Wanamaker Library Newsletter

Preschool Loves Storytime

The preschool classes come to the library for storytime every other week. A typical storytime experience for them includes a couple of read-alouds, a song or a storyboard activity, and a craft that ties into their stories. When asked what her favorite part about coming to the library is, Amari stated, "I like hearing the stories, and I like the singing and dancing."

I enjoy my time with the preschoolers, and they always brighten my day!

The afternoon class used their imaginations in creating their monsters!

The morning class shows off their monster stick puppets!

Lyla proudly displays her holiday tree, complete with jewels, stickers, ribbons, and stamps!

The three 2nd grade classes participated in the Global Read Aloud Picture Book Study this fall in their library classes, along with millions of other students from around the world. Pernille Ripp created the Global Read Aloud in 2010 with one goal in mind: One book to Connect the World.

We connected in several ways with our buddy classes from California. The classes kicked off the Global Read Aloud with a Mystery Skype, an engaging way for classrooms to introduce themselves to each other. Students used their map/geography/communication skills to guess the geographical location of the other classroom.

Other ways that we connected included exchanging Slideshows about our respective schools, cities, and states; Padlet (an online bulletin board) where we shared our ideas; and Snail Mail by writing and exchanging postcards with our new friends. We also have a couple of new books to add to our library because we exchanged books about our respective states with our buddy classes.

We spent 6 weeks studying award-winning author-illustrator Oge Mora and her works. The students loved learning about Mora's unique art style using collage as her medium. Mora's books sparked some excellent discussions about topics such as how we can handle disappointment in a postive way; when we give to others in need, we actually gain from the experience as much as the recipients; gratitude; and we are never too old to learn something new.

Because two of Oge Mora's picture books center on the topic of giving to others in need, students were invited to bring a "gently used" item of theirs to give to another child in need in our community. Donations included items such as books, toys, clothes, stuffies, and other assorted items. These items were donated to the Topeka Rescue Mission. Thank you to our families who were able to contribute to this community service project!

When asked what he liked best about the Global Read Aloud, 2nd grader Finn responded that "he loved meeting our buddy class with a Mystery Skype and exchanging postcards with our new friends in California. I also had fun making my own collage after learning about Oge Mora's artwork. My favorite book of hers was The Oldest Student."

Ms. Beck, 2nd grade teacher, had this to say about her students participating in the GRA: "The Global Read Aloud is one of my favorite activities that Mrs. Reinert does with our 2nd graders. The kids are so giddy when the cameras are on-- they are excited to see themselves on camera, as well as the other 2nd grade class "somewhere" in the world! The 2nd graders use map skills, logic skills, questioning and answer skills, and participation etiquette all in one lesson as they try to figure out where the other class is located. Such valuable skills in life! It's always a double eruption of cheers when WE figure out the mystery class's location and when THEY figure out that we are in Kansas!"

The Oldest Student

One of the students' favorite picture books that we read for the Global Read Aloud was The Oldest Student: How Mary Walker Learned to Read by Rita Lorraine Hubbard and illustrated by Oge Mora. This biography picture book tells the extraordinary story of Walker, born a slave, who finally learned to read at the age of 116.

Author/Illustrator Oge Mora

We spent 6 weeks studying author/illustrator Oge Mora's life and artwork. Her books sparked discussions centering around how we can positively handle disappointments, the importance of helping those in need, and that one is never too old to learn something new.

Postcard Exchange

2nd graders exchanged handwritten postcards with our buddy classes, sharing information about themselves, our school, our city, and our state.

To conclude the Global Read Aloud, students tried their hands at creating collages of their own, using Oge Mora's artwork as inspiration. It was a lot of fun to cut and paste to their heart's content, using all kinds of patterns and textures!

2nd graders work hard on creating their collages!

Many different types of materials were used to create their collages, including newsprint, patterned paper, tissue paper, construction paper, and colored pencils.

WE second graders display their talent and creativity!

Thank you to our Veterans and Armed Forces!

On Tuesday, November 11, Wanamaker Elementary held its annual Veterans Day Assembly for the school community. It proved to be a touching and heartfelt way to honor our community's veterans and active military members.

Assembly events included the changing of the colors by WRHS Jr. ROTC members, student speakers explaining the history of the poppy flower and the significance of America's White Table, students giving red/white/blue carnations to their special guests in attendance, and the honor choir singing "On Veterans Day". The veterans and service members exited the assembly by walking down hallways and sidewalks lined wih students and staff showing their appreciation by waving flags and applauding our special guests.

This assembly was a valuable teaching tool to help increase our students' understanding and comprehension of the incredible efforts and sacrifices our veterans and armed forces have made for the freedoms that we enjoy daily.

In our library classes, we learned about the military tradition of the White Table and the significance of its items by reading the book titled America's White Table by Margot Raven Theis and illustrated by Mike Benny. The 5th graders then wrote what the little white table means to them, and their responses were displayed in the hallway. Several were also chosen to be put on the table to signify our appreciation for the freedoms that we have been granted.

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.

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.

Addison, 5th grader, presents on America's White Table, explaining this military tradition and the significance of the items placed on the table.

A hallway display shared the 5th graders' responses to the question, "What does America's White Table mean to you?"

A veteran exits Wanamaker Elementary to the students' applause and show of gratitude.

Students and staff lined the hallways and sidewalks to show their appreciation by waving flags and applauding as the veterans and current military members exited the assembly.

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! 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!

Upcoming Dates

Dec. 5-- Student Council Meeting at 8:00 AM in the library

Dec. 9-- Student Council representatives and alternates visit Rolling Hills Health Center to sing carols with the residents. Each resident will receive an ornament that was made by Student Council members.

Week of Dec. 15-- Teachers are invited to come to the library and choose a wrapped "mystery" book to add to their classroom library, courtesy of the WE library!

Dec. 20-- Student Council and the different grade levels present their holiday donations to pre-determined organizations. Student Council's donations (purchased with the proceeds from the sales of the Boo Grams) will go to KVC Kansas.

Dec. 20-- Winter break begins!

Jan. 9 & 23-- Student Council Meetings at 8:00 AM in the library

Week of Jan. 5-- Introduce Battle of the Books to Grades 4 & 5

Feb. 4-- All 3rd graders will participate in a virtual visit with author Katherine Pryor to celebrate World Read Aloud Day.

Feb. 14 & 17-20-- Scholastic Book Fair (watch for information to come home with your student and for book fair volunteer opportunities).