February is one of my favorite months at school. This year did not fail to disappoint. We celebrated Black History Month, Kindness Month and National Engineers Week in the Libratory. This was my first year to do a few things.

Thanks to a librarian I follow on Instagram (The Book Wrangler) I decided to implement OPTIONAL Black History and Kindness Book Reading Track Sheets. The kids were welcome to track the reading of these books in February and the response was excellent. I had many more books read than in February's past. And as kids turned in their sheets, I also let them pick a little something out of my birthday/treasure box. (Pencils, stickers, etc.)

But we also did LOTS of lessons at each grade level.

I'll share our learning by grade level this month ...

I organized my fifth graders into four teams of six and they have spent six class periods at one of our FOUR engineering/making stations that include: Perler Bead key chains, Woodburning, 3D pens and Fiber Crafts (loom and hook/finger knitting/sewing). This has been a challenge to implement but we are on our second rotation and it is going very well this time around. Take a look at some of the magic happening in these maker stations>>>

(Above) Fifth grade students began learning fiber crafts including making loom and hook potholders. They also did woodburning (below) and used 3D pens to build complex designs.

Fourth grade has been busy the last two weeks doing something new that we are all calling "Kindness Commercials." This crew sure loves performing and using tech. So the Green Screen app DOINK is perfect for that. After reading Kindness books they were asked to create Kindness Commercials that we want to share with the rest of the school. More on this next month!

But they also had the chance to show their engineering and making skills when we read made Kindness Gifts and Valentine's Day STEAM work. Check out some of their projects below>>>

(above) Fourth graders making Candy Dispensers out of recycled materials.

Third grade also made Kindness gifts ,and did Valentine's Day STEAM stations . But something new was the introduction of this book that won the Coretta Scott King Award last year -- "R-E-S-P-E-C-T: The Aretha Franklin Story."

This special book not only told the story of an imporant woman in American Black History, but it also opened up a discussion on respecting others for Kindness Month.

We then had fun making our own music on the Chome Music Lab website. What an amazing FREE music resource!

These kiddos also made kindness gifts (something new this year) but they also had Valentine's Choice Boards and Read Alouds related to V-Day.

Braiding kindness bracelets and popsicle stick kindness gift creations were new for second graders.

First grade had an eventful month in the Libratory. They were reading LOTS of Black History and Kindness Month books -- with a little Groundhog (Shadow Learning) Day and President's Day engineering thrown in for fun. Check out the books and projects these learners used this month>>>

Unlike the other grades where we might have projects going for multiple days or weeks, in Kinder, we pretty much stick to one lesson with a book and book building project each class period.

We had fun with Valentine's Day -- of course.

Our HEART Building Challenges went really well this year as well. Take a look at all the hearts they built out of various materials>>>

However, a new lesson we did this month was probably the most complicated and challenging for our young learners. We learned about President's Day by reading "Duck for President" and then we had to work in teams of THREE to build ballot boxes out of various materials: blocks, recycled, etc.

Then we voted on Kindness questions at each box -- like what do you prefer ... A Kind handshake or a Kind High Five, etc.

This was a three-day project but I was really proud of the hard work they did!

Kinders voting at the 8 ballot boxes built by teams of three students each.

March is all about Leprechaun Traps and Spring STEAM. Can't wait to share what we're reading and making next month!

Next up, we read some wonderful books about the life of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr and worked on some new MLK STEAM stations. The K-1 crowd worked on building podiums for Dr. King, while the older kids built equality balances.

The last two weeks we did something completely different in grades 2-5. I decided to change the format of how I teach the class. Instead of starting with announcements and a mini-lesson, I let the kids work on WINTER STEAM projects the first half of class and we ended our class time with the mini-lesson.

It ended up being a huge game-changer! This created even more excitement than usual because the kids could come in and start creating immediately! And it helped me tremendously because we didn't run out of time to document our learning on Seesaw, plus it gave us more time for cleanup.

Here are some pics of the WINTER station options a along with snapshots of all the different kinds of projects our learners got to choose to do on our Winter STEAM choice board.

