Read!
Wanted: Creative readers that would enjoy recording themselves reading a story. A Story Before Bed is a site developed by a teacher - it's genius! Basically, the reader (YOU) chooses a book in the large selection, reads it on a computer or device with a camera and saves. Back at school we go to A Story Before Bed and listen to someone we know read a story. If you're interested, me and I will give you the log in for your child's classroom and you can begin recording. Please invite family and friends as well. This is a great way to support our students, giving them a huge gift again and again.
Give!
We are 11% to our goal for creating a library "slush" fund that will allow me to buy books requested by students and teachers. My
last post shared more about the Titlewish campaign. Some students have mentioned donating their own money - how cool.
Lend!
I am shamelessly using this blog for personal reasons. My daughter will be Jessie for Halloween and I am going to be Woody - I am searching for size 12/13 cowboy boots. May I borrow yours? Or do you know a cowboy with big feet that may give up their boots for a day? I also need a gun and holster - Anyone? Anyone?
Jeffrey
Teacher/Librarian
Have you noticed the orange and purple button on the library home page? This is our Library Book Wish Blog button. Here students and parents can add a comment to a blog letting me know what books they would like to see added to our library collection. Over time, our collection will evolve into a collection built by us, such a good thing.
Rather than asking PTSA for library funds, I decided to work with our district publisher, Follett, and have a three week campaign asking for donations to our library so that I can purchase books being requested by students, teachers and parents. Books purchased through Follett are sent to the library cataloged, labeled and covered, basically "shelf ready". The goal is $2,500 for books. Thank you in advance for helping to build a library fund. Click here to give.
Jeffrey
Teacher/Librarian
We've decided to open the library before school and during recess, giving students more options. We are needing more volunteers to be with us in the library. Whether it's shelving books, supporting students in their book search, suggesting great titles, using the database, reading to small groups or checking out - you are wanted in the library. Most of our fabulous volunteers committee to a 1-3 hour shift each week, but we're flexible! This year our multi-media lab in not connected to the library, and a significant chunk of my time will be out of the library, supporting students in the lab. Having an adult volunteer in the library will be such peace of mind!
Time slots are available each day, with large holes on Monday. Please let me know if you'd like to be with us or answer any questions you may have. to send me an email.
Jeffrey
Teacher/Librarian
We love Brain Pop and Brain Pop Jr.! Self-directed students can explore an area/concept they are interested in learning more about and do extension/enrichment activities to follow-up. We've purchased a school license for our students to have access, 24/7!
Username: QAE and password: bp
Often times we will use Brain Pop to set up new learning and then invite students to explore a specific area. I am hearing from teachers that "homework" may include activities from Brain Pop.
For the iPad and iPhone there are Brain Pop apps available. I've heard Ms. Cryan share that her son, Jack, watches a Brain Pop movie in the morning and they talk about it. Feed the brain in a meaningful and exciting way! Check it out.
Jeffrey
Teacher/Librarian
How many books can I check out? How long can I keep the books? Both great questions, but maybe different answers for some children. My message to students is that "I am getting to know you as a library user, what you like to read, and if you return books". If students have overdue books and know exactly where they are located, it's likely that they can check out more. If a student has overdue books and they are not really sure where they're at, it's likely that these books will be held until overdue books are returned. If a student has an overdue book because they need more time to finish, then time is what they'll get and the opportunity to check out more. It's not likely that a student will be able to check out 3-5 books in the same series at one time. I not likely that a student will be able to check out more books if they already have five checked out.
Book Mobile
Have you seen the Red Radio Flyer wagon (donated by a kind parent) on the main floor of the Tree House? It's next to the elevator with a sign above, Bookmobile. Students can put books in the wagon to be returned to the library for others to enjoy. Each morning I will attempt to fetch the wagon and bring to the fort. Student may also place books in the book drop located under the printer on the check-out counter. At this time, students are able to use the library in the morning, after 9:05 and during recess.
On Monday, the library computer automatically sends an email to parents with children with over due books. Thank you for supporting the library and your child in getting these books returned. If books are lost, please let me know. I will mark the book "lost" so that your child can continue using the library and at that time we'll make a plan for replacement.
Stop by and visit the library and say hi. As I build a relationship with every student, knowing you will be a huge plus! If there are books you'd like me to steer your child towards, . We're a team.
Jeffrey
Teacher/Librarian
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