February 2006
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Take a look... New Books in the Library! Well, February is almost over and I am enjoying the four-day weekend -- a time to unwind, reflect, and get some home chores done! We are celebrating Black History Month with songs, poetry, reader's theater, and books. We grieve the loss of Coretta Scott King, a courageous, gentle woman who kept her husband's dream alive. The K, 1st, and 2nd graders sang and recited poetry to honor Dr. King. You can listen to some of the children here. I am sharing two powerful books with the 2nd and 3rd graders -- Freedom Summer and Freedom on the Menu. Ask your children about these books. As part of our discussion, we talked about "turning points" -- events which have a significant impact on the life of a single individual or on the lives of many. We also talked about why it is difficult to give up old ways of thinking -- it doesn't just happen because a law changes. Your children are working on their "I Have a Dream" clouds. They are also using a web-based graphic organizer to write book reports for which they must identify character, setting, problem, and solution. The 2nd graders presented a reader's theater play about the life of Harriet Tubman. Each student will receive a Harriet Tubman mini-book. After learning about Rosa Parks, the K and 1st graders wrote about their dreams. They colored and assembled Montgomery Buses. The dreams and buses were combined and are now being displayed in our front hallway. If you have the opportunity to visit the school in the next couple of weeks, you will see the wonderful dreams your children have put to words. The dream clouds and buses are hanging in the front hall and in the library. If you can't make it in, you can see a small sample here. (Be patient it takes a moment to load!) The K and 1st graders are learning about whales. The children are listening to non-fiction literature, singing songs, and viewing video clips. As a culimination to our research, each child will create her own whale book. You can hear some children share what they knew about whales before our research began. In a couple of weeks, I will add audio clips in which they will share their new knowledge. In the meantime, ask your children what they are learning about whales. I hope the exchange is more interesting than, "What did you do in school today?"... " Nothing". The 3rd graders have been working on Library Challenges. The first on the Solar System and the second on Children from Other Countries. I have been sharing Mrs. C.'s blog as a way to introduce the 3rd graders to blogging. They will have the opportunity to try-out blogging soon. Hope you are taking some time to enjoy the Winter Olympics. I have half an eye on skating and the other on a new book I'm reading The World is Flat. As always, feel free to contact me if you have questions or thoughts about the library program here at Grandview. Warmly, |
