Harry Potter Fans rejoice!
J.K. Rowling has some fantastic resources for you! Check out Harry Potter at Home for some wizarding fun! |
As we all try to stay healthy and avoid the spread of the Covid-19, take some time to play outside and read some good books. Along with books you may already have at home, Epic! is a great resource you can use on any device. Students have access to it during normal school hours for free, using my class code. This class code and link are in our Library Google classroom, or families can create their own accounts. (See the Epic website for details, which may be changing.)Also, SORA is resource students can access any time of day. Massachusetts Library Systems has put together quite a healthy collection for children and adults alike.
***** As everyone is aware, we had to cancel the author visit. We look forward to working with Ms. Jango-Cohen in the future. *****
***** As everyone is aware, we had to cancel the author visit. We look forward to working with Ms. Jango-Cohen in the future. *****
February/March
I hope everyone had a nice relaxing break!
In February, 4th graders read and had many discussions about Ban This Book by Alan Gratz. This book gives us a lot to discuss! We've been talking about Freedom of Speech, what it means to man something, the ways characters act differently, and so many other topics! We will be voting soon to pick our favorite MCBA book. If a 4th grade student has read 5 or more titles from the MCBA list, they will get to vote!
3rd graders have been reading a variety of books and talking about different themes and what makes a strong character. We have also talked about stories being humorous and what makes a funny story.
2nd graders have been reading books by Ben Clanton and then had a "Book Tasting" event where they sampled many different books. This is a good way to find new interests and books. I hope everyone found something they liked. Next we will be exploring the author Drew Daywalt and his work.
Kindergarten and 1st grades have finished our Caldecott Unit and voted for their favorite. We will be awarding the book There Are No Bears in This Bakery by Julia Sarcone-Roach a Mock SU Caldecott Medal. Look here for official winning titles! We are now talking about other types of book awards and reading funny stories from Dr. Seuss, Mo Willems, and a variety of other authors.
March is National Reading Month! To celebrate, we are holding a reading challenge. Students will earn a paw print for every book they read and we are hanging them up all around the school. On their reading log, students write the title and have a parent/guardian initial it and then bring it to me for a paw print. Please refer to the APT website for more information. Let's "Fill Our Halls With Paws!"
In more exciting news, author and photographer Judith Jango-Cohen is coming to Swallow Union next week! We cannot wait to meet her!
***** As everyone is aware, we had to cancel the author visit. We look forward to working with Ms. Jango-Cohen in the future. *****
January
Happy New Year! I hope everyone had a wonderful break!
We have been right back at it in the library. Fourth grade has been enjoying our MCBA book together. Only three more months to read at least 5 MCBA books and be eligible to vote for your favorite book.
Third graders have been looking at wordless picture books and coming up with the words that go along with the pictures. When they are done writing the story on sticky notes, they will trade their stories with other groups. It has been fun seeing all the different ways to interpret the artwork!
Second grade is reading books by author Ben Clanton. He's a favorite, for sure. When we have read a few more books, we will write him a letter and let him know how much we enjoy his work. Hopefully, he will be able to write back.
Kindergarten and first grade are still reading brand new picture books in the hopes that we pick the Caldecott winner for 2019. Official results for the real winner announced next month. I have my two favorites, but it is a close race!
Students are doing such a great job with choosing books they think they will enjoy. I love helping readers find new book friends and stories. What are some of your favorites?
Stay Warm and Happy Reading!
November/December
Need some holiday gift ideas? Books ALWAYS make great gifts! Here are a few suggestions, some old and some new. You're also never too old for picture books! Just look at the Journey series by Aaron Becker or Flotsam by David Wiesner
For Kindergarten and First grade:
Lady Pancake and Sir French Toast by Josh Funk
How to Code a Rollercoaster by Josh Funk
Creepy Carrots by Aaron Reynolds
Mr Putter and Tabby series by Cynthia Rylant
The Day the Crayons Quit series by Drew Daywalt
Zoey and Sassafras series by Asia Citro
Second Grade (Any of the above as well as...)
Narwhal: Unicorn of the Sea series by Ben Clanton
Eerie Elementary series by Max Brallier
Down Girl and Sit by Lucy Nolan
Toys Go Out by Emily Jenkins
Ricky Ricotta series by Dav Pilkey
Third Grade (Any of the above titles as well as...)
Crenshaw by Katherine Applegate
Klawde by Johnny Marciano
The I Survived Series by Lauren Tarshis
Guinness Book of Records, Weird, But True! and Almanacs also never go out of style!
Fourth Grade (Any of the above titles as well as...)
