Sunday, January 24, 2016

What are you reading now?

I've recently finished How I Discovered Poetry by Marilyn Nelson, True Stories ed. by Jon Scieszka, and Egg & Spoon by Gregory Maguire.  My thoughts? In order: beautiful, absolutely fascinating, and a little bit confusing.




How I Discovered Poetry was a very quick read, beautifully written, and I felt I learned a lot about Marilyn Nelson's childhood.  As in any collection of work, I enjoyed some stories in True Stories more than others.  There were a couple that I couldn't stop thinking about/talking about for days which is always the sign of good non-fiction for me as a reader.  As for Egg & Spoon I'm not sure what I think.  I liked it but thought that sometimes there was just too much going on in the story.  It is based on the folktale of Baba Yaga, the witch whose house walks on chicken legs.  This definitely intrigued me and I thought the first chapter of the book was absolutely beautiful.  As the story went on my attention wavered a bit.  Ultimately I was glad I finished it but would be interested to hear what others thought!

Next up Shadows of Sherwood by Kekla Magoon.  I've read a couple of other books by Magoon and liked them, so I'm looking forward to it.


Saturday, January 23, 2016

Keep calm and read along

I'm loving our new poster!  Ms. Ginn's 4th grade class surprised me with this poster they made and signed this week.

Friday, January 22, 2016

Seventh Grade High School Research

Seventh grade students are completing a full research project in my library class.  They are each researching a high school (or high schools) of their choice.  Their research follows the research method AGOPPE (Ask Gather Organize Prepare Present Evaluate.)  They are practicing several research related skills such as note-taking, effective searching, and creating citations.

In addition to their individual high school website, students have been using the following two websites to find information:

CPS High School Guide
CPS Find a School

Next up are the steps Prepare and Present as they work in groups to share what they learned.

ALA and ALSC Book Awards Announced!

The winners of this year's Newbery, Caldecott, et al. have been announced!  Some are favorites of ours, some I'll have to look into ordering, but all are exciting.

Newbery Winner -"Last Stop on Market Street,” written by Matt de la Peña

Caldecott Winner - "Finding Winnie: The True Story of the World’s Most Famous Bear," illustrated by Sophie Blackall, written by Lindsay Mattick 

Coretta Scott King Author Winner - “Gone Crazy in Alabama” by Rita Williams-Garcia
Coretta Scott King Illustrator Winner -“Trombone Shorty." illustrated by Bryan Collier

Pura Belpre Author Winner - “Enchanted Air: Two Cultures, Two Wings: A Memoir," by Margarita Engle 
Pura Belpre Illustrator Winner - "The Drum Dream Girl," illustrated by Rafael López, written by Margarita Engle


For complete lists including honor books and other awards please visit:


http://www.ala.org/alsc/2016-alsc-book-media-award-winners
http://www.ala.org/emiert/cskbookawards

Thursday, January 21, 2016

Online Databases

Fifth and sixth graders have been using the CPS online databases to research their assigned scientists.  We define a database as a "searchable online collection of information."  The databases are fabulous because they are full of reliable information.  They are often easier for students to use because they do not have to spend as much time evaluating the information as they would if using a search engine to search online.

Online databases are accessible via the library wiki via the right hand navigation bar under the heading "Databases."  Most do require a password to be used outside of school.  If your child cannot remember the password, please feel free to contact the school library.

Disney Library Database Page

Friday, January 15, 2016

More Book Art

Several of my seventh graders have asked if I could share more of their book art.  They've really enjoyed seeing the work that other students have created out of recycled books.  So...as requested, more student book art:




Thursday, January 14, 2016

Monarch Nominee: The Dark

Second and third graders have enjoyed reading Lemony Snicket's The Dark.  We've discussed fears of our own and compared them to Laszlo's fear of the dark.  Then students designed a book cover for their own imaginary book based on their fear.








Saturday, January 9, 2016

ALA Awards

In preparation for Monday's announcement of the ALA Youth Media Awards my sixth grade classes had an overview of four of the awards that will be announced Monday.  Students took notes on the four awards.  The Newbery was just a refresher as this was the subject of their CAC unit this year.  Then students explored award winners with the students at their tables.  We're excited to find out this year's winners on Monday!

Friday, January 8, 2016

Battle of the Book buzz

I'm LOVING listening to students talk about their Battle books!  I just had a sixth grade class and Roller Girl was all one table was talking about.  What other Battle books are you loving?

Monday, January 4, 2016

Battle of the Books starts tomorrow!

For the over 60 students who have signed up for Battle of the Books, don't forget that our first meeting is tomorrow!