Next month, we will be working on using some more advanced tools in fifth grade, like woodburning, finger knitting, 3D pens, and fusion bead projects.

We will also be implementing a new library book passport system to encourage our readers to read books outside of their comfort zone. More on that next month!

We also continued to build based on the books we were reading. Some popular reads this month were:

In fact, the Kinders had a lot of fun designing and building their own ELF ON A SHELF with a partner. (See below)

This was the first year we decided to make and WRAP our own gifts in the Libratory. It worked out really, really well. We started by making binary code bracelets during Computer Science Week and then we were making Candy Cane, Foam Reindeer, and Wood ornaments, as well as Perler Bead Magnet projects. I was so impressed with all the creativity and thoughtfulness our kids demonstrated.

By the last week of the semester, we were building wrapping paper trees and gingerbread houses (also firsts in the Libratory!) and there was no looking back. :)

For a shorter 3-week month, it seemed like we all got A LOT completed in our happy Library and Makerspace land. I'm so looking forward to kicking off the new year, MLK Day, and Snow activities with our learners in January as we continue reading and checking out books together.

Until Next Time!

November was also "National STEM/STEAM" Day and I was finally able to show the wonderful STEAM Pet Pictures that our 3rd, 4th and 5th graders submitted this fall to show us what S.T.E.A.M. is all about. You can watch the video below:

We also had a lot of fun this month learning about Native American Heritage month and making and designing Native American artifacts like drums and moccasins in third, fourth, and fifth grades.

Veterans Day was also especially poignant in the Libratory this year. Our grandparent volunteer Cindy Merli read a beautiful story and after reading our Veterans Day texts, all learners K-5 were encouraged to design and create symbols of American freedom to honor our veterans. Check them out below.

This last week, we checked out books and began making and creating decorations for the Libratory. Stay tuned next month for Computer Science Week , 5th grade 3D Printer projects, and Holiday STEAM Station Book Builds.

Something else we did for all grade levels First - Fifth Grades was to begin the use of iPads in our classroom this month.

I was able to secure a couple of grants over the last three years, and because of the generosity of others, we are able to begin teaching our New Emerson learners as of last year how to use different programs that only iPad technology can offer.

How wonderful is it that our kids will leave New Emerson knowing how to work/design/create on TWO technology platforms? We are so very lucky.

The iPad lessons this month were coordinated with Halloween/October-themed books and also worked well in conjunction with Digital Citizenship Month.

We also had a blast working with the iPad app called "Chatterpix Kids." This app allows learners to create something with their hands and then bring it to life with the app.

Check out some of the fun Chatterpix creations made after reading the new book, "Creepy Crayon" by Aaron Reynolds -- the third book in a highly popular October-themed children's book trio.

In addition to checking out library books every other week, we also continued to mix books with building. Here are a few snapshots at each grade level.

Our Kinders have transitioned from the same class routine each time I see them, to experimenting with using new building materials and working in pre-selected partner teams after our book read aloud. These pictures show what they made with STEM BINS. Each tub has an eclectic building supply, and they must figure out what they can make using only that item(s). You can see the curiosity and creativity they had with this project after reading the books, "Be a Maker!" and "The Most Magnificent Thing."

The last few weeks have also been full of FUN, October Read Alouds including a Kinder favorite "Crankenstein." You can see our Crankenstein mask creations below.

(Above)

First graders come into the Libratory right after math learning. We always take time to do a brain break/movement activity at the beginning of class to get them ready for learning. Here they are on Orange "Unity Day."

(Below)

October has bee particularly exciting for first graders as they used iPads in Libratory for the VERY FIRST time. They were each assigned their own to use, we reviewed iPad SOPs, and then we practiced using them multiple times with book-related lessons. Here are a few snapshots below. Our iPads allow the learners to easily access info and apps that they can't always use with a Chromebook and afford us the opportunity to mix hands-on making with tech.

