My Top Picks

If you don't know what to read this summer, I highly recommend these books - my favourites by age group:

Grade 7-8

Grade 5-6

An apothecary's apprentice must use his wits and friends to solve a series of puzzles and clues to discover a secret that is behind murders all over London.

Grade 3-4

A barn,  a farm girl, a baby pig and a spider.  Between them they work to save Wilbur from his unfortunate future.

Summer Reading Ideas

Link to these pages to find resources for reading this summer.

Primary

https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/e/2PACX-1vRXfwNCOP97_J2KvHxtctEPtx5UsiDYqjSlL1SpUQXECAlbpKWLguB2dCUNGRbEqC5xI4iis-BCjn8z/pub?start=false&loop=false&delayms=3000

Junior

https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/e/2PACX-1vRW4LNaGYgeeMPB9bDN930LtK8n1BRtBs2YAx98-1FKcroyTKQIu35UhJVrL3ySRQYlGwNqtilNN5--/pub?start=false&loop=false&delayms=3000

Intermediate

https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/e/2PACX-1vRhfySxv6t8G__13x5vgXkO99q7mcpQwQ8d-mnlR1VkHOMJuibuRGh3_w2Uy-MytQNeaE9NA3_SJXD3/pub?start=false&loop=false&delayms=3000

Neil Flambe is 10 years old!

Kevin Sylvester has created a scavenger hunt for Neil's 10th birthday.  Check it out!

https://www.kevinsylvester.online/neil-flamb-10th-birthday-scavenger-hunt

Malala: Warrior for Girls' Education

Malala has just graduated from University.  She also has been recognized with the Nobel Peace Prize.  To learn more about her, look for one of the many books written about her.  Here is one of our favourites:

Malala's Magic Pencil

The National Film Board Celebrates Indigenous film making.

In The Mountain of SGaana, Haida filmmaker Christopher Auchter spins a magical tale of a young man who is stolen away to the spirit world, and the young woman who rescues him. The film brilliantly combines traditional animation with formal elements of Haida art, and is based on a story inspired by a old Haida fable.

https://www.nfb.ca/film/mountain_of_sgaana/

The NFB has a wide variety of films available for free until June 30th.

We Love Board Games!

Do you love playing Board Games?  Here are some that you can play using a Google Slide - you could share the file and then play with your friends.

Copy this file and then share it with a friend so you can play together.

https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1PwJzhdWNJps4kITeneSn28idjxnDkawJAsrAMz99w5Q/copy

Funny Fill In

National Geographic Kids have created all kinds of fun fill-in-the-blank activities for you to try.

https://kids.nationalgeographic.com/games/funny-fill-in/

Talking to Kids about Pride Month | Jessi Cruickshank

CBC have released this video where Jessi talks to kids about being an ally to the LGBTQ+ community

Click to access the interactive activities.

Forest Of Reading Awards Ceremony

Tune in here today to see the awards ceremony for the Forest of Reading 2020 competition.

https://curio.ca/en/collection/the-forest-of-reading-2020-2822/

The World Needs More Purple People

Purple People bring communities together, they are everyday superheroes.

You can learn how to be one, listen to Kristen Bell read her new book.

The One and Only Bob Book Trailer

We LOVE The One and Only Ivan and now Katherine Applegate has published a sequel.  Watch the trailer .. this might be you next favourite book!

Canada's History for Kids

Kayak magazine has an online site that is full of interesting stories, cartoons, puzzles and games.

Check it out!

http://kids.canadashistory.ca/Kids/Kayak

Rube Goldberg Bar of Soap Challenge Winners

A Toronto Family used their whole house, and 50 attempts before they were able to record the winning run of their Rube Goldberg Challenge Track.

Here is the article: https://www.cbc.ca/radio/asithappens/as-it-happens-tuesday-edition-1.5604697/toronto-family-thrilled-and-a-little-bit-surprised-to-win-rube-goldberg-challenge-1.5604698

: 

Theater In Place

Watch theater performances and solve puzzles to win prizes!

https://www.theaterinplace.com/

Do You Have Questions About Black Lives Matter?

This Town Hall hosted by Sesame Street and CNN might help answer some of your questions.

https://www.cnn.com/2020/06/06/app-news-section/cnn-sesame-street-race-town-hall-app-june-6-2020-app/index.html

Want to Learn More About Black Lives Matter?

These books will help you learn about why people are fighting for justice for black people.

Click on the link to view the interactive slide.  Black Lives Matter

Indigenous Video Games

Check out these super creative Indigenous video games:

https://www.cbc.ca/kidscbc2/the-feed/never-alone-4-more-fun-indigenous-video-games

Eric Walters reads Don't Stand So Close to Me

Eric Walters wrote a book in just 41 days all about students in the pandemic.  Check it out!

