A tribe of Ooga Boogas try to change their lives for the better with unexpected results.
Sat, 12 March 2022
Last episode, we brought you Chapter 24, where The Cloud presented their project, revealing field mice in the ventilation system, showing the whole school that the mold in the insulation and how the mice were bringing it throughout the school. This was the cause of people getting sick. |
Sat, 1 January 2022
Last episode, we brought you Chapter 23, where The Cloud prepared to present their new project. Mr. Ginsburg, the Technology Resource Teacher, had set up the event and reviewed the interactive voting system. Mrs. Young, the Assistant Principal, introduced each group to come to the center table to present their project to the audience. Melvin continued to make snide comments about the validity of The Cloud's data. Finally, The Cloud was called to the center of the gymnasium as the last group to present. |
Sat, 26 June 2021
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. Last episode, we brought you Chapter 22, where The Cloud walked around to check out all of the other groups projects, and prepared to present their project to all of the teachers, parents, and peers. |
Sun, 25 April 2021
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. Last episode, we brought you Chapter 21, where The Cloud worked diligently at their houses reviewing video and photo evidence to come up with a hypothesis as to what could be causing the school to get sick. |
Sun, 24 January 2021
Last episode, we brought you Chapter 20, where The Cloud had a day off of school that they used to meet as a team to put their science fair project together. However, they found that their data had been tampered with and they would be forced to withdraw or get another project together in one day's time.
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Tue, 29 December 2020
Last month, we brought you Chapter 19, where The Cloud had a plan to potentially investigate their hypothesis of Melvin making people sick. However, after getting the approval of Mr. Brisbane to clean the classroom, their plan went awry. The Cloud made a judgement error and ended up losing Mr. Brisbane's trust in the process. |
Sun, 22 November 2020
Last episode, we brought you Chapter 18, where The Cloud had Mr. Brisbane come to the library to help them with their science project so they could test if he was the cause of the rampant illness in the school by having other people in another environment around him. In the end, the foursome found that a sort of sickness captured only one of the library volunteers, but it was not what The Cloud expected.
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Sun, 8 November 2020
Last episode, we brought you Chapter 17, where The Cloud come up with a plan to test their newest theory that Mr. Brisbane is making everyone sick. The scientific method was in full effect. |
Sat, 26 September 2020
A few weeks ago, we brought you Chapter 16, where The Cloud enlisted the class' help in gathering ladybugs to put in a container so Todd could breathe in the air around the ladybugs to see if they were what was making the school sick. They came to the conclusion that the ladybugs did not cause everyone to get sick, and the experiment was successful. |
Sun, 23 August 2020
A few weeks ago, we brought you Chapter 15, where Garrett and Todd gave their health recommendations to a very distracted Mrs. Young. Their suggestions were easy to accomplish, but her distraction left them wondering if they would even see them implemented by the end of the year. Did you know that you can help the Cloud? Simply share a picture of the weather that is happening in your neck of the woods at nightlightstories@gmail.com. We'll place them on the the class website at bit.ly/brisbanegrade4 to help out The Cloud with their science fair data! |
Sat, 8 August 2020
A few weeks ago, we brought you Chapter 13 and 14, where Val questioned Melvin, hoping to find out who was putting the extra files in their project. The Cloud came to the assumption that Mr. Brisbane was helping them.
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Sat, 25 July 2020
A few weeks ago, we brought you Chapter 12, where The Cloud found extra resource links, pictures and videos in the digital folders for their science project. They began to hypothesize who could have access to their folders. They made a plan to quietly ask around the classroom to figure out if someone was trying to help their chances of winning. |
Fri, 3 July 2020
Last week we brought you Chapter 11, where Val and Garrett went to turn in attendance in the office, when they found the principal, Mr. Wolff, was feeling sick. Mr. Wolff tasked them both with drafting health rules for the school, and ended with him and Jamie going home sick. This week, we bring you Chapter 12. Our sponsor, Texthelp, will be featured before and after this week's episode. Texthelp, the makers of WriQ, is establishing a new revolution for student writing achievement. Join a growing community of students and teachers and try WriQ for free today. Visit: text.help(forward slash)stories. |
Sat, 20 June 2020
Last week we brought you Chapter 10, where The Cloud discussed how they would divide the work for the science fair amongst themselves, and also thought up ideas to help Jamie make a swift recovery. What type of project have you done or would you be interested in doing for the science fair? Check out the class website at bit.ly/brisbanegrade4 and http://www.nightlightstories.net for a link to be part of the class!
