From Mrs. Kramer's House
August 11-25, 2020
August 11-25, 2020
Hi everyone! How are you? I am enjoying the cooler day today--I feel like I can get something done! Have you been feeling too hot to move? I drove by a school in Amherst Mass the other day that had a sign up which said " It is too HOT to do anything but sit and read." Isn't that awesome?!
We have double stories this week because next week, I am going on a vacation from technology. Have you tried that? We do it every summer. The first day it is hard, and we get a little cranky. But after a little bit we suddenly feel like we have more energy for walks, and talks, and board games. I really recommend it! I will catch up with you when I come back. I hope you have a great couple of weeks. I miss you. Email me ANYTIME!
I have two books for you. One is Biblioburro which is a TRUE story about a librarian who delivers books from the back of his donkeys names Alpha and Beto. He travels all through the mountains to bring books to kids. It is told and illustrated by Jeanette Winter. The second story is called The Treasure, and it is an old story retold and illustrated by Uri Shulevitz. It is one of my FAVORITE books ever. Click the photo of the book cover to go to the video.
We have double stories this week because next week, I am going on a vacation from technology. Have you tried that? We do it every summer. The first day it is hard, and we get a little cranky. But after a little bit we suddenly feel like we have more energy for walks, and talks, and board games. I really recommend it! I will catch up with you when I come back. I hope you have a great couple of weeks. I miss you. Email me ANYTIME!
I have two books for you. One is Biblioburro which is a TRUE story about a librarian who delivers books from the back of his donkeys names Alpha and Beto. He travels all through the mountains to bring books to kids. It is told and illustrated by Jeanette Winter. The second story is called The Treasure, and it is an old story retold and illustrated by Uri Shulevitz. It is one of my FAVORITE books ever. Click the photo of the book cover to go to the video.
From Mrs. Kramer's House
August 3, 2020
We're Back!
August 3, 2020
We're Back!
So sorry for being offline -- technical difficulties -- back now!
How have you been? We are fine at my house. My son is taking Pre-Calculus and Chemistry classes over the summer so there are experiments going on in every corner. He did a fun one with a balloon. Here is a version YOU can do at home. I like this video, the teacher explains the process well, talks about the gas you will make, and uses the right tools. I wish he did not say " if you want to blow up a while bunch of balloons without exerting any sort of energy" because you are using energy to gather the materials and do the experiment but I think he meant " without it being too tiring."
Let me know what you think! [email protected]
How have you been? We are fine at my house. My son is taking Pre-Calculus and Chemistry classes over the summer so there are experiments going on in every corner. He did a fun one with a balloon. Here is a version YOU can do at home. I like this video, the teacher explains the process well, talks about the gas you will make, and uses the right tools. I wish he did not say " if you want to blow up a while bunch of balloons without exerting any sort of energy" because you are using energy to gather the materials and do the experiment but I think he meant " without it being too tiring."
Let me know what you think! [email protected]
Speaking of science and knowledge. This is one of my FAVORITE new books: You are Stardust. It was a Gift of Reading book!
From Mrs. Kramer's House
Week of July 13, 2020
It's bookfair ALL SUMMER!!!
Week of July 13, 2020
It's bookfair ALL SUMMER!!!
How did you like Toot and Puddle? Aren't the illustrations gorgeous? I love them. It feels like it could take place around here doesn't it? Actually the author lives in my hometown-Northampton Mass. She is super nice. There is a wonderful swimming place in my hometown I am going to next week. That will be so lovely. What have you been doing? We are trying to balance chores with learning new things. My friend Rita in Germany is teaching me some German and Mrs. Sahely is inspiring me to do some more artwork. This book is all about trying new things and the surprises that come with that. There is some amazing artwork too!
From Mrs. Kramer's House
Week of July 6, 2020
It's bookfair ALL SUMMER!!!
Week of July 6, 2020
It's bookfair ALL SUMMER!!!
