'Tis the Season

As winter break is quickly approaching, I read stories to the children about Hanukkah this week.  Next week we will read a story about Christmas.  We have had some great discussions in the library about all of the different cultures, holidays and celebrations many of the children have in their own homes.  It has been a lot of fun learning about all of our families at Elizabeth Ide.

Additionally, there are some great websites in which students can learn more about different holidays as well as playing games.

North Pole Clubhouse Games

St. Nicholas

Different Holidays

What's Cooking?

Winter break is just around the corner.  Why not try to "spice" things up with some new recipes from our new "Cooking School" series in the library?  Choose books based upon the types of cuisine:  Middle Easter, Italian, French, Chinese, American & Mexican.  Available in the new book section of the library.

Great Minds Think Alike!

Mrs. Micetich's class came in for book check-out this afternoon where 2 young ladies picked out not just one, but two of the same books!  Double your pleasure, double your fun - picking out two great books and having a reading partner - what a great day!

Animals around the World

Did you know a Gallimimus dinsoaur  could run as fast as 43 mph?

A Mako shark is the fastest swimming shark.

A leopard vision at night is 6x's better than that of humans.

A porcupine-fish can swallow water or air and inflate its body to double the size!

The world's longest insect is a walking stick!  22 inches long.

Anteaters can eat up to 30,000 termites a day!

Green Mamba snakes can live between 15-25 years in the wild.

The US has the largest population of Arabian horses today.

If you enjoyed these facts, than you will want to check out the new "Animals around the World" series just added to the library today!

What's New in the IMC? Kitty Corner

Do you love kittens?  If so, I have the "purr-fect" books for you.  These chapter books focus on one adorable kitten in each book.  Michael and Mia are brother and sister who help find homes for kittens.  Book titles include:  Callie, Otis, Domino and Duchess.

Do You Really want a...

Look what's new in the IMC!

This adorable series lets students learn what it is like to take care of a pet before actually getting one!  A great book for students to read with their parents to discuss the responsibilities of being a pet owner.  Books in this series include:  Do you really want a:  rabbit, bird, hamster, dog and horse.

The whole series is on display right now in the new book section of the library.  Otherwise they can be found in non-fiction - section 636 HEO

Literacy Night Survey

If you haven't filled out the literacy night survey yet, please go to the following link.  Thank you.

Literacy Night Survey

Boris & Bella

Boris & Bella

Centers in the IMC

Next week all grades will be either starting their second set of centers (grades 1 & 2) or beginning centers for the first time (kindergarten).

Centers are a great way for me to support the classroom teachers and be able to reinforce math, grammar, writing and reading in the IMC.  I also have computer and art stations where students have the ability to be creative and get a chance to use more technology in the IMC.

These centers will focus on Halloween and Thanksgiving themed activities and will take place until Thanksgiving break.

Kindergarten students will be using the following website when in the IMC for an online coloring experience.  If they talk about it at home you can use the following site:

Color by Number

Venn Diagram - Grades 1 & 2

I finished up my curiosity unit with grades 1 & 2 this week.  Both grades focused on the theme of curiosity and began the unit reading the same Curious George book.  The next two weeks were spent each reading different books based on their grade level.

Look for these Venn Diagrams to come home in your students take home folder at the end of this week.

Below is an example of a grade1 & grade 2 Venn Diagram.

Grade 2

Grade 1

Curiosity Day - September 22-26

Who doesn't love Curious George?  Students love this silly, little monkey who always seems to get himself involved in the most interesting predicaments!

We will spend the week of the 22-26 celebrating George during IMC time.

I will read a variety of different Curious George books to the classes:

Curious George and the Pizza (Kindergarten)
Curious George Goes to an Ice Cream Shop (First Grade)
Curious George Goes to the Beach (Second Grade)

The IMC has been decorated with Curious George pictures and students will be bring home coloring sheets they complete in the IMC.

Want to have more fun with George?  Click Curious George for you child to play games with George like "I Spy" and/or watch video clips.

Week of September 8-12

Second Grade - Fiction, Non-Fiction, Dewey Decimal System.

We will review these different sections of the library and focus a lot more on the Dewey decimal system this school year.  Another goal is for students become more independent when searching for a book and using the computer's online catalog system to find the book and call number.  Students will practice this skill for a number of different lessons.  As students show me success, they will earn a paw!  Students of course will be checking out books!

First Grade - How to choose a right fit book.  

This is something the first grade teachers focus on as well.  As first grade students are still emerging into stronger readers it is very important they pick the right book for them.  Many times students feel they need to pick the "biggest" book, but it doesn't mean it has the right material for them.  This guide is helpful and you may want to use it when you visit your own public library.

Finding the Right Fit Book

Kindergarten

Kindergartners will work on alphabetical skills. This is something we will on for a while as it will help them find books in the library and remember where letter "fall" in the alphabet.  Of course, we have to make sure we have a lot of fun and students enjoy singing the "ABC Song."  I will also be reading books about the alphabet to reinforce this skill.

