During our short week before Thanksgiving we continued to read holiday stories. Kinders and 1st graders heard Clifford's Thanksgiving Visit by Norman Bridwell and I Know an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Pie by Alison Jackson. We also sang about the things we are thankful for and each child had the opportunity to share their own thoughts. I was so proud of everyone for their thoughtful answers!
2nd graders heard 'Twas the Night Before Thanksgiving by Dav Pilkey. Mr. Pilkey is the author responsible for the Captain Underpants series so this was a rather silly look at Thanksgiving. Ask your child what the kids in the story did to rescue the turkeys.
3rd-5th graders heard Thank you, Sarah by Laurie Halse Anderson. This is the story of Sarah Hale, a remarkable women who is credited with saving Thanksgiving (among other things). Ask your child what Sarah accomplished and how long it took her to do it.
When we came back from break we moved right into our new holiday season. Kinders and 1st graders heard Merry Christmas, Curious George by Margret and H.A. Rey. Children who displayed great library behavior got to share their reading time with my Curious George stuffed animal.
2nd-5th graders heard A Wish for Wings that Work by Berkeley Breathed. This was a story about how easy it is to forget the gifts we have when we spend too much time focusing on what we don't have. Ask your child who Opus was, what he wished for and what he learned.
Have a great weekend!
Friday, December 4, 2009
Monday, November 23, 2009
Veteran's Day and Thanksgiving
The week of November 9th, we had some great discussions about what freedom means and who we have to thank for the freedoms we sometimes take for granted. It was interesting to hear what the students at Walker thought it meant to be "free". We had some thoughtful discussions and, in some classes, skipped our story because the discussions were too good to stop. The others heard the story All Those Secrets of the World by Jane Yolen.
The younger grades heard Timothy and the Strong Pajamas by Viviane Schwarz. Ask your child what happened when Timothy's mother fixed his pajamas. It was a great story about the value of helping others. Other classes heard The Chicken of the Family by Mary Amato. This is a story about a little girl who is teased by her older sisters but ends up getting the best of them. Ask your child how Henrietta turned the tables on her sisters.
Last week we focused on Thanksgiving. The 3rd-5th graders heard Sarah Morton's Day by Kate Waters. It was fun to give the kids a glimpse of what life was like for Pilgrim children. It made the chores they are responsible for seem pretty easy by comparison!
1st and 2nd grade heard We Gather Together Now Please Get Lost by Diane DeGroat. This was a funny story about making the best of a bad situation and following directions. Ask your child what happened when Gilbert failed to do those things.
Kinders heard This is the Turkey by Abby Levine, A Turkey for Thanksgiving by Eve Bunting, and One Little, Two Little, Three Little Pilgrims by B.G. Hennessy. We also sang a song about our favorite Thanksgiving food. They did a great job participating and following library rules while still having a good time! Next week is a short week and we'll continue our Thanksgiving theme...
The younger grades heard Timothy and the Strong Pajamas by Viviane Schwarz. Ask your child what happened when Timothy's mother fixed his pajamas. It was a great story about the value of helping others. Other classes heard The Chicken of the Family by Mary Amato. This is a story about a little girl who is teased by her older sisters but ends up getting the best of them. Ask your child how Henrietta turned the tables on her sisters.
Last week we focused on Thanksgiving. The 3rd-5th graders heard Sarah Morton's Day by Kate Waters. It was fun to give the kids a glimpse of what life was like for Pilgrim children. It made the chores they are responsible for seem pretty easy by comparison!
1st and 2nd grade heard We Gather Together Now Please Get Lost by Diane DeGroat. This was a funny story about making the best of a bad situation and following directions. Ask your child what happened when Gilbert failed to do those things.
Kinders heard This is the Turkey by Abby Levine, A Turkey for Thanksgiving by Eve Bunting, and One Little, Two Little, Three Little Pilgrims by B.G. Hennessy. We also sang a song about our favorite Thanksgiving food. They did a great job participating and following library rules while still having a good time! Next week is a short week and we'll continue our Thanksgiving theme...
Sunday, November 8, 2009
The last two weeks in the library...
