November 2008
Many exciting things are happening around Pine Hill and the Media Center is no exception.
Mo Willems and Susan Meddaugh are two of the authors that the kindergarteners have been enjoying in library class. The students are also becoming experts at distinguishing between fiction and non-fiction books! It is wonderful to watch them make their book choices each week and watch their excitement!
In first grade library class we have been reading books centered on the theme of friendship and are now focusing on books by Kevin Henkes. We have talked about the great job Henkes does creating his characters, most of them mice. We will be looking at information about this author on his website the next time we get together.
Second graders brainstormed a list of non-fiction book features as we looked at some samples. We also talked about the many different types of books in the library that are available for the many different readers in our school. We spent time looking at the variety of topics available in beginning chapter books.
Third graders are getting to know the wide range of information that is available in our school library. We went on a walk around the non-fiction section of the library to introduce them to the many interesting topics that they can read about and we spent time looking at atlases. They are also becoming more familiar with our online catalog.
The Massachusetts Children’s Book Award Program was recently introduced to 4th and 5th graders and many students are participating on a voluntary basis. Students are asked to read at least 5 books from a list of 25 nominated titles to be eligible to vote for their favorite in March. The next time we meet I will be showing students how to access our online book blog called “Pine Hill Read This.” There is a link to the blog on the right side of this page.
Once again I’d like to thank the wonderful volunteers that show up for all of these classes and are a tremendous help. I also appreciate the follow up on your part to the Overdue Reminder Slips I have been sending home regularly. Students are becoming more aware of keeping track of their books. I appreciate your help! I hope that if you have any questions you will email me at ryanl@doversherborn.org.
