Wanted! Award Nominated Books and Leveled Readers!

DonorsChoose.org has approved the North Beach Library's grant proposal Wanted! Award Nominated Books and Leveled Readers! for inclusion on their website.  Thank you to the donors who have already contributed!  Included on the grant are 32 books that will provide fabulous reading opportunities for students in grades K-5 here.  Please help spread the word to friends and family about this opportunity to put high-demand books into the hands of our students!  Our DonorsChoose direct link is http://www.donorschoose.org/northbeach.

An easy way to support the North Beach Library!

I saw a news story tonight that explained that Borders bookstores were offering $15 gift cards this weekend that customers making in-store purchases could then use on DonorsChoose.Org to support the school of their choice.  It doesn't matter if the purchase is a book or simply a cup of coffee; the customer will still receive a $15 gift card.  So tonight I took a book list I've been working with for a few weeks of books I'd really like to add to the library collection that are previous award nominees or that are leveled readers appealing to our younger readers, and I submitted a grant on the DonorsChoose website after updating my profile for North Beach.  It may take a day or two for them to review my grant before it goes live - currently it tells me that my request is pending.  But it will definitely be live shortly, and if you're interested in learning more about the grant, keep checking back at http://www.donorschoose.org/northbeach in the next couple of days!  And if you're out shopping on December 4th or 5th, consider making a purchase of any amount at Borders and you'll be able to support the acquisition of new materials for our students!  Thank you!

Genre Recommendations: Survival/Adventure

Many of the intermediate classrooms are working on reading a variety of literary genres.  I've compiled bibliographies for these genres and posted them on the library catalog,  In the middle of the page, look under "Resource Lists" and see what titles are available.  The Survival/Adventure list includes this year's Sasquatch nominated books "Diamond Willow" by Helen Frost and "Leepike Ridge" by N.D. Wilson as well as titles by Ben Mikaelsen, Roland Smith, Gary Paulsen and others.   I will be working on acquiring additional titles for the collection that fall under the survival/adventure genre category during the year.

Genre Recommendations: Historical Fiction

Many of the intermediate classrooms are working on reading a variety of literary genres.  I've compiled bibliographies for these genres and posted them on the library catalog,  In the middle of the page, look under "Resource Lists" and see what titles are available.  The Historical Fiction list includes this year's Sasquatch nominated book "A Friendship for Today" by Patricia McKissack and several Newbery Medal and Honor titles. There are a variety of lengths represented in the books on the list, and the list is by no means exhaustive of what is available in the library.  If you're unable to find something that will work on the list provided, please feel free to contact me in the library for further recommendations.

Genre Recommendations: Science Fiction

Many of the intermediate classrooms are working on reading a variety of literary genres.  I've compiled bibliographies for these genres and posted them on the library catalog,  In the middle of the page, look under "Resource Lists" and see what titles are available.  The Science Fiction list includes this year's Sasquatch nominated book "Found" by Margaret Peterson Haddix and last year's Newbery Award winner "When you reach me" by Rebecca stead. For those seeking out shorter reading options, try the Andrew Lost series by J.C. Greenburg, currently available only through the public library.   I will be working on acquiring additional titles for the collection that fall under the science fiction genre category during the year.

Genre Recommendations: Mystery

Many of the intermediate classrooms are working on reading a variety of literary genres.  I've compiled bibliographies for these genres and posted them on the library catalog,  In the middle of the page, look under "Resource Lists" and see what titles are available.  Included in the Mystery list are well-known authors David Adler, Ron Roy, and Carolyn Keene among other less well-known writers.  Many of the titles are a part of a series and there are other titles included in the series available in the library.  I will be working on acquiring additional titles that fall under the mystery genre throughout the year.

