Check out the "Take One Leave One" cart outside the library. This cart is filled with picture books, parenting books, board books, early readers, best sellers, and much much more!  Take a few, enjoy and then pay them forward. (I just took two this morning for Madeline.)

Jeffrey
Teacher / Librarian

After demonstrating to students how to visit QAE classroom websites by clicking on Student Showcase, putting in the password, they were given a choice to explore new learning games at Turtle Diary during the remaining time in the lab or go look at other digital portfolios. It was awesome watching most of these kindergartners begin looking at their peer's work and make comments! Two of my favorite lines - "Build it and they will come" and "It takes a village"  - both apply to the power of sharing ones work with others and inviting comments. Taking the time to praise and let others know that we've seen their work really does something to that internal motivation to do our best. I truly believe this as I see it time after time. 

The Weebly workshops begin this Tuesday - I am fine tuning the handout this weekend. I've spoken to a few excited parents that are looking forward to learning about Weebly (it doesn't get any easier) and having focused time to explore and comment. I hope you think about joining us. 

Jeffrey
Teacher/Librarian

Librarians all over the state of Washington have selected their favorite 20 picture books of 2013. Now it's time for readers to select their favorite and award one author the Children's Choice Picture Book Award.  Click here to see all the nominees. These books are the best of the best - consider adding some to your home library. Clicking on the book cover takes you to the QAE Amazon Explorer Store, where your purchase gives money back to the school.

Support your child in personalizing their digital portfolio. Join one of the Weebly workshops and learn how to create a photo banner, change the overall design, upload photo slide shows, add writing and art pieces created at home. Students really thrive when there is an audience. Sharing with family and friends your child as a writer and artist is priceless and powerful.  

There will be three 90 minute Weebly workshops offered - 1/29, 2/5 and 2/9 (Saturday). Classes are filling up - come play with us! Handouts provided. or your child's teacher if you need a password to view any digital portfolio. 

Jeffrey
Teacher / Librarian

All students at QAE have a digital portfolio that includes writing, art, blog posts, images, and links. Student in grades 2-5 maintain their own site using Weebly, an online drag and drop web creation program. Parent volunteers in grades K-1 are uploading artifacts (art and writing) for students. 

Beginning the first week of February, Parent Weebly classes will be offered that will provide instructions on how to use Weebly. This will be also be a great time for parents to look at their (and hopefully others) child's portfolio and comment. Click here to register. 

Students and parents are invited to edit Weebly sites from home - adding content and changing design. Your child's digital portfolio is personal space that highlights them as a writer, artist and learner. 

Logging on, previewing and editing (and snacks!) instructions and passwords will be provided. This is an opportunity for parents to practice using Weebly! It's recommended that children not attend the parent workshops. Some students will be invited to provide support during the session. 

Student digital portfolios can be accessed through Student Showcase or classroom website. 

Weekly, Madeline (Ms. Mark's class) and I choose 3-4 students in her class to visit and leave positive comments. It's becoming so popular that we're going to visit students in other classrooms. Looking at another student's efforts can make a difference.

Jeffrey
Teacher/Librarian

All students at QAE have a digital portfolio, referred by some teachers as an e-folio or Weebly. We believe in showcasing great art and writing for family and friends to enjoy, see growth and comment. Most kids love an audience and now they have one!  Have you taken time to see your child's work as an artist and writer? All the portfolios are password protected and can be accessed from their classroom website. Please or your child's teacher for the password to access student web sites. 

The school has one password for all student sites, making it easy to visit other student sites and make comments. In our home, Madeline and I regularly sit down at the computer (10-15 minutes) to look at the work of her friends and make comments. The comments, usually being specific on something she likes or wonders about, are coming from her (I am her scribe, especially on those rushed evenings!). This morning, she wanted to check her site to see if anyone left a comment. This is what happens! As a writer she's aware that her work is being shared and strives at making it her best. 

Please consider sending your child's website address to family and friends - build the excitement of seeing great work and connect your child's growth and effort to those who care and want to be apart of the learning journey.

With all students, I've had conversations about being a positive and safe digital citizens. Digital portfolios do not include last names, phone numbers and addresses. If you find one that does, please let me know. 

I created a page on the library site, Student Showcase, for easy access to all student sites. Thanks for taking time to visit great work and leaving comments that encourage and inspire our students. It takes a village, oh yes it does! 

Happy Days!

Jeffrey
Teacher / Librarian

Because of generous purchases at the book fair, a grand total of $1928.00 was earned for the school. The Library Amazon Wish List just got smaller and most of the student requested books have been purchased. Thank you for supporting the library and making it a very special program! 


Jeffrey
Teacher / Librarian

I've always consider myself a teacher/learner. Throughout my long and wonderful career in education, I've gravitated towards great teachers, stealing many things they say and do with kids (good teachers have no problem with this!). Working at QAE is a dream come true. Never have I worked with such a fine group of teachers all sharing the same beliefs on how kids should learn and be treated. Watching my friend, Mr. Bailey, interact with students is like beautiful music to my ears. I loved this photo and wanted to share.

Jeffrey
Teacher / Librarian

PS. - Poinsettias needed for the library - small and medium sized ones! 

When direct instruction is needed in the computer lab, kindergartner and first grade learners are invited to the front of the lab. Because there is no rug for them to sit, I talk fast so they can get up and to the computer. 

My wish for the lab is a colorful rug with the ideal size around 6' x 8'. A used rug would work fine! 

For the library, a round rug to be placed under the new reading bench would be great. Ikea has a great rug but again, a used one would work just fine. 

If you are able to donate or supply the lab or library a rug and give comfort to our kids, please let me know. 

Jeffrey
Teacher / Librarian

All students will be visiting the book fair today to make a wish list and then visiting again on Thursday or Friday to make any purchases (check, cash or credit). The book fair is open from 8:45 to 4:15 and on Friday until 7:00. Santoro's Books is giving back to the school 25% of all profits. Carol, the owner, is also handing out 20% coupons for those who can't make the book fair but are able to go to the book store in Greenwood.

The latest and greatest titles are available! Teachers have their classroom wish list up for those wanting to donate. Donation labels with your child's name will be placed (unless you say otherwise) in the front cover for books donated to the library.

For whatever reason, if you are not able to afford your child making a purchase at the book fair, please let me know. We'd like to support you, by giving a private donation (cash) for your child to enjoy the book fair. No questions asked,

Jeffrey
Teacher / Librarian