LS Library/Tech Newsletter
Saint Andrew's School, Summer 2015
Summer Reading Challenge
Summer break is a great time for children to explore the world around them; whether it is through summer programs, travel, or just playing more in their own backyard. This is also and excellent time for them to discover new books! Reading routinely throughout the summer allows children to practice all the skills they have acquired throughout the school year, and increase their confidence as readers. It also allows them the extra time to explore new types of literature.
Since our students aren’t able to visit our school library over the summer, I would like to help encourage the love of reading during this time by challenge your child to enjoy reading as many books as possible, and record their reading on a reading log. The student from each grade level who has recorded the most minutes will win a gift certificate to one of my favorite local bookstores (Hicklebee's in downtown Willow Glen). Please know that this is optional, and only intended to motivate students who might benefit from participating in this type of program.
Whether or not your child chooses to participate, you might find the following resources helpful in finding new reading material for your son or daughter. Each student has also filled out a “Summer Reading Wish List” during library class based on peer and teacher recommendations, which you will find in the packet of their returned work from library class.
I will send home a hard copy of this information on your child's last day of library. If you need to print out the reading log again, it is also available below:
Summer Reading Resources
ALA’s 2015 Summer Reading List:
http://www.ala.org/alsc/2015-summer-reading-list
Santa Clara Library Book Lists:
http://library.santaclaraca.gov/index.aspx?page=1262
Reading Rockets Book Lists By Theme
http://www.readingrockets.org/books/booksbytheme
Common Sense Media’s Book Lists
https://www.commonsensemedia.org/book-lists
2015 Kids Choice Booklist
http://www.reading.org/Libraries/choices/cc2015.pdf
Nonfiction Books for Kids
http://www.readingrockets.org/books/nonfiction-for-kids
NCTE Orbis Pictus Award for Outstanding Nonfiction for Children:
http://www.ncte.org/library/NCTEFiles/About/Awards/OPBooks-Biographical.pdf
“How to get kids hooked on nonfiction books this summer”
http://ww2.kqed.org/mindshift/2013/07/12/how-to-get-kids-hooked-on-nonfiction-books-this-summer/
Typing Agent
First grade: Complete Unit 3
Second grade: Complete Unit 6
Third grade: Complete the entire Agent Lesson Training
Students who reach these goals will get a special ice cream treat at lunch during the first quarter of school. Students in third grade (entering fourth grade next year) who complete the entire program will receive ice cream AND a special USB drive!
Visiting Illustrator at the 2015 September Book Fair
Design Thinking in Kindergarten!
KA's Fleat of Alternative Fuel Cars!
Adrian's car in KA
Chloe's car in KA
Lane's car in KA
KB's Robot Family!
Christian's Robot
Minha's Robot
AnaRose's Robot
AnaRose designed a robot for Lilah to help her learn how to write. It has a microphone, screen, button and keyboard.