The week before Halloween I read a variety of stories to different classes depending on grade level and being respectful of those who do not participate in Halloween festivities. Depending on their class the children heard either One Halloween Night by Mark Teague, The Little Old Lady Who Was Not Afraid of Anything by Linda Williams, Minnie and Moo and the Haunted Sweater by Denys Cazet or Scared Silly by James Howe. They were all great stories and it was fun watching the kids figure out what was happening in each story before we got to the end.
Each Kinder class heard a second story which we had a lot of fun with. The book was a new one I'd purchased at the book fair called There was an Old Monster by Rebecca, Adrian and Ed Emberley. The book came with a CD that turned the story into a song and so after reading the book once, we turned on the CD, stood up and sang and danced along. We've got some real talent in our Kindergarten classes at Walker! It was a great opportunity to let the kids make a little noise in the library and burn off a little energy before lunch.
Last week, in celebration of election week, some of the classes heard Grace for President by Kelly DiPucchio. This was one of our AYRA nominated books and was a good introduction to the electoral system for some of the upper grades. It was also interesting to hear what the kids thought about the idea of a woman becoming president some day.
Other classes heard President Pennybaker by Kate Feiffer. This was a fun story that got the kids thinking about what it would be like to be President and whether they'd like the job or not.
Looking forward to the next few weeks of holidays and activities!
Each Kinder class heard a second story which we had a lot of fun with. The book was a new one I'd purchased at the book fair called There was an Old Monster by Rebecca, Adrian and Ed Emberley. The book came with a CD that turned the story into a song and so after reading the book once, we turned on the CD, stood up and sang and danced along. We've got some real talent in our Kindergarten classes at Walker! It was a great opportunity to let the kids make a little noise in the library and burn off a little energy before lunch.
Last week, in celebration of election week, some of the classes heard Grace for President by Kelly DiPucchio. This was one of our AYRA nominated books and was a good introduction to the electoral system for some of the upper grades. It was also interesting to hear what the kids thought about the idea of a woman becoming president some day.
Other classes heard President Pennybaker by Kate Feiffer. This was a fun story that got the kids thinking about what it would be like to be President and whether they'd like the job or not.
Looking forward to the next few weeks of holidays and activities!
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Welcome Back!
I hope everyone had a fun and relaxing fall break! It was nice to have some time off but I hope everyone is back and ready to have a great 2nd quarter. I know I am!
Last week in the library we read another of our AYRA nominees, "Shivers in the Fridge" by Fran Manushkin. The Shivers are a family that live in a refrigerator and the kids had a good time trying to figure out just who they were and what was happening to them during the story. The ending was a surprise to every class but it was fun hearing the kids' imaginative guesses before I revealed the end. Ask your child who the Shivers were!
Mr. Miller's class was kind enough to contribute their class book called "The Important Book" to our Student Published Library. I read their book aloud to them last week and I was really impressed with their illustrations and how they were able to say so much in just a few lines of text. Great job to Mr. Miller's class and thanks for sharing your work! Check out their book in the library or on Mr. Miller's class page.
Last week in the library we read another of our AYRA nominees, "Shivers in the Fridge" by Fran Manushkin. The Shivers are a family that live in a refrigerator and the kids had a good time trying to figure out just who they were and what was happening to them during the story. The ending was a surprise to every class but it was fun hearing the kids' imaginative guesses before I revealed the end. Ask your child who the Shivers were!
Mr. Miller's class was kind enough to contribute their class book called "The Important Book" to our Student Published Library. I read their book aloud to them last week and I was really impressed with their illustrations and how they were able to say so much in just a few lines of text. Great job to Mr. Miller's class and thanks for sharing your work! Check out their book in the library or on Mr. Miller's class page.
Raffle
To celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, 3rd - 5th graders had the opportunity to win some small prizes. Children who turned in the names of two Hispanic people that had contributed something to the country or the world gained an entry into a raffle. One winner was drawn from each grade and the winners got to choose from the library treasure chest. Congratulations to Jordan Vella (5th), Ani Rodriguez (4th), and Kimberlee Hernandez (3rd) for being chosen for their grade!
A big thanks to all the children who participated. The people they submitted were posted on our Hispanic Heritage Bulletin board and it was nice to see the kids contributing to their own learning and sharing their knowledge with their fellow students. Great job everyone!