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Sun, 7 June 2020
Two weeks ago we brought you Chapter 9, where The Cloud decided their nicknames and learned about the school's upcoming science fair. Mr. Brisbane incentivized entering the science fair by giving no homework while the students prepared their projects! The class clusters were all abuzz about options for the projects they could do. |
Sun, 24 May 2020
Last week we brought you Chapter 8, where the four friends organized their efforts and solved Mr. Brisbane's riddle, and due to their resourcefulness on the internet, he dubbed them "The Cloud". Check out the class website at bit.ly/brisbanegrade4 and http://www.nightlightstories.net for a link to be part of the class! This week, we have chapter 9. Our sponsor, Texthelp, will be featured before and after chapter 9. Texthelp, the makers of Fluency Tutor are offering it for free through the end of the school year. Try it today, by visiting: text.help/nightlightstories
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Mon, 18 May 2020
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. Last week we brought you Chapter 7, where the four friends organized their efforts by dividing up the clues to research and creating a shared word processing doc. The whole class worked in their somewhat chosen pods in order to breakdown the visuals and audio clues given. They also worked to create unique and individualized name tags. You, too, can follow the clues and help them out by utilizing some technology tools! Check out the class website at bit.ly/brisbanegrade4 and also the Clues Corner on the blog http://www.nightlightstories.net for a link to be part of the class! Speaking of checking out cool technology tools this week's episode is sponsored by Fluency Tutor, brought to you by Texthelp. Check it out at text.help/nightlightstories. |
Sat, 9 May 2020
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. Last week we brought you Chapter 5 and 6, where the students worked on solving the clues that their new 4th grade teacher, Mr. Brisbane had given them in multiple different formats. They were presented with pictures, audio directions from the computer, clues on a class website and search engines for research. In order to get Mr. Brisbane to talk they have to solve his puzzle. You, too, can follow the clues and help them out by utilizing some technology tools! Check out the class website at bit.ly/brisbanegrade4 and also the Clues Corner on the blog http://www.nightlightstories.net for a link to be part of the class! Speaking of checking out cool technology tools this week's episode is sponsored by Fluency Tutor, brought to you by Texthelp. Texthelp, the makers of Fluency Tutor are providing free access to Fluency Tutor for all educators and students to the end of the school year. Try it today, by visiting: text.help/nightlightstories |
Sun, 3 May 2020
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. Last week we brought you Chapter 4, where the students were introduced to their fourth grade teacher in a very unique way. In order to get their teacher to talk, they will need to follow a series of clues. You, too, can follow the clues! Be sure to listen for the class website name (bit.ly/brisbanegrade4) and check out the Clues Corner on the blog for a link to be part of the class! This week, we have two chapters in this episode. You can hear about our new sponsor, Text Help ,before Chapter 5 and before 6. |
Fri, 24 April 2020
We hope this finds you and your family safe and well. We last saw our 4 friends being introduced to their new teacher in the gymnasium. They also found out who was, in fact, in their class. As they all followed their new teacher, Mr. Brisbane, to their classroom, there were many rumors floating through the line about Mr. Brisbane's past. This week, we bring you Chapter 4 of The Cloud. |
Wed, 15 April 2020
Hello and welcome to episode 65 of the Night Light Stories podcast recorded on April 11, 2020. This podcast tells one original story (or part of an original story) each episode that will light up the imaginations of children of all ages, anytime, anywhere. 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 2, where four friends met up at the school on the first day to meet their new teacher. This week, we’re excited to present Chapter 3 of The Cloud! |
Sun, 5 April 2020
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! |
Sun, 29 March 2020
Four friends meet virtually on the last night of summer break to discuss events that happened at the school over the summer. They also prepare to meet their mysterious new-to-the-school fourth grade teacher. |
Sun, 20 April 2014
During the summer before his fifth grade school year Haver Hawkings sets out to find all 21 geocaches hidden by an expert named Babatoochee. Having found 20 of the 21 caches, Haver searches for the final one hoping it will be the secret that unlocks the entire mystery. http://nightlightstories.net This episode is sponsored by http://bit.ly/bagsbybetty |
Thu, 6 March 2014
Haver, a bit of a neat freak, heads out to find the first of the 21 caches hidden by expert geocacher, Babatoochee. Unfortunately for Haver, obtaining the cache isn't as easy as he had hoped. |
Sat, 18 January 2014
Haver Hawkings loves geography and maps but hates getting dirty. When his teacher introduces him to a global hobby called "geocaching" Haver learns there's a world of hidden objects for him to discover. http://nightlightstories.net |
Sun, 20 October 2013
A talk show host interviews a zombie about his latest viral video. This episode is sponsored by Soda Stream http://sodastreamusa.com http://nightlightstories.net |
Sun, 26 May 2013
Admist tragedy, Vivien learns the secret behind her visions and discovers she has a difficult choice to make. http://nightlightstories.net http://bit.ly/nlsitunes |
Mon, 29 April 2013
Strange images seemingly appear out of nowhere when Vivien spends time with a special animal. |
Tue, 26 March 2013
A boy works to keep his imagination from getting the best of him in order to complete a chore for his mother. |
Sat, 23 February 2013
There's only seconds left in the big game. Who will be the football hero? |
Sun, 20 January 2013
Mojo the ferret is going on a trip but his destination isn't what he expected. What ever will he do to entertain himself? |
Mon, 17 December 2012
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? |
Wed, 21 November 2012
Auntie Kerry recruits her family to fulfill her dream of competing in a unique river race but when she gets sick they are forced to come together as a team without their fearless leader. http://nightlightstories.net This episode is sponsored by http://parsonagesoap.com |
Sat, 27 October 2012
Princess Ennui is bored with everything until she meets an imp who offers her a magical intervention with unexpected results. Can Princess Ennui find a way to save the kingdom? http://nightlightstories.net |
Sat, 29 September 2012
A boy and his mother discover the wonder of watching a letter fly through the sky. |
Fri, 28 September 2012
Here's that BIG ANNOUNCEMENT we mentioned in the previous episode! Dragonfly, Dragonfly Show Us The Way (Episode 11 of the podcast) have been adapted into an children's e-book for the iPad and iPhone! The books is available for $2.99 within the Flying Books App. Learn more at http://nightlightstories.net |
Tue, 28 August 2012
Simon receives a mysterious present from his uncle. Can he use his powers of observation to unravel its special purpose? This episode is sponsored by Nature's Clean Choice Anti-microbial Baby Blankets protected by Fossshield. http://bit.ly/superblanket |
Thu, 26 July 2012
Grabby Goose learns the value of true friendship when things got awry on Lake Wallawallawampack. |
Sat, 2 June 2012
Come along on a tour of the exhibits featured in the Museum of Malodorous Art! |
Sat, 28 April 2012
While learning to ride a bike, a boy learns that perseverance breeds confidence. |
Sat, 17 March 2012
This flashlight episode features a letter from a leprechaun named Seamus who explains how he escaped from the leprechaun trap. http://nightlightstories.net |
Sun, 4 March 2012
Clementine the cupid has lost his magical quiver. Can his friends help him find it? |
Fri, 3 February 2012
A boy prepares for his shot at taking home the spelling bee championship. Will he succeed? |
Mon, 9 January 2012
A boy's personal collection grows into something far bigger than himself. |
Sat, 3 December 2011
Tragedy befalls a boy and his candy cane on a long car drive to Grandma's for the holidays. |
Fri, 18 November 2011
One by one, the seasons take turns impacting people's lives. This episode features a bumper from New England Patriot, Kyle Arrington. |
Thu, 20 October 2011
A goblin named Glum wants to have a surprise birthday party for his brother Gloom, but every monster he invites already has plans for the evening. |
Mon, 3 October 2011
A little one has a special request for everyone in attendance at her fourth birthday party. |
Sat, 27 August 2011
Mojo the ferret takes an unexpected trip outside but will he be able to find a way back in? |
Sun, 17 July 2011
A fairytale that proves warriors and their weapons come in different shapes and sizes. |
Sat, 2 July 2011
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.