It is well and truly summer now! This weather has been so gorgeous. But the humidity has my hair looking like a giant pompom! Time to so swimming. What are YOU up to this week?
From Mrs. Kramer's House
Week of June 29, 2020
It's bookfair ALL SUMMER!!!
Week of June 29, 2020
It's bookfair ALL SUMMER!!!
Happy Fourth! Wasn't it strange not to see fireworks? That did not stop someone in my neighborhood from setting off a few fire crackers. Did you hear any?
That rain was so wonderful--my garden has exploded with color. So perhaps those are my fireworks this year.
That rain was so wonderful--my garden has exploded with color. So perhaps those are my fireworks this year.
From Mrs. Kramer's House
Week of June 22, 2020
It's bookfair ALL SUMMER!!!
Week of June 22, 2020
It's bookfair ALL SUMMER!!!
It has been so lovely and summery around here. Have you been enjoying summer weather? We are excited to get the kayaks out on the water!
From Mrs. Kramer's House
Week of June 15, 2020
It's bookfair ALL SUMMER!!!
Week of June 15, 2020
It's bookfair ALL SUMMER!!!
Well I just LOVED getting to see some of your dear faces last week! I hope you are having a good start to summer and planning some fun things. We are excited about going to Maine in August but we have a long time to wait until then. What are YOUR plans for this summer?
Hi!
Happy last week of school! How did it go so fast? How did it go so slowly? How ARE you? I am well. We moved our girl into her first apartment and that was very exciting. She is not TOO far away so that is better for me. Our son is happy he can visit her, but he is also happy he does not have to share the remote.
What are you doing this summer? We are working in the garden, doing house projects, and getting ready to go to our favorite Island in Maine for a week. One of the BEST weeks of the year. I am SURE I told you all about it. It is the Island my kids grew up going to, and I grew up going to, and my MOM grew up going to, and my GRANDPARENTS went to as well. SO it's a lot like visiting family. We are so happy and restful there. I hope you have lots of happy and restful times this summer as well.
This week's story has a puzzle. See if you can figure it out before the "big reveal" at the end. This is NOT the last story I am reading you this summer. I will put a new one up every week. Email me if you have a moment! OR fill out the form below anytime ( with grownups permission of course! ) and let me know what you are reading and doing this summer. Let's keep in touch! I would miss you too much otherwise!
Happy last week of school! How did it go so fast? How did it go so slowly? How ARE you? I am well. We moved our girl into her first apartment and that was very exciting. She is not TOO far away so that is better for me. Our son is happy he can visit her, but he is also happy he does not have to share the remote.
What are you doing this summer? We are working in the garden, doing house projects, and getting ready to go to our favorite Island in Maine for a week. One of the BEST weeks of the year. I am SURE I told you all about it. It is the Island my kids grew up going to, and I grew up going to, and my MOM grew up going to, and my GRANDPARENTS went to as well. SO it's a lot like visiting family. We are so happy and restful there. I hope you have lots of happy and restful times this summer as well.
This week's story has a puzzle. See if you can figure it out before the "big reveal" at the end. This is NOT the last story I am reading you this summer. I will put a new one up every week. Email me if you have a moment! OR fill out the form below anytime ( with grownups permission of course! ) and let me know what you are reading and doing this summer. Let's keep in touch! I would miss you too much otherwise!
From Mrs. Kramer's House
Week of June 8, 2020
It's bookfair ALL SUMMER!!!
(Click the image below to enter!)
Week of June 8, 2020
It's bookfair ALL SUMMER!!!
(Click the image below to enter!)
Happy almost summer! I hope you are getting your wading pools ready, because the weather this week looks perfect for getting into the water. I was so glad to hear that you liked the owl story. Mr. Christoph is really patient isn't he?
Here is a story about making friends. It has been a favorite at my house for a long time. I hope you like it too.
Here is a story about making friends. It has been a favorite at my house for a long time. I hope you like it too.
