Mr. Giso's Ways to Learn At Home #5

"Grandfather's Journey" 

Read Aloud, Now and Long Ago Interview & Journal

Happy Friday!  

Today, we tried a Zoom conference call.  Boy, was it exciting to see so many smiling children-- and two of my teacher besties-- again.  We even saw some parents, siblings and pets.  One cat fell asleep.  I guess not everyone was entertained?  Our principal even made a guest appearance.   I did a silly read aloud and another teacher lead us through an open-ended math problem.  It felt good to do this.  It felt like school again for the first time in two weeks.  

The book I have to share with you is both written and illustrated by Allen Say.  It's titled "Grandfather's Journey."  It's about Mr. Say's grandfather's story.  Both the author and his grandfather love their homeland Japan as well as their second home, America (California, in particular).  After you listen to me read aloud this story, I have a project where you can have the chance to hear a story of a grandparent or older member of your family by making a phone call.  It's perfect for this time when people older than us are staying home in order to keep safe and healthy.  Click HERE to watch me read aloud "Grandfather's Journey."

Be a Journalist and Interview a Member of Your Family a LOT Older Than You

Call or FaceTime a member of your family.  This person could be a grandparent, older neighbor or friend of the family--anyone older than you are.  ASK the question and RECORD your answers in the Now and Long Ago book I put together.  Just like the author, Allen Say, you can start thinking about your own family's history.  How cool?  You will be doing very important work!  

There are two versions of the book.  One has the "dotted" lines and the other has "regular" lines.  Pick the one that will help you write the neatest.  Click HERE to get the books.  Feel free to send me pictures of your books.  I'd love to hear the history you have recorded.

             

Write in a Daily Journal after Reading

Mr. Giso's Journal Idea #5 

After reading and listening to "Grandfather's Journey," write about if you have a home away from home, too.  Maybe you live in two households? Maybe you or your family were born in another country and miss it when you are not there like the grandfather in the story?  You can even write about a country you'd like to visit because your family has roots there.  For example, Mr. Giso would love to get to visit Italy someday because that's where his family is from.

Print out my "Journal Pages" by clicking HERE if you'd like to have some paper.  There's a spot for an illustration, too.  Have a great day.