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Sat, 7 May 2011
A limerick for Better Hearing and Speech Month. For more about Better Hearing and Speech Month check out http://asha.org. |
Sun, 3 April 2011
A family fends off alien pursuers on their way home from the grocery store. http://nightlightstories.net Thanks to Mover Rich from the Imagination Movers for the cool bumper! http://imaginationmovers.com |
Sat, 12 March 2011
This episode is a special St. Patrick’s Day flashlight episode about two leprechauns caught in a leprechaun trap. A flashlight episode means that it is just a wee bit shorter than our other stories, but we think you’ll find it just as illuminating. http://nightlightstories.net |
Fri, 4 March 2011
A rhyming poem where a boy discovers the differences between his parents' styles of play.
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Sun, 6 February 2011
Mojo the ferret discovers a new friend in the most unlikely of places.
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Mon, 10 January 2011
Two wrestlers meet in the ring for a re-match! Who will come out victorious? |
Sun, 9 January 2011
A downloadable PDF board game related to the story "The I'm Sorry Truck", episode 8 of the podcast. |
Mon, 13 December 2010
When a team of Christmas elves goes against a team of St. Patrick's Day leprachauns in the Holiday Hockey Winter Classic, who will win? |
Mon, 8 November 2010
Agent Tissue is hot on the trail of a runaway nose that is hiding on the playground. Can his two new recruits help him catch the slippery culprit?
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Thu, 14 October 2010
What goes bump in the night? How do you keep the Heebie Jeebies away, especially on Halloween? |
Thu, 23 September 2010
A boy describes his experience of having to get stitches.
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Wed, 18 August 2010
Getting ready for the very first bus ride on the very first day of school can be a nerve-racking experience!
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Wed, 4 August 2010
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Thu, 22 July 2010
The sequel to "The Walk" describes the boy's adventures he has on a hike with his family.
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Sun, 27 June 2010
A girl's journey through her memories with her imaginary friend.
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Sun, 9 May 2010
Hello All, Surprise! Happy Mother's Day! Mr. Chris and I dedicate this quick flashlight episode to our beautiful moms who have supported and loved us through thick and thin. We are so grateful for every phone call, hug, and chocolate lollipop you bring us. We would have bought you flowers, but thought a poem was something you could listen to over and over all year round to remind you how very special you are.
VORACIOUS VOCABULARY
In our story there are many juicy words that are fun to learn and say. Try to use some of these words in your vocabulary this week at home or in school. confidence: belief in oneself and one's abilities. delight: something that gives great pleasure. pride: the feeling of being proud.
As always, I look forward to the many stories and memories we can share together.
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Sat, 13 March 2010
Some exciting things are happening in the Night Light Stories household that we want to share with you! Mr. Chris and I were asked to write a series of children's books. We are thrilled and eager to create a story that you'll get to read in print form! We've already started working on the project and we're really happy with how it is coming together. We're going to have a lot of fun working on the story, but it is also going to take a lot of time and a lot of hard work. Unfortunately, that means we're going to have to take a short break from writing for Night Light Stories. Don't worry though, we plan to come back sometime in the Fall with brand new stories! Also, we're going to keep adding new Lighting the Way With Words each week over, as well as occasional updates on our writing project and, who knows, maybe there will be some surprises along the way. So, please, stay subscribed and tell your friends about Night Light Stories because we're so excited to be able to share this journey.
VORACIOUS VOCABULARY In our story there are many juicy words that are fun to learn and say. Try to use some of these words in your vocabulary this week at home or in school.
lurch: a sudden tip or roll to one side pungent: sharply affecting the organs of smell JUST ADD IMAGINATION! 1. 2. COMPREHENSION CHALLENGE
2. Make a list of all the ways Mojo tries to itch and soothe his ears before he sees the doctor.
4. How does the doctor make Mojo feel more comfortable? BRIGHT BIRTHDAY WISHES
Joe D of Valencia, Spain Uncle John of Valencia, Spain, Ellie H of Danvers, Massachusetts Pattie C of Groveland, Massachusetts Uncle Terry of New Hampshire We hope your day SPARKLED!
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Sun, 14 February 2010
Hi All,
Currently, in the Night Light Stories household, we have been working with our two young children on having patience with each other. Our youngest is in the destroying phase and that makes for a very unhappy big brother. We try to remind him that she is learning and to make him a part of the teaching process. It can be hard though, for both of them. However, when one is upset or hurt, the other one is the first one to be there to offer comfort and kind words. They are, in every sense of the word, siblings!