Summer Reading Club

Barrie Public Library are hosting a Virtual Summer Reading Club with all kinds of activities and rewards.

Check out the information here:  https://www.barrielibrary.ca/programs-events/summer-reading-club

Play and Learn about Indigenous Culture

In this Turtle Island Game you can play while you learn about our history.

https://www.rcaanc-cirnac.gc.ca/eng/1315493127207/1534951392269

Connor Poetry Prize

If you enjoy writing poetry, why not enter this local competition:

Click on this link to access the submission forms:  

https://www.orillia.ca/en/visiting/programs-and-events.aspx#

Kids Grow Watching Documentaries

In these free documentaries for kids you can learn about the experiences of children from all over the world.

https://www.idfa.nl/en/selection/132619/childrens-documentaries-to-watch-for-free

J.K. Rowling Has a New Story!

Harry Potter author, J.K.Rowling has released a new book called The Ickabog that you can read online.  

Check out the website to find the story and a competition to create the illustrations.

https://www.theickabog.com/home/

Don't Let the Pigeon Run This App!

Do you love Pigeon as much as I do?  This Disney App will let you write your own Pigeon book!

Look for it in your app store.

Draw Every Day with JJK

Every day at 2pm Jarret J. Krosoczka - author of the Lunch Lady and Jedi Academy graphic novels -  leads drawing classes on You Tube.  Watch the introduction here.

A Message From Pete The Cat

Check out more cool things on Pete's Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/petethecatofficial/

James and the Giant Peach, with Taika and Friends

Join Chris Hemsworth and a host of celebrities as they read James and the Giant Peach in 10 entertaining episodes.

https://www.youtube.com/roalddahl

Read With Daniel Tiger

Daniel Tiger learns how to be kind every day.  This PBS kids site lets kids interact in read along books.

https://pbskids.org/daniel/stories/

Podcasts for Kids

The Unexplainable Disappearance of Mars Patel is a scripted podcast for middle grade kids, performed by middle grade kids. It is a fun, high-quality, serial mystery that can be described as Goonies meets Spy Kids meets Stranger Things for 8-12 year olds. It was voted as one of the top 50 podcasts of 2016 by The Guardian, and was recently honored as a Peabody award winner.

http://www.marspatel.com/

What If World is a storytelling podcast for kids. What if a tiny dragon lived in my closet? What if there were a never-ending bowl of ice cream? What if cats ruled the world? Join Abacus P Grumbler, Randall Radbot, and Whendiana Joan as they help Mr. Eric tell wacky stories inspired by your questions!

http://www.whatifworldpodcast.com/episodes

How Much Harry Potter Do You Know?

Take this quiz to see how many quotes you can complete from the beloved Professor McGonagall

The rest of the site is pretty incredible as well.  There are now 4 chapters read by Potter celebrities.

https://www.wizardingworld.com/quiz/complete-quote-mcgonagall-quiz

Fun With Shel Silverstein

Shel Silverstein has all kinds of activities on his website for kids who love his poetry.  Maybe try sending a card through email to one of your friends or your teacher!

http://www.shelsilverstein.com/fun/ecards/

Story Jam With R.L.Stine

Tomorrow at 2 pm you can join a chat to write a story with R.L. Stine!  He will provide the story starter, participants will write the next sentence and then he will choose one of the entries and continue with another sentence.  Soon the community will have a whole story written together.

If you register today you can also participate in their Marvel trivia contest to celebrate the release of the new book: Shuri: A Black Panther Novel

To participate go to https://kids.scholastic.com/kids/games/homebase/bookfest/ and sign up for an account.

You can also play their online game that takes place in some of your favourite book series: Bad Guys, Dog Man, I Survived...

Author Natasha Deen

Author Natasha Deen was supposed to be at our school for the day today (slow tear rolling down my cheek).  Here she is explaining how her own experience as the worst dancer in a dance class helped her write one of her novels.

Check out her blog to get more writing tips:  https://natashadeen.com/blog/

Help Eric Walters with his New Book

Eric Walters has written a new book for young adults called Made 4 You.  He hasn't even sent it to a publisher yet!  On his Youtube Channel you can listen to his book chapter at a time and then email him your feedback to help him make the book better.

Check it our on his Youtube Channel:   https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCm1E1llW1mkeCyUTxv56mzw/featured

Science Centre Films in your Living Room

The Ontario Science Centre is closed but they have made their films available for families to enjoy.

https://www.ontariosciencecentre.ca/FreeFilms/

Do You Love Cookies As Much As Mouse?

