Your green pages: 76 Specific skill-building activities you can use right now!

The children read and discuss the poem. The child imagines being in one of the places in the poem in the summertime. Then, the child writes an imaginary letter to his or her family or to a friend about the place and the reason why he or she likes being there.

COMIC BOOK OF PLAYS

64 Read Bravo, Mr William Shakespeare! by Marcia Williams (Candlewick, 2000). Invite your child to choose and read one of the seven plays presented in comic-book style format. Probe for what your child liked about the play, about a favorite character, etc. Accompany your child to the library to browse through plays in Shakespeare's original format.

VISITING THE CAPITAL

65 THINKING: Give the children copies of this poem:

Our Trip

Come take a trip on our bus. Pack your clothes and come with us. Bring us lunch and treats for all. We'll stop and eat in a mall. Then, right straight on to D. C. We'll tour that exciting city. by Virginia S Brown

After the children read the poem, they tell what city they will tour. Make a class list of things or materials that they would take on the trip. Brainstorm ways that the students could find out more about D.C. before the tour. Encourage them to give reasons for their responses. EXTRA: Display maps, posters, photos, and facts about Washington D.C.

Grade 5.0 Through Grade 8.0

BOOK BINDING

66 ART, ENGLISH, HISTORY, READING: It's easy to make your own bound blank books to use for your poems, stories or journal.

MATERIALS:

Paper trimmer with straight blade and scoring blade Craft drill Scissors Double-sided tape Assorted colored paper Book tape or masking tape Clamps Glue Needle Pencil Ruler Thread

PROCEDURE:

* Take several sheets of 8 1/2 x 11 paper and score them in half, so each side measures 5 1/2 x 8 1/2.

* Fold sheets along the score line, then gently tear along score line. Place straight edges of paper on the same side as you stack the pieces on top of each other. These will be the pages of your book.

* Measure and mark four equidistant spots approximately 1/2" in from the straight-edged side of your paper stack. * Make sure stack is straight, then clamp together for stability.

* Use craft drill to bore all the way through the stack at each mark.

* Sew stack together with needle and thread.

* Measure and cut two covers and a spine for your book, from tag board.

* Lie covers and spine on stiff paper or wallpaper that is at least 1" larger all the way around.

* Fold edges of paper over and glue in place.

* Tape over spine area of book.

* Use tape to fasten pages on to the spine and covers.

SUMMER GROWTH SPURT

67 MATH: On May 1 st, give everyone a manila folder (it's good to use ones that need to be discarded). Each student traces his or her left hand on the folder, and labels it with the date, and the length and width measurements of the hand. Repeat with right hand, and both feet. Draw eight blank lines and label two for each of the months June, July, August and September. Have the students record their hand and foot measurements each month over the summer, to track how much change has occurred. On June 1st, do practice measurements as a class. Students who return the chart to you in September could be given a new tape measure or ruler.