Wanamaker Library Newsletter
December 2023
Piper and Addyson use their imaginations in creating their monsters!
The afternoon class shows off their monster stick puppets!
The morning class display their Holiday Trees, complete with jewels, stickers, ribbons, and stamps!
Gwen, 6th grader, presents on America's White Table, explaining this military tradition and the significance of the items placed on the table.
Each item on America's white table has significance and helps us to understand and appreciate the depth of sacrifice that each member of America's armed services may be called to give.
We read the book America's White Table in our library classes the week before the assembly, so the students were familiar with this military tradition.
Lunch and Listen
November is National Picture Book Month, so to celebrate the awesomeness of picture books, Lunch and Listen in the Library was held during during the 4th -6th grade lunch periods one day in November. Interested students were invited to bring their lunches to the library and listen to picture book read-alouds while they ate. Mrs. Reinert read to a full house each lunch period, and the students enjoyed the change of pace. It's not every day one gets to eat in the library!
All types of picture books can be used to engage students with the joy of reading. Picture books are also great resources for exploring visual and written language, imagination, values, and themes. The best way to enjoy a picture book is with someone else-- give it a try with your child, and be ready for a fun bonding experience!
Students Learn From Native African
The WE 5th and 6th graders had a valuable opportunity recently with a visit from Emmanuel Pius, a native of Africa. Emmanuel was introduced to Wanamaker Elementary by former WE interventionist, Janelle Wilke, who now works as a sponsorship coordinator for Angel House Orphanage in Tarime, Tanzania. Janelle met Emmanuel at Angel House, who works there as an intrepreter. Emmanuel is also currently a 3rd year medical student in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
Emmanuel gave our students a unique look at parts of the African culture and educational system. Education is not free in Africa the same way that it is in America. Much perseverance and determination is needed to obtain an education in Africa. But, as Emmanuel expressed, education is what is needed to lift people out of poverty and to be able to provide for themselves. He noted that America is so clean, not dirty like the outdoor market and dusty roads that he is used to. Other "firsts" that he experienced and enjoyed while in America included Halloween, driving an American vehicle, and cuisines of all kinds, namely Kansas steaks and pancakes and syrup!
As a follow up to Emmanuel's visit we read the picture book The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind by Brian Mealer and William Kamkwamba in library class. Once again, we learned of a young man desiring to make a difference in his home country of Africa. After having to drop out of school during the great famine of 2001 and 2002, William (with English dictionaries by his side) read books to learn how to create a windmill. He saw the machine as a weapon against the hunger that his family and people were experiencing. By creating a makeshift windmill using blue gum trees, bicycle parts, and materials from a scrapyard, he was able to harness the wind to provide electricity and water, providing irrigation for his father's fields.
Two other books in our collection that show the determination and perseverance of African natives include I Will Always Write Back: How One Letter Changed Two Lives and Taking Flight: From War Orphan to Star Ballerina. We talked about these books and watched the book trailers for them.
There is so much to learn from others' cultures and experiences! Our students received a taste of that with Emmanuel's visit! Thank you, Emmanuel, for taking the time to visit us and share your valuable experiences!
The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind
Persevering against the odds, William built a functioning windmill out of junkyard scraps, and thus became the local hero who harnessed the wind.
I Will Always Write Back: How One Letter Changed Two Lives
In this compelling dual memoir, Caitlin and Martin recount how they became best friends --and better people--through letters. Their story will inspire readers to look beyond their own lives and wonder about the world at large and their place in it.
Taking Flight: From War Orphan to Star Ballerina
In this engaging, moving, and unforgettable memoir, Michaela shares her dramatic journey from an orphan in West Africa to becoming one of ballet's most exciting rising stars.
Meeting award-winning author, Alan Gratz, was a conference highlight! His book, Ground Zero, is on the William Allen White list this year.
Where's Mrs. Reinert?! Hint: in the back row! Kansas librarians represented well at the National Conference.
Kansas librarians enjoy the sunny weather and beautiful scenery in Florida while attending the conference! Photo credit: Tonya Foster
Snuggle Up With a Book Over Break!
Winter break is the perfect time to snuggle up with a good book and a cup of hot chocolate! Feel free to print off this Winter Break Reading Bingo page from Capstone Publishing to keep your kiddos reading over break! If the student returns to school in January with the Bingo page signed by an adult, they will receive a small reward. It's a great way to keep reading fun and entertaining when the kids are out of school. Consider participating along with your student(s) for an extra special bonding experience!