VORACIOUS VOCABULARY In our story there are many juicy words that are fun to learn and say. Try to use some of these words in your vocabulary this week at home or in school.
masterpiece:a person's greatest piece of work, as in an art. JUST ADD IMAGINATION! 1. Build, draw, create, or cook your own masterpiece. You could build with blocks, draw with paints, create a sculpture with Play-Doh, or try out a new recipe with your favorite adult. 2. A simple act of kindness is easy to do. Try to do something helpful for your family members like making their beds for them, emptying the trash without being asked or even just clearing your place at the table when you are finished eating. COMPREHENSION CHALLENGE
2. How does the narrator try to get his little sister's attention as she is heading towards his tower?
BRIGHT BIRTHDAY WISHES
Victoria J. of Maryland Aunt Julie of New York Mike N. of New York
Luke N. of Virginia We hope your day SPARKLED! If you know someone who has a birthday coming up and you'd like to send them a Night Light Birthday wish, send us an email at nightlightstories@gmail.com.Please send us your loved one's first name and the first initial of their last name only and we'll pass along the birthday wish. There are no age limits!
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Fri, 15 January 2010
Hi All, We hope the New Year is finding you well! We have been getting more snow than usual this month here at the Night Light Stories household. Having a 4 year old and 2 year old to bundle up to get outside takes some time and patience. Once we get out there though, it is worth it! There is a lot to do like snow angels, snow ball fights, snow forts, snow men and sledding. So many choices, so little time! In other Night Light news, we were thrilled to have a local newspaper, the Loudoun Independent, do a story about us. You can click here to find the article about Night Light Stories. VORACIOUS VOCABULARY
nestle: snuggle or cuddle
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Sat, 12 December 2009
Try any or all of these fun activities with Inky! 1. Color Inky your favorite color using markers, crayons, colored pencils, or any other fun coloring tool you have! 2. Paint or color an ocean scene on a piece of paper and then paste Inky somewhere in your seascape! 3. Design Inky's den for him. Where would his bed be? Would he have a kitchen? 4. Use a crayon and color all of Inky's pieces heavily. Really bear down on the crayon so that you cannot see any white spots. When you are finished, flip the paper over to the side that is not colored. Dribble a little vegetable oil on a paper towel and spread it across the paper. Check out the cool effect you've create! Hang Inky on the tree or in the window to create a sun catcher. 5. Practice your counting, addition, subtraction and/or multiplication with Inky! Print out the Head, Arms, and Suction Cup templates. Attach all 8 arms to Inky's head. Cut out all the suction cups. Move them around each tentacle and add them up or take some away. 6. Place as many suction cups as you want on each tentacle and count them up. You can practice counting by 2's, 3's, 4's, 5's, or even 10's! 7. Practice your multiplication facts! Place 6 suction cups on all 8 arms and see how many you get? Take them off and place 3 on each arm. How many do you have now? 8. Create a pattern with Inky's tentacles, such as red, green, red, green. If you are a little more daring, use the suction cup template and see how detailed you can make your patterns on his tentacles. 9. Decorate Inky as festive as you can for the holiday season using things around the ocean. 10. Design your very own Inky, Shark, Jellyfish, and Eel. The possiblilities are endless! Once you've finished your project, take a picture and send it to us at nightlightstories@gmail.com. We'll post it up in our Fan Art section so you can share it with the world! Who knows? Your work of art might just inspire someone else! Have fun and enjoy! |
Sat, 12 December 2009
Click here to listen to: Chilly's Christmas (our first Christmas story) Hello All, Season Greetings! We want to send out our warmest Night Light wishes to you and your family during this holiday season. This time of year, we look forward to a lot of parties, lights, decorations, singing, and presents. There are a lot of different ways to give through the holiday seasons. You can give your time to a worthy cause, collect food, collect toys, even donate a book for children in the hospital. Share with us a way that you have given in this holiday season. We love to hear about how creative and generous our listeners are. Voracious Vocabulary Our stories are filled with many illuminating words. Try and use them somewhere in a conversation this week. festive: joyous propel: to drive, or cause to move, forward or onward smithereens: small pieces, bits
All Things Inky Try any or all of these fun activities with Inky! 1. Color Inky your favorite color using markers, crayons, colored pencils, or any other fun coloring tool you have! 2. Paint or color an ocean scene on a piece of paper and then paste Inky somewhere in your seascape! 3. Design Inky's den for him. Where would his bed be? Would he have a kitchen? 4. Use a crayon and color all of Inky's pieces heavily. Really bear down on the crayon so that you cannot see any white spots. When you are finished, flip the paper over to the side that is not colored. Dribble a little vegetable oil on a paper towel and spread it across the paper. Check out the cool effect you've create! Hang Inky on the tree or in the window to create a sun catcher. 5. Practice your counting, addition, subtraction and/or multiplication with Inky! Print out the Head, Arms, and Suction Cup templates. Attach all 8 arms to Inky's head. Cut out all the suction cups. Move them around each tentacle and add them up or take some away. 6. Place as many suction cups as you want on each tentacle and count them up. You can practice counting by 2's, 3's, 4's, 5's, or even 10's! 7. Practice your multiplication facts! Place 6 suction cups on all 8 arms and see how many you get? Take them off and place 3 on each arm. How many do you have now? 8. Create a pattern with Inky's tentacles, such as red, green, red, green. If you are a little more daring, use the suction cup template and see how detailed you can make your patterns on his tentacles. 