Holiday Hoopla!!

Dear Teacher;

Please surprise me with something fun this week, something that will take my mind off the fact that Santa doesn't come to my house in  a big way.  Help me to see the magic of the holiday because I don't have anyone at home to read bedtime stories to me, bake cookies with me or even to play with me over the long winter break.  Even though I don't always show it, I like school and YOU more than home.  I need something exciting to happen this week to keep my mind on my work and off my troubles.

Thank you for understanding my need for a little extra sleigh bell sound, a little extra hug, a little extra time with joy.  It's important to learn about this tradition  of giving even if it doesn't all make sense to me-tell me about it so I can grow up and make good family traditions of my own.

With warmest holiday wishes,
Your students

Two great clips are here:

The Polar Express (Lou Diamond Phillips reads this classic )
Twas the Night Before Christmas (a great video version)
A little elf told me 3rd grade did a fantastic reader's theatre of this book!!

Many exciting titles and movies are available in the library like this Q and A book, Mrs. Claus answers the real questions kids ask...which could be used as the beginning of a wonderful writing assignment!! 

Ho Ho Ho!!

Guinea Pig Information

Some new library pets showed up behind the story circle last week.  I've been doing lots of research about how to take care of our new pets and found lots of information on The Humane Society's website.

It's All About Guinea Pigs

November is here.  Conferences are over.  Time to celebrate what we are thankful for in our own lives and at school. We have a bounty of Native American and Thanksgiving-related fiction and nonfiction in the library!  Come explore or send me your requests by email.

Just a few titles to get you thinking...

1. In November by Cynthia Rylant
2. Thanksgiving Mice by Bethany Roberts
3. The Thanksgiving Bowl by Virginia Kroll
4. P is for Pilgrim; A Thanksgiving Alphabet
5. Minnie and Moo and the Thanksgiving Tree by Denys Cazet
6. Giving Thanks; the 1621 Harvest Feast by Kate Waters

Turkey Facts
Click the link To play Thanksgiving games.
DLTK's Thanksgiving activities

Howling for Halloween

Reading Halloween books this week to a few classes makes me want to share some Halloween book love.

Halloween books give me special credence to use all sorts of fun voices for read-alouds!  Students are thrilled as I stomp around our reading circle reading these favorites.

1.  The Perfect Pumpkin Pie by Denys Cazet:  I love pie and this book makes a great read-aloud about a dead man's love for pie. 
This book has a marvelously fun refrain about pumpkin pie with delightful illustrations.

2. That Terrible Halloween Night by James Stevenson:  Louie and Mary Ann think they have Grandpa tricked when he doesn't know that October 31st is Halloween but it's really Grandpa tricking them.  Kids love the speech bubbles in the illustrations and the ending had everyone thinking!!

3. The Three Bears' Halloween by Kathy Duvall: Mama, Papa and Baby Bear dress up for Halloween and trick-or-treat around the forest.  When they find a house door open they venture in...A funny take on Goldilocks, kids love it when they figure out the story is the reverse of the original. 

4. Where's My Mummy by Carolyn Crimi:  Little  Baby Mummy wants to play one more round of Hide and Shriek and runs away from Big Mama Mummy.  When she doesn't come looking for him, he has to search for  her in some unusual places.  John Manders illustrations show us a perfectly creepy graveyard with a wildly un-frightning but fun cast of characters.  This also has some easy repitition for young ones to repeat with you. 

5. Boris and Bella also by Carolyn Crimi:  A romantic tale of a friendship that forms between Bella Lagrossi and Boris Kleanitoff-one messy and one tidy vampire, both wishing to host a Halloween Bash.  Everyone heads to Harry Beastie's party instead as he's neither messy or too clean.  Cris Grimly illustrates this one for Crimi and they are perfectly spooky!  Crimi is the only author on this list to have their own website...such a shame!!  I think it should be a requirement for publishing houses to get a website up and running for an author with a few books under their belt, at least!  [soap box moment]

I discovered this interesting interview with Crimi at Make It Better, a North Shore publication.

Check out these fun Halloween Sites:

Pumpkin Carving Artist
Pumpkin Nook

Great Video-5 Little Pumpkins!