Week of June 1, 2020
It's bookfair ALL SUMMER!!!
(Click the image below to enter!)
It's bookfair ALL SUMMER!!!
(Click the image below to enter!)
A man named Peter Christoph is a nature photographer, and last week he had this adventure. He gave me permission to share his photos and tell you his story:
Last week, Peter was walking through the woods looking for owls. He looked up into a tree, and he saw a barred owl. She was staring down at him. He stayed very still. After a couple of minutes, one of her babies came out of the nest cavity in the tree. He says: " As proud Mama looked on, I could scarcely believe my eyes as the little owlet slowly raised its talons, as if waving hello. Nature is awesome!"
Last week, Peter was walking through the woods looking for owls. He looked up into a tree, and he saw a barred owl. She was staring down at him. He stayed very still. After a couple of minutes, one of her babies came out of the nest cavity in the tree. He says: " As proud Mama looked on, I could scarcely believe my eyes as the little owlet slowly raised its talons, as if waving hello. Nature is awesome!"
"These two barred owlets were listening to me tell jokes today, and apparently they found them very funny! "
"Barred owlet flying lessons happening yesterday in a too-small gym."
"""When you totally miss your target on your first flight.
Hang on little barred owl, you got this!"
Hang on little barred owl, you got this!"
"The fuzzy little barred owl picks himself up off the ground after his first flight attempt and stands tall and proud on the forest floor. It wasn't pretty and it wasn't graceful but with a combination of panicked flying, gliding, hanging desperately and controlled parachuting, he had overcome his fear of flying. Sure he had to hang upside down by his talons for three minutes and then let go to do a soft bounce off the forest floor, but he had survived his first flight attempt! How lucky was I to have witnessed him earning his wings! With his instinct kicked into full gear, the little owl began his ascent upwards towards the forest canopy that he had just left. Using all the strength his little body could muster he put the only tools at his disposal to good use. I have sharp talons! I have a sharp beak! Watch this Mr. Photographer! Take pictures! Good thing he reminded me, as I almost forgot to press the shutter as I watched spellbound at this marvel of nature taking place right in front of me. Mama owl watching from a nearby perch also let out a sigh of relief."
Hello from Mrs. Kramer's house!
Week of May 25, 2020
I LOVED seeing so many of you in our Specialist Zoom! I hope I get a chance to see everyone in the weeks to come!
What have you been doing? We have had a lot going on at our house! Mr. Kramer just had a birthday and he wanted Chinese food, so I cooked egg rolls, beef and snow peas, and egg foo young. I am still so FULL.
Our dog was hurt by accident and needed some stitches. He is OK and he doesn't seem to be bothered at all. We think he likes his cone. He uses it to help him carry his toys around.
I LOVED seeing so many of you in our Specialist Zoom! I hope I get a chance to see everyone in the weeks to come!
What have you been doing? We have had a lot going on at our house! Mr. Kramer just had a birthday and he wanted Chinese food, so I cooked egg rolls, beef and snow peas, and egg foo young. I am still so FULL.
Our dog was hurt by accident and needed some stitches. He is OK and he doesn't seem to be bothered at all. We think he likes his cone. He uses it to help him carry his toys around.
Have you had a chance to visit our virtual bookfair? There are some great books. Parker just bought this awesome new Baby Sitter's Little Sister book for the Library. I know a lot of people are going to want to check it out when school starts up again! Thanks Parker!
Week of May 18, 2020
I am so excited this week! I get to see you on Zoom ( you will receive the details in an email ) and we are having a VIRTUAL
I am so excited this week! I get to see you on Zoom ( you will receive the details in an email ) and we are having a VIRTUAL
This week, I have a reading for older kids. I have been watching the reading of "Harry Potter at home" have you? Famous actors are reading chapters from the very first Harry Potter book! Harry Potter and the Philsopher's Stone--the American version is called Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone. There are also links to great activities and crafts. The actors are British and are reading the British version--there may be some words which are new to you even though they are reading in English. For instance, in England, a flashlight is called a "torch." that REALLY mystified me when I read C.S. Lewis' The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe for the first time. I kept picturing Peter, Susan, Edmund, and Lucy walking around with these big torches when it turned out they were just carrying flashlights.
