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Angelina Ice Skates
Last updated Monday, December 6, 2010
Author: Katharine Holabird
Illustrator: Helen Craig Craig
Date of Publication: 2007
ISBN: 0670062375
Grade Level: Kindergarten (GLCs: Click here for grade level guidelines.)
Date(s) Used: Dec. 2010
Synopsis:
From Publishers Weekly
The heroine of Angelina Ballerina , it turns out, is as deft an entertainer twirling on ice as she is performing an onstage pas de deux. Here the spunky, diminutive mouse organizes a New Year's Eve figure skating show. With characteristic aplomb she overcomes a number of obstacles, including two pesky young hockey players who repeatedly interrupt her rehearsals. A confrontation between these "big boys" and Angelina erupts into a pond-wide snowball fight, vividly portrayed by Craig in a motion-filled, double-page illustration. This spectacle--as well as captivating depictions of both indoor scenes and the ice extravaganza--more than justifies the artist's top billing on the book's cover. But Holabird's narrative percolates steadily, and words and pictures culminate in a jubilant final scenario replete with well-deserved fireworks. Ages 3-7.
| Note to readers: |
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Vocabulary: figure 8’s, snowbanks, pirouetting, crossly,
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NOTE: This book is a bit long for kindergarten and has a pretty advanced vocabulary. The illustrations, however, do a great job at telling the story, so we strongly suggest leading the students through a picture walk before reading. Also, with this book especially, you may find it beneficial to take a “wiggle break” in the middle to keep their attention.
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| Discussion topics for before reading: |
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Have you read any of the other Angelina books?
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Have you ever been ice skating? (Do you know that there’s Ice Skating in downtown LA—Pershing Square and LA LIVE?)
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Have you ever seen snow?
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Have you ever watched ice skating (or other winter sports) on television or anywhere else?
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| Discussion topics for during/after reading: |
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Look at the picture on the first two pages and talk about what the different mice are doing (ice hockey, spins, twirls, falling in the snow bank)
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Has anyone ever bothered you when you were trying to play? What did you do?
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Has anyone ever made a snowball? If not, has anyone ever had any other type of friendly fight (e.g.., food, water balloons, pillows)
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Have you ever participated in a play or musical or other performance?
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What do you think Angelina’s idea is?
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How did Angelina solve her problem with the boys? Have you ever done something similar?
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Do your family and friends have any holiday celebrations or traditions?
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| Craft ideas: |
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Make snowflakes: http://www.kckpl.lib.ks.us/ys/crafts/snowflak.htm
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Bring ahead option (cotton balls): Roll a piece of red construction paper to make a cone hat. Glue a cotton ball on top and around the brim, and you have a Santa hat!
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*Note: These craft ideas are just suggestions.
You can use them, but you don't have to use them.
You can expand upon them, or add your own twist.
Remember, though, that the focus of your time should
not be on the development and execution of a craft;
the focus should be on the read-aloud and the
enjoyment of the book!
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