Fiction vs. Nonfiction

     I used two sets of great books this year to help 2nd students compare and contrast fiction and nonfiction books.  We read one of my favorites; Days with Frog and Toad by Arnold Lobel-we read the first chapter (oh, and they loved the idea that this was a CHAPTER BOOK!!)  and compared it to Frogs and Tadpoles by Anita Ganeri and Anni Axworthy and Toads by Julie Murphy.  I didn't read but a few pages of the nonfiction titles but we looked at all the photos and talked about how nonfiction is set up different. 

Because second grade had some prior owl knowledge we did the same with Owl Babies by Martin Waddell (hmm, another of my longtime favs) and looked at Owls; Flat-Faced Flyers by Adele D. Richardson and Owls by Wayne Lynch.  Owl Babies is a great choice to use as a comparison because it gives some accurate information about owls-making it harder to decide for students.  The key element making it a fiction choice is that the owls "tell" the story to us. 

Brilliant Author Studies

     Kindergarten students are still studying Eric Carle.  We've read The Very Hungry Caterpiller, The Very Busy Spider, The Very Clumsy Click Beetle, 1, 2, 3, To the Zoo, Rooster's Off to See the World and Little Cloud.  We've made trains carrying animals and clouds floating in the sky to represent Carle's beautiful artwork.  We've also watched Eric Carle read The Very Hungry Caterpiller to us and watched a few of his stories on video.  By the end of this study Kindergarten students will really be able to recognize all things Eric Carle!!

     First Grade students are studying Nancy  Carlson, who lives only one state over in a Minneapolis suburb.  We've had a great time finding new characters in all of Carlson's books.  We've read Henry's Amazing Imagination,  I Don't Like To Read!, Harriet's Halloween Candy, Harriet and the Roller Coaster, Harriet and the Garden, and Louanne Pig Makes the Team.  Most of these books have themes that fit with the Six Pillars and making good choices so we've had some really interesting discussions!  We plan to graph the characters next week. 

    Second Grade students have enjoyed the art of Graeme Base for the last three weeks.  We've read Jungle Drums, Animalia and The Water Hole; all books of his representing the natural world and all its beauty.  His books have offered a new look at the world and students have  enjoyed discoving his books. 

    Third Grade students have studied author, Eve Bunting.  We've read a few of her fun books that focus on imagination such as Little Badger; Terror of the Seven Seas and Mouse Island but we've also read a few of her more thought-provoking books like Fly Away Home, Some Frog! and The Wednesday Surprise.  With these titles we've discussed Author's Purpose and come up with the problems of homelessness, divorced families and an irresponsible Daddy and how important reading is (literacy) issues.   What authors do you love?  Stop in and find a new author today...

Great Library Books about the Library, of course!!

Here is a list of books we read at the beginning of the year to understand what a library is in our lives as students and humans in the world.  I always want students to know that what I teach them inside our library doors makes a difference outside the doors of our school as well. 

Library Lion by Michelle Knudsen; illustrated by Kevin Hawkes:

This is a well-written tale with dreamy illustrations that make you just want to fall into the book  A lion comes to visit the public library and the head librarian lets him stay as long as he learns not to roar.  The lion arrives early every day for storytime and finds joy in helping the librarians by dusting encyclopedias, licking overdue notices, and as a step stool for small children.  He loves being the library lion until Miss Merriweather falls and he roars to get help.  The kids love the idea that the lion is forgiven and invited back to the library-after all libraries truly are generally very forgiving places! 

Reading Makes You Feel Good by  Todd Parr:

This is a great list book with perfectly silly illustrations and is a perfect starting point for young listeners to see how important reading can be in their lives.  It has a catchy "refrain" of and you can do it anywhere!, which students love to repeat with you.  At the end I relay how I carry a book with me everywhere so I can read if I'm left waiting in line, stuck in traffic, or waiting at an appointment.  All the reasons to read are touched on in the book (using your imagination, recipes, following directions, traveling to new places are just a few), which provides students with a bigger reason to read than just schoolwork-or "because my teacher makes me!"  Kids will love the illustrations and Todd's word choices.

B is for Bookworm; A Library Alphabet written by Anita C. Prieto is a very informative text on all the many aspects of a library.  It begins with A is for Author;  There are thousands of books on the library shelves, just waiting for you and me.  They were written by people who love to create.  Do  you know who those people might be?  There is also tons of information in a sidebar about each topic but I didn't read that part to students.  This book introduces lots of great library vocabulary and I found a great teacher's guide by Patricia Pierce.  Of course I found the lesson plan after I had read the book but I be ready with it next year!