Genre Recommendations: Fantasy

What to do after Harry Potter and Percy Jackson? Many of the intermediate classrooms are working on reading a variety of literary genres.  I've compiled bibliographies for these genres and posted them on the library catalog,  In the middle of the page, look under "Resource Lists" and see what titles are available.  Included in the fantasy list are titles by well-known authors such as Bruce Coville and Cornelia Funke, but any titles by these two would be outstanding choices.  Unfortunately, we don't have Funke's "Ink Trilogy" available, and these are some of my favorite Funke titles.  They can be accessed at the public library. We also only have one title by one of my favorite British authors, Eva Ibbotson, and none of the Charlie Bone series by Jenny Nimmo, so I will be working on making these additions to the collection this year.  In the meantime, I highly recommend these books if your child was a big fan of Harry Potter or fantasy in general. From Australia comes another fabulous fantasy writer, Emily Rodda.  In addition to the Deltora Quest series that is listed on the bibliography, she is also the author of several other outstanding series that would appeal to a wide variety of readers:  Fairy Realm, Rowan of Rin, and Rondo.  As always, if you need further recommendations, feel free to call, email, or stop by the library for book recommendations.

Searching Seattle Public Library Resources from the North Beach Catalog

If you are trying to determine if our school library has a particular title and you are unable to locate the book you're looking for in our catalog, you can quickly determine if the materials you're looking for are available through the Seattle Public Library by clicking on the One Search tab after receiving your search results. I would be happy to show you how to use this function any time I'm not teaching if you want to stop by the library.

Nubs: The true story of a mutt, a marine, and a miracle

In honor of Veterans Day, most classes have been able to hear the story of Nubs, a very special dog that was rescued by Major Brian Dennis, a marine serving in Iraq.  Nubs is a heartwarming story that demonstrates perseverance, loyalty, and dedication by the marines who served with Major Dennis and most of all, Nubs.  The true story details the story of how Nubs crossed the Iraqi desert in pursuit of Major Dennis and his men after they were sent to the Jordanian border to assist with training Iraqi soldiers. Because they were not allowed to have pets with them and Nubs had continually followed them and sought out Major Dennis wherever he was stationed, the marines saw no other option then to raise the funds to send Nubs to the United States to live with Major Dennis and his family.  Nubs is one of this year's Washington Children's Choice Picture Book Award Nominees and is by the same authors as last year's winner, The Two Bobbies. You can see the book trailer on co-author Kirby Larson's website, and see an interview with Major Dennis on the Today Show to learn more about this inspiring story.

Educational Technology Standards/Technology Gift to North Beach!

Last week I was out of the building for 2 days, and will be again on November 15-16.  Lots of people have been asking what I've been doing on those days.  I am a member of the Washington State Educational Technology Assessment Development Group.  In 2008, Washington State adopted new Ed Tech standards for students.  The legislature mandated that assessments be developed that address the standards.  Since January I've been working with a group of about 12 educators from around the state to develop these assessments.  I plan to pilot one of these with 3rd graders later in the year as soon as it's available.  If you're interested in learning more about Educational Technology in Washington State, go to http://k12.wa.us/EdTech/Assessment/edtechcbaBackground.aspx .  I am continually working on developing and improving lessons that will support student achievement of these standards and to fulfill the library information and technology program's mission to "ensure that all students are effective users and producers of ideas and information".

After I initially wrote this posting, I learned that the school has been given a gift by an anonymous donor to assist with updating and enhancing the technology available to our students and teachers.  I am incredibly grateful for this donor's generosity and am excited to work with Mr. Sammons and other teachers to determine the best possible manner to utilize these funds so that our students are acquiring the skills they need to be prepared to participate in a 21st Century economy and democracy.  Thank you!!

Database info is available!

In grades 2-5, we've been working on how to access information on the World Book Online and World Book Online Kids.  In grades K-1, we've been working on how to locate our favorite books using a variety of methods in Tumblebooks.  I have made bookmarks available to students that contain all of the login information for our databases.  If you would like another copy of this info for home reference, please feel free to stop by the library and pick one up.  It has been fun to see the enthusiasm students have to practice their developing searching skills during their recesses, and if you ask them to show you how to access one of these resources at home they simply need the bookmark to provide all of the website address and login info.

PebbleGo

North Beach Elementary School  has a one-month trial subscription PebbleGo, the award winning K-3

database for reading and research,  featuring two distinct databases for K to grade 3 students:

· PebbleGo Animals

· PebbleGo Earth and Space

Both databases feature built in reading and research tools, and are expertly leveled for emerging readers.

Audio supports navigation, and all articles include narrated text and highlighting.

To access this resource at home, please contact me at kemclane@seattleschools.org, or 252-1527. 

It's Applesauce Season!