9. Decorate Inky as festive as you can for the holiday season using things around the ocean. 10. Design your very own Inky, Shark, Jellyfish, and Eel. The possiblilities are endless! Once you've finished your project, take a picture and send it to us at nightlightstories@gmail.com. We'll post it up in our Fan Art section so you can share it with the world! Who knows? Your work of art might just inspire someone else! Have fun and enjoy! JUST ADD IMAGINATION Try these activities to keep your imagination glowing after hearing the story. 1. Create a holiday scene using the ocean theme. How many things in the ocean can you find to mimic decorations on land? 2. Write a letter to Inky sharing some ideas with him on how you think he could control his inking. COMPREHENSION CHALLENGE After listening to the story, can you recall the details to answer these questions? 1. List 2 things that Inky worries about throughout the story. 2. How did he plan on not inking at Shark's Shindig? At Jellyfish's Jamboree? 3. Were his friends angry with him like he thought they would be? How did he know? BRIGHT BIRTHDAY WISHES Papa G of Massachusetts Uncle Markie of Massachusetts Shawn D Nonni B of New York Cavin D of West Virginia We hope your day SPARKLED! If you know someone who has a birthday coming up and you'd like to send them a Night Light Birthday wish, send us an email at nightlightstories@gmail.com.Please send us your loved one's first name and the first initial of their last name only and we'll pass along the birthday wish. There are no age limits! As always I look forward to watching the glow grow brighter with the many stories we can share together. |
Sat, 21 November 2009
We're in the holiday season. There will be days off of school and work, eating mouth watering foods and desserts, and of course, spending time with those you love. Whether you are traveling by plane, car, or train, we wish you a safe journey. Personally, in the Night Light Stories household, we love to jam to music from Rocknoceros, Laurie Berkner, Imagination Movers and Recess Monkey on our iPods, listen to stories and watch a movie or two. We also love to play games to pass the time like car Bingo or I Spy. Whatever your plans are this holiday weekend, we hope you have a magnificent time. While spending some time with your family, we hope you share with them this and the other stories at http://nightlightstories.blogspot.com |
Fri, 23 October 2009
Hello All, CONTEST CORNER To help celebrate our 1st two part story, the Northern Virginia based band, Rocknoceros, generously offered their newest CD, PINK, as a prize for a contest. To enter, simply visit Rocknoceros' website and explore all around. Dance to some songs, check out their podcast, and read their bios. Then, come back to this post at http://www.nightlightstories.blogspot.com and leave a comment about what you found most interesting, fun, or inviting about this intriguing trio!  What did you say, a word of the day? That is right, in our story there are many illuminating words. Try and use them in your conversations this week! awkward:lacking grace or ease in movement exasperated:annoy extremely flinch:to draw back or withdraw from silhouette:the outline or general shape of something COMPREHENSION CHALLENGE After listening to the story, can you recall the details to answer these questions? 1. What made Millie flinch in the hay loft? 2. Do you think Millie raked the leaves like her mom asked? What did she do with them? 3. Where was Millie's father before she showed him the scarecrow? JUST ADD IMAGINATION! Try these activities to keep your imagination glowing after hearing the story. 1. Make a list of things you could reuse around your house to make a scarecrow. 2. Visit Crayola.com's coloring website http://bit.ly/pwpump to create a picture from your favorite part in the story. Send it us at nightlightstories@gmail.com and we will post it for all to enjoy. 3. Carve your own digital pumpkin at http://www.puffgames.com/pumpkincarving |
Fri, 16 October 2009
Hello All,
Have you ever carved a pumpkin or made a scarecrow? The Night Light Stories household loves to do both. So far, we have created the scarecrow that is pictured below. The pumpkins are scheduled to be carved next weekend when the grandparents arrive for a visit.
We would love to see a picture of your pumpkins, scarecrows, or any of the Harvest time decorations you created this year. Send the pictures to nightlightstories@gmail.com and we will post them on the site for all to enjoy, as well as in our Fan Art. What did you say? A word of the day! That is right! In our story there are many juicy words that are fun to learn and say! Crest: the highest part of a hill or mountain range Ferocious: savagely fierce Girth: the measure around anything Muffled: To deaden (a sound) COMPREHENSION CHALLENGE After listening to the story, can you recall the details to answer these questions? 1. Where does Millie find her father first in the story? The second place she finds him? The third place she finds him?
2. Why does Millie’s father carve the pumpkin without her?
3. Can you name all of the things that are on her father’s list to complete?
JUST ADD IMAGINATION! Try these activities to keep your imagination glowing after hearing the story. 1. Making lists are a very helpful and useful tool. I use them daily so that I do not forget to complete the many tasks that need to get done throughout the day. Make a to do list. Check each thing off as you complete them.
2. Create a scary face for Millie's jack-o-lantern. What shapes would you use to make it ferocious looking?
3. Millie's mom uses the idiom "beauty is in the eye of the beholder" in the story. An idiom is a phrase which has a meaning that is commonly understood by speakers of the language, but whose meaning is often different from the normal meaning of the words. You can find a list of idioms at the website http://www.idiomsite.com/. See how many on the list that you have heard of or used before.
