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.

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!

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.

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.