April 2007
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Don't Tell Me I'm Smart!

The following article How Not to Talk to Your Kids: The Inverse Power of Praise was passed along by a friend and I thought it was worth sharing. I happen to agree with the author's premise as I've observed the same in my own experience with children. My sister once told my daughter that she would give her $100 if she would get a "C" on a test. Now I wasn't too happy with my sister -- but I understood the message and my daughter thought it was worth it! Read the article and let me know what you think! Email Me!


 

Dear Parents,

Welcome to the April 2007 Grandview Library Newsletter.

Today is Sunday, May 13th -- Mother's Day.
It's a day when I do what makes me happiest and writing this newsletter is one of those things!

The Race is On!
May is a scrambling month here in the library. While there is much to share, there are a few projects that will be completed at the finish line of the school year. Oddly, the children seem to understand that this work requires more concentrated effort and they are giving it just that.

Author Visits
We had two author visits in April -- just a day apart - two days of excitement and inspiration for our children. The 3rd graders are writing audio narration to go with our author "Thank You Card" slideshows. Click below to view:

On the Farm - Kindergarten
The Kindergarten classes are learning about farm animals and farm life. While they are familiar with the names of farm animals, we are building on that knowledge to go a bit deeper. Let's consider sheep -- What is a male called? What is a baby sheep called? What does shearing mean? Why do we shear sheep in the spring and fall. What do we do with a sheep's fleece? (Ask your children these questions!)

Kamishibai - 1st & 2nd Grades
As promised, we've begun to publish our Kamishibai stories -- Click here to see and hear our first published story. Please note that in real Kamishibai, the words of the story would not be visible -- I've included the words so that children can associate the spoken word with the written word. Visit the Grandview Newspaper over the next few weeks to see more stories! Click here to Learn more about Kamishibai.

3rd Grade
Time Capsules!
One of my favorite projects is creating a Time Capsule for the 3rd graders. This year's Time Capsule reads: "The Class of 2016". I know it sounds eons away -- but don't blink -- it's just around the corner. I've asked the children to imagine themselves going back in time and then forward in time. Click the topics below to read some their writing -- names are not included!

  • When I Was Little
  • My
    My Life Today
    I am a girl who wants to travel --Paris, Rome, Ireland, Russia, Australia, and Poland. I am a teacher's pet. I love to read and write. I just wrote a poetry book.
    I love art. I want to go to Princeton. I want to be a 3rd grade teacher for 5 years, then I want to travel. I am going to save money for my trips.
    Life Today
  • My
    My Life in Middle School
    My sister would be going off to college. I'd be a teenager and get a cell phone, finally. I'd be smarter and keep myself from middle school dangers.

    My Life In High School
    Right now I am in Ramapo High School and I am trying out for the basketball team. I was going to try out for the softball team, but I didn't really want to try out softball. I am playing great basketball and I am scoring a lot. I like Ramapo High School a lot.
    My Life As an Adult
    When I am in college I will achieve all my goals. I will become a basketball player for the Pennsylvania 76ers. I think I'm going to have three children and I'm going to live in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. I'm going to have a nice house and wife and children. I am going to hang out with my friends. I am going to try to make a CD and I'm going to change my name. My house is going to be big and I think I'm to be very intelligent.
    Life in Middle School
  • My Life in High School
  • My Life As an Adult

Research Projects
The 3rd graders are completing their research projects. You can take a look at some of work-in-progress in our Research Wiki where final reports will be published in the coming weeks.

When I Was Little
I liked to play with my dinosaurs when I was little. I was really happy when I learned more about them. I was about two years old when I went on my first vacation. I remember that when I was younger I tripped over a rock and cried.

Grants Funded!
All three of the library's Donor's Choose grants have been funded! We are waiting for the materials to arrive -- some will not be delivered until the fall. Click to learn about:

Looking forward to seeing all of you before the school year is over!

Warmly,
Mrs. Chauncey