Recess in the library just got better! Under the new stand up workstations there is a pull out step (choirs sing now). My most sincere thanks to the "step up" team for your creative design, carpentry skills, and construction! The final product is exactly what I envisioned for all students to have safe access to all library workstations. Check out Isa!
I am proud to be a librarian! We have created an amazing space for 21st century learners to learn and explore. The library is here to welcome all curious learners!
Today, during one of my many "teacher scans", I spied:
- two groups of girls in a circle creating rubber band bracelets,
- three on computers looking for their houses on Google Maps,
- three reading The Sinking Titanic on iPads using Storia,
- two creating a puppet show using Puppet Pal,
- 10 reading independently, two strumming the iPad like a guitar using Garage Band,
- four ready to check-out
- and three standing in front of me waiting to go on a book hunt!
My most meaningful teaching times and relationship building opportunities happen during recess!
In Partnership with YOU!
Jeffrey
Teacher/Librarian
Follow us: @qaelibrary
Whenever our household orders from Amazon (almost daily!) we use the unique URL that links all our purchases to QAE.
Each month QAE receives money from Amazon because many of you are remembering to place your Amazon order through QAE. There are two ways you can order on Amazon so that a percentage of the cost goes directly to QAE.
1. Install the QAE Extension on your Chrome Browser - and click the little rocket to begin your usual Amazon shopping. Your screen will look like it always does, but you are going through the QAE door. Click here to download. I made a tutorial on how to install and use the app. Click here to watch that masterpiece.
2. if you're not a Chrome user, bookmark the QAE Amazon URL on your browser. Copy and Paste the below.(notice the qae-20 in the address - that's the key!)
http://www.amazon.com/?&tag=qae-20&linkCode=wsw&
3. Click on the QAE homepage and use the Amazon search window.
To date, over a thousand dollars from Amazon has been given to our school all because we're doing normal shopping on Amazon through the QAE Affiliate. Have you checked out the QAE Amazon Library Wish List lately? This list is also tied to our QAE Amazon Affiliation.
Share the QAE Amazon link with family and friends - it's a good thing!
Jeffrey
Teacher / Librarian
 Click to Download
It's finally here, an iPad app for Dreambox! Download the app, connect using the access code: znc2/queenaes. After you connect to QAE, find your teacher and then click on your character. I haven't played yet with the app,Please drop me an email with your thoughts/interactions.
Happy Thanksgiving - I am so thankful for QAE and all the students who I get see every day! - Jeffrey
 QAE Amazon Book Wish List
When students are in the library (or hallway, playground, lunchroom, etc...) talking about books, I am usually listening (at times I am eavesdropping) - it's my job and I love it! When students requests books for the library, they tell me or they'll post a comment on the Book Wish Blog. Then I need to figure out a way to get those books on the shelf. Often times I use the library budget that Mr. Elliott gives the library each year. This small budget also pays for library supplies, guest authors, furniture, professional development. Often times I will update the QAE Amazon Book Wish List seeking generous donors . When the new books arrive, I prepare them for the shelf by covering them, entering titles into the computer and sometimes placing a donation label in the inside cover. The label is NOT required but I love it because when the book is browsed it will be reminded us of the donor for years to come. How better to connect with the library than donating a book for others to enjoy?
Would you please consider purchasing one book for students to enjoy? Feel free to send this post to family and friends. Many titles are the latest in a series that students can't get enough. When new books are ready for check out - priceless!
Students are requesting books - the list is getting long, thanks for taking a look. Click on the video link I
created that makes purchasing books on an Amazon Wish List more simple.
Jeffrey
Teacher / Librarian
The lost and found racks are filled to the brim. As a father who really can't afford to replace lost items, I wanted to take extra steps getting these items (some quite valuable) back to the owners. With the help of talented student photographers, a slide show was created of most items. Please open this post on a web browser so that you can see all the treasures. Click on the blog photo to visit the slideshow. Lost and Found is also located on the library site under MORE.
Located in the brick building and Treehouse is the QAE Lost and Loved Couture. Parents, PLEASE visit and claim what is yours. Materials remaining after a period of time will be donated to Wellsprings Family Service.
As daddy with a daughter who loses more head bands that anyone could imagine, her name goes on everything! Here is where I buy name stickers that don't come off in the wash.
in Partnership with YOU!
Jeffrey
Teacher / Librarian
We've had two very successful weeks assessing students using the MAP assessment. Students have enjoyed showing what they know by answering different questions in a variety of ways. We've saved the best for last, kindergartners. Parents of K students are encouraged to do the practice MAP at home. We've discussed MAP with all kindergarten students what they can expect on Tuesday and Wednesday. With your child, click on the girl for some MAP practice.