A big thanks to all the children who participated. The people they submitted were posted on our Hispanic Heritage Bulletin board and it was nice to see the kids contributing to their own learning and sharing their knowledge with their fellow students. Great job everyone!
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Book Fair
Last week in the library was all about the book fair. All the classes had an opportunity to walk through the fair during their library time before they checked out books. It was fun to see so many of the kids come back with their parents and make some great book selections. I was glad I had the opportunity to meet so many parents and I had some great conversations about books.
I wanted to extend my thanks to those families who purchased books and donated them to the library. Due to budget constraints, the proceeds from the book fair will be our only new books in the library this year so those donations are vital. If you're interested in making your own contribution, watch Notes Home for future donation opportunities!
I owe a big thanks to the PTO and all the wonderful parent volunteers who were crucial in making this book fair a success. I enjoyed getting to know everyone and having company in the library for a change! A special thanks to Jen Scofield, Jen Landis and Clifford the Big Red Dog for going above and beyond in all their efforts.
Have a fun and safe fall break and read lots of great books!
I wanted to extend my thanks to those families who purchased books and donated them to the library. Due to budget constraints, the proceeds from the book fair will be our only new books in the library this year so those donations are vital. If you're interested in making your own contribution, watch Notes Home for future donation opportunities!
I owe a big thanks to the PTO and all the wonderful parent volunteers who were crucial in making this book fair a success. I enjoyed getting to know everyone and having company in the library for a change! A special thanks to Jen Scofield, Jen Landis and Clifford the Big Red Dog for going above and beyond in all their efforts.
Have a fun and safe fall break and read lots of great books!
Monday, October 5, 2009
Banned Book Week
Last week we celebrated Banned Book Week and used the opportunity to talk to the kids about their responsibilities as free people who read freely. We discussed the efforts of a few to ban books such as Harry Potter, Captain Underpants, James and the Giant Peach, Charlotte's Web and many more. We discussed how most of these efforts are made out of a genuine concern for the welfare of children but that their parents are the only ones who can decide what books are appropriate for them. I had planned to read the 3rd - 5th graders "The Lorax" by Dr. Seuss because it is a book that has been challenged by the lumber industry but the children were such active participants in our discussion that we never got to the book. Hopefully, they all left the library with an appreciation for their access to great books and a respect for the responsibilities they have to be critical readers.
K-2 classes heard "Sylvester and the Magic Pebble" by William Steig. This is a book that has been challenged before but I didn't talk much about Banned Book Week with this younger group. I only mentioned how fortunate we were to have such great books to read. The children did a great job making predictions about the story and then sharing how they would've changed the story if they had been Sylvester. Ask your child to tell you what they would've wished for if they were facing Sylvester's problem.
A special thank you to Amy Martinez for loaning me her Sylvester Reading Buddy. The kids were surprised and delighted by his special trick and it added some fun to our story. Thanks, Amy!
Next week is Book Fair...See you then!
K-2 classes heard "Sylvester and the Magic Pebble" by William Steig. This is a book that has been challenged before but I didn't talk much about Banned Book Week with this younger group. I only mentioned how fortunate we were to have such great books to read. The children did a great job making predictions about the story and then sharing how they would've changed the story if they had been Sylvester. Ask your child to tell you what they would've wished for if they were facing Sylvester's problem.
A special thank you to Amy Martinez for loaning me her Sylvester Reading Buddy. The kids were surprised and delighted by his special trick and it added some fun to our story. Thanks, Amy!
Next week is Book Fair...See you then!
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Hispanic Heritage
Last week in the library we celebrated Hispanic Heritage Month. We talked about how lucky we are to live in a country where we benefit from so many different cultures and all the things we can learn from each other. I wanted to share some stories from Hispanic cultures so I read the 2nd-5th grades the book "Dona Flor". The book is a tall tale about a giant woman with a big heart and we used it as a springboard to discuss what makes a story a tall tale. The kids identified parts of the story that fit our definition of a tall tale and I encouraged the authors in the group to try their hands at crafting their own tall tale.
The Kinders and 1st graders heard two stories out of Joe Hayes' book "Tell Me a Cuento". This is a collection of stories that originated in Spanish speaking countries and which Hayes translated into English. The children heard "Mariposa, Mariposa" and "No Way, Jose". Both stories required the children to participate in the story and they did a great job of helping me. Ask your child who "La Mariposa" is and what their job was in each story.