In second grade, we started the month by finishing up our "Rosie Revere - Engineer" book build project. The kids read the book, and then had to engineer a flying machine, which we tested on the top of the Reading Clubhouse. This was a wonderful lesson in engineering, working with a team, and using the engineer design process. Check out the video clip below to give you an idea of the excitement I witnessed as we tested our designs.

Third grade has been busy continuing to learn about the engineering design process and documenting what they're learning and engineering on our Libratory iPads. Checking out library books remains a favorite for them as well. This week they had six Halloween/Dia de los Muertos stations to choose from. They always surprise me with their creativity -- whether it's designing hexabug mazes, or designing digital art pieces to go with our October read alouds -- the third grade is a creative bunch.

Fourth grade got to do an entirely new lesson never done before in the Libratory. After reading the amazing STEM/STEAM-themed book "What to Do with an Idea" -- they were given the challenge of finding three items out of our makerspace supplies and had to invent something someone could use -- in 20 minutes flat! Look at all the creativity and invention-thinking that happened this day! I was so impressed with their engineering skills.

In addition to checking out books, fifth grade has been doing something entirely different for the STEAM portion of our time together.

We don't have any pictures quite yet ... but just give us another week and we will start cranking out all the wonderful 3D printer projects they have been designing the last three weeks on a free digital design program called Tinkercad.

Everyone in class watched two Tinkercad tutorial videos, took notes, posted those in our Seesaw digital portfolio, and we will begin printing nametag key chains next week.

Wish us luck! (Our old 3D printer is a little bit on the temperamental side ... )

This last week we set up Halloween/Dia de Los Muertos STEAM stations. This included a number of new-to-the-Libratory creation experiences including Hexabug Mazes, Microscope Pumpkin Science explorations, MATH Pixel Art, and SLIME-making on a mass scale!

You can see a few pics and videos below of the learning and the books we read with them.

(And you can see the Harvest Party Rice Krispy Treats I sent home with learners, too. LOL!)

(below) Math STEAM stations are becoming a regular feature in the Libratory. Here is a pixel art Google Sheet where mathematicians solve equations and slowly but surely reveal a holiday-themed image if their problems are correct.

(Above) I was feeling a little crazy and let our kinders give the iPads a whirl yesterday. It went beautifully!

Ms. Roxie and Ms. Miranda teamed up and helped 45 kids make FRANKENSLIME after reading the book during our campus-wide Science Explorations.

Stay tuned next month for our special National STEM/STEAM Week Pet Video and highlights from our Fall Book Fair. The book fair will be Nov. 14-17.

As part of our STEAM learning standards, we utilized team building centers or "STEAM stations" as I like to call them, located around the Libratory this month to help students get reacquainted and learn the important lesson of collaboration. It's not easy compromising and generating one action plan with a team of peers. We work really hard to teach these skills starting in kindergarten.

Learners in Grades K-3 were put into teams of four and learned how to brainstorm and come up with ONE GROUP idea for building with material constraints. They rotated through six different stations over the course of the last month. Take a look at some of their team builder designs:

Next up -- we celebrated Brain Science Education Week the second week of September. Every grade level created different versions of 2D and 3D playdoh brain models. Take a look!

Another important day at New Emerson is DOT DAY. Every September 15 we like to celebrate creativity and encourage learners to "Make your Mark!" on the world.

Dot Day was first celebrated in 2009 based on the children's book The Dot by Peter H. Reynolds.

We had a different "Dot" STEAM lesson for each grade level this year. Check it out below:

Last but not least, we have been learning about the differences between Engineers and Architects and all the steps of the Engineering Design Process.

We read exemplar texts at each grade level, which showed us what engineers do and how they work. And then we got to work designing our own maker projects. These varied at each grade. Below you can see a "Blanket Fort" design from first grade, and a Lego partner build --- the first partner build of the year for our Kinders!

We also had some Libratory Scavenger Hunt action happening for fourth and fifth grades, and we continued our collection of PET STEAM photos as we learned what STEAM education means.

Next week we will have our third library checkout day of the year. I will be teaching our 3-5th graders how to check out books DIGITALLY on their Chromebooks.