The Boy who was Raised by Librarians by Carla Morris; illustrated by Brad Sneed:

I read this book with third grade students and they loved the idea of how helpful each librarian was at this public library.  Melvin is one curious child (we all know a Melvin or two) and he wants to know a little about everything...Marge, Betty and Leeola are the librarians who help him find out everything he is interested in.  The librarians created by Sneed are a treat and happily look like really lively librarians.  One curious child in my story circle did inquired "Where are his parents?"- we never do meet them-it is the 3 librarians who stand with him as he graduates from high school.  A nice surpise ending that will have each child smiling at the end!

The Library Pages by Carlene Morton; illustrated by Valeria Docampo:

This is a new addition to our library and students really got the whole book but then were still surprised by the ending.  The librarian is at home on maternity leave and gets a mysterious video package from students.  It seems the guest teacher likes to sleep while the "Library Pages" or helpers organize/destroy the library!  My students had shocked looks on their faces and are so happy when they find out the joke is on the sweet librarian at home!

There are many other great choices to teach library lessons-these are just a few I used this year.  What are your favorites?

Caterpillars to Butterflies

     Kindergarten and first grade students listened to The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle and Waiting for Wings by Lois Ehlert.  Each book talks about the life cycle stages of a butterfly and each has bright, bold illustrations to capture a young audience's attention.  Ehlert's book is nonfiction, which gave us the opportunity to talk about nonfiction information and

compare it to Carle's fiction writing which gave the same information in a funny way. 

Some Frog

Eve Bunting's book, Some Frog!  will be read this week in the library to third grade classes.
Check out this cool video of a real frog-hopping contest.

Owls Stop by Highland Elementary

    
     Second grade students recently studied owls; learning about their habitat, eating habits, and life cycle.  Linda Nebee presented a slide show about many of the animals she's rescued through the Black Hawk Wildlife Rehabilitation Project.  At the end of her presentation she showed off two beautiful owls. 

Five Facts about Owls:

1. Most owls are nocturnal.
2. They are birds of prey.
3. Owls have strong feet like raptors with two toes facing foreward and two toes facing back.

4. Owls' eyes are fixed in their sockets.
5. Owls have a long, hooked bill.


Owl web sites:
 
Barn Owl Facts
Owl Facts
Birds of Prey Foundation
Mrs. Nash's class studied owls and this
is what they found.

Good books to read about school

Check out these great titles we read at the beginning of school!!

Kindergarten and first grade students have enjoyed

1. Chicken Chickens Go to School by Valerie Gorbachev. Two tiny chickens are a little afraid to be at school and mostly want to make some new friends.  After Mother Hen leaves the chickens they try to make friends with  beaver but he is busy building a tower.  During story time the two little chickens try to talk to rabbit but he is busy listening to the story.  The little chickens eventually find ways to make friends with everyone in class but not during class time.  This story emphasizes cooperation and expctations for school behavior. 

2. Hungry Monster ABC by Susan Heyboer O'Keefe.  One little boy is put in charge of showing 10 naughty little monsters all about the alphabet and how to behave in school.  Seems like the little monsters don't know what to do.  Kindergarten students love to see the mischief played out in the text and pictures of this easy alphabet book. 

3.  Read It, Don't Eat It by Ian Schoenherr.  This funny little book helps students remember how it is we treat our library books.  Laugh along with bear as he learns not to put his book in his mouth, not to leave it in the rain, not

to stand on it or eat by it.  Students love the ryhmming words and funny animal illustrations.

First Grade students also enjoyed Stand Tall, Molly Lou Melon by Patty Lovell.  Molly Lou is short, buck-toothed and loud but she doesn't care because her grandmother has taught her to be a nice person and be proud of herself.  Because of her caring attitude she is able to turn a bully into a friend.  This one has funny illustrations and keeps the kids laughing while still understanding how Molly Lou is unique and kind.

Second Grade students listened to Brand New Pencils, Brand-New Books by Diane deGroat.  Gilbert and his little sister, Lola, begin the school year and are a little overwhelmed with learning all the new things about school.  Gilbert makes a new friend and likes his new teacher, Mrs. Byrd.  Their parents take them for celebration ice cream where they discover many of their classmates as well. 

First Full Week of Library

We read a lot of great books this week in the Highland Library.

