Check It Out!
MTRSD Elementary Libraries- January 2023
News from the BSE Library!
For the second year in a row, students at BSE spent the month of December thinking like computer programmers during their weekly library classes. Participation in our ‘Month of Code’ looked different at each grade level. Our youngest students, for example, enjoyed coding real life dance parties, programmed their teacher (Robot Whitsett) to complete specific tasks, and created simple algorithms to build snowmen on a gameboard. Students in grades 3-6 also started their learning with ‘unplugged’ activities (no devices), doing graph paper programming in teams (see photos to the left), then eventually working on their Chromebooks to complete online tutorials at code.org. In these highly engaging tutorials, some kids got an introductory experience with coding, animating characters to dance and respond to commands, while others went further to explore more complex event programming using blocks (see the student example of block programming to the left).
Throughout December, we also continued to explore diverse literature through books like Margaret and the Moon, the true story of a pioneering woman who wrote code that helped land humans on the moon.
In sum, our ‘Month of Code’ challenged BSE students to get creative, be problem solvers, and persevere. We look forward to more adventures in computer science later this year….think ROBOTS! Also coming up next in the BSE library: younger students will be getting to know Caldecott winning books, and older students will explore the world of dramaturgy, enhancing the context and meaning of their upcoming musical production, The Lion King. Stay tuned!
Colrain Central Library Update
In the week before break, 1st - 6th grade students used their library time to join our ongoing service-learning project to make reusable bags out of old animal feed bags. We need to make new bags each year to give to all the new staff and students that join our community each year. Together, we made 41 new bags, which is more than enough for all our new community members.
Students are now working on their reflection component for the "We All Belong in the Library" project that began in the fall. The students are creating a permanent art display that will reflect important aspects of their identities that they want to see represented in the library. This will also be a launching point for our exploration of diverse books in the coming weeks. Students will use the same craft materials to construct miniature books that represent titles that they felt helped them connect to characters who offered diverse perspectives. These two reflection projects will be permanently displayed next to each other in the library.
We received the items we ordered with the help of donations through the Donors Choose website. The library has a bright new rug for group lessons and stories and large pillows for students that were selected by the first and second graders. There is also some exciting new lighting on the walls that can change color to signal different cues to students (volume level and transitions). Thank you to all our donors.
News from the Sanderson Library
In the Sanderson library, we will kick off the new year by learning how the library can help us conduct research. Students will choose research topics and brainstorm questions they have about their topics. Younger students will use our online catalog (called Destiny Discover) to find books about their topics, while older students will find information using online databases such as Britannica, Gale, and Pebble Go, which are free and available sources for all students in the Mohawk district. Students will present their findings in a variety of ways, including presentations, info cards for the library stacks, or fliers for public spaces. I look forward to seeing what students learn through their research! Preschoolers will be reading some nonfiction books about winter while kindergartners continue to practice library navigation.
In other news, a lunchtime MCBA (Massachusetts Children’s Book Award) book club will be offered to 5th and 6th graders this winter. Each year, students in grades 4-6 read 5 or more books from a list of nominees and then vote for their favorite. Books on the list must be published within the last five years and nominations are based on criteria such as literary quality, genre variety, representation of diverse cultural groups, and reader appeal. After a lengthy process of elimination, the book club has chosen The Blackbird Girls by Anne Blankman. I’m hoping this club will be a great way for students to connect through
literature while staving off the winter blues.
Local Public Library Events
Events at Ashfield's Belding Library
No-Sew Upcycling: T-Shirts
Saturday, January 21⋅11:00 – 11:45am
Craft for ages 6 and up! We’ll use scissors to alter old t-shirts in creative ways. Bring an oversized, colorful shirt if you like– we’ll provide shirts too! Artist Nancy Wilson will lead this activity.
LGBTQ+ Stories: Book discussion and hangout
Saturday, January 28⋅2:00 – 3:00pm
Book discussion & hangout for kids ages 8-13. We'll be reading titles that center LGBTQ+ identities and experiences, usually graphic novels. Pick up a copy of this month’s read at the front desk: Paranorthern by Stephanie Cooke.
Upcoming Events at Buckland Public Library!
LEGOS in the Community Room Starts 12/2/22
Every Friday from 4 - 6 pm our new LEGO collection is ready for builders with creative minds! Come and enjoy the newest addition to our assortment of toys and games.
"Crafternoons" Continue Every Tuesday
Crafternoons with Ms. Amy will be every Tuesday from 4:30-6:00 pm. Bring your 3-11 year old for crafts, friendship, and stories. Come for all or part of the time. Age bracket is flexible.FREE PUZZLES Every 4th Saturday
Pick up a few puzzles to replenish your supply for the darker, chillier nights.
Events at the ARMS Library!
Craft Corner - Every Saturday
Saturdays1 - 2:30 p.m.
We will be offering a set time and place for anyone who wants to craft. Any age is welcome. The way it will work is that multiple crafts materials will be on hand, as well as someone to help or show how to do the crafts.
Events at Colrain's Griswold Public Library
See Ms. Betty's Take and Make December Craft https://youtu.be/4G64ng55JDs