For Independent Learning: Kourtney LaFavre's If Sun Could Speak

Kourtney LaFavre was a much-loved first grade teacher at the New Hampton Community School for many years. She still lives locally with her husband and four kids, and is now a writer. This year, she came back to the New Hampton Community School with her soon to be published book, If Sun Could Speak, and she read her story to students. Mrs. LaFavre helped kids understand the placement of the Sun and planets in the Solar System by acting as planets themselves. She answered questions about her work. She presented the audience with a quick writing challenge and worked with students individually to get them started on their own writing.

If Sun Could Speak has since been published and is now available through links on Kourtney's website at https://kourtneylafavre.com/. In the "Book Activities" section of this website is a recording of Kourtney reading her book. She has also posted activities for kids to have fun and to experiment with the power of the Sun. Additionally, there's a link to her Pinterest board for more ways to have fun with the sun.

A great way to learn - with a wonderful website, a fascinating STEM story, and lots of exciting and fun activities to do during these warm Spring and Summer months. Check it out!! https://kourtneylafavre.com/

For Independent Learning: The Library of Congress

If you're missing the library (like I am!), check out this website of a fabulous library that belongs to all of us: our National Library, The Library of Congress in Washington DC!

There are lots and lots of fun things for kids and families to investigate at their website, like classic books to read, activities and information from DogMan author Dav Pilkey, a braille activity sheet, stories and read-alouds from the Imagination Library and so much more!

Check it all out at The Library of Congress website at https://www.loc.gov/families/!

For Independent Learning: The Little A Theatre

Quite by accident, I found this small theater group in London who does puppetry for children. Much of their work is based on children's stories and picture books that we all love. I first noticed that most of the set design and puppetry looks like it was made from found objects - cardboard, markers, sticks. Then I saw a sign at the end of the show that said it was all made by the artist "entirely from stuff I found in my flat during lockdown!" I thought "Kids could do that!" and I wondered if watching this group perform that might inspire some of you to create your own puppets and shows. What do you think?

After you watch their version of I Want My Hat Back by Jon Klassen, check out other performances by Little A Theater on their YouTube Channel. They're so much fun to watch, and very creative. I bet you could do something like this! And if you do, leave me a comment so I'll know!