Jeffrey
Teacher / Librarian
Two times this year all QAE students will be given the MAP (Measures of Academic Progress) assessment. The results from MAP is important data for teachers to begin developing differentiated learning plans for their classroom (groups) and students (individual). The data includes detailed information teachers will use to build curriculum to meet the needs of their students.
Developed by NWEA, MAP is a computerized adaptive assessment that captures a student's abilities, comparing the data with other students in the school, district and nation. MAP is one of many ways QAE teachers use to create personalized learning. The assessment is delivered with low stress and emphasis (it's fun) - we want students to enjoy the experience and see this as an opportunity for them to show us what they know. Student data from the assessment results will be shared with parents soon testing is completed, usually in 3-4 weeks.
This year's MAP experience will be different than in previous years. Because we no longer have a computer lab, students will be using computers in mini-labs located on the second and third floor of the Treehouse. Students will not be assessed with their entire class. MAP administrators will be going to classrooms and taking students out for the assessments. Students will return to the classroom when they are finished. K-1 students will get extra attention during the MAP assessments.
 MAP Practice
Clicking on the "girl" icon will take users to a MAP practice site. I will be visiting all All K-2 classroom so that we can review MAP together. I recommend looking at this home; not only will this give your child additional practice with their clicking and dragging skills, it will give you a preview of the assessment. The practice video takes 10 minutes.
Click here for a Power Point that will be introduced to all students, grades 3-5. I recommend you viewing the presentation and connecting with what your child will be experiencing over the next two weeks.
Feel free to stop by any time to talk about MAP or see it in action, please
In partnership with you!
Jeffrey
Teacher / Librarian
 Jusuan
Everyone loves an incentive, especially QAE readers! Three days remain for the QAE library to earn 10K points from Scholastic which would buy over 100 books. Students who complete a series are given a Scholastic catalog where they can choose a new book for their library at home.
Since we opened QAE, the library has given away over 200 books as reading incentives. I've used up all my Scholastic points (collected over the past 21 years) and need your support to rebuild the supply!
Click here and use the activation code JNB2V to order a book or two for your child. There is no shipping or tax and when the books arrive at the school I will deliver to your child's classroom. Ordering requires a Scholastic account; registration takes a minute, if you don't already have one.
In partnership with you!
Jeffrey
Teacher / Librarian
Everyone connected to the happenings in the QAE library is a good thing! I will be tweeting student reading achievements, student book reviews, great title suggestions, literacy links, and the funny things kids say in the library! We currently have 64 followers - I'd love to see that audience increase! Consider following us on Twitter, you may see something interesting your child did in the library.
Jeffrey
Teacher / Librarian
Computers and devices are tools that when used effectively can influence and enrich learning! Good teaching uses many resources to reach all learners. Whether technology is used to create a presentation, record a student reading, browse an interactive book, access the library database and place a hold, practice a math concept, Skype with a famous author or a classroom in Africa, upload a piece of art onto a digital portfolio, or co-write a story using a shared document - computers and devices are tools that allows us to differentiate learning, communicate, collaborate and create.
Two blogs that always inspire me as an educator are I Learn Technology and Learning in Hands. Kelly and Tony share my belief that technology connects us to a world of knowledge in a very exciting way. "It ignites a fire, a desire to learn, and gives them the ability to express themselves in meaningful ways." K.T.
Last year's computer lab is now Ms. Leckie's classroom. More space was needed and this room made the most sense to create a new classroom. While the lab is gone the computers are not. Every classroom has 4-6 computers, along with mini labs in the hallways. Computer activity is controlled and monitored by the main library computer using Apple Remote Desktop. Using this program, I have the ability to see what students are doing, launch programs, close windows, take over the mouse and send messages. Great news, when you visit the library you will notice seven additional computers that will be stand-up work stations. Two QAE parents are designing steps that will pull out from below and handle the weight of two students. These step-ups will allow everyone to use the stand-up computers. With 16 computers in the library and more outside in the hallway, classes will receive lessons on digital citizenship, keyboarding and the use of programs used in the classroom. Co-teaching with all the teachers, we'll work together introducing 21st Century Skills and great programs to all students.
Learning Resources
Did you get the message that I asked students to bring home? If you did, then you likely bookmarked the QAE Library site on your home computer. While not all students have yet been introduced to every link on the RESOURCE page, they are invited to access these sites before and after school and during all recesses. Take time to look at these learning sites so that you can discuss and participate.
Hope to see you tonight at open house. The library needs more volunteers - if you'd like to join our group; come shelve books, help kids select, have an espresso!
In partnership with you!
Jeffrey
Teacher / Librarian
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