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The Wonderful Tower Of Watts

Language: English

This book describes how an Italian immigrant built three unusual towers in his backyard in the Watts neighborhood of Los Angeles, California. LeVar explores the beauty and courage of a community challenged daily by violence. Viewers learn that in Watts, as in all communities, an appreciation for the people and structures builds pride in the community, and an ex-gang member talks about her life and what she’s doing now. LeVar talks to a group of youngsters about the problems they face and the choices they have to make.

  

Here are activities to do after watching this episode:

Tower of Treats

The entire family can join in to build an unusual tower of your own. The best part of this tower is you can eat it!


You will need:

  • Chunks of fruit, such as melon, pineapple, or even thick banana slices
  • Additional fruits, such as berries, grapes, bits of kiwi and mandarin oranges
  • Toothpicks
  1. Place fruit chunks around the edge of a serving plate, leaving ¼ inch space between.
  2. Add another layer by placing fruit chunks over the spaces of the first layer to resemble a brick- laying pattern.
  3. Continue building the tower until it is five or six levels high.
  4. Add decorative fruits on the outside of the structure using toothpicks. Continue until decorated as desired.
  5. Place the tower in the center of your table and invite the family to dig in!
  

Everything In Its Place

You are probably connected to a recycling program of some sort; if not, now is the time to begin. You’ll need four or more large cartons or containers. Label them “glass,” “metal,” “paper,” and “plastic.” You may also want to have containers labeled “re-use” and “give away.”
Whenever you are finished with a recyclable, clean it and put it in the proper container.

Drop-Off Day

If you do not have curbside recycling in you community, you will have to make a trip to the nearest recycling center. Make it a family event by marking a specified day on the calendar once a month. Then have the entire family pitch in by loading up the car and helping with the drop off. Afterwards reward everyone by going out for pizza or to your favorite family restaurant for dinner. You all deserve it for being such globally-aware citizens!

Check out some of these books on your
next trip to the library:

  • The Car Washing Street by Denise Lewis Patrick
  • I Got Community by Melrose Cooper
  • Night On Neighborhood Street by Eloise Greenfield

READING RAINBOW has a resource library that includes teacher guide materials as well as reading programs for use in the public libraries. You can download these resources from GPN at:
www.gpnresources.com

If you would like more information about READING RAINBOW or if you would like to learn more about other educational products please visit the GPN web site.

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