We also kicked off a Hispanic Heritage themed raffle. Any child who brings in the names of 2 Hispanic people and a description of what they have contributed to the world will get an entry into a raffle. Each name is added to our Hispanic Heritage Month bulletin board so children can contribute to educating their schoolmates. At the end of Hispanic Heritage Month, October 15th, I will draw one name from each grade to choose from the library treasure chest.
I'd like to give a special thanks to Mrs. Kurlander's class for coming in at lunchtime and helping create our Hispanic Heritage bulletin board. They did a great job and I love having their work on display.
The Kinders and 1st graders heard two stories out of Joe Hayes' book "Tell Me a Cuento". This is a collection of stories that originated in Spanish speaking countries and which Hayes translated into English. The children heard "Mariposa, Mariposa" and "No Way, Jose". Both stories required the children to participate in the story and they did a great job of helping me. Ask your child who "La Mariposa" is and what their job was in each story.
We also kicked off a Hispanic Heritage themed raffle. Any child who brings in the names of 2 Hispanic people and a description of what they have contributed to the world will get an entry into a raffle. Each name is added to our Hispanic Heritage Month bulletin board so children can contribute to educating their schoolmates. At the end of Hispanic Heritage Month, October 15th, I will draw one name from each grade to choose from the library treasure chest.
I'd like to give a special thanks to Mrs. Kurlander's class for coming in at lunchtime and helping create our Hispanic Heritage bulletin board. They did a great job and I love having their work on display.
Sunday, September 20, 2009
The week my voice gave out!
The universe tried to send me a message this week and I lost most of my voice Thursday and the rest of it on Friday. Thanks to everyone who put up with my squeaking and a special thanks to Mary W. and Mr. Berg for jumping in midstory and finishing up when my voice gave out. I seem to be on the mend so here's hoping Monday things are close to normal.
Most of the 4th graders and all the 5th graders participated in a library relay race this week. They split into teams of three and each team was responsible for finding a list of books using only the call numbers. This was a continuation of the lesson we did a few weeks ago where they put themselves in shelf order using call numbers. It proved a bit more challenging to actually apply their knowledge of alphabetical order to locating books on the shelves but they were certainly up for the challenge. The kids did a great job, we had some fun and hopefully learned a little something along the way. Winning times are posted in the previous message.
3rd graders heard "The Three Questions" by Jon J. Muth. This is kind of a deep thinking book which tries to impart the importance of being present in the moment, the importance of those closest to you and the value in being kind to those around you. We didn't have much discussion after recapping the moral of the story but I hope the book is something they'll reflect on later.
1st and 2nd graders, as well as a couple Kinder classes, heard "Max's Words" by Kate Banks. We used this book to talk a bit about the importance of words and how whole stories can be created and changed simply be changing the order of words. Max is a little boy who collects words so before reading the book I let the children share some of the things that they collect. We had everything from rocks to snowglobes to money!
Next week we'll be celebrating Hispanic Heritage and will kick off a new contest. Hopefully I will be in full voice for all of it. Have a great week!
Most of the 4th graders and all the 5th graders participated in a library relay race this week. They split into teams of three and each team was responsible for finding a list of books using only the call numbers. This was a continuation of the lesson we did a few weeks ago where they put themselves in shelf order using call numbers. It proved a bit more challenging to actually apply their knowledge of alphabetical order to locating books on the shelves but they were certainly up for the challenge. The kids did a great job, we had some fun and hopefully learned a little something along the way. Winning times are posted in the previous message.
3rd graders heard "The Three Questions" by Jon J. Muth. This is kind of a deep thinking book which tries to impart the importance of being present in the moment, the importance of those closest to you and the value in being kind to those around you. We didn't have much discussion after recapping the moral of the story but I hope the book is something they'll reflect on later.
1st and 2nd graders, as well as a couple Kinder classes, heard "Max's Words" by Kate Banks. We used this book to talk a bit about the importance of words and how whole stories can be created and changed simply be changing the order of words. Max is a little boy who collects words so before reading the book I let the children share some of the things that they collect. We had everything from rocks to snowglobes to money!