BRIGHT BIRTHDAY WISHES We want to send out bright birthday wishes to: Aunt Kathleen of Valencia, Spain Nanny D of Danvers, MA We hope your day SPARKLED! If you know someone who has a birthday coming up and you'd like to send them a Night Light Birthday wish, send us an email at nightlightstories@gmail.com. Please send us your loved one's first name and the first initial of their last name only and we'll pass along the birthday wish. There are no age limits! As always I look forward to the many stories we can share together. |
Sat, 26 September 2009
Hi All, Happy Autumn! The first day of Fall, September 22nd, was this week and I could not be happier. It is definitely our favorite season in the Night Light household. The crisp chilly air, no more pesky little gnats swarming your head and jumping in huge leaf piles! Although the days do become shorter and it gets darker earlier and stays dark later in the morning. Our night lights have to work overtime during this season. Our Lightning McQueen, Mater, and Princess night lights all do a wonderful job of keeping our rooms illuminated and help us feel a little more secure. On that note, we are honored and delighted to be sponsored by The Art of Patrizia. She is a talented woman who designs unique and stunning night lights. She welcomes new ideas for designs and the colors in the night lights can be changed at no extra charge. As our sponsor, she has generously offered to design us a Night Light Stories night light to give away to one of our loyal listeners! Entering for a chance to win is simple. Visit her site, The Art of Patrizia, and leave a comment about which night light on her site was your absolute favorite. We will randomly draw a winner on Thursday, October 8th. What did you say? A word of the day! That is right! In our story there are many juicy words that are fun to learn and say! prance: to dance or move in a lively or spirited manner shimmer: To appear as a wavering or flickering image Creative Corner 1. Make a list of all the things you can think of that make the sound "click"? 2. How many words can you make from the words "NIGHT LIGHT"? 3. While you are trying to fall asleep, count as high as you can. |
Sat, 12 September 2009
Hi All, The school year is in full swing at the Night Light household. Trail hiking, river swimming and all day family days will have to wait until the weekends. Our minds are rested and rejuvenated from the summer adventures and we are ready to have some new adventures in school! We hope you admire your teacher, are blissful when collaborating with your classmates, never disguise how ecstatic you are about school, flabbergasted by all the new things you learn, and most of all we wish you all a gigantically successful school year! CREATE A TITLE FOR A CHANCE TO WIN A COOL SNACK BAG!  Our twelfth story was written by Chris and Melissa Bugaj and well, to be honest, it does not have a title! We could really use your help and creativity! After you listen to the story, come up with a creative title for this story. Leave it as a comment on the blog, twitter it to us at nightlight08 or email me at nightlightstories@gmail.com. Our favorite title will win this very fun and reusable snack bag created by Natalia at the Woobie Shop. Great for lunchboxes, purses, book bags, diaper bags or really anywhere you can fit it. What did you say? A word of the day! That is right! In our story there are many juicy words that are fun to learn and say! launch:to send forth or release slogan: catch word or catch phrase summit:the highest point or part of a hill swivel: to turn or pivot
JUST ADD IMAGINATION! Try these activities to keep your imagination glowing after hearing the story. 1. Keep a special journal or notebook where you keep all of your thoughts, ideas and drawings. 2. Sit together as a family and write down three goals for the school year for school and home that you want to achieve.They could be daily goals, weekly goals, monthly goals or yearly goals. 3. Mrs. Brighton made her lunch and packed her backpack the night before so that she would not have to rush to do that in the morning. Think of one or two things you could do the night before school to make the morning a little bit easier for you. Examples would be: Take a shower, pack your lunch, organize your book bag or set out your clothes. COMPREHENSION CHALLENGE After listening to the story, can you recall the details to answer these questions? 1. Why did Mrs. Brighton have such a difficult time choosing a theme for her classroom? 2. Where is Mrs. Brighton when she thinks about "Leaping into Second Grade" as her theme? 3. What does she finally decide on as a theme? Be as specific and detailed as you can in describing her classroom. BRIGHT BIRTHDAY WISHES We want to send out bright birthday wishes to: Amanda M from New Hampshire Heather J of Virginia Saben J of Virginia Aunt Nenny Danielle B of Buffalo, NY Proby of Chigago Illinois. We hope your day SPARKLED! If you know someone who has a birthday coming up and you'd liketo send them a Night Light Birthday wish, send us an email atnightlightstories@gmail.com.Please send us your loved one's first name and the first initial of their last name only and we'll pass along the birthday wish. There are no age limits! As always I look forward to the many stories we can share together. |
Tue, 18 August 2009
Click here to listen to: Dragonfly, Dragonfly, Show Us the Way Hi All, Here we are in the last month of summer vacation. Can you believe it? We have had a great summer taking time to visit with our family and friends. Speaking of our friends, we are having a quick contest in honor of celebrating our little man turning FOUR with all of our friends! What will you win? Two imaginative, energetic and catchy music CD's. "FIELD TRIP" from Recess Monkey  To enter, simply leave us a comment on the blog, at our email nightlightstories@gmail.com, or send me Tweet via Twitter.com at nightlight08 describing one of your favorite things about your best friend. We'll be picking two winners at random from all those who enter. See my example below: I love my best girlfriend because she accepts me for who I am. For 15 years she has always been there for me.  What did you say? A word of the day! That is right! In our story there are many juicy words that are fun to learn and say! conceal: cover up or keep from sight shimmied: to shake or vibrate treacherous: unstable or insecure, as footing JUST ADD IMAGINATION! Try these activities to keep your imagination glowing after hearing the story. 1. A spelunker is a person who makes a hobby of exploring and studying caves. Think about all the things that a spelunker would find in exploring a cave. What kinds of things do you think they would study? 2. Check out a book or many books at the library on the buffalo, the dragonfly, or the black-footed ferret. Read about one, two or all of these animals. COMPREHENSION CHALLENGE After listening to the story, can you recall the details to answer these questions? 1. Where did Buffalo and Dragonfly discover Black-Footed Ferret? 2. How did each of the friends help get each other safely through their journey? 3. Before meeting Buffalo, Dragonfly used to live in the meadow. Why did she leave?
