February 2024

adjective

very focused on doing something

Cody was determined to climb up the rock wall.

noun

things done successfully through hard work

Taylor's mom was so proud of Taylor's achievements in tennis.

adjective

especially important

Kindergarten students learn valuable lessons like being patient.

noun

a person who is the first to do something

The first Black president of the United States, Barack Obama, is a pioneer.

● Jackie Robinson was an amazing athlete who loved sports.

● He dreamed of playing a professional sport like baseball.

● At the time, Robinson and other Black athletes were not allowed to play in Major League Baseball. They were forced to play in separate leagues for Black players. This was an example of segregation.

● Segregation was a set of unfair rules that kept White people and Black people apart. 

● These rules forced Black people to eat in separate restaurants, use separate bathrooms, and travel in separate parts of trains. All of these were often run-down and dirty.

● The story mostly takes place in California (where Robinson grew up) and New York. 

● The events in the story mostly take place in the 1940s and 1950s during segregation.

● Yes. In 1944, Robinson joined a professional baseball league for Black players. He was a star. 

● Then, in 1947, Robinson became the first Black athlete to play in Major League Baseball.

● Many people, including some of Robinson's new teammates, were not excited about Robinson joining the all-White league. Robinson faced mean treatment from fans and players.

● But Robinson kept playing. And his team kept winning . . .

● Robinson is remembered as one of the best baseball players in history. 

● During and after his baseball career, Robinson fought for equal rights for Black people.

● He changed history and helped other Black athletes join all-White teams.

● Read the story to find out more . . . 

noun

a bad feeling about doing something wrong

It was clear my dog felt guilt after chewing up the couch.

verb

admit that you did something wrong

Layla had to confess to her mom that she lied about finishing her math homework.

verb

shines and sparkles

The lake water glistens in the sun.

noun

the ability to do something scary, difficult, or dangerous

Max looks for the courage to jump off the diving board.

adjective

weak or sick

After weeks without water, the plant became frail.

verb

kept trying and did not give up

Ian persevered until he finished his homework.

verb

very tired

After running 2 miles, Carl was exhausted.

noun

a set of clothes or outfit you wear so that people won't recognize you

Batman wears a disguise when he fights crime.

adjective

feeling unsure or like something is wrong

Suspicious of the strange smell, Josh decided not to eat the broccoli.

verb

laughed unkindly

The little boy cackled after playing a trick on the people in his village.

noun

friends

The dog and the horse became unlikely companions.

noun

something that is very popular for a short period of time

Last year there was a fidget spinner craze in Jordan's school.

noun

 ways to solve a game or problem

Maria uses different strategies to win at chess.

noun

a difficult task or problem

Dylan had trouble solving a challenge in his math homework.

noun

the feeling of being sure of yourself or your abilities

Terrence has a lot of confidence as a swimmer.

Folktales have characters, a setting, and a problem. Some characters can be very brave, smart, or tricky. Sometimes there are animals or things that act like people. Folktales can have magic or strange events. That is what makes them so exciting!

“Goldilocks and the Three Bears” is a folktale from England.

The story of Aladdin is a very old folktale from a part of the world known as the Middle East.

In West Africa, they have many folktales about a tricky spider named Anansi.

Folktales can be exciting, scary, or funny. They are good stories. Sometimes they teach us lessons. Sometimes they make us laugh. Sometimes they make us think.