El Deafo by CeCe Bell
Smile by Raina Telgemeier (or any of her books!0
The Vanderbeekers of 141st St. by Karina Yan Glaser
Betty Before X by Ilyasah Shabazz
Among the Hidden series by Margaret Peterson Haddix
The Wild Robot by Peter Brown
For Kindergarten and First grade:
Lady Pancake and Sir French Toast by Josh Funk
How to Code a Rollercoaster by Josh Funk
Creepy Carrots by Aaron Reynolds
Mr Putter and Tabby series by Cynthia Rylant
The Day the Crayons Quit series by Drew Daywalt
Zoey and Sassafras series by Asia Citro
Second Grade (Any of the above as well as...)
Narwhal: Unicorn of the Sea series by Ben Clanton
Eerie Elementary series by Max Brallier
Down Girl and Sit by Lucy Nolan
Toys Go Out by Emily Jenkins
Ricky Ricotta series by Dav Pilkey
Third Grade (Any of the above titles as well as...)
Crenshaw by Katherine Applegate
Klawde by Johnny Marciano
The I Survived Series by Lauren Tarshis
Guinness Book of Records, Weird, But True! and Almanacs also never go out of style!
Fourth Grade (Any of the above titles as well as...)
El Deafo by CeCe Bell
Smile by Raina Telgemeier (or any of her books!0
The Vanderbeekers of 141st St. by Karina Yan Glaser
Betty Before X by Ilyasah Shabazz
Among the Hidden series by Margaret Peterson Haddix
The Wild Robot by Peter Brown
October
In 3rd and 4th grade this month, we have been learning how to use Sora and the library catalog to find books, ebooks and audiobooks. We certainly have a lot of different ways to read! You can also put a Sora app on your mobile devices so students can access their ebooks outside of school. Ebooks, audiobooks and physical books are all wonderful ways to enjoy stories and now your child can always have something to read. Second grade is learning their way around the library and the online catalog. Our keyboarding skills are improving along with our inquiry skills as we think about what we want and how to find it. These are very important concepts that help us learn to explore and navigate our world.
Kindergarten and first grade have been enjoying author Aaron Reynolds and his Creepy Carrots, Creepy Pair of Underwear, and Chicks and Salsa books are some of our favorite read alouds! Making "Franken pants" and Creepy Carrots was a fun activity, too!
Third and fourth grade will also be working on a short research project and we are finding more time to read our books, which is always our favorite library activity! As we establish our routines, we will (hopefully) rush less during our 40 minutes each week! I can dream, right?
Thank you for all of the new book donations from the book fair! The APT was very generous and we will be able to add so many great titles to our library. I am always so overwhelmed by the generosity of this community. I am so lucky to be here. Have a safe and happy start to autumn!
Kindergarten and first grade have been enjoying author Aaron Reynolds and his Creepy Carrots, Creepy Pair of Underwear, and Chicks and Salsa books are some of our favorite read alouds! Making "Franken pants" and Creepy Carrots was a fun activity, too!
Third and fourth grade will also be working on a short research project and we are finding more time to read our books, which is always our favorite library activity! As we establish our routines, we will (hopefully) rush less during our 40 minutes each week! I can dream, right?
Thank you for all of the new book donations from the book fair! The APT was very generous and we will be able to add so many great titles to our library. I am always so overwhelmed by the generosity of this community. I am so lucky to be here. Have a safe and happy start to autumn!
This month, we welcomed the students back to school and reminded ourselves about expectations. New kindergartners and students learned how to listen to a story in the library and how to take care of a book. Our friend Pigeon helped us learn about book care with this video.
Thank you Kirstie Russell from "Laughter in the Libraries for this video!
What did we do in August and September?
We read a few different picture books, such as The Library Lion by Michelle Knudsen, The Pigeon HAS to go to School by Mo Willems, The Library Mouse by Daniel Kirk, School's First Day of School by Adam Rex and many more!
We also designed our own library cards, made illustrations for books we read, designed our ideal rooms, and a lot of other activities to help get to know one another.
We read a few different picture books, such as The Library Lion by Michelle Knudsen, The Pigeon HAS to go to School by Mo Willems, The Library Mouse by Daniel Kirk, School's First Day of School by Adam Rex and many more!
We also designed our own library cards, made illustrations for books we read, designed our ideal rooms, and a lot of other activities to help get to know one another.
The most important part of reading is to enjoy it! Everyone should be free to explore and choose the books they like in our library. The more a child reads, the more they take pleasure in it and may start reading more challenging material later. Picture books, chapter books, series, graphic novels and longer novels are available for the students.