Our current Washington Children's Choice nominated book is Applesauce Season , by Eden Ross Lipson.  We have been reading about and trying different types of apples.  The book includes a recipe for homemade applesauce that I've given to teachers, but in case your child can't find it, here it is again:

·         6 lbs. apples, three varieties or more

·         2 or more cups liquid – water, cider, or juice (or more as needed)

·         1/3 cup cinnamon sugar (or less or more as needed)

·         ½ tsp. butter

·         Dash of salt

Optional:  If you can find a quince, wash, cut and add it to the pot.  It will make the sauce pink and sweeter.

Wash and cut up apples and put in a heavy saucepan.  Add liquid and cover.  Cook at medium flame until completely soft and foamy – about 20 minutes. 

Remove from flame, uncover, and let cool briefly, but while still warm transfer the apple mixture to a food mill placed over a large bowl. Grind down thoroughly.  The sauce will be loose, even runny.  It will thicken as it cools.  Season to taste.  Serve warm or cold.

Online Student Resources Available

As a follow up to this week's PTA meeting, I wanted to provide more information on the resources I discussed.  All of the online resources can be accessed by going to http://www.seattleschools.org/area/library/stuindex.xml .  There are links to CultureGrams and TeachingBooks.Net on the right side of the library blog.  All password information is available in the library.  Please stop by or email me if you have questions!

Wanted: Library Volunteers!

The library has many opportunities available for parents and community members to support the maintenance of a thriving library and technology program. We need help shelving books, checking books in and out, assisting students with locating materials, book repair, book covering, labeling of books, creating library displays, organizing library materials, and assisting students while they are using computers in the library.   If you think any of these might be of interest to you, please contact Kristine McLane by email or call the library at 252-1527 and let me know what you are interested in doing to support the library. Thank you!!

Upcoming Author Events

Providing children with the opportunity to meet authors and illustrators sparks an excitement for reading and writing. There are several opportunities for students to meet and interact with authors coming up at the Secret Garden Bookstore. Laura Numeroff (If you give a pig a pancake), Tad Hills (Duck & Goose), and Michael Wright (Jake goes peanuts)are all due for visits in early October. I am also excited to tell you that Kirby Larson and Mary Nethery, co-authors of The Two Bobbies, are visiting the store on October 13th at 7:00 p.m. I shared their book with many of our students during the bookfair and it really struck a chord with many of them. Since I heard from so many parents about how much the students enjoyed this true story of a dog and cat who survive Hurricane Katrina together, I wanted to pass the information about Mary and Kirby's presentation on to you. For more information on author events, go to the Secret Garden website.

Search the library catalog from home

Half of the intermediate classrooms have begun to learn how to utilize our library catalog to search for and locate books they are interested in. The rest of the 3rd-5th grade classes will begin to learn this skill next week. Students can use this resource from home as well. Just click here and begin your Quest for a great book to read!

Shelfari books

The books featured on the right side of the blog are nominated for the 2011 Sasquatch and Washington Children's Choice Awards. These awards provide K-5 students from across Washington State the opportunity to enjoy quality literature and to vote on their favorites. During the book fair I shared many previous winners with the students and they especially enjoyed the 2010 Washington Children's Choice winner, The Two Bobbies, by Kirby Larson and Mary Nethery. I look forward to sharing this year's nominees with North Beach students and learning what their favorites will be!

Book fair thank you!

I am overwhelmed with the generosity of the North Beach community. Thank you to all of the amazing volunteers who gave their time to make the Secret Garden Bookfair such a success. I would also like to thank the many generous donors who purchased books to add to the library collection. The students will enjoy these for a long time. It was wonderful to meet so many parents and family members during the book fair week. With the proceeds of the book fair the library will be able to update several areas of the collection, purchase award nominated books, and add titles that are in high demand by the students. Thank you for the warm welcome to North Beach!

NetLibrary

The library has many online resources that are available to our families. One of the newest resources is NetLibrary. Through NetLibrary, we have access to the entire catalog of children’s and young adult audiobooks that are part of NetLibrary’s (Recorded Books) collection. After creating an account (this must be done at school), users can check out up to 10 audiobooks for a 3 week period. You can listen on a home computer, transfer audiobooks to a portable listening device, or burn audiobooks to compact discs. If you would like to establish a NetLibrary account, please contact me in the library and I'll set one up for you.

Welcome to North Beach!

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