Next week we'll be celebrating Hispanic Heritage and will kick off a new contest. Hopefully I will be in full voice for all of it. Have a great week!
Saturday, September 19, 2009
1st Annual Library Relay Results (Fiction)
Fastest Group Time:
4th grade
Wick group #2 - 2:40
Moore group #2 - 2:43
Wick group #3 - 3:51
4th grade
Wick group #2 - 2:40
Moore group #2 - 2:43
Wick group #3 - 3:51
5th grade
VF group #1 - 1:54
Milton group #2 - 2:42
Wick group #3 - 2:55
Fastest Class Time:
4th grade
Wick - 12:15
5th grade
VF - 9:02
Fastest Group Average:
VF # 1 (4/5 grade) 28.5 seconds per book
Wick #2 (4th grade) 32 seconds per book
Moore#2 (4th grade) 32.6 seconds per book
Fastest Class Average:
VF (4/5 grade) 45.17 seconds per book
Wick (4th grade) 49 seconds per book
Smith (5th grade) 50.17 seconds per book
Congratulations to everyone who participated!
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Kinders checked out books!
Last week was a big week for the Kinders. They heard "The Shelf Elf" by Jackie Mims Hopkins to review all the library lessons they learned last month and then they (finally) got to check out books. The books will be kept in their classrooms at first until the teachers decide the kiddos are ready to take them home. They all did a great job following directions and using their shelf markers and I was proud of each and everyone of them.
The first graders heard the story "Hunter's Best Friend at School" by Laura Malone Elliot and then we talked a bit about friendship. We discussed that being a best friend doesn't mean following along when your friends are making bad choice but it does mean that you help your friends be the best they can be. It was a fun story with a great message.
The 2nd graders heard "Chrysanthemum" by Kevin Henkes and we discussed how the behavior of the children in the book represented Peacebuilder behavior. We reinforced the Peacebuilder pledge and some children shared times when then had been teased about things they had no control over. It was a valuable discussion for everyone.
We had some extraordinary discussions in our 3rd-5th grade classes after we read the book "Those Shoes" by Maribeth Boelts. The kids shared times they had wanted something that they couldn't have. We talked about the importance of valuing what you do have rather than focusing on what you don't have. We talked about wanting things just because everyone else seems to have them and why it's a waste of time and energy to try to worry about having what others have. I appreciate the honesty and candor of all the children who contributed to the discussion.
A special thanks to Mr. Moore's 4th graders who served as my guinea pigs with the Shelf Finder Relay Race. The game proved to need a bit more planning but they were good sports about it.
The first graders heard the story "Hunter's Best Friend at School" by Laura Malone Elliot and then we talked a bit about friendship. We discussed that being a best friend doesn't mean following along when your friends are making bad choice but it does mean that you help your friends be the best they can be. It was a fun story with a great message.
The 2nd graders heard "Chrysanthemum" by Kevin Henkes and we discussed how the behavior of the children in the book represented Peacebuilder behavior. We reinforced the Peacebuilder pledge and some children shared times when then had been teased about things they had no control over. It was a valuable discussion for everyone.
We had some extraordinary discussions in our 3rd-5th grade classes after we read the book "Those Shoes" by Maribeth Boelts. The kids shared times they had wanted something that they couldn't have. We talked about the importance of valuing what you do have rather than focusing on what you don't have. We talked about wanting things just because everyone else seems to have them and why it's a waste of time and energy to try to worry about having what others have. I appreciate the honesty and candor of all the children who contributed to the discussion.
A special thanks to Mr. Moore's 4th graders who served as my guinea pigs with the Shelf Finder Relay Race. The game proved to need a bit more planning but they were good sports about it.
Sunday, September 6, 2009
Library Games
Last week we did something a little different with the 3rd-5th graders. Instead of hearing a story, they played the Shelf Finder game. Each student got a card representing the call number of a Fiction book and their challenge was to put themselves in shelf order. This exercise was used to demonstrate how Fiction books are organized on the shelf and how locating a specific book is as simple as knowing alphabetical order. The game was a lot of fun and the most challenging part turned out to be finding a way to work together as a team. We'll do more of this type of activity as the year goes on.
