Mathis, Sharon Bell. (1975). The Hundred Penny Box. NY:  Penguin Books.

Slate, Joseph. (1998). Miss Bindergarten Celebrates the 100^th Day of

            Kindergarten. NY: Dutton.

Musical Connection:  skills of search

Science / Math Connection:  making and using collections/ Soak, Scour, Scrub!

Reading Connection: Note Taking, Summarize, Vocabulary, Journal Entries, Letter Writing, Graphic Organizers

Positive Character Traits & Values:  faith; human dignity; diversity; honor; celebration

            Michael and great-great Aunt Dew share an old box filled with 100 pennies; one for each of her birthdays.  Michael counts the pennies as Aunt Dew retells the story behind each one.  In reading this generational literature piece, students may record on a data gathering organizer, the following information:  pages, key words / phrases, characters, student responses to the characters, and additional notes.  The positive character traits and values of faith; human dignity; diversity; honor; and celebration are the basis of the data gathering.

            For example, the following data gathering organizer may be used as a guide:

            An excellent strategy titled “Zooming In and Zooming Out Information Sheet” helps students to understand and summarize the effect of this generational story. A “tri-fold note taking” organizer also assists students in focusing on “what” is really important in the story.

            This diversified literature selection may be utilized as a valuable writing connection. Ask students to imagine themselves as great-great-aunt or great-great uncle………………….(students use their own name).  In a daily log or journal, write a letter / note to your niece or nephew explaining how you feel when you hear your music. Some starting ideas include:

v  “When I hear my music, I feel like ……………………because …………………………………..”

v  “My music is like an old pair of jeans because ………………………………………and  I ………………………….”

The Hundred Penny Box is enhanced by a time box activity describing the past year / years of music. Set the scene for students.  Tell students that like Aunt Dew, they are going to create a special time box telling future generations what music is like today.  Ask students to describe the music of our time in as many ways as possible. Allow enough time for students to express and elaborate on their descriptions. 

Next, explain the task to students: Draw, design, build, collect, or cut-out and paste as many of the descriptions that you need in order to tell about our music.  These descriptions are to be placed inside the simulated time box.  Students may choose to work individually or in small groups.

This time box activity serves as an alternative assessment measure as students are invited to share their descriptions with peers.  The time box may be kept sealed in the classroom until a chosen date, and then re-opened and examined.

Throughout the literature selection, Aunt Dew sings phrases from “Take My Hand, Precious Lord,” by Thomas A Dorsey.  Teachers are encouraged to share knowledge and vocalization of this song enhancing and defining the connection for students. The song “Magic Penny” written by Malvina Reynolds (Northern Music Corp., 1955) sends the message that “love is something if you give it away” comparing love to a “magic penny.” It is a song of love, hope, and peace.

Note: A recommended generational story for younger students to read and enjoy is titled Song and Dance Man by Karen Ackerman.

Making and using collections encourages students to search, sort, classify, define, label, count, record, and conclude about specimens they find interesting.  As a school to home connection project, ask students to bring in their favorite collection to share. (Some collections may have 100 items just like Aunt Dew’s penny collection) The collection should be divided and classified into groups and labeled for display.  Students may develop a log / guide book / diary recording information and drawings about the collection. Questions to ask students may include:

v  Why is this your favorite collection?

v  How is your collection sorted?

v  Why did you sort the items this way?

v  Is there another way to sort the items?

v  How many items are there in the collection?

v  How many groups of four are in your collection?

v  What pattern can you make with your items?

v  What will you do with your collection?

           The literature selection Miss Bindergarten Celebrates the 100^th Day of Kindergarten may be used with younger readers.  To celebrate the 100^th day of kindergarten, each student must bring to school, “100 of some wonderful, one-hundred-full thing!” The science “Making and Using Collections” connection activity is both fun and interesting for young learners too.

          “Soak, Scour, Scrub” is a discovery activity where students are encouraged to test and evaluate a variety of cleaning products.  The task is to clean pennies using a variety of mediums.  Data is gathered and recorded using the sample matrix. Through the evaluation of collected data, students rank the tested products for effectiveness, numbering from 1-10, with one being the most effective.

           Developing the time box and the scrubbing pennies activity may be modified to meet the developmental needs of young students.