September 2008
The school year at Pine Hill is in full swing. In the library, students have been busy getting reacquainted with the great selection of books, library procedures and their library teacher! This year’s opening theme is “I Spy a Good Book.” In addition to spy books and props on display, students viewed a top secret message from “Library Headquarters” outlining their library mission for the upcoming year. Students are part of a 3 phase operation. Phase 1 is “Library Lookout” in which students follow the library rules and take care of the books and the library. Phase 2 is called “Sniffing Out a Good Book.” We will be sharing good books with each other throughout the year and talking about reading “just right” books. The final phase, Phase 3 is called “Super Sleuthing.” Throughout the year students will learn how to use the resources in the library
Second and 3rd graders have been recommending books to each other via an “I Spy a Good Book” form. The 4th and 5th graders are sharing good books using a “Spy Interview” sheet. Students write 4 facts about a good book they’ve read, but only 3 of the facts are true. Everyone becomes familiar with the book as we try to pick out the false fact.
Many of the 5th graders have volunteered to adopt a shelf in the library. Students will check in on their shelf at least once a week to straighten it up. I am pleasantly surprised by the enthusiasm the 5th graders are showing for this task.
Finally, thank you to those of you who have signed up to volunteer in the Library and to Josephine Starr for coordinating this effort. You can’t imagine how important it is to have you here to help out during classes. In addition to lightening the shelving load, you enable me to spend more time with the students, helping them to find great books to read!
