Kindergarten

Friday, May 10th, 2024

(Times TBD)

Suzanne Bloom (Author/Illustrator)

The author/illustrator of the ever popular Goose and Bear series (including the 

Geisel Honor- winning, A Splendid Friend, Indeed) will visit the kindergartners to share how she creates her books. By showing her sloppy copies, sketches, and scribbles she will emphasize the importance of choosing words wisely and illustrate how the creative process can be applied to any activity.

Friday, February 2nd

9:15 am

David Harrell (motivational speaker on empathy & inclusion)

David Harrell’s solo performance The Boy Who Would Be Captain Hook has been adapted for school performances. The goal is to use his story to encourage audiences to recognize the universality of our shared experience and be a catalyst for discussion about broader themes of diversity and inclusion. David relishes the opportunity to show that disability is not a heroic obstacle to overcome but a unique aspect of one’s life. Through his school performances, David entertains, enlightens and educates children to not be defined by limitations. To help them learn the valuable lessons of acceptance and how to not let circumstances peel away the core of who they are as human beings.

Grade 1

Monday, October 30th, 2023

(9:30AM, 11:00AM, 12:50PM)

Caldecott award winning and NY Times best-selling author and illustrator of many children's books, most notably the 'bat series' (Bats at the Beach, Bats at the Ballgame, etc.), Lies will take students into the world of writing and illustrating children's books. Showing his original artwork and the many drafts that make a book, he brings a powerful message of believing in yourself and not giving up.

Thursday, December 21st, 2023

(11:15AM, 12:45PM, 2:30PM)

Rhythm Kids (Fine Arts/Social Studies)

Local favorite Tom Foote comes to Thoreau to present an African drumming workshop that has everyone jamming together on drums, shakers, bells, woodblocks and more. All are involved in this musical event which connects to the Grade 1 Ghana Unit.

Grade 2

(9:40AM, 10:40AM, 12:25PM, 1:25PM)

Plunging a vibrating tuning fork into a bowl of water creates quite a spray as students learn that sound is vibration. Students actively engage in exploring sound by creating unique “sound makers” using household materials.

(9:40AM, 10:40AM, 12:25PM, 1:25PM)

As students compare white light and laser light they identify key properties including how light must be reflected in order to be seen. In this hands-on workshop, students work with flashlights, prisms, lenses, and a variety of materials that block, reflect, or allow light to pass through.

Friday, December 15, 2023

9:15-10:00AM

Rajani LaRocca - Author (joint with 3rd grade)

Math and Magic - Rajani talks about her fascination for math puzzles and how that led to writing Much Ado About Baseball, Seven Golden Rings, and other books, and how to embrace the wonder and joy of math and science in literature. 

Grade 3

9:15-10:00AM

Rajani LaRocca - Author (joint with 2nd grade)

Math and Magic - Rajani talks about her fascination for math puzzles and how that led to writing Much Ado About Baseball, Seven Golden Rings, and other books, and how to embrace the wonder and joy of math and science in literature. 

9:10am, 10:20am, 11:30am, 1:40pm

Learn about the daily life of the Wampanoag in the 17th century, as well as their current lives and communities. Students will gain an understanding of the connection the Wampanoag and other Native people have to Mother Earth, their seasonal way of life, and their respect for all living beings. Our Native American Museum Teacher wears modern clothing and speaks from a modern perspective so that they can discuss the story of their people in both past and present times. They will share artifacts of traditional life, such as wooden bowls and spoons, animal furs, and tools. 

Tuesday, April 30th 2024
11:15-12:15

Birds of Prey - Wingmasters (Science)

Julie Anne Collier & Jim Parks, who have devoted their lives to caring for injured birds of prey, will give a presentation aimed at increasing understanding and appreciation of North American birds of prey.  Julie, who is also part Creek and Chicksaw Indian, will highlight the strong connection between Native Americans and birds of prey.

Grade 4

10:10-10:55AM

Rajani LaRocca - Author

Math and Magic - Rajani talks about her fascination for math puzzles and how that led to writing Much Ado About Baseball, Seven Golden Rings, and other books, and how to embrace the wonder and joy of math and science in literature. 

Thursday, March 21, 2024

(11:10AM, 12:00PM, 1:35PM, 2:20PM)

The Genki Spark - Taiko and Community

The Genki Spark is a multi-generational, pan-Asian women's arts and advocacy organization that uses Japanese taiko drumming, personal stories, and creativity to build community, develop leadership, and advocate respect for all. Through hands-on educational workshops The Genki Spark strives to build community, foster self-confidence, and promote a world where every culture is respected.

Grade 5

11:05-11:50AM

Rajani LaRocca - Author

Feeling Divided, Being Whole - Rajani describes the inspiration for Red, White, and Whole and Mirror to Mirror and her path to writing these verse novels to inspire kids to tell their own stories, share their feelings, and know that we all belong. 

Friday February 2nd, 2024
10:30AM

David Harrell (motivational speaker on empathy & inclusion)

David Harrell’s solo performance The Boy Who Would Be Captain Hook has been adapted for school performances. The goal is to use his story to encourage audiences to recognize the universality of our shared experience and be a catalyst for discussion about broader themes of diversity and inclusion. David relishes the opportunity to show that disability is not a heroic obstacle to overcome but a unique aspect of one’s life. Through his school performances, David entertains, enlightens and educates children to not be defined by limitations. To help them learn the valuable lessons of acceptance and how to not let circumstances peel away the core of who they are as human beings.