It's Book Swap Time

In honor of Children's Book Week our school is having a book swap on Friday. Bring a book, get a book. Bring 10 Get 10. This is an activity the students really enjoy--and it gets their rooms cleaned up at home too.

Veteran's Day Activities

I am using wonderful book about honoring Veteran's for my 4th graders Veteran's Day activities. The book is America's Little White Table by Margot Theis Raven.

Below is the review from Amazon.com

The White Table is set in many mess halls as a symbol for and remembrance to service members fallen, missing, or held captive in the line of duty. Solitary and solemn, it is the table where no one will ever sit. As a special gift to her Uncle John, Katie and her sisters are asked to help set the white table for dinner. As their mother explains the significance of each item placed on the table Katie comes to understand and appreciate the depth of sacrifice that her uncle, and each member of the Armed Forces and their families, may be called to give.

As I have read the book to the students we have taken the actual objects and set the table

White Cloth

Plate with Lemon Slice

Salt-bitter tears of the family

Black Napkin --for the sorrow of captivity

White Candle--for peace

Red Rose in a vase tied with a red ribbon-

Empty Chair

It has been a moving experience for me and I think also for the children. After we have completed the story and the class is checking out books, there are always some who want to reset the table. (which I always let them do)