If You Give a Librarian A Book...

If you love these books, this website will fill you with joy - games, videos and activities for all your favourite characters!

https://www.mousecookiebooks.com/

Harry Potter Read Aloud by Daniel Radcliffe!

I am so excited that Wizarding World are releasing The Philosopher's Stone read by the actual cast members of the movie.  Each chapter will be read by a different celebrity - starting with Daniel Radcliffe!

Click here to find Chapter 1:  

https://www.wizardingworld.com/chapters/reading-the-boy-who-lived

Penguin Cam

It Is Kids Mental Health Week

If you are looking for something relaxing to do, why not take a moment to visit the different animals at the San Diego Zoo through their animal cams.

https://zoo.sandiegozoo.org/cams/penguin-cam

Kenn Nesbitt

Kenn Nesbitt writes funny poems for children.  If you like the poem below why not check out his website.  There are all kinds of poems, ideas to help you write your own poetry, and even games to play.

😺😸 My Cat Knows Karate  😾😼

https://www.poetry4kids.com/

Children's Book Quiz

Puffin has designed this quiz based on their most popular children's books.  

Why not give it a try?

https://www.penguin.co.uk/articles/children/2018/the-ultimate-puffin-books-quiz/

Do You Like Escape Rooms?

Do You Like Escape Rooms?

Here are 3 different online escape rooms to challenge your problem solving skills:

Primary

Pete The Cat Birthday Mystery!

Junior

Escape From Wonderland

Intermediate

The Minotaur's Labyrinth

Rube Goldberg Bar of Soap Video Challenge

Are you interested in entering the Rube Goldberg competition?

Here are the rules:

Go the website to see live links:  https://online.flippingbook.com/view/505921/

Reading Apart Together

Reading Apart Together

House of Anansi publish some of our favourite books.  They have created a great way to help people stay connected during the pandemic.  If you buy a book from them they will send a digital copy of that same book to one of your friends (just give them the email address).  That way the two of you can read the book together!

Type "Juvenile Fiction" into the search bar to zero in on their books for children and youth.

https://houseofanansi.com/

Wild Earth Kids

Go on a Live Safari!

Have you ever wished you could go on a Safari?  If you sign up with Wild Earth Kids you can follow them in a Live Stream as they head out on a real life South African Safari.  

https://wildearth.tv/kids/

Read Along Monday with Michelle Obama!

Good Morning Raiders!  Michelle Obama was the First Lady of the United States.  On Mondays she does a story reading at noon.  Why not listen in?

https://www.youtube.com/pbskids

Choose Your Own Adventure!

We LOVE Choose-Your Own Adventure books.

Here are a couple of different ones you  can do online!

https://www.sesamestreet.org/games?id=12139

Great for Kindergarten and early Primary

https://www.warmuseum.ca/overthetop/

Best for Grade 6+

http://www.scholastic.com/dogslife/bonetravels.htm

Fun for everyone.

Read with PBS Kids

PBS Kids has great tv shows for kids but they also have a reading website.  Follow some of your favourite characters as you practice your reading.

Follow this link: https://pbskids.org/games/reading/

Today is Earth Day

How Green Are You?

Take this National Geographic Kids Earth Day Quiz to see how much you know about protecting the environment.  Then explore the site for activities, games, articles and more.

https://kids.nationalgeographic.com/games/quizzes/earth-day-quiz-whiz/

Earth Challenge 2020 - Earth Day is Tomorrow

Do you sometimes wonder what you could possibly do to help the Earth from your little corner of Barrie?

Good news - Earth Challenge 2020 are looking for people just like you to collect and share data about plastic garbage in our communities.

Check it out here:

https://earthchallenge2020.earthday.org/

Escape Rooms Live and On-Line!

Break-Out Edu who develop the Escape Rooms that I use in the library, are now running daily on-line escape rooms.  Super Fun!

Anyone can play, questions start at the Grade 2-4 level and get harder.  No login required.  Here is the info:

You can also access escape rooms from other days so you can try them out in your own time.

Good Morning Raiders - Are You Feeling Creative?

Use Your Barrie Public Library card to access hundreds of Video classes in arts and crafts.

https://www.creativebug.com/lib/barrielibrary

THE DARKEST DARK by Astronaut Chris Hadfield (featuring music by Chris H...

This is One of Our Favourite Books!  

The Darkest Dark was written by astronaut Chris Hadfield and he is also a musician.  In this video he sings one of his songs to go with the illustrations from his book.

Something to Try

I know that a lot of you love reading Graphic Novels.

If you would like to create your own, this website is great!

Sign-Up with your school email.

https://app.pixton.com/#/edu