TIMMONS NEWS
SPECIAL EDITION
ONE SCHOOL, ONE BOOK: The Trumpet of the Swan
February/March 2012
Greetings!
In the most recent issue of a well-respected teaching profession publication, Educational Leadership, reading
experts Richard Allington and Rachel Gabriel confirm, through their research, a fundamental instructional
formula for developing competent readers and writers. Included in the formula are opportunities for children to:
choose what they like to read; spend time reading everyday; write something personally meaningful; talk with
their classmates about their reading and writing; and hear a fluent adult reader read aloud. Sound familiar? The
elements of the formula are in the One School, One Book (OSOB) experience!
The Timmons third annual OSOB program comes to a close today. With a focus on integrating grade level
learning standards, building community, strengthening relationships between home and school, offering unique
enrichment connections for children, and immersing our students in an enriched reading and writing experience,
we should see significant similarities between Allington's and Gabriel's fundamental formula and the OSOB
program! OSOB motivated children to read, write something meaningful in journals, and talk with fellow
students, Timmons staff, and even community members about the book. In addition to the adult reading
environment at home, our teachers and volunteers also modeled fluent adult reading.
The Trumpet of the Swan came to life in our school community in versatile and exciting ways. We collectively
examined story elements; learned about brass instruments and musical artists; researched trumpeter swans and
observed Ohio's native birds in their natural habitats; practiced the writer's workshop model through our daily
journaling; experienced opportunities for compassion through our compassion feathers, our cygnet adoption
program, our bird feeder donation to The Audubon Society, and through our disability awareness exercises. We
hope that, along with all this learning, you and your child had fun, too!
If families would like to continue this learning experience, some suggestions:
•
Use the take-home special lunch placemat to prompt meaningful conversations and connections.
•
Visit the Timmons OSOB website with your child and continue the dialogue and reinforce the vocabulary and
practice re-telling skills. Visit some of the related links to learn more about swan boats or some of the cities
and parks mentioned in the story. If your child has experienced the OSOB program before, visit past program
links and talk about how these programs were different or similar to the current years’ program.
•
Read another E.B. White story with your child (Charlotte's Web or Stuart Little)—compare the stories and
writing styles of this outstanding author. Many past students have reread OSOB literary selections a
second or third time—encourage your child to read The Trumpet of the Swan, again!
•
Find time to honor the importance of daily reading in your child's life through modeling reading, sharing
stories, or discussing the details in a book or chapter.
Please enjoy this special edition of our Timmons News. The following articles should provide you with
additional insight regarding the implementation of this program.
On behalf of our Timmons Staff and our students, a sincere thanks to our parents and families for actively
participating and supporting our school-wide book club! We couldn't have done it without you!
First Grade OSOB News
What an exciting time this has been showcasing The Trumpet of the Swan with One School, One Book. We
have been doing many fun-filled activities related to this story. Each day the children had a specific prompt
for writing that corresponded to the daily chapter assignments. This writing time was signaled by playing
Reveille and Retreat. Some of our writing prompts included a Venn Diagram, being a newspaper reporter,
writing about something we do very well, where we feel safe and most comfortable and what we might pack if
we went on a special trip. We also enjoyed an occasional Brain Break by exercising. This was done by
mimicking swans (swimming, trumpeting and paddling like Serena) and/or other movement to music.
Our pod centered around a magnificent camping scene, which included a fire, tent and swan nesting. What an
exciting moment when 200 children gathered around Louis to see the arrival of the brass trumpet and slate that
said, “I Love You!” We were also excited to find eggs under the swan each morning that had questions and
answers related to our reading. Other activities included making story webs, researching facts about swans on
the internet and viewing videos on United Streaming.
Second Grade OSOB News
The second graders have had a "swansational" time with our One School, One Book program. Classes were
engaged in many activities aligned with the whole school reading experience. Activities included the
following:
• creating swans, characters from the story, setting, and more!
• responding to the chapters by writing about personal connections and/or feelings we had while reading
as well as writing about Louis and his adventures.
• listing swan facts discovered in the book and other books while reading.
• analyzing characters.
• demonstrating our knowledge of swans during our Amazing Animals unit in language arts while
completing reading and writing activities.
• comparing/contrasting characters from The Trumpet of the Swan with characters from other texts.
Art Connection
Second grade students learned about John James Audubon, the artist and naturalist for whom the Audubon
Society is named. After seeing examples of his life-size, detailed renderings of North American Birds, the
students worked from photographs to create their own detailed drawings of a bird which was transferred onto
Styrofoam. Through a basic printmaking process, this Styrofoam plate was used to make multiple copies of
their bird.
