Sunday, September 26, 2010

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.

Thursday, September 23, 2010

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.

Monday, September 20, 2010

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.