Students will also be bringing home their FIRST book from the IMC.  Remember students can keep books for up to 1 week, but many like to bring them back so they can check out a new book the second time they visit the library.

September 1-5

Look in your child's backpack - first and second grade students should be bringing home library books this week!  First and second graders meet with me for 40 minutes a week and some teachers bring them for an additional book check-out towards the end of the week.

We reviewed book rules this week.  Please help reinforce these rules at home:

1.  Books can be checked out for up to one week.  If a student would like to keep their selection longer, please have them come to the library to renew their book for another week.  I know as students start checking out chapter books, they may need the book for a longer period of time.

2.  Please respect the library books - don't eat or drink near your book.  If there are younger siblings at home, please keep the books out of their range to avoid books being ripped or torn.

3.  If something does happen to the book please just come and tell me or Miss. Garza and we will fix it, dry it out, or put it back together.  

4.  Have fun and READ your books that you bring home!

Next week - Kindergarten will begin checking out a book to bring home!  Kindergarten visits the library 2 times a week!

Welcome Back!

to the GREATEST year of them ALL!

 I am so thrilled to be starting another year at Elizabeth Ide. Kindergarten students will visit the library this week!  When students come to visit me in the IMC, I will be reading Look Out Kindergarten, Here I Come by Nancy Carlson.

First and second grade will begin library visits next week and I'm anticipating being ready for book check-out as well.

Next week, I will focus a little more on library rules and procedures, but I know the kids are eager to know about book check-out.

Kindergarten - one book 

First Grade - two books (first grade teachers suggest one orange label book and one black label book)

Second Grade - two books (free choice - as the year continues I suggest they try more non-fiction as well as our brand new chapter book section)

As always, if you have any questions or would like book recommendations for your son or daughter please feel free to ask!

National Nutrition Month

This month we are talking about healthy eating!  Students have been checking out books about fruits, vegetables and gardening!  What a perfect introduction to Spring!  Next week we will watch a video on Brain Pop Jr. about nutrition (Kdg.) and food groups (grade 1).  We will also be completing some activities about healthy eating as well.  I thought some students would enjoy trying to play Chef Solus' Build a Meal game.  Click the link to play the game!  Build a Meal

Happy Birthday Dr. Seuss!

Cat in the Hat Activities

Iditarod

Kindergarten & First grade classes will be learning about the Iditarod this week!  Even though it doesn't take place until the first week of March, I wanted the students to learn about the race as well as Alaska!  This week we will look at some books by Robert J. Blake.

Follow Akiak on her Iditarod Race

Togo is too small to be a sled dog.  Do you think he has what it takes to be as strong as the others and get a spot as a sled dog?

 I will also share with students "Glogster" which a glog was created to teach students about the Iditarod.
Glogster Iditarod


Like puzzles?  Click on the link below to complete a puzzle with a picture from Iditarod
Iditarod Puzzle

Clever Jack Takes the Cake - 2nd grade

This week I will be reading, Clever Jack Takes the Cake by Candace Flemming.  Students will enjoy Jack's journey trying to get to the princess's birthday party in enough time - and with a gift, of course!

After we talk about the book, we will have time for book check-out and then we will go to the computer lab where students will have the opportunity to create a story of their own.

Story Starters

Chicken Big! - Kindergarten & First Grade

Kindergarten & First graders will be reading, Chicken Big! by Keith Graves.

Before reading the book we will review what animals belong on the farm from the following You Tube video.

Fun Animal Farm Video

Learn all about farm animals

2nd Grade - Meet the Dogs of Bedlam Farm

This week I will continue reading from the Monarch Book list.  I will read, Meet the Dogs of Bedlam Farm by Jon Katz.  Students will meet the dogs and learn about each of their special jobs.  Students will learn that even though each dog is different they are all essential to the running of Bedlam Farm.

Once we have completed the story and book check-out we will head to the computer lab for students to choose an activity they would like to complete for the remainder of our time together.

 Toasty at the Farm

      Virtual Farm

    Learn about Dogs

Monarch Book List 2014

It's that time of year - time for students to be introduced to some new or possibly familiar books which have been nominated for this year's 2014 Monarch Book Award.  After a delay of the start of the school year because of the cold weather, we finally kicked off Monarch books today!

Kindergarten & first grade classes read, Say Hello to Zorro! by Carter Goodrich.  The students really enjoyed this humorous book - of course many could relate to the book because so many students have a family dog.  Mister Bud, the main character, is lovable and the book warms your heart about 2 dogs who learn to live with one another and become the best of friends.  This is also a great book for our young readers who are trying to find some of their popcorn words while reading!  This book can be found in our Orange Fiction section for early readers.  Enjoy!

Second grade classes will begin Monarch books next week since I missed my classes with them due to school being cancelled for cold days.