Third Grade OSOB News
Curricular connections were made throughout the OSOB program as third grade students became immersed
in the novel. They explored characterization by reading, discussing, and identifying some of the character
traits portrayed in the story. Reading a nonfiction article about trumpeter swans, third graders also had an
opportunity to develop their skills in locating the main idea and listing supporting details. Through shared
and guided reading experiences, students reflected on the novel as they worked with literary elements such as
theme and setting. Various skill practice routines, including daily oral language, mapping, and problem
Solving, were designed to reflect the action of the novel. Third graders also enjoyed accessing the campsite
designed specifically for their use in the pod.
Art Connection
Students are preparing to work on a project that gives them an opportunity to connect music and art.
Throughout the OSOB program, students were exposed to a variety of instruments and musical genres. Soon,
they will begin working on a painting that includes some of these instruments of focus.
Celebrating Music and Black History Month in the Library
There has been a lot of Rockin’ and Rollin’ in the Timmons library the past several weeks as
students studied some of the music greats. In celebration of Black History Month and One School, One
Book, they have enjoyed watching and listening to performances by Louis Armstrong, Duke Ellington,
Ray Charles, Stevie Wonder, Aretha Franklin and Michael Jackson. Though the music of all of these
artists was enjoyed by the students, Michael Jackson has definitely been the favorite focus artist.
Students have also been reading biographies and picture books about the artists and have learned many
interesting facts. You’ve probably heard Louis Armstrong referred to as “Satchmo”. Do you know
why? The students do. It’s short for “Satchelmouth”—referring to the size of his mouth. Another
artist’s song, “Sir Duke” (1977), paid tribute to American composer Duke Ellington and was one of his
biggest hits. Do you know who it is? Timmons students can tell you it is Stevie Wonder!
Students have also had the opportunity to read lyrics from some of the most famous songs by these
artists. This experience prepared them for their trip to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, where they
participated in a program about lyrics as an important part of literacy. Students even had the opportunity
to see drafts of lyrics by such well-known artists as the Beach Boys and Bruce Springsteen.
The Rock Hall also features important artifacts from many of these musicians, including a suit worn by
Ray Charles and a collection of clothing belonging to Michael Jackson, featuring his infamous rhinestone glove and the tattered leather jacket from “Thriller.” This has been an exciting and engaging way
for students to learn about the level of influence these artists have had on popular culture and has given
them the opportunity to see how others have used music to express themselves, just like the beloved
Louis from Trumpet of the Swan.
Compassion Through Service Learning
Service Learning on a compassion-filled day …
The class Valentine’s Day parties included a school-wide service learning opportunity that
focused on February’s PEAK trait—compassion—while also incorporating this year’s OSOB program.
This year, the children created pinecone birdfeeders—to help Louis’ fellow Aves make it through the
winter! Each student made two pinecone birdfeeders from biodegradable and recyclable materials. The
children brought one birdfeeder home to feed their birds. The other birdfeeders will be hung on trees
along the Timmons hiking trail or donated to a local Audubon Society.
This year’s service project was a great opportunity to teach Timmons students compassion in a unique
way—relating compassion to the students’ backyards, a conservation organization, and the school’s
OSOB literary selection!
This month, students also participated in two other PEAK-inspired OSOB collaborations. First, students
completed an extra chore at home to earn a dollar to donate to the Trumpeter Swan Society. Students
raised over $680! A donation was made in their name. Our students have helped provide a safer
environment for 648 cygnets. Secondly, students were asked to complete an act of compassion and tell
us about their compassionate act on a feather. Compassionate deeds ranged from helping a relative or a
friend to adopting animals from a shelter. The feathers are all on display on a mural of Louis in our
building. WAY TO GO Timmons students!
Timmons Students Go to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame!
As part of this year’s OSOB program, students have learned a great deal about music.
During daily announcements, students heard a variety of songs—the same songs mentioned
throughout The Trumpet of the Swan. High school students provided trumpet renditions of the songs
and a few Timmons students sang and played the piano.
During music class, students learned songs that were connected to the OSOB book selection—including
songs related to the camp theme. Timmons students even had an opportunity to sing these songs in
their pod campsites.
With such a strong music connection, a trip to Cleveland’s own Rock and Roll Hall of Fame fit
perfectly with our book study. Students had fun preparing for the trip in music class. They listened to
music samples from many of the artists featured at the Rock Hall and heard some of the songs on a
record player, since part of the tour included looking at early forms of music recording.
While at the museum, students learned additional information about the history of music, legendary
performers, how developing music lyrics is similar to journal writing, how people with disabilities can
excel and become legendary performers, and how music is much like knowledge—it continues to
develop!
