Happy Chinese New Year

Calendars are an invention of people. Time passes from day to day with the cycle of the sun rising and setting. Centuries ago people tried to measure time. They created the calendar as a measurement tool to keep track of how fast time was moving. However, just like there is more than one kind of pencil, or one kind of television, or gaming system, there is also more than one kind of calendar. 

The Chinese New Year begins this year on January 31st. Just like our New Year is always on January 1st, the Chinese New Year is always on the first day of their calendar. One of the most interesting things about the Chinese calendar is that they identify each year with an animal. In simple terms, it’s like a mascot for the year. 

This year will be the Year of the Horse. The Chinese say that people who are born during a Year of the Horse are cheerful and fun, talented and independent. A wonderful combination of traits!

The Chinese people celebrate their culture in a 15-day celebration of the New Year. They celebrate with fireworks, parades, special rituals and foods.  Click here to watch a Youtube clip to see how some Chinese people celebrate the New Year.

To celebrate Chinese New Year, skip the fortune cookies, which are really an American invention, and try out a tangram puzzle. Tangrams are ancient Chinese puzzles. See below for printable Tangrams.  If you’re in the mood for something with a more artistic flair, download and color this Year of the Horse page.  Click here for the coloring page.

There are some great books at the public library about The Chinese New Year. Click here to be taken to the list.

Happy Chinese New Year!

Miss Hazuda (@HESMediaCenter)

Animals in Winter

Animals in Winter

As students learn about animal adaptations for winter including hibernation, migration and survival there are many great resources out there for animal lovers!



One of my favorites is the Bear Cam from the North American Bear Center. Here you can watch real bears in their dens. In the past years these cameras have recorded the miracle of birth as mothers give birth to cubs and care for them in the den.  You can see different Bear Cams and learn lots of interesting bear facts at www.bear.org.  Just a sidenote that before you get taken to the webcams, there is a short advertisment.  

For something really interesting take a look at this fox hunting in several feet of snow. Foxes are master listeners as they are tuned to what is happening under the snow. Watch and then run to your library to check out Over and Under the Snow by Kate Messner.  

You can read more books about animals in winter at your library! A few of these titles can be found at our school library, but most can be found at the public library.

Animals in Winter

Happy Reading!!

Miss Hazuda (@HESMediaCenter)

New Year, New Books

Image from www.mycutiegraphics.com

I'm sorry that I haven't posted in a while. It has taken me a long time to get healthy.  I think (knock on wood), that I'm finally healthy.  One thing that I have learned about myself is, when I'm sick I don't read. So when I start reading again, I know I'm feeling better.  With the snow days and delayed openings I was able to get some reading done.  I've been reading quite a few picture books.  These are ones that have been talked about online as possible Caldecott Winners.  The Caldecott Medal is given annually by the American Library Association (ALA) to the illustrator who had the best illustrated book of the year.  Every year I wait with anticipation for the announcement.  Last year I was thrilled because I had actually read the Caldecott Winner before it won.

I'm going to list a few of the ones that I've read and let you know my favorites.  All of these books I got from the Tri-County Public Libraries.  I just put them on hold, which is very easy to do.  I'll add to this list later on in the week.

The first book is Bluebird written and illustrated by Bob Staake.  Click here for a summary on Goodreads.  This is a beautifully illustrated wordless picture book!  I just love the friendship that develops between the boy and the bluebird.  I will offer a word of caution, it does have a somewhat sad ending. I would read it before you read it to your child(ren), just so you are not caught unaware.

The second book is Steam Train, Dream Train written by Sherri Duskey Rinker and illustrated by Tom Lichtenheld.  Click here for a summary on Goodreads. These are the same two who brought us Good Night, Good Night Construction Site.   After reading this book, I just wanted to curl up in bed and go to sleep.  This is a wonderful bedtime story.  I loved how the illustrations had dark blue overtones to make you consistently think about nighttime. 

The third book is A Splash of Red:  The Life and Art of Horace Pippin written by Jen Bryant and illustrated by Melissa Sweet.  Click here for a summary on Goodreads.  Wow, I can't say enough good things about this book.  I had a little background knowledge of who Horace Pippin was and his paintings, but I learned so much more with this book.  I loved how the illustrator didn't just create illustrations to go with the text, she also added Pippin's own words into the illustrations.  This is one book that I will be adding to my personal collection.

The fourth book is Mr. Tiger Goes Wild written and illustrated by Peter Brown. Click here for a summary on Goodreads.  I loved this book!  I love anything that Peter Brown creates!  If you have ever felt like there was a lack of excitement in your life, then you know exactly how Mr. Tiger feels.  One day he decides that he needs more fun in his life and he goes wild.  this book really spoke to me and my inner child.  The illustrations made me feel like I was right there in the jungle watching Mr. Tiger going wild!

I'll add some more titles later on this week.  If you read any, please leave your thoughts in the comment section!  Also don't forget to check out our first two students book reviews below this post.

Happy Reading!!

Miss Hazuda

Have I Got A Book For You: Hard Luck (Diary of a Wimpy Kid)

This book review was completed by Matthew in 4th Grade.

Title of Book:  Hard Luck (Diary of a Wimpy Kid)

Author:  Jeff Kinney

Summary:  Rowley gets a girlfriend.  Gregory has to walk to school because he missed the bus.  At school there are things called Hero Points.  If you want to find out more, read the book!

Reasons I liked the book:  I liked the book because it is funny and nasty, with some sadness.

I would give this book 5 stars!!

I've always been a fan of the Diary of a Wimpy Kid series.  This book was not a disappointment for loyal fans.

Have I Got A Book For You: The Gollywhopper Games

This book review was completed by Chloe in 5th Grade.

Title of Book:  The Gollywhopper Games

Author:  Jody Feldman

Summary:  Twelve year old Gill has a chance, a once in a lifetime chance, to redeem his family name be winning The Gollywhopper Games!  This compitation is at the toy factory Gill's dad used to work at, until his is accused of stealing.  This is why Gill must compete in The Gollywhopper Games.

Reasons I liked the book:  I like this book because it is action packed, full of adventure, and also it is always a mystery about what will happen next.

I would give this book 10 stars!!

I LOVE this book too!  It has been a favorite of mine for a while.  It makes me so happy when students love certain books as much as I do!  I was thrilled to learn that there will be a Gollywhopper Games sequel coming out in 2014!

Happy Reading!!

Miss Hazuda