Look who came to the TDS book fair!

Mildred the mummy and Queen T made appearances at the TDS book fair this week!

Book Fair!

Our Book Fair is on its way!!!

Monday, December 2 through Friday, December 6.

Family Night is Thursday, December 5 until 6:30.

Regular hours of operation are 7:30 to 3:30.

Place: In the library!

You can purchase books online through our online homepage.

 http://bookfairs.scholastic.com/homepage/thediscoveryschool

Tweeting about books

I offered 2nd through 5th graders the opportunity to "Tweet About Books" for other students. I asked them to write the title and author of a book they think other students should read on a post-it-note. The recommendations were glued on the door display for other students to view and take the advice on what next to read.  The students were happy to complete this activity.

Nonfiction Reader Responses

Fifth grade chose a short nonfiction book from a selection I provided. Then, they read the book. Each student chose a nonfiction reader response card from their table and responded in whatever written way indicated.  

Notice the student comparing sizes of planets using the picture/diagram in the book. Each student learned something new about the planets.

Kindergarten center time

The first day of centers during library time is always an experience. Centers in the library are hard for me because of the length of class time, limited space and the need for limited teacher involvement.  I first have to explain the centers. Next, I need to demonstrate and explain how we rotate each week. Then, I let them loose to work. 20 to 25 minutes class time makes for an interesting class. First grade immediately follows so I have to get it all cleaned up and out of the way in less than 5 minutes.

My centers for the first part of the year are:  string alphabet letters on pipe cleaners-students are to spell out first names, last names and words that they know; magnetic letters-same as pipe cleaners; dry erase boards to practice writing names, words, and letters; dry erase maze books-visual problem solving; floor puzzle-to encourage cooperative group work on problem solving; laminated letter pathways; laminated writing letters practice pages; I Spy books; and soon added to this list will be a listening center to listen to books as well as letter and word apps on the iPad.

Next week they get to check out a library book for the first time!!! 

Cleaning and decorating

When I began the process of getting ready for the 2013-2014 school year, I started creating a big mess.

 

After several LONG days spent at school, the main part of the library is finished and decorated.

I found several of these ideas either on Teacherspayteachers.com or on various Pinterest boards. I modified the door signs myself and created the clock signs based on those ideas. 

I am going to switch things up a bit this year.  The usual procedures for students when they come to library class (Thursdays and Fridays) for regular activity/related arts, has been put returning books on the book cart, sit down, look at board/screen/Power Point and write down inside their library folders the word of the day and definition. Each student has a library folder with blank notebook paper fastened with prongs inside and the student's library barcode ID is affixed to the outside. I usually try to cover the basic genre defintions as well as parts of a book.

This year, I think I am going to put up an Idiom board. I will have it separate from the Power Point showing the class agenda and goal for the day.  I may switch it up and throw in a genre definition every now and then.

The idioms will come from http://idioms.thefreedictionary.com/.  I might design a form for the students to use instead of notebook paper. I am thinking this will be for my 3rd through 5th grade students. 2nd grade students will still need to learn the genres and parts of a book thus I will continue the Word of the Day (Week) with them.

Getting geared up for 2013-2014!

I can usually be found in the summer reading, surfing Pinterest, updating web sites, and generally trying to decide on how I am going to decorate our library, what special themes/ideas I will try and get my workroom cleaned up and new books processed.

This summer is no different. However, I am actually thinking WAY ahead by generating ideas about having a "decorate a pumpkin as your favorite book character" October. If you are on Pinterest, I have created a board showing links to a variety of sites with ideas and examples from across the country. We might try to involve Mrs. Rochelle in Art class. I would really like to display the pumpkins in the upstairs hallway against the walls.  More information will be available by September, hopefully.

Many of you know that we will be teaching common core standards this year in Math and English/Language Arts. That will affect library class, too.  There are many resources available on the Internet with information about common core standards.  I will be using the new library iPad and AppleTV in my instruction as well as digital ebooks.  I am a proponent of students using ebooks and audiobooks. If you or your child needs assistance in learning how to access these type of resources on iPads, iPods, smartphones, or tablets, please do not hesitate to send me a note. Our public library provides free access to digital ebooks and audiobooks using your public library card. The more people that utilize this service, the less likely it will be cut from state funding.

Our fall book fair will be the week we return from Thanksgiving. This fall's theme is Reading Oasis which will feature Egyptian artwork and desert decorations.  I have neat ideas for arm band crafts so I will be collecting toilet paper rolls (empty of course!) and empty paper towel rolls. Just send them in to the library. I will send a note when I have enough or just through away what I don't need.

Now a plug for our Dickson County High School.  The award-winning DCHS Concert Choir has been invited to perform at Carnegie Hall, New York on February 19, 2014 along with the State University of New York at Fredona's Choir under the direction of DCHS alumni, Dr. Gerald Gray. The trip is costly but a once in a lifetime opportunity for these students.  Please visit the Cougars2Carnegie web site for complete information http://cougars2carnegie.org

Busy time at the TDS Library

We have had a busy time in the TDS Library this winter!  We have read Snowmen All Year and drawn what we would like to do with our very own snowman come to life (kindergarten.) 

We have also drawn what we would like to look like if we were a Christmas tree after reading A Wish to Be a Christmas Tree (kindergarten.) 

Of course everyone loves Pigeon by Mo Willems. We drew our very own Pigeon! (first grade) 

We created our very own informational text book reports (first grade.)  

2nd through 4th grade created a snowman holding their favorite books and those decorate our library door.

 3rd and 5th graders completed a research project and presented them to the class. The 5th graders have created some of the best Power Point presentations on their social studies topic that I have had turned in at TDS. Awesome job 5th graders!