December 2008
Grandview Library Newsletter!
Back to the Library
GINGERBREAD HOUSE
I'm not sure who had more fun, my daughter Juliana, or her mom. I was reminded that our children -- even our teenagers -- can experience the joy of play without being "plugged in". Rolling dough, cutting, spreading frosting paste -- what fun!
BAKED OATMEAL

3 1/2 C oatmeal
1 Tbsp baking powder
1/2 C oil
1/2 C brown sugar*
2 eggs
1 1/8 C milk
cinnamon and/or chocolate chips**

Grease 8x11 pan. Combine dry ingredients. Add remaining ingredients. Pour into pan. Top with cinnamon/chocolate chips**. Bake at 375, 25-30 minutes. Enough for almost two breakfasts at our house.
KID CARDS
Before you buy your next box of note cards, visit our store and buy Kid Cards instead. You will be supporting Grandview's literacy initiatives and enjoying children's artwork! Artwork created by Mrs. Geertz art classes -- the pieces were scanned and reduced to create these beautiful note cards. Proceeds from sales are managed by the PTA and funds are used to build classroom libraries. This summer, we purchased chapter books for one of our second grade classrooms.

 

Dear Parents and Friends,

Welcome to the December 2008 Grandview Library Newsletter.

I hope everyone is enjoying a peaceful vacation break.
The children shared their plans for the break -- play in the snow, sleep late, and spend time with their friends.
Except for playing in the snow, my plans sound a lot like theirs.

Lost Mittens

To celebrate the first snowy days, we listened to stories about lost mittens.

The Kindergarteners created their own matching mittens which will be used for a matching game when we return to school after the holiday break. The 1st and 2nd graders are writing their own "Lost Mitten" stories.

Some of the children chose to work on their stories over the vacation break. Each evening, I check to see who has written and I leave messages for our young authors.

Click here to view some of the unedited stories the children having been working on during the past few days.
Click here to view our process video.

Cheetahs

The 1st and 2nd graders are completing their note taking using information from four books about Cheetahs.

We practiced on the Smart Board -- the children took turns highlighting important words on book pages and typed notes into the Cheetah Project Organizer using the Smart Board on-screen keyboard. Smart Board mini-lessons and modeling helped the children to work independently.

When we return from the holiday break, we'll be ready to create our mini-books, big book, and display board. Our final project will be our cheetah research videos -- the children are eager to wear the cheetah masks.

Going Batty

Click Here to View Our Going Batty Process Video

The 3rd graders have completed their Going Batty note taking. They are writing fiction stories using their bat facts. We'll have several to share in our January newsletter.

Until next month, remember -- don't panic, be happy.
Enjoy the simple things in life and hug your children.

Happy New Year!

Warmly,
Mrs. Chauncey