Sunday, April 5, 2020

Episode 64: The Cloud, Chapter 2


Hi All,

Just a reminder that we are recording a novella that Mr. Chris and I wrote. The story, about kids solving a mystery using their technology skills, has twenty-five chapters. We’re putting out each chapter as a separate episode of the podcast.

Last week we brought you Chapter 1, where we met four friends who were utilizing a video conferencing tool on their computers to meet up at the end of summer. Together, they share their excitement and anticipation for the start of a new school year and to discuss a mysterious new addition to the staff. This week, we’re excited to present Chapter 2 of The Cloud!

Stay well and stay safe!



VORACIOUS VOCABULARY

What did you say? A word of the day! In our story 
there are many juicy words that are fun to use and say.

Sunken-A lower level than the area surrounding it. 
Erupt-to gives vent to feelings in a sudden or noisy way. 
Disgust-feeling a strong disapproval. 
Conspiratorially-in a manner suggestive of or relating to a conspiracy made by a group of people to do something unlawful or harmful.



                             JUST ADD IMAGINATION! 



Try these activities to keep your imagination glowing 
after hearing the story.

Create your favorite character through a drawing, painting, sculpture, play doh, or any materials from around the house. Add a quote they said and send your final product to nightlightstories@gmail.com or post it on the Facebook page or Twitter

Melvin had flames on the sides of his glasses. That fits his fiery personality. If you had glasses that fit your personality, what would they look like? Design a pair and let us SEE them on the Facebook page, Twitter or at nightlightstories@gmail.com.

COMPREHENSION CHALLENGE

After listening to the story, can you recall the 
details to answer these questions?

  1. Who is the character who you think is most like you? Give two reasons how you're alike.
  2. What character is described as an old curmudgeon?
  3. When does Val arrive to school?
  4. Where was Jamie hoping Melvin moved to over the summer?
  5. Why are the kids not allowed to use the stairs to get into the school?


We want to send out bright birthday wishes to:

Grandpa of New York

   We hope your days sparkled!

Sunday, March 29, 2020

Episode 63: The Cloud, Chapter 1


Hi All,

Wow! Have we missed you! We're back to bring you a novella that we wrote in 2010. This novella is about students in a school using their skills with technology to solve problems. We like to think it has a sort of Scooby-Doo vibe, except there aren't any ghosts or talking dogs. The story has twenty-five chapters. We're going to be putting out each chapter as a separate episode of the podcast. 

With so many participating in distance learning at home, including us, we wanted to help in any way we could. Below, you can find the link to the audio file as well as some voracious vocabulary, activities to spark the imagination, and a comprehension challenge. Stay well and stay safe!


 



VORACIOUS VOCABULARY

What did you say? A word of the day! In our story 
there are many juicy words that are fun to use and say.

Exotic: originating in or characteristic of a distant foreign country.
Mystery: something that is difficult or impossible to understand or explain.
Reassuringly: in a way that removes someone's doubts and fears.
Smirk: smile in an irritatingly smug, conceited, or silly way.



                             JUST ADD IMAGINATION! 



Try these activities to keep your imagination glowing 
after hearing the story.


1. Do you have any recipes in your family that has been passed down from generation to generation? If so, collect the ingredients and follow the recipe. Record your steps in the recipe via video or a picture log along with the way. Don’t forget to pose with the finished product! (Remember fails are welcome, too. That’s how we learn!)

2. Think of a teacher that made you feel happy or empowered or challenged. Write that teacher a letter, make them a word cloud or create a comic about how they made your learning memorable.


COMPREHENSION CHALLENGE

After listening to the story, can you recall the 
details to answer these questions?

1. Who were the four kids on the virtual call?

2. What are aphids? How are they harmful to plants?

3. Why was the Gardening Club unable to send the extra ladybugs back?

4. Where was Bethie Crowley when Val was texting with her?

5. When did Gardening Club happen at the school?


        We want to send out bright birthday wishes to:


        Sophie of Virginia
        Uncle John of Texas
        Kevin H of Massachusetts
        Joe of Texas

           We hope your days sparkled!

        Friday, December 15, 2017

        SPREADING HOLIDAY CHEER...AND STORIES


        Hi All,

        Grab the hot chocolate, marshmallows, paper, scissors and stapler! Join us in creating some 3D snowflakes to kick off the start of winter! Just follow the link below to the step-by-step video tutorial. Feel free to post your creations on our Facebook Page or send your very own flurry to us at nightlightstories@gmail.com

        * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
        How to Make a 3D Snowflake
        * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

        And while you're crafting a snowflake, enjoy listening to our collection of holiday stories! Below, you can find all the links to the audio as well as the blog posts with activities. Enjoy and Happy Holidays!


