Best book since Wonder?

                                    

I am currently reading a book I would put in the same amazing category as Wonder, about a girl who has a learning disability but has been labeled a "slow reader" or "slow" but no one has really supported her. When her teacher goes on maternity leave, a sub comes in who wants to help and understand her. The book Fish in a Tree by Linda Mullaly Hunt leaves a lasting impression on readers to try to walk a mile in someone's shoes.  (images from bn.com)

"If you judge a fish on its ability to climb a tree, it will spend its whole life thinking that it's stupid"

6th Grade Genre Challenge

In 6th grade, we are working on inferences. Students seem to have a pretty good handle on what they mean so I put them to the test. One week, each student chose a genre of books to research. They took notes on what they meant, examples of the books, what they entail, and any other important details. Then the following week I gave them the Genre Challenge! They were to design a t-shirt (team Poetry/Fantasy/Etc) to represent their genre but they may not use their genre word(s) anywhere on the shirt. Students had to give clues/inferences that others would be able to guess. In addition, they were each assigned a number (no names) so they could judge a shirt from another class. This week, they were assigned 4 shirts to guess and had to explain the clues/inferences that led them to their guess.

They did a great job!

Happy Birthday Rolling Hills!

It's the 15 year anniversary of our school being built so we are celebrating many different ways. The art show had a celebration theme, and the library is decorated with clay cupcakes.

 

I made a bulletin board display (it's hard to read in this picture) that shows all the books written/published in 2000, the same year Rolling Hills was built. Believe it or not, this was a REALLY hard thing to do! I had to Google image search and then cross check on Destiny or a website on the publication date. Some titles include Because of Winn Dixie, When Sophie Gets Angry, Olivia, Year Down Yonder, Franklin Forgets, Bud Not Buddy, Harry Potter & the Goblet of Fire, Stargirl and lots more!

 Finally, my second graders wrote and illustrated books they like to celebrate/books they like. I used those pennants to line the front doors of the library. 

In addition, we have a big 15 year celebration assembly planned for May 15th at 2:30 as part of our school's Step Up initiative.

Changing Role of Libraries & Librarians

A colleague of mine sent this video that really gets to the heart of the changes of the library and librarian in this age of technology! If you have 2 minutes to spare, check it out!

https://www.commoncraft.com/free-video-libraries-internet-age

Current Reads

I have been very busy lately but trying to find time to enjoy some new books from the book fair and the award winners that just came in! Here are some favorites: (images from bn.com)


The Terrible Two
Barnett, M
I have yet to find a book by Mac Barnett that I didn't like! This was a funny book about some prankster boys with an illustration style to that of Roald Dahl. I found it humorous and hard to put down!






El Deafo
Wood, C.
This book is a graphic novel so it was a very fast read. I liked that it connected to the author's life (signs of the times were evident in the many instances of smoking throughout the story). With an innocent looking bunny character on the front, readers might be surprised at the maturity within the story (relationships, etc).


Viva Frida!
Morales,Y
This picture book has amazing colors and attention to detail. I like the language incorporation; it really feels like you are part of her life. 

Book Fair!!

It's one of my favorite weeks of the year... Book Fair! PTO sponsors 2 book fairs each year in conjunction with grandparent and parent lunch weeks. Scholastic sends us some great book choices and students all go shopping during their library time. PTO also gives each K-3 student $5 to buy a book and grades 4-6 each $6 to buy a book.

You can also shop online: http://onlinebookfairs.scholastic.com/default.aspx?f=3417480,

Thank you to our PTO for their help and generosity!

Dixon Elementary Week!

This week I have been shadowing a librarian at Dixon Elementary in Brookfield, Wisconsin as part of my library license completion. Their program is different than mine yet there are many similarities. Students in grades K-3 have library lessons weekly, and grades 4-5 come for check out once a week with their teacher. The students really have a great sense of what works for them in the library and I find myself shelving much more varied topics than in my own library! Marie Widder is the head librarian/technology coach/Teaching & Learning Specialist. Her role is ever morphing. She has a wonderful assistant Vicki who does the lessons and circulation in the library. This week, I have done some neat things like touring other libraries in the district, creating a display, teaching lessons, helping with shelving and processing, and much more! The week has flown by...

My book display of my favorite 4th & 5th grade books. It's hard to choose just some!