Also, people of all ages enjoy a good picture book! There are many graphic novels and picture books aimed at older children and adults.
Also, people of all ages enjoy a good picture book! There are many graphic novels and picture books aimed at older children and adults.
May/June
Summer is almost here!!!!
Please return all of your library books as soon as possible. They are all due.
Students have been doing so well all year! The 4th graders are finishing up their projects and presentations about Mexico. Lots of vacation ideas!
3rd graders are enjoying researching about animals and comparing their traits. Now we are picking the best traits and combining them to make a super animal. Hopefully we will get to compare these new animals and see "who would win". I hope we have time!
2nd graders are enjoying their projects and reading Toys Go Out by Emily Jenkins. We loved Down Girl and Sit by Lucy Nolan. Very enjoyable reads for sure!
Our 1st graders have been enjoying books by author Josh Funk and Kindergarten has been exploring Leo Lionni! I love to introduce students to authors old and new!
Book lists for all grades will be going home for summer. These lists are recommendations from their peers, with some input from the reading specialists and librarians at both elementary schools. When the lists are done, I will post links here. They will also be available at the Dunstable and Groton Public Libraries.
PLEASE HELP YOUR STUDENTS AVOID THE SUMMER SLIDE BY ENCOURAGING THEM TO READ AND ALLOWING THEM TO CHOOSE BOOKS.
Have a safe and happy summer!
Please return all of your library books as soon as possible. They are all due.
Students have been doing so well all year! The 4th graders are finishing up their projects and presentations about Mexico. Lots of vacation ideas!
3rd graders are enjoying researching about animals and comparing their traits. Now we are picking the best traits and combining them to make a super animal. Hopefully we will get to compare these new animals and see "who would win". I hope we have time!
2nd graders are enjoying their projects and reading Toys Go Out by Emily Jenkins. We loved Down Girl and Sit by Lucy Nolan. Very enjoyable reads for sure!
Our 1st graders have been enjoying books by author Josh Funk and Kindergarten has been exploring Leo Lionni! I love to introduce students to authors old and new!
Book lists for all grades will be going home for summer. These lists are recommendations from their peers, with some input from the reading specialists and librarians at both elementary schools. When the lists are done, I will post links here. They will also be available at the Dunstable and Groton Public Libraries.
PLEASE HELP YOUR STUDENTS AVOID THE SUMMER SLIDE BY ENCOURAGING THEM TO READ AND ALLOWING THEM TO CHOOSE BOOKS.
Have a safe and happy summer!
|
Spring Reading Challenge!
Will you read in a zoo or in a park? Will you read to your friend Sue, or in the dark?
Will you read with Mom by the pool? Will you read with Dad on a mule?
Will you read in the car? On a train? In the sun or the rain? Will you read someplace near or far?
We want to see you read wherever you are!
Whether you read in Spain or on you own street, we want to hear it, share it, and maybe send a tweet!
Here is how it works:
1. Take a picture of yourself reading during April Vacation (try and make sure we can see the cover of the book)!
2. Print it out and bring it to Mrs. Mulligan or email it to [email protected]
3. Look for your photo to be displayed in school!
Happy New Year!
December just flew by and we we moved swiftly into the New Year! The kids have really been enjoying Ripley, our bearded dragon, and she has been loving having kids read to her and share stories. Children reading and sharing their excitement about their books is what it's all about!
In 4th grade, we are reading through the many MCBA titles and finding our favorites. What is the MCBA? The Massachusetts Children's Book Award is given to a title from a pre-selected list. Students in grades 4-6 need to read at least 5 titles from the list and then can vote for their favorite in March. Will we pick the winner? We shall see! For more information about the MCBA, click on the link here or above. |
In 3rd grade, students have been making book trailers! Students were able to choose their favorite book and then help share their opinion about it. We used SeeSaw or Google Slides to who the title, author, some pictures or videos and some interesting details about the book. Ask your students
how they did!
how they did!
In 2nd grade, we have been doing an author study about Ben Clanton. He writes some very entertaining stories and has provided a lot of laughs! I think It Came in the Mail and Rot are among our favorites. Check out Ben Clanton here.
In Kindergarten and 1st grade, we have been learning about the Caldecott Medal. We have read some winners from the past and are now reading the newest picture books from 2018 and host a Mock Caldecott. We will vote for out favorite and in February, we will see if our winner is the same as the official Caldecott Winner. One of our very favorites so far is We Don't Eat our Classmates by Ryan T. Higgins. Check it out when you can!
Hello November!