1st and 2nd graders got a chance to hear Pinkalicious by Victoria and Elizabeth Kann this week and they all got a kick out of the book. I encourage you to check out the other books in the series at the public library because the kiddos really seem to enjoy them.
Kinders also heard Pinkalicious and did another round of practice with shelf markers. This week they used their shelf markers to choose a book and then they practiced standing in line and checking out. After spending a few minutes looking at their books at the library tables, they learned where and how to return their books to the library. They all did a great job and I feel they are more than ready to check books out of the library next week. The children will be keeping their books in the classroom at first so check with your child's teacher to find out when the books will be coming home.
Hope you all enjoy the long weekend and read lots of books!
1st and 2nd graders got a chance to hear Pinkalicious by Victoria and Elizabeth Kann this week and they all got a kick out of the book. I encourage you to check out the other books in the series at the public library because the kiddos really seem to enjoy them.
Kinders also heard Pinkalicious and did another round of practice with shelf markers. This week they used their shelf markers to choose a book and then they practiced standing in line and checking out. After spending a few minutes looking at their books at the library tables, they learned where and how to return their books to the library. They all did a great job and I feel they are more than ready to check books out of the library next week. The children will be keeping their books in the classroom at first so check with your child's teacher to find out when the books will be coming home.
Hope you all enjoy the long weekend and read lots of books!
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
Library Mouse and Pinkalicious
This week I had an opportunity to read "Library Mouse" by Daniel Kirk to the Kinders, 1st and 2nd graders. The Kinders also had a lesson on how to use shelf markers which included our Shelf Marker Song. They caught on quickly and seemed to have a lot of fun singing in the library. Ask your child if they can sing it for you! Each child got to practice individually using their shelf marker and they did a great job.
The 3rd - 5th graders heard "Pinkalicious" by Victoria and Elizabeth Kann. Some of the boys were a bit hesitant based on the title, the girl dressed like a fairy princess on the cover and the overall pinkness of the book but they everyone ended up enjoying it a great deal. If your child liked this story you may want to look at the public library for other titles in the series, including "Purplicious" and "Goldilicious".
The children continue to make great contributions to our Student Published Work section which is growing each week. Hopefully you'll have a chance to come by and view your child's published work sometime this year.
The 3rd - 5th graders heard "Pinkalicious" by Victoria and Elizabeth Kann. Some of the boys were a bit hesitant based on the title, the girl dressed like a fairy princess on the cover and the overall pinkness of the book but they everyone ended up enjoying it a great deal. If your child liked this story you may want to look at the public library for other titles in the series, including "Purplicious" and "Goldilicious".
The children continue to make great contributions to our Student Published Work section which is growing each week. Hopefully you'll have a chance to come by and view your child's published work sometime this year.
Sunday, August 23, 2009
Last week in the library...
The Kinders had a lesson on book care. We talked about some places we should never take our books and the best place to keep them when we're not reading. Ask your child to tell you how they will make sure their books stay out of the book hospital. We also read "What Happened to Marion's Book" by Brook Berg and "Mr. Wiggle's Book" by Paula M. Craig to reinforce those lessons. They are doing a great job so far this year in the library.
I read "Goldisocks and the Three Libearians" to the 1st graders and we discussed how to check out books that are "just right" for them. Ask your children about the 5 finger rule and how they use it to select books. Many 1st graders came in during lunch on Friday to check out new books for the weekend and they did a great job using shelf markers and making good choices!
Unlike 1st grade, 2nd graders are allowed to check out books from anywhere in the library. I read them "The Shelf Elf Helps Out" by Jackie Mims Hopkins to introduce them to many of the different types of books we have in the library. I showed them a selection of books from each "neighborhood" and encouraged them to explore the library to find books they are excited to read.
3rd - 5th graders heard "The Library Mouse" by Daniel Kirk. I used this story to introduce a Student Published Work section of the library. I encouraged the children to contribute their original writing to the library where it will be put into inventory for others to read and check out. I have already received 8 submissions and hope to have at least some of them available on Monday. I was thrilled at the kids' interest in this venture and hope to have quite a collection by the end of the year.
