The first three subscribers to e-mail with the correct answer to question 1A of this week’s Weekly Activity Packet, “A Different Kind of Bird” will win a copy of noted I Spy author Jean Marzollo’s book Pierre the Penguin!
When our Executive Producer, Mason, and I arrived in Simons Town, South Africa last year, we were immediately besotted by the little creatures who waddled up to greet us. As we wandered the pathway around the sea we spotted their tiny eyes intently following our every move as their fellow African penguins lazed in the sunshine that warmed the high rocks above the spray of the water. Though relaxed, their prone bodies appeared ready for a quick slide into the freezing water at any moment. Penguins- a -plenty, even the parking lot signs warned to check under cars lest a stray shuffled to rest below. No doubt, we fell head over heels in love with these enchanting birds and count this penguin excursion as one of the highlights of our incredible African adventure.
Imagine then my delight when I attended Jean Marzollo’s (noted I Spy author) session at the National Association for the Education of Young Children convention in Orlando and the author held up, Pierre the Penguin! A true account of an African penguin residing in an aquarium in San Francisco, this story follows the drama of a little guy who was losing his feathers forcing him to be isolated from the others at his zoo home. Fear not, once fitted with a special raincoat that ultimately permitted his feather condition to clear, Pierre was reunited with his friends in the penguin rookery. I hope I have inspired you to check out this lovely read. I think you will find it as engaging as I did and will even suggest your school librarian add Pierre the Penguin to their list. As always, your librarian is sure to appreciate the input!
As always, Maggie’s Earth Adventures is standing by ready to help bolster your efforts in the classroom with some incredible penguin photos found on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/pages/Maggies-Earth-Adventures/85867298875. Pair these with your Smartboard and encourage your children to create some funny captions. Type these captions up and the next day you can have your students’ guess which caption goes with which picture. Personally, I take great joy in swiping the sentence across the white board to add zest to a picture. Celebrate creativity and humor….we at Maggie’s Earth Adventures support the idea that
laughter sets the stage for learning!
Happy teaching!
Dr. Kathy
