Back to School
It feels amazing to be back in the library for classes! Students were welcomed back with brand new carpeting in the library. I think it is safe to say that we are all, kids and adults, still adjusting to new ways of living. Grades K- 6 have regular library class each week in addition to Digital citizenship classes for 1 trimester. All students need digital citizenship skills in order to make smart choices online and in real life.
Grade 6
Sixth Grade listened to this true story and watched an interview with the man the story is based on, Mohammad Alaa Aljaleel. They added Aleppo, Syria to Google Earth as part of our Mapping Stories project.
Grade 5
Grade 5 has been exploring the origins of their names and using digital media to share what they found with one another.
Grade 2
Second grade has started to learn about how libraries are organized and where to find things. We have also been focusing on how authors and illustrators collaborate together.
Grade 3
The third grade has been learning coding concepts from code.org's Computer Science Fundamentals course. This course blends online and "unplugged" non-computer activities to teach students computational thinking, problem-solving, programming concepts, and digital citizenship.
Grade 1
In first grade, we have been keeping with the theme from our new reading program. We have been reading about libraries and how important they are in people's lives. How can we not get behind such an awesome theme! First graders have also made library lions out of recycled materials in honor of our library mascot, Langston the Library Lion.
Kindergarten
In Kindergarten we have been alternating between book days and computer lab days. On Computer days, the Kindergarteners have been working on mouse skills. On Book days, we have been focusing on a letter of the week. We read a book and do activities based on that letter.
Pre K
Preschool library time is spent learning what libraries are all about. Students are introduced to lovable book characters, get their wiggles out with music and movement, and chose a book to borrow for the week.
Spotlight on Nutmeg Nominee Books
A powerful, vibrantly illustrated story about the first day of school--and two sisters on one's first day of hijab--by Olympic medalist and social justice activist Ibtihaj Muhammad. With her new backpack and light-up shoes, Faizah knows the first day of school is going to be special. It's the start of a brand new year and, best of all, it's her older sister Asiya's first day of hijab--a hijab of beautiful blue fabric, like the ocean waving to the sky. But not everyone sees hijab as beautiful, and in the face of hurtful, confusing words, Faizah will find new ways to be strong. (Amazon Books)
Book Quote of the Month
“(I)f you do not believe that hearts can bloom suddenly bigger, and that love can open like a flower out of even the hardest places, then I am afraid that for you the road will be long and brown and barren, and you will have trouble finding the light. But if you do believe, then you already know all about magic.” ― Lauren Oliver, Liesl & Po
Ann Kauffman
Feel Free to Contact Me At:
Email: akauffman@chaplinschool.org
Website: https://chaplinschool.org/library/
Location: 240 Palmer Road, Chaplin, CT, USA
Phone: 860-455-9593