Highlights High Five February 2020

we love words

How often do you think about words? I confess that I think about them a lot, not just in my role as editor but also in my everyday life. Do I walk or scurry? Is a sweater orange or tangerine? For me, selecting a fun, juicy word is like picking a perfect piece of fruit at the market. There are many similar words, but some are just tastier than others. It’s easy to get caught up in thinking that sharing wonderful new words with our children is the only way to help them develop language skills. In fact, rich vocabulary is only one part of it. It’s even more important for our children to learn how to converse—how to take turns in conversation, how to ask questions, how to listen. Throughout…

celebrating chinese new year

The kindergartners were getting ready to see a special Chinese New Year celebration at school. “Gong hei fat choy!” said Ms. French. “That’s a ‘Happy New Year’ greeting in Cantonese.” “Gong hei fat choy!” the kids all cheered. “One time, my family went to the festival in Chinatown,” said Indi. “I can’t believe the dragon is actually coming to our school!” said Niko. The kindergartners joined the first- and second-graders in the gym. Beautiful music came on. Then an amazing dragon danced in. “Wow!” said Kate. “That dragon is every color of the rainbow.” “And look,” said Tex. “There’s Li from our class, dancing with the dragon!” The kids all clapped for Li when he came back to class. “You helped perform a wonderful dance today,” said Ms. French. “Thanks,” said Li, smiling. “And because a dragon dance means good…

i’m not josé

Papa calls from the table, “José! It’s dinnertime!” José lunges onto his seat. “I’m not José. I’m the king of the jungle!” He roars and devours a forkful of broccoli. After dinner, Papa says, “José, it’s bath time.” José saunters into the bathroom. “Arrr, I’m not José. I’m Captain Whitebeard.” He sticks soap bubbles on his chin and cheeks. After José is dry, Papa says, “OK, José, it’s pajama time.” José soars around his room wearing his towel as a cape. “I’m not José. I’m Super-Stretchy Man.” He reaches under his bed for his teddy bear. “Hmm,” says Papa. “Where’s José? It’s time for his good-night hug and kiss.” José hops onto Papa’s lap. “I’m right here,” he says. “Are you sure?” asks Papa. “You’re not a lion or a sea captain or a superhero?” “No, I’m José, and…

bebo and juan visit the dentist

Bebo was visiting the dentist for the first time. Juan was keeping him company. “¡Mira, es aquí!” said Juan, looking up at a sign. “Let’s go in,” said Bebo. ¡Mira, es aquí! MEE-rah ehss ah-KEY Look, it’s here! Once the friends were inside, an assistant led them to a room. “¡Mira esa silla grande!” said Juan. “This is a big chair,” said Bebo, climbing in. “I’m a little nervous.” ¡Mira esa silla grande! MEE-rah EH-sah SEE-yah GRAHN-deh Look at that big chair! The dentist greeted Bebo and Juan. “Open your mouth,” she said to Bebo. “¡Mira esos dientes!” said Juan, looking at Bebo’s teeth. “Yes,” said the dentist. “Bebo is a young bear with big teeth!” The dentist smiled. “And no cavities!” She gave Bebo a new toothbrush. ¡Mira esos dientes! MEE-rah EH-sohss dee-YEHN-tehss Look at those teeth! “Would you like a toothbrush?” the dentist…