
READ TOGETHER
Invite friends to form a book club, or find events at your local library.
Pick a book to read and discuss
Meeting up with people with similar
with your child. Whether you read
interests will make reading even more
aloud to your kid or each read
exciting.
independently, you’ll both love discussing your favorite parts and
PLAY WORD GAMES
predicting what will happen next!
Associate reading with fun by playing word games. Games like Mad-Libs and Scrabble can help your child brush up on her parts of speech and spelling, as well as increase her vocabulary. If your kiddo enjoys playing word games, these positive feelings can carry over to reading.
MAKE READING-RELATED CRAFTS Crafts and activities based around reading are another way to associate reading with fun. Cut up old magazines
It’s our job as parents to cultivate a love of reading in our children. Don’t be discouraged if your first attempts at nurturing this love seem to be unsuccessful. Keep trying and eventually you will see a reading romance begin to blossom!
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VALENTINE BREAKFAST AND A BOOK
Somebody Loves You, Mr. Hatch There’s something about gathering together in the kitchen that just does the heart good. This Valentine’s Day (a Sunday!) begin the morning by preparing a special breakfast with the kiddos. We found two delicious and healthy dishes that are sure to be a hit with the whole family!
W
e discovered this yummy Valentine parfait on Saving Said Simply. It may
Valentine’s Day is also a great time to share a
only contain a few ingredients, but this
heartwarming story with the entire family.
breakfast treat is definitely big on taste!
So after you have enjoyed your scrumptious
Children will love constructing these par-
breakfast, be sure to read Eileen Spinelli’s
faits on Valentine’s Day morning.
touching book about love and friendship.
Here’s a Valentine twist on a classic from
Mr. Hatch is a rather dull person that nobody
The Skinny Fork – egg in a basket. Kids can
really notices. One day his life takes a turn
use heart-shaped cookie cutters to punch
when a mystery box of candy is delivered
out the toast and parents can supervise
with a note that says, “Somebody Loves You”.
the cooking of the egg. This fun treat will
This gesture turns Mr. Hatch into a new man
fill your child’s tummy and put a smile on
who suddenly has a lot of friends! But what
her face!
happens when he discovers the package is delivered by mistake? Parents and kids will enjoy this story about the power of friendship!
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SERIOUS LEARNING THAT’S SERIOUSY FUN!
www.RedAppleReading.com Help your child become a better reader with videos and games that make it fun to learn.
FIND THE VALENTINE WORDS
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VALENTINE’S DAY BOOKS THE BIGGEST VALENTINE EVER by Steven Kroll Clayton and Desmond work together to make the biggest and best valentine ever for their beloved teacher, Mrs. Mousely! Ages 3 to 5
THE DAY IT RAINED HEARTS by Felicia Bond When hearts suddenly start to fall from the sky, Cornelia Augusta knows exactly what to do with them! She examines each unique heart carefully and chooses which heart to give to her friends. Ages 4 to 8
WHERE IS BABY’S VALENTINE? by Karen Katz In this cute lift-the-flap book, Baby searches for the valentine she made for her mother. The book features shiny hearts and flowers, as well as sturdy flaps for little ones to lift. Ages 1 to 4
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ROSES ARE PINK, YOUR FEET REALLY STINK by Diane deGroat Gilbert gives not-so-nice valentines to two mean classmates, then learns to forgive them and even makes them nicer cards. Ages 4 to 8
SNOWY VALENTINE by David Petersen Jasper the bunny doesn’t know what to get his wife for Valentine’s Day, so he asks his friends in the forest valley for ideas. Ages 4 to 8
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WAYS KIDS CAN EXPRESS LOVE
> HELPING OUT
> GIVING A HUG
Whether it is helping wash the dishes or taking out the trash, making someone’s day a little bit easier is a great way to show love!
There’s nothing like a warm hug to
> WRITING A NOTE Everyone likes to receive a kind note now and then. This also has the added bonus of giving your child the opportunity to practice writing!
brighten someone’s day!
> SHARING Sacrificing part of a snack or giving up some time with a favorite toy can show how much your child really cares.
> FORGIVING It’s not unusual for friends or family to occasionally upset little ones! One of the most loving things children can do in these situations is to sincerely forgive whoever hurt them. Although this can be challenging for kids, forgiveness is a skill that will benefit them throughout life.
> LISTENING Whenever a friend or sibling is having a hard time, a listening ear shows how much your little one cares about and supports them.
> JUST SAY IT! Sometimes the simplest way is the most effective! Just saying “I love you” is a great way to express love.
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STORY
TIME
3 DIFFERENT VERSIONS OF THE SAME STORY! CHOOSE THE VERSION THAT’S BEST FOR YOUR YOUNG READER, THEN CLICK A LINK BELOW AND PRINT THE PAGES FOR REPEATED READING AND PRACTICE.