         Chilly's Christmas: (20:08)
        An ornament is accidentally placed on the back of the Christmas
         tree and must learn to experience his favorite season using his 
        other senses with a little help from his friends!
        Free audio download: Chilly's Christmas 
        Blog with activities: Chilly's Christmas


               Inky's Christmas: (21:24)
        Inky, a nervous octopus, has to figure out a way to control his inking 
        so he can attend all of his friends' holiday festivities.
        Free audio download: Inky's Christmas
        Blog with activities: Inky's Christmas


        Red vs. Green: (22:21)
        When a team of Christmas elves goes against a team of
        St. Patrick's Day in the Holiday Hockey Winter Classic, who will win?
        Free audio download: Red vs. Green
        Blog with activities: Red vs. Green


        Candy Cane Catastrophe (14:56)
        Tragedy befalls a boy and his candy cane on a long car 
        drive to Grandma's for the holidays.
        Free audio download: Candy Cane Catastrophe
        Blog with activities: Candy Cane Catastrophe



        Sled Ride: (6:06)
        A little boy tells of his exciting sled ride down the hill while 
        trying to avoid a collision.
        Free audio download: Sled Ride
        Blog with activities: Sled Ride


        Click here to listen to: Ohwhatfunitis (13:33)
        Carol is way behind with her Christmas preparations when 
        she starts to experience some strange symptoms. 
        Can her family step up to help her out?




        Wednesday, June 7, 2017

        HERE COMES SUMMER


        Summer is coming! Are you traveling by plane, train, automobile, duckboat...or horse?  If you are, we have just the thing to keep you entertained. Below, find links to some of our favorite audio stories. If you like what you hear, be sure to share! And don't forget! You can download all 60+ of our stories at iTunes

        The Walk: (11:46)
        A description from a little boy of all the sights he sees on a walk with his family.
        Free audio download: The Walk
        Blog with activities: The Walk


        The Hike: (13:26)
        The sequel to "The Walk" describes the boy's adventures he has on a hike with his family.
        Free audio download: The Hike
        Blog with activities: The Hike

        Pedal Power (14:21)

        While learning to ride a bike, a boy learns perseverance breeds confidence.

        Free audio downloadPedal Power

        Blog with activitiesPedal Power 

        Bird Seeds (21:10)
        When Agnes, an old woman who lives alone in the woods, discovers a mysterious packet of seeds she finds more than just vegetables can grow in her garden. 
        Free audio download: Bird Seeds
        Blog with activities: Bird Seeds


        The Farm Girl and the Feather (22:59)
        A fairy tale that proves warriors and their weapons come in different shapes and sizes.
        Free audio download: The Farm Girl and the Feather
        Blog with activities: The Farm Girl and the Feather


        Mojo's Outdoor Adventure (17:01)
        Mojo the ferret takes an unexpected trip outside but will he be able to find a way back in?
        Free audio download: Mojo's Outdoor Adventure
        Blog with activities: Mojo's Outdoor Adventure


        The Turns of the Seasons (13:58)
        One by one, the seasons take turns impacting people's lives. 
        Free audio download: The Turns of the Seasons
        Blog with activities: The Turns of the Seasons

        The Watermelon Seed: (10:18)
        A little boy and his grandmother exchange letters describing the different changes he is seeing in his mom after she swallows a watermelon seed.
        Free audio download: The Watermelon Seed
        Blog with activities: The Watermelon Seed

        Lulu and Her Lavender Lion: (12:31)
        A girl's journey through her memories with her imaginary friend.

        Free audio download: Lulu and Her Lavender Lion
        Blog with activities: Lulu and Her Lavender Lion


        Alien Pursuit (11:12)
        A family has to figure out how to lose the alien ships hot on their tail on their ride home from the grocery store.
        Free audio download: Alien Pursuit
        Blog with activities: Alien Pursuit

        If you are participating in 
        Escape the Room with Instructional Strategies, 
        go to:  bit.ly/emazeetr

        Friday, January 20, 2017

        HAPPY NEW YEAR




        Each member of the Night Light Stories household had a conference about which is their favorite story. We put this list together for your listening pleasure. 

        Enjoy!  

        TUCKER'S CHOICE (age 11): 

        Alien Pursuit (11:12)
        A family has to figure out how to lose the alien ships hot 

        on their tail on their ride home from the grocery store.

        Free audio download: Alien Pursuit
        Blog with activities: Alien Pursuit

        MAGGIE'S CHOICE (age 9)

        Lulu and Her Lavender Lion: (12:31)
        A girl's journey through her memories with her imaginary friend.

        Free audio download: Lulu and Her Lavender Lion
        Blog with activities: Lulu and Her Lavender Lion

        POPPY'S CHOICE (age 16) 

         The Basement (16:26)
        A boy works to keep his imagination from getting the best of him 
        in order to complete a chore for his mother.

        Free audio download: The Basement
        Blog with activities: The Basement

        MR. CHRIS' CHOICE (age 43)

        Red vs. Green: (22:21)
        When a team of Christmas elves goes against a team of 
        St. Patrick's Day leprechauns in the Holiday 
        Hockey Winter Classic, who will win?

        Free audio download: Red vs. Green
        Blog with activities: Red vs. Green

        MS. MEL'S CHOICE (age 39)

        The Leprechaun Trap (6:35)
        Two leprechauns are caught in a leprechaun trap and try to find 
        different ways to escape.

        Free audio download: The Leprechaun Trap
        Blog with activities: The Leprechaun Trap


        If you are participating in 
        Escape the Room with Instructional Strategies at #ATIA17, 
        go to:  bit.ly/emazeetr