“This book was about a group of friends who wanted to make a new holiday,” said Pritka. “When I first read a few pages, I thought I knew what was going to happen, but I was wrong,” said Ethan. “I liked the way the author expressed the kids’ feelings because January really is a boring month,” said Pritka. “Everything is over,” she continued. “New Years is over! Christmas is over!” “I love Christmas and New Year,” interrupted Becky. “You get lots of presents.” “Kwanza is over! Hanukah is over! Everything is over!” continued Pritka. “You have to wait until February 14th for another holiday.” Jake looked like he agreed, then he said, “But, on a boring January day, when you are not doing anything, you could have a friend come over and play.” “Or you could play in the snow or go sledding,” said Jane. “You could go to an inside pool,” said Nina. “I would ask my mom or dad to take me to a park to get exercise. That would be healthy,” said Jewel. Pritka rolled her eyes. “All of that includes work,” she said. “January is my ‘go home and rest month’ or I could go to the mall and spend one hundred dollars on clothes,” she added with a giggle, “ . . . or watch TV.” “That is NOT good for your brain,” said Jake. Pritka kind of rolled her eyes again, but didn’t reply. “I would make a holiday,” said Timmy. “This book gives you lots of ideas for holidays,” said Pritka. “Right! They wanted a fun holiday . . . so they made them up,” said Ethan. “They tried Pet Day . . .” “ . . . And Chocolate Fest and they got sick,” interrupted Jane. “I liked the chocolate part,” said Jewel with a snicker. “I like chocolate, too,” said Jane. “My favorite kind is chocolate crunch.” “ . . . And Sloppy Day . . .” said Ethan waiting not so patiently for all the interruptions. “A disgusting slob fest, which by the way, ended before it began,” said Pritka. “They just didn’t work,” said Ethan. “If I made up a holiday, all stores would have to have major sales,” said Jake. “The stores would be haywire, but it would still be great!” “My holiday would be Video Game Day,” said Philippe. “There would be contests, food and lots and lots of friends.” “Then Eva thought of a day for enjoying friendship,” said Ethan. “And they had a new holiday,” said Philippe. “They called it Palapalooza,” said Jane. “Palapalooza was weird and cool at the same time,” said Jewel. Nina nodded. “But they were having fun!” she said. “I think Palapalooza is a good holiday,” said Timmy. “ . . . A day to enjoy your friendship with those who you’ve got as friends,” said Ethan. “I think this book is an inspiration for kids to use their imaginations a little more,” said Jake, “because after reading this, they might think of holidays that they might be able to make up. Ethan looked a little smug. He said, “And let their imaginations soar!” TEACHER TALK PALAPALOOZA POEM - Friendly Flattering Facts: Language Arts/Social Skills Everyone loves to hear wonderful things about themselves -- and friends are just about the best people to tell you those wonderful things. Tell the Kiddles that they are going to write poems about each other. Tell them to think their best thoughts and really think about the person whom they are writing the poem about. These poems are similar to acrostic poems, so you can look here for more information. ReadWriteThink: Student Materials: Acrostic Poems Make an A to Z list of adjectives. This will allow Kiddles to choose words from this list if they get stuck. A – agreeable adorable B – brave brainy C – cheerful clever D – dainty delightful to Z - zany zippy 1. Demonstrate on the white board. 2. Choose a Kiddle’s name, or better yet, use your own. It will be fun to get all the compliments. 3. Write the chosen name vertically on the board with a line next to each letter . . . like this. That’s my name. D ________ O ________ N ________ N ________ A ________ Then have the class suggest different attributes about the chosen person beginning with each of the letters in her name and write the words next to each of the letters . . . like this. D aring O ne of a kind N utty N aughty A wesome Or like this . . . T rue R easonable E xceptional S pecial K itten lover A mazing PREPARE IN ADVANCE 1. Prepare index cards (4” x 6”) with each Kiddle’s name written vertically. (one name per card) (colored cards are more enticing) 2. Place one letter of the name on each line. (See examples above) Donna Treska (or adjust letter size appropriately for your class) 3. Then put all cards in a basket and each Kiddle will pick a name from the basket to use for her PALAPALOOZA POEM. 4. Have each Kiddle write a flattering fact next to each letter of their pal’s name. 5. When all are done, punch a hole in the upper left corner of each card and place each one on its own 1” metal ring. 6. Meet as a group and ask each Kiddle to announce their Palapalooza Pal and read their poem. (Watch the smiles and listen for the giggles.) 7. Choose one day a week to continue this project so that each child has written a poem about each of their PALAPALOOZA PALS. (include all Kiddles in the class) Then you can have a PALAPALOOZA holiday every week. 8. Don’t forget to allow the Kiddles to write a poem about themselves. 9. When the project is completed, give each Kiddle two blank index cards (4” x 6”) to decorate as covers for their PALAPALOOZA POEM booklet. COMPLIMENT DAY: Language Arts/Social Skills/Self-Esteem When was the last time you gave a compliment or received one? Compliments are as much fun to give as to get. They make you feel good. I bet you do it all the time. When you see your best friend and you like her new bracelet, don’t you tell her so? “That bracelet is so cool!” or when your pal on the soccer team scores the winning goal, you might punch the air and say, “You are the MAN!” So why not spread more of that good cheer around your school, your home, your community? Use chart paper to make a list of all the people around your school, home, and community who Kiddles can give compliments to. Some suggestions below: SCHOOL - classmates, teachers, principals, custodians, secretaries HOME - mom, dad, brother, sister, granny, grandpa, aunt, uncle COMMUNITY – crossing guard, police officer, librarian, pals’ parents Then make a list of possible compliments. You did a good job on your HOMEFUN. You are the best artist. Nice work. You jump rope really well. Encourage your Kiddles to try to compliment at least two classmates each day and at least one person at home or in the community. Once they begin, watch their enthusiasm grow and grow and . . . GROW! It might even become habit forming . . . and wouldn’t that make the world a better “PALAPALOOZING” place? SUGGESTED WEBSITES: (Although I examined these websites and found them to be very helpful, please use them at your own discretion.) ReadWriteThink: Student Materials: Acrostic Poems Compliment Day SUGGESTED BOOKS: Sitting Ducks by Michael Bedard Don’t Need Friends by Carolyn Crimi; illustrated by Lynn Munsinger Arthur Loses a Friend by Marc Brown |
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