Stay tuned in November for more books and building fun in the Libratory.

Phew. I can't believe it's been a month. The last four weeks have been a whirlwind of learning fun in the Libratory!

For those of you who don't know, one of the special or elective classes each student at New Emerson attends is my class -- a mixture of Library and Books & Creating and Engineering.

Our Library and Makerspace is called the Libratory and all students attend twice a week on "A" weeks and once a week on "B" weeks for 45 minutes.

We began the very first week of school with icebreaker activities, back-to-school read alouds, and an introduction to my family and myself in the slide below.

(A little bit about me: I began my journey in education 23 summers ago, and I have worked on and off in that time teaching just about every grade level in three different states. I received my master's degree in curriculum and instruction in 2015. I used to primarily be a secondary ELA and Journalism teacher in Texas after a stint as a newspaper reporter, and now I find pure joy teaching YOUR children every day at New Emerson Elementary School.)

During the first weeks of school, I try to spend a lot of time getting to know our kids ... or becoming reacquainted with them. And we also learn (and relearn) what it means to collaborate with a team of creators and engineers --- as you can see in the pics below.

Can you and your team build a circular tower out of chips large enough to put your arm through it?

We also spent time creating our Code of Collaboration or learning agreements together. This year I tried something new, and I asked different grade levels to create or build something that had to do with our rules and standard operating procedures (SOPs). They used Lego, art, pipe cleaners, and ACTING!

Yes, some of our fourth and fifth graders ACTED OUT the rules and SOPs, and then we made a movie and showed it to the younger kids. It was a hit -- as you can see below.

(And hopefully, they'll remember that how we act and treat others while we're learning is just as important as what we're learning.)

I also have been teaching and reminding kids what S.T.E.A.M. education involves -- and they have been submitting pet pics showing their animals (real or stuffed) doing STEAM activities to reinforce this learning. That has been super fun to see all the creativity.

Regarding the library -- I try to tie books to the building weekly. And I alternate checking out library books every other week.

First through Fifth Graders checked out books this last week.

Those books are due back the week after next on the week of Sept. 12. We have "Bookie Monster" cans to return books in the hallways at school.

Below is a list of Library Book FAQs to help answer any questions you might have about the Library portion of the Libratory.

How often do the kids check out books?

Every other week when the kids come once that week in small groups on "B" weeks.

May my child check out books more often?

Of course! They can come in after school or at lunch after arranging a time with me. Or you can check one out during Early Bird Reading time and leave a note on my desk about which book you and your child took. (I work part-time in the afternoons.)

How long do the students keep books?

Two weeks. However, they may check them out for longer if need be.

What if my child accidentally damages or loses a book?

Accidents happen! Please let me know as soon as possible and I will either repair the book or collect a replacement fee.

How much is the replacement fee?

$25 -- This covers the cost of purchasing the book from a district-approved library vendor and having it cataloged into the online library system.

Can I just buy you another book to replace the lost or damaged one?

No. Please don't do that. We purchase our books from special book vendors who reinforce the spine and cover to make the book last longer. I also have to pay to have it barcoded and cataloged in the online system.

How many books may my child check out?

Kinder - 1 the first half of the year, and 2 the second half of the year. (I will begin checking out books to kinder for the first time on the week of Sept. 19th.)

First Grade - 2 books

Second grade - 2 - 3 books

Third grade 3 - 4 books

Fourth Grade 4-5 books

Fifth Grade - Up to 5 ... or as many as needed

How come some books from the library don't have a barcode on the cover like the others?

I have a very limited budget to purchase books each year. Sometimes, I get books by donation, or I purchase some myself, and I don't have the funds to get everything barcoded. But I still want to get those books into kids' hands -- so I check them out the old-fashioned way ... with paper and pencil.

Lastly -- please feel free to reach out anytime about any questions or concerns you may have about library books or projects we are working on. I am at miranda.bailey@d51schools.org

I am SO looking forward to another great year of books and building with your kids. :)