I read "Goldisocks and the Three Libearians" to the 1st graders and we discussed how to check out books that are "just right" for them. Ask your children about the 5 finger rule and how they use it to select books. Many 1st graders came in during lunch on Friday to check out new books for the weekend and they did a great job using shelf markers and making good choices!
Unlike 1st grade, 2nd graders are allowed to check out books from anywhere in the library. I read them "The Shelf Elf Helps Out" by Jackie Mims Hopkins to introduce them to many of the different types of books we have in the library. I showed them a selection of books from each "neighborhood" and encouraged them to explore the library to find books they are excited to read.
3rd - 5th graders heard "The Library Mouse" by Daniel Kirk. I used this story to introduce a Student Published Work section of the library. I encouraged the children to contribute their original writing to the library where it will be put into inventory for others to read and check out. I have already received 8 submissions and hope to have at least some of them available on Monday. I was thrilled at the kids' interest in this venture and hope to have quite a collection by the end of the year.
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
All of the Above by Shelley Pearsall
I just read this book yesterday and it was a really great read. It's the story of a group of kids who get together to work on a math project and how it changes their lives. The story is told from several different viewpoints, adults and children, so we get to see how different characters are dealing with the same situations. All the characters have different backgrounds and are really well developed. Best suited for readers at the fifth grade level but could be a great story for the class to read together. Let me know what you think!
Sunday, August 16, 2009
1st week of school!
I met with each class for the first time last week and it was wonderful to see how excited all the students are about reading! The Kinders and I talked a bit about library manners and behavior and then spent some time looking at a selection of picture books. They all did a wonderful job sharing and using their library voices. Afterwards we read Maisy Goes to the Library by Lucy Cousins. It was a very successful first trip to the library.
The first graders heard The Shelf Elf by Jackie Mims Hopkins which we used as a review of library behavior and library procedures. The children were then allowed to check out two books, one of which had to be a Rookie Reader. Individual classroom teachers decided whether the children would bring their books home so check with your teacher to find out the status of your child's class. If your child did bring books home, please help them remember to bring them back on library day!
2nd through 5th graders received a short orientation about the library and then were allowed to reacquaint themselves with the library and select books to bring home. They made some great selections and I look forward to seeing them all again next week.
Some 1st and 2nd graders also made their first visit to the library during lunch recess on Friday. I was pleased with the turnout and thrilled with their behavior and hope to see many more of them as the year goes on.
All in all, I achieved my goals of getting books in the hands of the 1st - 5th graders and introducing the Kinders to our library. It was a wonderful first week at Walker.
The first graders heard The Shelf Elf by Jackie Mims Hopkins which we used as a review of library behavior and library procedures. The children were then allowed to check out two books, one of which had to be a Rookie Reader. Individual classroom teachers decided whether the children would bring their books home so check with your teacher to find out the status of your child's class. If your child did bring books home, please help them remember to bring them back on library day!
2nd through 5th graders received a short orientation about the library and then were allowed to reacquaint themselves with the library and select books to bring home. They made some great selections and I look forward to seeing them all again next week.
Some 1st and 2nd graders also made their first visit to the library during lunch recess on Friday. I was pleased with the turnout and thrilled with their behavior and hope to see many more of them as the year goes on.
All in all, I achieved my goals of getting books in the hands of the 1st - 5th graders and introducing the Kinders to our library. It was a wonderful first week at Walker.
Welcome!
Welcome to the Walker Library blog for the 2009-2010 school year. I'll be using this blog as a way to keep parents informed of what we're doing in the library as well as offering book recommendations from myself and (hopefully) the students. I've asked all the children to let me know when they've read something wonderful and I will be asking those who are willing to share that information here on the blog.
We have some great new books to share this year and I will be reading all the current Amphi Young Reader nominees during storytimes. We will also be incorporating lessons on library skills for all grades and will celebrate many special occasions such as Banned Book Week and Love of Reading. I'm looking forward to getting to know all the students and parents at Walker Elementary and enjoying a fun year of reading and learning together.
We have some great new books to share this year and I will be reading all the current Amphi Young Reader nominees during storytimes. We will also be incorporating lessons on library skills for all grades and will celebrate many special occasions such as Banned Book Week and Love of Reading. I'm looking forward to getting to know all the students and parents at Walker Elementary and enjoying a fun year of reading and learning together.
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