LEVEL A - STORY AND ACTIVITIES
PAGES 12 - 22
BEST FOR READING ALOUD TO PRE-READERS
LEVEL B - STORY AND ACTIVITIES
PAGES 23 - 33
EASY TEXT FOR EMERGING READERS
LEVEL C - STORY AND ACTIVITIES
PAGES 34 - 44
MORE COMPLEXITY FOR EARLY READERS
COMPREHENSION QUESTIONS
PAGE 45
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GET WELL, PETE! W W W. R E D A P P L E R E A D I N G . C O M
Level A
W W W. R E D A P P L E R E A D I N G . C O M
“Ah-Choo!� Pete sneezed another big sneeze out of his red, puffy nose. He had been sick for almost a whole week! He felt miserable so he stayed in bed.
p. 1
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Just then, Pete heard the doorbell ring and some knocking. He slowly dragged himself out of bed, slipped on his slippers, and wobbled to the door. “Who is it?� he called.
p. 2
W W W. R E D A P P L E R E A D I N G . C O M
“It’s us – Jake and Shelly. We heard you were sick and came to check in on you,” they said. Pete opened the door and grumbled, “Come in at your own risk, because I’m still sick.”
p. 3
W W W. R E D A P P L E R E A D I N G . C O M
Jake came in carrying some medicine and a big box of tissues. Shelly came in with a big pot of chicken noodle soup. Pete could smell it, even through his stuffy nose.
p. 4
W W W. R E D A P P L E R E A D I N G . C O M
“Sit down and have some of my homemade soup,� said Shelly, spooning some soup into a bowl for him. As Pete wandered into his kitchen, he let out a big sneeze that sent him flying right into his chair.
p. 5
W W W. R E D A P P L E R E A D I N G . C O M
Jake handed him a tissue. “Just don’t sneeze into the soup!” he joked. He gave Pete some medicine from the doctor, too.
p. 6
W W W. R E D A P P L E R E A D I N G . C O M
Pete took the medicine and slurped up the soup. It was delicious and healthy and warm. “I feel better already,” smiled Pete.
p. 7
W W W. R E D A P P L E R E A D I N G . C O M
Then Shelly and Jake tucked Pete back into his bed. “Now get some rest,� they said. Pete was very glad to have such great friends taking care of him.
p. 8
WHAT DOES PETE NEED?
RED APPLE READING
21
VALENTINE SORT
22
RED APPLE READING
GET WELL, PETE! W W W. R E D A P P L E R E A D I N G . C O M
Level B
W W W. R E D A P P L E R E A D I N G . C O M
“Ah-Choo!” Pete sneezed. He had been sick a long time! He still felt bad so he was in bed.
p. 1
W W W. R E D A P P L E R E A D I N G . C O M
Pete heard a knock on the door. He got out of bed and went to the door in his slippers. “Who is it?”
p. 2
W W W. R E D A P P L E R E A D I N G . C O M
It was Jake and Shelly. “We are here to check on you,” they said. Pete said, “Come in at your own risk. I am still sick.”
p. 3
W W W. R E D A P P L E R E A D I N G . C O M
Jake came in with some pills and a box of tissues. Shelly had a big pot of soup. Pete could smell it, even with his stuffy nose.
p. 4
W W W. R E D A P P L E R E A D I N G . C O M
“Sit down and have some soup,� said Shelly. She put soup into a bowl. Then Pete sneezed and it made him fly into his chair.
p. 5
W W W. R E D A P P L E R E A D I N G . C O M
Jake handed him a tissue. “Just don’t sneeze into the soup!” he joked. He gave Pete some pills, too.
p. 6
W W W. R E D A P P L E R E A D I N G . C O M
Pete took the pills and ate the soup. It was good and warm. “I will start feeling better now,� said Pete.
p. 7
W W W. R E D A P P L E R E A D I N G . C O M
Shelly and Jake tucked Pete back into his bed. “Get some rest,� they said. Pete was happy to have good friends taking care of him.
p. 8
RHYME TIME
32
RED APPLE READING
VOWEL SOUNDS
RED APPLE READING
33
GET WELL, PETE! W W W. R E D A P P L E R E A D I N G . C O M
Level C
W W W. R E D A P P L E R E A D I N G . C O M
“Ah-Choo!� Pete sneezed again from his sore, red nose. He had been sick for almost a whole week! He felt awful so he stayed in bed.
p. 1
W W W. R E D A P P L E R E A D I N G . C O M
Just then, Pete heard the doorbell ring. He slowly dragged himself out of bed, put on his slippers, and walked to the door. “Who is it?� he asked.
p. 2
W W W. R E D A P P L E R E A D I N G . C O M
“It’s us – Jake and Shelly. We’re here to check in on you,” they said. Pete opened the door and grumbled, “Come in at your own risk! I’m still sick.”
p. 3
W W W. R E D A P P L E R E A D I N G . C O M
Jake came in with some medicine and a big box of tissues. Shelly had a big pot of chicken noodle soup. Pete could smell it, even with his stuffy nose.
p. 4
W W W. R E D A P P L E R E A D I N G . C O M
“Sit down and have some homemade soup,� said Shelly, putting some soup into a bowl. Pete walked into his kitchen, then let out a big sneeze that sent him flying into his chair.
p. 5
W W W. R E D A P P L E R E A D I N G . C O M
Jake handed him a tissue. “Just don’t sneeze into the soup!” he joked. He gave Pete some pills from the doctor, too.
p. 6
W W W. R E D A P P L E R E A D I N G . C O M
Pete took the pills and slurped up the soup. It was delicious and healthy and warm. “I feel better already,” said Pete.
p. 7
W W W. R E D A P P L E R E A D I N G . C O M
Then Shelly and Jake tucked Pete back into his bed. “Now get some rest,� they said. Pete was happy to have such great friends taking care of him.
p. 8
WHAT WILL PETE DO?
