CONNECTING YOU AND THE CLASSROOM! Theme 3:That's Amazing Selection 3: Heat Wave Talk About It: Ask your child to think about how the story would be different if it took placein the city instead of the country. Talk about what funny details could be included, and how the problem might have been solved. Like this story??? then read Gracias: The Thanksgiving Turkey by Joy Cowley or A Day with Wilbur Robinson by William Joyce. Theme 4:Problem Solvers Selection 1: My Name is Maria Isabel Talk About It: Explain to your child that some people have more than one name, or change their names at some point in their lives. With your child, think of as many different first names as you can. Ask your child to choose a few favorites and to talk about what it might be like to be called by one of those names. Like this story??? then read The Gardener by Sarah Stewart or Henry and Ribsy by Beverly Cleary. Selection 2:Marven of the Great North Woods Talk About It: In the story, Marven takes latkes(potato pancakes) and knishes (baked dough stuffed with potato or other mashed vegetable) to eat on the train. Talk with your child about foods your family enjoys when thet travel. Like this story??? then read Cam Jansen and the Barking Treasure Mystery by David A. Alder or Uncle Daney's Way by Jessie Haas. Selection 3:The Last Dragon Bonus: Present your child with this situation: Think of a time when you weren't happy about doing something and yet you ended up having a good time. What made you change your mind? Like this story??? then read My Rows and Piles of Coins by Tololwa Mollel or Thank You, Mr. Falker by Patricia Polacco. Selection 4:Sing to the Stars Bonus: Ask your child to remember a time when he or she was nervous about doing something. How did your child get over his or her uneasiness? Who or what was most helpful? Like this story??? then read Justin and the Best Biscuits in the World by Mildred Pitts Walter or Encyclopedia Brown, Boy Detective by Donald J. Sobol.