Here is Daniel Radcliffe ( the actor who PORTRAYED Harry Potter in the films ) reading chapter 1:
https://www.wizardingworld.com/chapters/reading-the-boy-who-lived
"Noma Dumezweni, who originated the stage version of Hermione in the original London and Broadway cast of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, narrates Harry’s zoo trip, where it becomes clear his scar isn’t the only unusual thing about him."
https://www.wizardingworld.com/chapters/reading-the-vanishing-glass
Eddie Redmayne, who played Newt Scamander in Fatastic Beasts, reads chapter 3
https://www.wizardingworld.com/chapters/reading-the-letters-from-no-one
If you enjoy these, and want more, click on this link to get to the main page for Harry Potter at Home
https://www.wizardingworld.com/collections/harry-potter-at-home
Week of May 11, 2020
The MOST amazing teacher appreciation week! Thank you so much for the beautiful video. I loved loved loved seeing your faces! The candy was a lovely surprise too--so many varieties--yummmm.
Haven't we had the most gorgeous weather this week? We are working on our garden, and we found an old bird bath behind one of our out buildings and set it into place. I am not sure our cat Lily understands it is for the birds not the kitties.
Week of May 4, 2020
Rain, rain go away. Come again some other day!
Wednesday was so beautiful, I took a long walk in the sun.
Today I am chilly and happy to be by the lovely fire my son made.
How was your week? Did you end up doing any bird watching?
I had this beauty at my feeder:
Did you end up trying to draw any birds like they did in the Birdwatchers book? I did. I drew one of my favorites--the black capped chickadee. I am please with the result although I was not sure it was going to work out when I started following the directions. They quickly went from "draw a circle" to "draw a chickadee-make necessary improvements to finish" What?!
I am glad I stuck to it!
Week of April 27, 2020
Hello!
I am so glad you came to visit me here. I am missing seeing you at school. I know we will be together again before we know it, and I want to know about what you are doing during these days.
Are you reading? I hope so! I am reading a fun book about a man who moves to a small town in France but he does not know ANY French and is always in a pickle. In the last chapter, he could not figure out how to borrow a grocery cart, he would NOT ask for help, and he ended up carrying ALL of his groceries in his SWEATER! Are you writing? What? I have started writing poetry again. It is not good . . . yet! But I STILL like writing it. Have you started to learn an instrument? I am learning guitar from the music teacher I had in college a lonnnnnng time ago. He is very patient and kind.
This week's book is called The Birdwatchers by Simon James who also did the illustrations. I love birds. Do you?
Hello!
I am so glad you came to visit me here. I am missing seeing you at school. I know we will be together again before we know it, and I want to know about what you are doing during these days.
Are you reading? I hope so! I am reading a fun book about a man who moves to a small town in France but he does not know ANY French and is always in a pickle. In the last chapter, he could not figure out how to borrow a grocery cart, he would NOT ask for help, and he ended up carrying ALL of his groceries in his SWEATER! Are you writing? What? I have started writing poetry again. It is not good . . . yet! But I STILL like writing it. Have you started to learn an instrument? I am learning guitar from the music teacher I had in college a lonnnnnng time ago. He is very patient and kind.
This week's book is called The Birdwatchers by Simon James who also did the illustrations. I love birds. Do you?
Week of April 20
Hi everyone! I hope you have had a good week. Thank you for all of your emails and the hard work you are doing on the library assignments. Speaking of hard work--I was able to get out in my garden last weekend and I noticed my flowers are coming up!