Wow! We had just a great turnout with our Storybook Pumpkin Patch! I have been posting pictures on Twitter and Instagram, and it was almost too many to keep up with! I was so excited! All of the students worked so hard and loved seeing everyone's storybook characters. I wish we were able to keep them around for another week, but the temperature was not cooperative for our fruit friends. Thank you to everyone who participated! It was a blast.
What are we up to this month? We are still reading Kenny and the Dragon by Tony DiTerrlizzi in 4th grade, and we worked on a dragon project. We are also nearing the end of Dragon of Doom by Bruce Coville in 3rd.
We read a few dragon books, some Halloween stories and talked about the different ways to find good stories in 2nd, 1st and kindergarten.
We were busy as usual!
We will continue to develop our joy of reading and discover new things during our library time.
Speaking of dragons, the library will be getting a new surprise soon. I don't want to spoil it, but if anyone is looking to get rid of a 40 gallon reptile habitat, please let me know! Just don't tell the kids yet.
Happy November!
What are we up to this month? We are still reading Kenny and the Dragon by Tony DiTerrlizzi in 4th grade, and we worked on a dragon project. We are also nearing the end of Dragon of Doom by Bruce Coville in 3rd.
We read a few dragon books, some Halloween stories and talked about the different ways to find good stories in 2nd, 1st and kindergarten.
We were busy as usual!
We will continue to develop our joy of reading and discover new things during our library time.
Speaking of dragons, the library will be getting a new surprise soon. I don't want to spoil it, but if anyone is looking to get rid of a 40 gallon reptile habitat, please let me know! Just don't tell the kids yet.
Happy November!
What is October bringing?
In 4th grade, we are starting to read an awesome fantasy story by Tony DiTerlizzi, called Kenny and the Dragon.
In 3rd grade, we are discussing plagiarism and how we can avoid it. A book called the Pirates of Plagiarism by Kathleen Fox and Lisa Downey helped a lot with understanding what plagiarism entails. Soon, we will begin reading a story from the series Moongobble and Me by master author Bruce Coville.
Our 2nd graders are working on how to pick the just right book, and will be creating a cool project to help all the students at Swallow Union!
We will also be reading Beekle and After the Fall by author Dan Santat, among other titles.
In 1st grade, students will read Creepy Carrots by Aaron Reynolds and work on a creepy carrot activity, and read other festive stories as the month goes on.
Kindergarteners will be reading Creepy Underwear, also by Aaron Reynolds and making a silly frankenstein decoration from the book. It just may look underwear-ish. ;) If you have not read either of these titles, do yourself a favor and read them soon! The kids love these stories and with good reason.
All students have had some choices of what to work on after checking out a book and participating in that week's lesson. Students have created bookmarks and read. Some have completed the Question of the Week and conducted research before sitting down to read, and some have worked on a library scavenger hunt. Some students have done all of these things! We have been very busy!
I am hoping to complete a Storybook Pumpkin Patch in the library.
Decorate a pumpkin to look like one of your favorite book characters, and bring it to school to plant in our
Storybook Pumpkin Patch in our library!
**No Carved or Cut Pumpkins!**
•Think of your favorite book and design your pumpkin based on your favorite character from that book.
•Purchase a pumpkin that is NO larger in size than a basketball.
•Gather your decorating supplies. Acrylic paints or permanent markers work best. Watercolors tend to run, and spray paint will gradually dissolve the pumpkin. You can add materials, like yarn, buttons, wiggly eyes, etc.
•Decorate your pumpkin without carving, cutting, or poking holes in it.
•Print out the flyer, or have your child pick one up from school, and fill in the blanks on the back of the page.
•Bring your pumpkin and the flyer to school: The Week of 10/22/2018
•Take your pumpkin home by Friday, 11/9/2018
If your child needs help getting it home please make plans to do this.
All pumpkins that are left behind will be thrown away by 4:00 that afternoon.
Participation is completely voluntary. This is not a contest.
Each decorated pumpkin will earn the owner one prize
(limit one pumpkin per student).
You will get your prize when you pick up
your pumpkin.
Have fun and be creative!
Thank you!
You can see the necessary details and print out a copy of the flyer here.
Thanks to Cari White at http://librarylearners.com/storybook-pumpkin-patch-time/ for the idea and inspiration.
In 3rd grade, we are discussing plagiarism and how we can avoid it. A book called the Pirates of Plagiarism by Kathleen Fox and Lisa Downey helped a lot with understanding what plagiarism entails. Soon, we will begin reading a story from the series Moongobble and Me by master author Bruce Coville.
Our 2nd graders are working on how to pick the just right book, and will be creating a cool project to help all the students at Swallow Union!
We will also be reading Beekle and After the Fall by author Dan Santat, among other titles.