Third grade students listened to Who's Afraid of the Big Bad Book by Lauren Child, which in a mixed-up twisted way helped us to understand why it is so important to take care of books.  The characters don't like getting spilled on, written on, crossed out or cut out of our books!!  So beware if you  make a mess of your book the characters may just take their own revenge! 


If you are a first grade student you listened to me read Stand Tall, Molly Lou Melon by Patty Lovell.  Molly Lou is small, sings out-of-key and has some lovely buck teeth but she's received good advice from her grandma about being proud of herself and it gets her through when a classmate teases her. 

Fourth and Fifth grade students learned how to use their shelf markers and the sections of the library.  Their focus was to find two good fit books for reading.  They were excited to pick new books and are ready for a great new year! 

Summer is ending...

Think about it quick...What are 10 things you did this summer??

Mrs. Graf's and Ms. Westley's Green Commercials

Dr. Seuss Week

We reached our reading goals so Dr. Wagner wore a week's worth of wild hair just for us.

Dr. Seuss Love

Mo Willems and You Tube

5 more new movies

The library has five new movies to add to our ever-growing amazing collection. 

1. Miracle Dog
2. Arctic Tale
3. All about Building
4. Kids love Big Tractors and Trucks
5. I love big machines-Parents' choice award-winner

Stop in to the library and take a look-all our DVD's and movies are stored in the AV Room right inside the main doors. 
Also bookmark this new blog address-I recently updated our blog to match our new location.
http://media4highland.blogspot.com/ is where we can be found.

Happy Reading!!

Mrs.  Holt

Free AEA 267 Resources

The AEA has given us access to some fantastic resources from February 1 - March 15.

Click here to access site.  Each site uses the same user name and password: User ID: iec2010

Password: iowalibrary

Bookflix is a Scholastic site that pairs fiction with nonfiction book choices.  Proquest has a section called Culture Grams, which has tons of resources for studying states and countries around the world.  I will be accessing some of these sites with classes in the library but these are really great resources and we want to encourage AEA 267 to purchase and add these to their online resource library as well as the other great tools they already offer.  Please try them as you lesson plan over the next few days and weeks. 

Reading Rock Stars at Highland

We've started a new game in the library and I wanted to show you the rules and give you an idea of my objectives in creating this game.  Many students are sluggish readers, not willing to challenge themselves and I thought making it more active and with an intended goal (a private party) would stir up some excitement.  It is not necessary to participate but encouragement from all sides would be appreciated.  It only includes fiction titles and may include titles from your own classroom library.  As a teacher or staff member you could play along, earning pts as well to encourage students to keep going.  Each 3-5 grade class (except Christoffer's due to two late starts on Tuesdays) has been informed of the rules and many are now carrying around chapter books!!  Ask them about the book marks and what they are reading!!  Don't forget to look at the library flex time as a time when students can come in and change out finished chapters books as well.  We are hoping to create Reading Rock Stars!!!

Rules of the Library Game:

1. Every game has rules and you have to follow them to play fair.

2. This game is all about reading; we need to practice reading to get better at reading.

3. Read books I've already read and earn 5-10 points.

4. Read books I've not read already but want to and earn 15 points once you tell me about the plot.

5. You MUST READ the ENTIRE BOOK to earn points. Be honest-Cheaters never really win!!

6. 5th grade must earn 70 points to attend pizza party.  These are individual pts. not as a group.

7. 4th grade must earn 60 points to attend pizza party. Ditto

8. 2/3 grade must earn 50 points to attend pizza party. Ditto

9. Must save point sticker or bookmark in your book to earn points and discuss briefly with me.

10. Must be pre-approved book to be added to your points. (no random books from home-unless you check with me.

Lights, Camera, Action...

New Movies arrive at Highland Library:

Matilda by Roald Dahl
Kit Kittedge; An American Girl (Depression-era drama)
The Polar Express by Chris Van Allsburg
School House Rock: Election Collection
Bill Nye the Science Guy; Food Web
Bill Nye the Science Guy; Phases of Matter
Roald Dahl's The BFG (big friendly giant)
All About Rocks and Minerals
Stellaluna by Janell Cannon
Tall Tales and Legends: Paul Bunyan
Because of Winn-Dixie by Kate KiCamillo
You're [not] elected, Charlie Brown
A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving
Rockets