I hope you have been enjoying the stories I have been reading you. I spoke with some of my librarian friends, and they are reading stories too. We thought it would be fun to have guest appearances in each other's library pages, so here is Mrs. Titus from the Loring Library reading one of my favorite garden books: Muncha Muncha.
Hi everyone! I hope you have had a good week. Thank you for all of your emails and the hard work you are doing on the library assignments. Speaking of hard work--I was able to get out in my garden last weekend and I noticed my flowers are coming up!
I hope you have been enjoying the stories I have been reading you. I spoke with some of my librarian friends, and they are reading stories too. We thought it would be fun to have guest appearances in each other's library pages, so here is Mrs. Titus from the Loring Library reading one of my favorite garden books: Muncha Muncha.
I have also included a link to Ms. Stout reading a chapter book called Blue Moose by Daniel Pinkwater. It is a VERY silly and fun book, and if you like it let me know and I will post her other chapters. Ms. Stout asked her students to send in any recipes they might have enjoyed making and I think that is a great idea.
I LOVE to cook and bake and have made:
I LOVE to cook and bake and have made:
yum yum yum. I hope you have a good week--if you like to bake or cook, can you send me a picture of what you make? We can create a Haynes cookbook!
Week of April 13
Well I made my blanket fort under the breakfast table, and I was all ready to read to you from there. . . .
But I had a guest
So! I moved back to the living room. How are you? How was your week? I was thinking about you all and what a busy week you have had with all of the school work. We had a couple of gorgeous days which drove me out into my garden for a little while and I hope you had some time outside as well before all of this rain started. My flowers are very happy about the rain but my cats are NOT, and our cat Lilly had a LOT to say about it. " meowwwwwwwww!" This week's story is about a group of friends who love to spend time together, and how they manage it when they realize they need to be apart for a little while. Reminds me of all of us right now. But just because I don't get to see you every day doesn't mean I'm not thinking about you and wanting to hear about what you are doing--and READING. Here is our story below--I will be adding a chapter book called Half Magic soon. Take good care.
Week of April 6
Thank you all for your emails and drawings and for zoooooooming by! We have had a busy week, and I'll bet you have too. Lots of people answered the puzzle question. Check the main page for the answer and the new puzzle. This week's story is called "Humphrey's Corner" by Sally Hunter ( although I made a mistake in the video and called the author Sally Humphrey-oops! ) Sorry the video is a little buzzy-sounding. I will work on that for next week. In the video, I talk about a blanket fort. I am going to build one for next week and we can read in there. Maybe you will send me a picture of YOU in YOUR cozy reading place.
Thank you all for your emails and drawings and for zoooooooming by! We have had a busy week, and I'll bet you have too. Lots of people answered the puzzle question. Check the main page for the answer and the new puzzle. This week's story is called "Humphrey's Corner" by Sally Hunter ( although I made a mistake in the video and called the author Sally Humphrey-oops! ) Sorry the video is a little buzzy-sounding. I will work on that for next week. In the video, I talk about a blanket fort. I am going to build one for next week and we can read in there. Maybe you will send me a picture of YOU in YOUR cozy reading place.
Look at our fabulous Haynes pet parade!
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Week 1
I will be uploading a new video every week. Below is the first. In the book, the pets dress up for the pet show. If you have a pet ( or a stuffed animal ) you can dress up, can you please take a picture and send it to me? I would love to have a pet parade! How are you? I had a nice, quiet week with my family. We are getting into the routines of staying at home. Our daughter just flew back from New Zealand and she is still getting used to our time zone so she is still awake at 4 am! I have added this section called " Hello from Mrs. Kramer's House." I will be adding new stories and activities every week. See if you can hear my dog in the first story!
Ever build a Rube Goldberg Device? Check this one out:
Here are some ideas/ (Ask the grownups if it is ok first.) CLICK HERE
When you get REALLY good. Maybe you can make something like this:
Or even this! ( This is THE best one I have ever seen. Be sure to watch the "making of" videos to get more ideas.) If you make something--send me a video and I will put it up!