In 1st grade, students will read Creepy Carrots by Aaron Reynolds and work on a creepy carrot activity, and read other festive stories as the month goes on.
Kindergarteners will be reading Creepy Underwear, also by Aaron Reynolds and making a silly frankenstein decoration from the book. It just may look underwear-ish. ;) If you have not read either of these titles, do yourself a favor and read them soon! The kids love these stories and with good reason.
All students have had some choices of what to work on after checking out a book and participating in that week's lesson. Students have created bookmarks and read. Some have completed the Question of the Week and conducted research before sitting down to read, and some have worked on a library scavenger hunt. Some students have done all of these things! We have been very busy!
I am hoping to complete a Storybook Pumpkin Patch in the library.
Decorate a pumpkin to look like one of your favorite book characters, and bring it to school to plant in our
Storybook Pumpkin Patch in our library!
**No Carved or Cut Pumpkins!**
•Think of your favorite book and design your pumpkin based on your favorite character from that book.
•Purchase a pumpkin that is NO larger in size than a basketball.
•Gather your decorating supplies. Acrylic paints or permanent markers work best. Watercolors tend to run, and spray paint will gradually dissolve the pumpkin. You can add materials, like yarn, buttons, wiggly eyes, etc.
•Decorate your pumpkin without carving, cutting, or poking holes in it.
•Print out the flyer, or have your child pick one up from school, and fill in the blanks on the back of the page.
•Bring your pumpkin and the flyer to school: The Week of 10/22/2018
•Take your pumpkin home by Friday, 11/9/2018
If your child needs help getting it home please make plans to do this.
All pumpkins that are left behind will be thrown away by 4:00 that afternoon.
Participation is completely voluntary. This is not a contest.
Each decorated pumpkin will earn the owner one prize
(limit one pumpkin per student).
You will get your prize when you pick up
your pumpkin.
Have fun and be creative!
Thank you!
You can see the necessary details and print out a copy of the flyer here.
Thanks to Cari White at http://librarylearners.com/storybook-pumpkin-patch-time/ for the idea and inspiration.
WHAT'S NEW?
What did we do this month?
What did we read?
We read a few different picture books, such as The Library Lion by Michelle Knudsen, Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus by Mo Willems, Walter's Magic Wand by Eric Houghton, among others.
We also designed our own library cards and played some games to help get to know one another.
We also designed our own library cards and played some games to help get to know one another.
How should children choose a book that is just right?
Use the five finger rule
1. Choose a book that you think you will enjoy.
2. Read the second page.
3. Hold up a finger for each word you are not sure of, or do not know.
4. If there are five or more words you did not know, you should choose an easier book.
Still think it may not be too difficult? Use the five finger rule on two more pages.
Choose a book that is a good fit for you!
Read two or three pages and ask yourself these questions:
Will it be an easy, fun book to read?
Do I understand what I am reading?
Do I know almost every word?
When I read it aloud, can I read it smoothly?
Do I think the topic will interest me?
If most of your answers were "yes", this will be an easy book to read independently by yourself.
Will this book be too hard for me?
Are there five or more words on a page that I don't know, or am unsure of?
Is this book confusing and hard to understand by myself?
When I read it aloud, does it sound choppy and slow?
If most of your answers were "yes," this book is too hard.
You should wait awhile before you read this book. Give the book another try later.
Tips on reading with your child
When they can't read the word, say…
Can you sound it out?
Fingertap it.
Can you think of the word or movement that helps you remember that vowel sound?
What is the first and last sound? What word would make sense?
Does it have a pattern that you have seen in other words? (ex-an, ack)
How does the word begin?
You said_______. Does that make sense?
What word would make sense that would start with these sounds?
Put your finger under the word as you say it.
When they want to read a book that is too hard, say…
Let's read it together.
This is a book you will enjoy more if you save it until you are older — or later in the year.
[Be honest!] When people read books that are too hard for them, they often skip important parts. You will have more fun with this book if you wait until you can read it easily.
Rogers, K. (2008). Selecting Books for Your Child: Finding 'Just Right' Books. Retrieved September 10, 2018, from www.readingtogether.org.
The most important part of reading is to enjoy it! Everyone should be free to explore and choose the books they like in our library. The more a child reads, the more they take pleasure in it and may start reading more challenging material later. Picture books, chapter books, series, graphic novels and longer novels are available for the students.
Also, people of all ages enjoy a good picture book! There are many graphic novels and picture books aimed at older children and adults.
Also, people of all ages enjoy a good picture book! There are many graphic novels and picture books aimed at older children and adults.
Photos used under Creative Commons from HarshLight, mariposavet