BRIGHT BIRTHDAY WISHES We want to send out bright birthday wishes to: Gianna S of Peabody, MA Meme of Georgetown, MA Nana of Eden, NY Bethie C of Groveland, MA Brian C of Groveland, MA Brian B of Fredonia, NY Brayden B of Fredonia, NY Tucker B of Harpers Ferry, WV We hope your day SPARKLED! If you know someone who has a birthday coming up and you'd like to send them a Night Light Birthday wish, send us an email at nightlightstories@gmail.com.Please send us your loved one's first name and the first initial of their last name only and we'll pass along the birthday wish. There are no age limits! As always I look forward to the many stories we can share together. |
Tue, 16 June 2009
Click here to listen to: The Watermelon Seed Hi All, We are hoping you are enjoying the start of your summer! In our last post we listed a few reading programs we found helpful and illuminating to keep you reading all summer long. Here is one more program from Scholastic Books that we just discovered! What did you say? A word of the day! That is right! In our story there are many juicy words that are fun to learn and say! awry: away from the expected or proper direction; amiss; wrong protruding: to thrust forward sweltering: oppressively hot and humid viable: able to live and grow JUST ADD IMAGINATION! Try these activities to keep your imagination glowing after hearing the story. 1. Write a letter to someone you love about what you plan to do this summer. Don't forget the FIVE parts of a letter: Heading, Greeting, Body, Closing, and Your Signature. 2. Make your own observations. Save a seed from any kind of fruit you eat, such as a watermelon, an apple or a pear. Give it a few days to dry. Plant the seed in a cup of soil. Place it in the sun and water it daily. What changes do you see happening? Write them down or draw them out. COMPREHENSION CHALLENGE After listening to the story, can you recall the details to answer these questions? 1. What did the boy first notice was changing in his mom? 2. Why did the boy think the mom was growing a watermelon in her belly? 3. List 3 observations the boy made about his Momma's belly that he wrote his Grandma about? BRIGHT BIRTHDAY WISHES We want to send out bright birthday wishes to: John D of Valencia, Spain Kerry W of Cambridge, MA Sue H of East Amherst, NY Samantha R of Bedford, MA We hope your day SPARKLED! If you know someone who has a birthday coming up and you'd like to send them a Night Light Birthday wish, send us an email at nightlightstories@gmail.com. Please send us your loved one's first name and the first initial of their last name only and we'll pass along the birthday wish. There are no age limits! POST IT We hope you have some wonderful summer time plans, whether it is playing in your yard or traveling to the beach, we'd love to hear about them. Feel free to post fun summer time activities on the blog. As always, I look forward to watching the glow grow brighter with the many stories we can share together.
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Sun, 31 May 2009
Hi All, Happy End of the School Year! Thanks to all of you who participated in the contest by leaving a comment on the blog . There are a lot of ways that people can feel special. Stop by this post and check out the really inspiring entries at www.nightlightstories.blogspot.com. While you're there feel free to share what makes you feel special. aroma: an agreeable odor; fragrance. promptly: quick to act pungent: sharply affecting the organs of taste or smell, as if by a penetrating power replenish: to make full or complete again unravel: to separate or disentangle JUST ADD IMAGINATION! Try these activities to keep your imagination glowing after hearing the story. 1. Place the following list of words in alphabetical order: sailed, shaking, gloriously, patiently, grocery, jingle, peel, drifted, hammock, scampered 2. Retell the story after you hear it to a parent or friend. It might help to write some key words down or draw some pictures as you listen to help you remember the correct order of the story. 3. There are many ways to solve a problem. Think of another solution to Mojo's problem. COMPREHENSION CHALLENGE After listening to the story, can you recall the details to answer these questions? 1. What did Mojo's human mom do with the bananas that she thought were bad? 2. Why was Mojo so upset when he saw the mice eating the bananas? 3. How did Mojo solve the problem to keep the mice away from his bananas? BRIGHT BIRTHDAY WISHES We want to send out bright birthday wishes to: Meg G. of Thurmont MD who turned 3 Michael H. of Danvers MA John H. of Danvers, MA Timmy C. of Groveland MA We would also like to congratulate Kevin H and Bethi C who both graduated and will be on to bigger, brighter things! We hope your day SPARKLED! If you want to be a part of getting a Night Light Birthday wish, send us an email at nightlightstories@gmail.com. Please send us your first name and last name initial only along with your age and date of your birthday. There are no age limits! As always, I look forward to watching the glow grow brighter with the many stories we can share together.
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Fri, 15 May 2009
The I'm Sorry Truck was originally inspired by a drawing made by Daddy and son for Momma after a particularly bad day filled with poor choices. Check out the blog over at http://www.nightlightstories.blogspot.com
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Fri, 15 May 2009
A short promo for the Night Light Stories podcast featuring original stories for children of all ages. For more information or to listen to the stories from the web check out http://www.nightlightstories.blogspot.com
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Sun, 22 March 2009
Happy Spring! As we have shared in our past few entries, one of our most favorite activities to do is take a walk or hike. On weeknights after dinner, we enjoy walking around our mountain as a family. We love to check on the level of the babbling creek, hike off the beaten path to the many interesting rocks formations, run as fast as we can down the dirt roads, and listen for birds chirping and other little critters skittering around. Sometimes we are really lucky and see our deer friends "Hoppy" and "Twirly" and their babies that are the new spring additions to our majestic mountain. As you listen to the story, consider the following: What do you enjoy doing most with your family? Leave us a message on the blog about your favorite family activity, the story, or any past story and you can enter a chance to win some great books from Hatchette Books! CH-CH-CH-CHANGES This week we have a special treat! When you listen to the story, you will notice a difference. Did my voice drop a few octaves? Not exactly, but good guess. We are delighted to have Mr. Chris Bugaj, who has written all the stories with Miss Mel, to make his narrating debut. Mr. Chris is also the host of the award winning podcast A.T.Tipscast, which provides at least one strategy per episode about technology used to help struggling students. What did you say? A word of the day! That is right! In our story there are many juicy words that are fun to learn and say! Concoction: To prepare by mixing ingredients Embarked: To set out on a venture Emblem: A sign, design, or figure that identifies or represents something Interweaving: To weave together, as threads, strands, branches, or roots Bright Birthdays We wanted to start sending bright birthday wishes to our loyal listeners at the end of each episode. If you want to be a part of getting a Night Light Birthday wish, send us an email at nightlightstories@gmail.com. Please send us your first name and last name initial only along with your age and date of your birthday. There are no age limits! For example, this weeks episode we want to send out Bright Birthday wishes to Will D, Joe D and John D from Valencia Spain. We hope your day SPARKLED! More Worthy Websites |