Bird Studies in Science Lab
Timmons students enjoyed researching trumpeter swans during Science Lab. They discussed the
adaptations, size, feathers, habitat and diet of these magnificent animals. To better understand Louis
and his fellow swans, students excitedly listened to a recording of their unique sound. They investigated different and unique beaks for birds and participated in a simulation of how various beaks work
using chopsticks, tweezers, slotted spoons, straws and salad tongs. Students also examined feathers of
common Ohio birds using feathers on loan from the Geauga Park District. Magnification allowed
students to see the zipper-like barbs and barbules that inspired Velcro! After gathering facts, students
created products including paper swans, feathers, and booklets to present the information.
Students went on a bird hike along the TES nature path during Science Lab. There are a variety of birds
that winter here in northeast Ohio. With the help of many parent volunteers, small groups of students
were encouraged to identify the birds as they were escorted along the trail. Many of these birds were
showcased in a Northeast Ohio Bird Book created by students. As a concluding activity, students
viewed a DVD from the Cleveland MetroParks Zoo documenting an expedition to Alaska to collect
trumpeter swan eggs, hatch them, and attempt to reintroduce them back into Ohio habitat.
All of these activities helped students to relate to the beloved characters featured in Trumpet of the
Swan, while also developing a strong knowledge of the characteristics of living things. Timmons
families are encouraged continue this learning experience by taking nature walks in one of the many
beautiful surrounding parks.
Morning Listening
To help make the tale of Louis and his trumpet come to life, many of the songs mentioned in the story
were performed or recorded and played for students during the morning announcements. Thanks to the help
of several Timmons and KHS volunteer performers, students throughout the building heard the melodies of
these classic songs while completing their daily morning routines!
February 29 – Louis’ Song
March 1 – Row, Row, Row and Ol’ Man River
March 5 – There’s a Small Hotel
March 6 – Cradle Song, Now the Day is Over and Up a Lazy River
March 7 – Summertime and Beautiful Dreamer
March 8 – Louis’ Song
March 13 – Home Sweet Home
March 14 – It’s Delightful to be Married
Cleveland Institute of Music Supports OSOB
On Monday, February 6th, Timmons students attended an all-school assembly. They gathered
to hear music performed by a brass quintet called Kyodai Brass, from The Cleveland Institute
of Music. The group included two trumpet players, a French horn player, a trombone player and a tuba
player. The performers not only played for the audience, but also demonstrated and talked about each of the
instruments. They also performed a variety of styles of music—jazz, movie themes, and a melody from the
famous Looney Tunes cartoons. The group was able to make connections to the OSOB selection, The Trumpet of the Swan, as well as make connections to our music curriculum. The students were fully
engaged in the performance and enjoyed extending their learning about music and instruments.
A Shared Reading Experience
Now in its third year at Timmons, the One School, One Book program continues to expand
through the TES community. Joining the students, staff, and families this year in this shared
reading experience was a group of very special volunteer readers. A link on the OSOB website
features chapter podcasts for teachers, students, and families to access throughout the building-wide book
study. These podcasts were created by volunteer readers from South Franklin Circle. Volunteers read and
recorded specific chapters with great expression and smoothness, providing all with a model of fluent
reading. Many Timmons students are familiar with the South Franklin Circle readers as a result of their
weekly visits to our building to work with readers. This project supported yet another intergenerational link
between the students of Timmons and the residents of South Franklin Circle. We are grateful for their
support and the excitement they expressed about the OSOB program!
A Fireside Lunch
We did not have to go to Camp Kookooskoos to enjoy s’mores and the great outdoors! On
March 8, Timmons students and staff members were invited to a special camp-style lunch,
complete with forest scenery, campfire circles, and an opportunity to sing some of their favorite
camp songs! The book-inspired setting (in the main gym) was enjoyed by all as diners feasted on a bagged
lunch featuring campfire hot dogs, apples, s’mores in a bag, Bugles, and blue “bug juice”!
Disability Awareness Through Physical Education
Timmons students participated in disability awareness exercises during physical education
classes. This experience directly related to our One School, One Book selection—one of the
major themes being Louis’ success in overcoming his inability to make a sound like his fellow
swans. Students rotated among stations featuring activities that simulated various physical
challenges. Some of the station activities included passing, shooting and dribbling a ball from a wheel chair;
using crutches to kick a soccer ball into a net; using tongs to pick up and throw a tennis ball at a target; stacking cups with eyes closed; using the non-predominate hand to scoop and toss a ball to a partner; and knocking
down bowling pins with one eye closed.
At the end of the lesson Mrs. Rolf, our guidance counselor, led a discussion with students and helped them to
make connections between their experiences in the stations and Louis’ experiences in The Trumpet of the
Swan. She also encouraged students to believe in their abilities and encouraged them to focus efforts to
accomplish their goals.
We extend a special thank you to our PTO for helping to organize this event and also to the volunteers who
assisted students at the various stations.