Sunday, April 6, 2008

The Week Ahead

Here's a look at the special days ahead:

Monday, April 7 - No Housework Day

Tuesday, April 8 - Illustrator Trina Schart Hyman's birthday (1939) She has illustrated many of Jean Fritz's books and many fairy tales as well -one of our favorite illustrators and a good excuse to check out lots of her books!

Wednesday, April 9 - Paul Bustill Robeson's birthday (1898) We will read the book "Paul Robeson: A Voice to Remember" by Patricia McKissack and Fredrick McKissack.

Thursday, April 10 - Safety Pin patented (1849)

Friday, April 11 - Edward Everett's birthday (1794) Who was Edward Everett you ask? It was Edward Everett who delivered the main address at the dedication of Gettysburg National Cemetery, Nov. 19, 1863. President Abramham Lincoln also spoke at the dedication, and his brief speech (less than two minutes) is remembered while Everett's is not. Read "Just a Few Words, Mr. Lincoln" by Jean Fritz to find out more.

Saturday, April 12 - Author Beverly Cleary's birthday (1916)

Sunday, April 13 - Alfred M. Butts' birthday (1899) Alfred Butts was a jobless architect in the Depression when he invented the board game Scrabble. The game was just a fad for Butt's friends until a Macy's executive saw the game being played at a resort in 1952 and the world's largest store began carrying it. Manufacturing of the game was turned over to Selchow & Righter when 35 workers were producting 6,000 sets a week. Butts received three cents per set for years. He said, "One-third went to taxes. I gave one-third away, and the other third enabled me to have an enjoyable life." (information from "The Teacher's Calendar")

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