Sat, 7 March 2009
Hello All,
Dismay: a breakdown of courage Discussion: an exchange of views about a topic
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Sat, 28 February 2009
Hello All, The month of February flew by and the Night Light Stories' household has successfully healed from surgery, edited a book, and completed a fun story for your listening pleasure. Since February is National Children’s Dental Health Month, we though our story fit this month perfectly. A Tooth's Story was written by Chris and Melissa Bugaj. Enjoy! What did you say? A word of the day! That is right! In our story there are many juicy words that are fun to learn and say! I am going to post a word or two or three or more from the story that would be fun to try to use in your conversations throughout the week. Coax: To persuade or try to persuade by pleading or flattery Grumble: to express or utter with murmuring or complaining Muffled: being or made softer or less loud or clear Perspective: the appearance of things relative to one another as determined by their distance from the viewer
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Tue, 20 January 2009
We are excited to introduce our first "flashlight" episode. A "flashlight" episode is shorter than other episodes, but we think you'll find them just as illuminating. In honor of this being our first "Flashlight", we are giving away some great books generously donated to us by our sponsor, Barefoot Books. Their books are original, entertaining, and so imaginative. There are two ways to enter and you can do just one or both! The first way is to draw a squircle by listening to the poem. Now, take that squircle and make a picture. Your picture can be just one squircle colored in, or a bunch of squircles put together to make something new. Your picture can be as simple or complex as you want it to be. We'd love to see what you can come up with using your imagination! Send your works of art to nightlightstories@gmail.com. We will post all the entries in our Fan Art slide show for everyone to enjoy. The second way is to simply leave us a comment on the blog telling us THREE shapes you see throughout your day and where you saw them. One winner will be chosen randomly on Valentine's Day, February 14th, 2009 to receive a set of five books from Barefoot Books. We look forward to seeing your creations. Speaking of creations, entries are starting to come in for the Goosie Card contest. The details for that contest are outlined in episode #3. You can check out all of the entries and find out more information about the contest by going to www.nightlightstories.blogspot.com. This episode and any past or future episodes is protected under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 License which means that you have permission to share these stories but don't sell or alter them in any way. As always, I look forward to watching the glow grow brighter with the many stories we can share together. What did you say? A word of the day! That is right! In our story there are many juicy words that are fun to learn and say! I am going to post some words from the story that would be fun to try to use in your conversations throughout the week. Squircle: a mathematical shape with properties between those of a square and those of a circle. Phenomenal: highly extraordinary or prodigious; exceptional. Fret: to feel or express worry, annoyance, discontent. Galore: in abundance; in plentiful amounts. Sneak Peek Here is a sneak peak at a couple of the books you could win from Barefoot Books! We look forward to sharing these wonderful treasures with you!
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Sat, 10 January 2009
Click here to listen to Dale Hello All, We here at Night Light Stories are excited to announce our very first contest. It is easy to enter, and fun to do! Simply send us an original picture of your favorite scene or character from the story Dale. One winner will be chosen randomly on January 28th, 2009. The winner will receive one free set of Goosie Cards! All you need to do to enter is send us a digital picture of your work of art to www.nightlightstories@gmail.com. We would love to see your creations and post them to share with others! That is not all! Everyone can be a winner. If you place an order at http://www.goosiecards.com/ between now and February 28, 2009 you will receive 20% off your order. Simply enter the promo code nightlight during the checkout process. Enjoy! What did you say? A word of the day! That is right! In our story there are many juicy words that are fun to learn and say! I am going to post some words from the story that would be fun to try to use in your conversations throughout the week. Fragrant: having a pleasant scent or aroma Rambled: a walk without a definite route Unison: a process in which all elements behave in the same way at the same time Hardy: (of plants) able to withstand the cold of winter in the open air. Intently: having the attention sharply focused or fixed on something Bright Ideas In the story, Dale finds "treasure scraps" in a compost pile. Do you know what a compost pile is? Do you know how to make one? Find out by following the link below. |
Fri, 12 December 2008
Hello All, The holiday season is upon us and our house, probably like yours, is buzzing with excitement! Our second story, Chilly's Christmas was written by Chris and Melissa Bugaj. As you listen to the story consider the following, Have you ever been in a situation where things are different from what you are used to? What did you say? A word of the day! That is right! In our story there are many juicy words that are fun to learn and say! I am going to post a word or two or three from the story that would be fun to try to use in your conversations throughout the week. Admire: to regard with wonder, pleasure, or approval. Gingerly: with great care or caution Illuminate: to enlighten, as with knowledge. To supply or brighten with light Muster: to come together; collect; assemble; gather Scrumptious: very pleasing, especially to the senses; delectable; splendid CRAFTY CORNER Check out www.nightlightstories.blogspot.com for directions and templates to create your favorite characters from the story. Send us a digital picture of your project to nightlightstories@gmail.com . We would love to see your creations! As always, keep your light glowing bright! Have a happy and healthy holiday season!
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Fri, 5 December 2008
The first of the stories is up for your listening pleasure. I am so thrilled to have started this and get the light glowing bright! I wanted to share a little background on the story of Mojo and the Magic Couch. My husband and I are the authors. We came up with the idea for it after we noticed our ferret, Mojo, was escaping into the depths of our couch. He literally had dug a hole in between the cushions and would leap in there while we desperately tried to get to him before he wriggled his slinky body all the way in. We always joked that he was going in there to a magic land, and so that is how the story came to be.As promised, here is the picture of Mojo, the little rascal!
What did you say? A word of the day! That is right! In our story there are many juicy words that are fun to learn and say! I am going to post a word or two or three from the story that would be fun to try to use in your conversations throughout the week.
Scamper: To run or go quickly and lightly. A quick light run or movement
Wriggle:
SHARE IT! Feel free to contact me at my website, nightlightstories@gmail.com with any comments or suggestions you may have. I have just begun my journey with podcasting and blogging and would love to hear from you! Keep your minds glowing bright! |