RED APPLE READING
43
MISSING MESSAGES
44
RED APPLE READING
W W W. R E D A P P L E R E A D I N G . C O M
COMPREHENSION QUESTIONS:
1
What was wrong with Pete?
2
Who came to Pete’s house?
3
Why did the friends come to Pete’s house?
4
What did they bring for Pete?
5
How did Pete feel at the end of the story and why?
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W W W. R E D A P P L E R E A D I N G . C O M
LITERACY TIME LONG AND SHORT
E SORT
Make a set of flash cards with the following words: get, fed, well, yes, bed, neck, red, mess, sleep, feed, sneeze, bleed, week, keep, heal, seem, need, feel. Shuffle the cards. Explain to your child that you are going to hold up a card. He or she will read the card. If the word has a short E sound (ex: bed), your child should pretend he or she is in lying in bed. If the word has a long E sound (ex: sneeze), your child should pretend to sneeze. Sort the cards into two piles as you play.
MAKE A CARD
Homemade cards are a great way to practice literacy with your child. Think of someone special for Valentine’s Day, or someone celebrating a birthdayor who just might need a special wish. Encourage your child to write a brief note to the person, addressing the card with the words “dear” or “to” and the person’s name. Help your child write a brief message and then encourage your child to draw a picture too. Put it in a real envelope, with a real stamp, and show your child how to write the address. Send the card!
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Help your children fall in love with reading! LETTER PICTURES
You will need two different colored pens, pencils, or markers. Give your child a color and you take the other color. Have your child choose a letter and write it on a piece of paper. Show your child how to turn the letter into a picture. For example, if your child writes the letter V, you might turn it into a heart, a bird with a v-shaped beak, or a cat with two pointed ears. Then write a letter and have your child turn it into a picture by adding lines, shapes and so on. Get creative and have fun!
N
IS F O R N O O D L E S
Use cooked spaghetti noodles or alphabet noodles to practice letter recognition and spelling. Cook up the noodles, allow them to cool, and then let your child cut, move, and shape them into different letters. Alternatively, use uncooked alphabet noodles, letter cereal, crackers, or some other food to build words. 47
LITERACY LINEUP FEBRUARY 2016 Monday
1
Tuesday
2
JERRY SPINELLI
8
3
CHINESE NEW YEAR
WASHINGTON’S BIRTHDAY
LUCY COUSINS
BARBARA M JOOSE
RANDOM ACTS OF KINDNESS DAY
WALTER WICK
25
WILHELM GRIMM
26
CHILI DAY
BLACK HISTORY MONTH LIBRARY LOVERS MONTH HAPPY LEAP DAY!
RED APPLE READING
SUPER BOWL
14
SIMMS TABACK
20
JEFF KINNEY
29
48
TAKE A CHILD TO THE LIBRARY DAY
JUDY BLUME
Sunday
7
13
19
18
24
PATRICIA LAUBER
JANE YOLEN
Saturday
6
12
11
17
23
5
FACEBOOK’S BIRTHDAY
PIZZA DAY
PRESIDENTS’ DAY
Friday
4
10
16
22
Thursday
GROUNDHOG DAY
9
15
Wednesday
VALENTINE’S DAY
21
LOVE YOUR PET DAY
27
HENRY W LONGFELLOWAY
28
MEGAN MCDONALD
SPOTLIGHT ON…
From the Files of Madison Finn Written by Carley Bennecke, In-house book critic
Book Series
From the Files of Madison Finn is a series of 22 short chapter books written by Laura Dower. The books revolve around 12-year-old Madison Finn, who writes about each of her days in computer files on her orange laptop. The series is about seventh grader Madison’s life, from boys to school, friends to enemies, and even her parents’ divorce.
meet up at school the following day to discuss it. We are still best friends today and agree that reading about a fictional 7th grader’s social and personal life prepared us well for middle school.
I started reading the Madison Finn book series in 5th grade along with my best friend. I think the series helped bring us closer together. We would read a chapter or two at night, then
From the Files of Madison Finn is a mustread for every young girl about to enter middle school. The series teaches what to expect and how to overcome some of the challenges they may face. It teaches the importance of friendship, being nice, and studying hard in school. I am very happy to have read the series in my preteen years. Your preteen daughters or students will love it!
RED APPLE READING
FEBRUARY 2016
RED APPLE READING Serious Learning that’s Seriously Fun.
WWW. REDAPPLEREADING.COM