Media Specialist Blog

This week I started my September Read Alouds! I sent out the attached newsletter to all teachers in my school along with a Google Calendar booking link. The classes really enjoyed the book "How I Became a Pirate". I used the Novel Effect App again, and the sounds with this particular book were so fun.  With the read aloud students created a treasure map, colored a parrot, or matched the sequence of events of the story.  I also had two technology lessons that I taught this week for 4th grade. I focused on being safe online and how to create a slideshow using Google Slides.   

 This week I started my August read aloud. In order to plan for the August read aloud, I planned two stories with activities. I chose The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle, and Ish by Peter Reynolds.  I used the app Novel Effect to create an engaging and fun reading experience for the classes. I downloaded the app on my iPad and connected a bluetooth speaker so they could hear the sounds clearly. The kids absolutely loved to hear the sounds. This really kept the students engaged.  For PreK-1st grade I provided a color sheet and writing practicing. They colored a strawberry, and traced the word "strawberry" as well.  The activity for 2nd and 3rd grade was a life cycle of the caterpillar activity. Some classes read "Ish" and for this book we created a drawing that was "ish" and that follows the theme of the book.  This was a very busy and fun week! 

 This week at in the library at Stilson Elementary I focused mostly on library orientation for students and on scheduling library visits for my practicum course. In order to sign teachers up for library orientation, I created a Google Booking link on my google calendar. This was a new thing that figured out I could do! I just create the booking link, and send it out to teachers. I can edit the days and times, and if I have something on the calendar for that day it will not allow anyone to double book. I thought this was such an efficient way to have teachers sign up.  Teachers signed up their individual classes for orientation. During orientation I introduced myself to the students and we went over a few library expectations. I focused on how to behave while in the library: no running, not rolling around in the chairs, putting books in appropriate locations. I also focused on how to take care of books: no food or drink, don't tear the pages, keep away from pets and small sibli...