Dear Parents,
Welcome to the February 2007 Grandview Library Newsletter.
 By now you should have received information on the "Books and Beyond" program which we've started at Grandview. Identify a time for your child to read at home every day -- and if your child is not yet reading -- it counts if you read a book to him! Each time a book is completed, be sure to enter the book title on the "Books and Beyond" reading log which was sent home in your child's backpack. When your child reads ten books, sign the form and return it to school. Your child will receive an incentive and his “reading marker” will be moved from station-to-station on the “Books and Beyond” bulletin board each time she returns a completed log sheet. Please, let your PTA representatives know if you are available to help with tabulation and incentive distribution.
Research Projects
The 3rd graders began their research projects in February. During the week of March 6th, students will begin podcasting their "Thesis Statements" for the topics they selected.
Take a look at our Research Project Organizer ~ of course students can save their work when they are logged in. Many students have worked at home and during their in-door recess. I am so proud of them! Remember, your children can work on their projects from any computer that has access to the web!
Kamishibai Storytelling
To kick off this wonderful form of Japanese Storytelling, we read the award-winning book,
The Kamishibai Man by Allen Say.
The 1st & 2nd graders are creating their own Kamishibai stories. The children's stories and pictures will be recorded and shared in the Grandview Newspaper.
What is a Friend & Fairytales
In Kindergarten, we will read books about friendship including: Fox Makes Friends by Adam Relf and Little Quack’s New Friend
by Lauren Thompson and Derek Anderson. We will podcast your children’s thoughts on the question, "What is a Friend?”
We will also read two familiar fairytales, "Little Red Riding Hood" and "Goldilocks and the Three Bears" - We'll create pop-up books and act out the stories!
Penguin Research
The Kindergarten and 1st graders will begin a research project in late April. We'll start with fiction and then dig into a number of non-fiction resources -- books, magazines, encyclopedias and websites. We’ll learn about penguins using multiple media ~ text, images, audio, and video.
What We are Learning About the Brain
I thought I'd share some of the articles and news stories I’ve been reading about "the brain". It’s exciting to learn that the brain continues to develop new pathways for learning as we age – a finding that refutes earlier beliefs. You can teach old dog new tricks! Enjoy the information on the sidebar under Mrs. C's picture.
Spring is in the air, hooray!
Warmly,
Mrs. Chauncey |
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