Learning in the Library

Another excellent Edublogs.org blog

First grade library lessons

The first graders are learning about the way the picture book section of the library is organized through lessons that feature different picture book authors.  So far the works of author/illustrator Lois Ehlert, author/illustrator Mo Willems, and author Bill Martin, Jr. have been explored.  Their books, along with all the other picture books, are shelved in alphabetical order by the first letter of the author’s last name.  The children have practiced matching the letter stickers on assorted books to the signs on the shelves and putting books away.

When reading books by Lois Ehlert, the students noticed the author/illustrator’s unique artwork.  She creates collages to illustrate her books.  Many objects look so real that one has to touch the page to realize the objects are not there in 3-D!

Mo Willems is the author/illustrator of many popular books.  His character Knuffle Bunny is featured in two award-winning books:  Knuffle Bunny: A Cautionary Tale andKnuffle Bunny Too: A Case of Mistaken Identity.  The hilarious Pigeon is the star of Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus, The Pigeon Finds a Hot Dog, Don’t Let the Pigeon Stay Up Late, and The Pigeon Wants a Puppy.  After reading several of Mo Willems’ books, the students enjoyed playing the online game “Hot Dog Dress-Up!” (found at http://www.pigeonpresents.com/fun.aspx).

The works of Bill Martin, Jr. are noted for his use of rhyme and rhythm.  Over the course of three weeks, the children explored Martin’s “bear books” (Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?, Polar Bear, Polar Bear, What Do You Hear?, and Panda Bear, Panda Bear, What Do You See?), his famous ABC book Chicka Chicka Boom Boom, his barnyard fantasy Barn Dance!, and his scary night-time tale The Ghost-Eye Tree.  While reading Bill Martin’s books, the chidren learned the rhyme “Five Little Scarecrows.”  They made scarecrow puppets and used them to act out the rhyme in the library’s puppet theater.

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More drawing fun

WitchVampire by JenniferSecond grader Jennifer had fun drawing Halloween characters with assistance from the easy drawing book How to Draw Halloween Things by Rob Court.  She made a book of all the creatures she drew!  Here you can see two pages from her book.

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Pull tab collection growing

The library’s collection of pull tabs for the Ronald McDonald House in Portland is growing!  Second graders Samantha and Doug, fourth grader Dylan, and first grader Miranda all made contributions last week.  We thank the children for their donations and encourage everyone to save pull tabs for Portland’s Ronald McDonald House.

The pull tab collection was the subject of last week’s estimation contest.  The container held 1,483 aluminum tabs.  Fourth grader Brad won the closest with his estimate of 1,500 tabs.  Congratulations, Brad! 

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Responsible library users recognized

Golden Shelf Elf AwardReturning library books on time is part of being a responsible library user.  First and second grade classes are recognized for their efforts to return their books promptly.  Each week a class earns up to five stickers. (The number is based on the number of overdue notices issued to individuals in the class.  Five stickers are awarded if there are no overdue notices for a class.)  When the class sticker chart is filled with 20 stickers, the class receives a congratulatory letter from a book character, bookmarks, and a small prize.  “I.Q. Mouse” corresponds with the first graders and “Skoob the Shelf Elf” encourages the second graders.

Miss Kimball’s second graders were the first to fill their book return chart, but Miss Mallon and Mrs. Sturtevant’s classes filled theirs the following week.  Mrs. Bemis and Mrs. Patrick’s first graders filled their charts one week and Mrs. Brennan’s followed the next week.  Congratulations to all first and second graders!  You are off to a great start! 

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Kindergartners learning to return books on time

Every week, when the kindergartners enter the library for storytime, the first thing they do is to return their library books.  Part of that routine is keeping track of how many books are returned.  After a student puts his/her book in the book drop, he/she receives a sticker to put on the book return chart.  The goal is to fill the chart with 100 stickers and earn a class surprise.  The children count the stickers each week and eagerly watch the stickers accumulate.  The library recognizes Mrs. Smith and Mrs. Sylvestre’s classes for filling their first chart.  Congratulations, Red Room and Orange Room!  Keep up the good work!

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