Sowams Library
Spring 2019
Reading and Research Resources
The library website has been updated! I hope you have a chance to check it out! It is designed to be used by students, parents, and teachers. If you have any requests or suggestions, I invite you to share them with me at greenej@barringtonschools.org.
What you'll find:
- Our online catalog
- Book trailers for books in our library!
- eBooks to read on a desktop, laptop, or tablet
- Child friendly paid resources like PebbleGo, WorldBook, and more
- Links to develop Skills or access Resources and Tools
Digital Mindfulness
I hear from parents that they wrestle with how to handle digital devices in their homes. With that in mind, I'd like to share some resources that may help you discern what works best for your family.
I invite you to take a look at this flyer and collection of resources. Again, please share your reflections and additions by emailing me directly. If enough parents are interested, next year the library will offer an evening for parents to discuss and explore this important topic.
#DeviceFreeEvening
Barrington celebrates #DeviceFreeEvening on Thursday, May 16th. This is an opportunity to set aside our devices and connect with family, friends, and neighbors for a portion of the evening. Celebrating does not mean forgoing all digital work and homework for the evening. It means carving our some time to engage in a device free activity, such as a no cell phone dinner or board game. Share your reflection after you've completed the activity with the hashtag #DeviceFreeEvening. ;-)
Windows, Sliding Glass Doors, and Mirrors
This year our book clubs read about diverse characters as part of the integrated arts theme, The American Mosaic.
Kindergarten Design Team
Students worked in teams to solves problems using the Plan, Create, Test design process.
Family Poetry Celebration
Families enjoyed reading and talking about poetry while members of the Library Leadership Team served snacks.
What We've Been Up To
Students
- Kindergarten students followed an exploration of folktales with using the Design Process to solve problems for the Three Little Pigs, Three Bears, and Three Billy Goats Gruff. They are currently reading fiction and nonfiction books pairs. If you are in need of a smile, ask your kindergartner to sing our fiction and nonfiction songs.
- First grade students began Who Would Win books by choosing an animal they are interested in. They are digging right into the research using the PebbleGo database, taking notes after reading/listening and talking with their partner, and creating digital drawings using Seesaw. Next steps include using Google Slides to publish the books.
- Second grade students chose a book to recommend to the younger students. They are currently still immersed in the process of using evidence and explanation to support their reason(s). They will be using Google Docs to create a bookmark that includes a picture and their opinion.
- Third graders used a technique develop by the Right Question Institute to write meaningful questions for the Kindergarten Book Club. Adults at the book club expressed their appreciation for the quality of the questions. Based on research on how online searchers make meaning of texts, students used child appropriate search tools to practice developing keywords and reading result snippets. Almost all students unquestioningly explored a hoax site, experiencing surprise at the level of evaluation and thinking they need to apply to online research.
Library Leadership Team
- This team of third graders continues to set up and put away the Chromebooks on a daily basis. In addition, they help set up books displays, create book posters, check-in books, and more! Their display of leadership and work ethic is inspiring!
Volunteers
- Our team of volunteers is invaluable to the library. By managing book circulation at the desk and shelving, they make it possible for me to provide the students with more individualized attention. When possible, volunteers also help with day to day tasks like covering books, fixing spine labels, delivering holds, and creating signs. You too can help by signing up for just an hour or two to help with inventory! Look for an upcoming request.
Librarian
- An important part of my role is to collaborate with classroom teachers on reading, research, and the use of digital sources and tools. I'm currently working in kindergarten and grade 2. My K focus is independent student use of Seesaw to share learning. Second grade teachers and I are wrapping up research and publishing country informational writing.
Book Trailers
Check out our growing collection of book trailers for books you'll find in our library.
Child Friendly Search Tools
It's easy to direct your child to appropriate sites by using the library website as your research springboard.
Jean Taft and David Macaulay
Jamie Greene, MLIS
Email: greenej@barringtonschools.org
Website: http://www.sowamsschool.org/library.html
Twitter: @Sowams_Library