Welcome Spring!
Ms. Ervin's Creative Library
Spring Book Fair
Success!
The Scholastic Book Fair was a huge success! This book fair every student at Clay Hill was able to get books. Thank you to all the parents that helped make this possible by buying books for your child's classmates and/or friends. Your generosity helped students build their home libraries and encouraged students to read more.
~Ms. Ervin, Library Media Specialist
What's Happening in the Library?
Sustained Silent Reading (SSR) in the library
In January I started a Sustained Silent Reading (SSR) period during library class to support student growth in reading. So what exactly is SSR? According to the Nebraska Department of Education SSR aka sustained silent reading is a period of uninterrupted silent reading. It is based upon a single simple principal: Reading is a skill. Like all skills, the more you use it, the better you get at it. Conversely, the less you use it, the more difficult it is. Like swimming, once you learn it, you never forget it. However, in order to get better at either reading or swimming, you must jump into the book or the water and do it over and over.
SSR is an excellent family activity that can also be done at home, as little as 15 minutes a day makes a huge difference in your child's exposure to new words and ability to read. So talk to your children about the importance or reading for extended, uninterrupted times.
Happy Reading!!!
Research
Each year each class performs an in-depth research and publishes a class book to share their findings. This February grades 1-5 began their library research projects. Here is what each grade level will be researching over the next few months:
- 1st grade - Animals (facts about their favorite animals)
- 2nd grade - Do you know? (biographies of change makers)
- 3rd grade - Animal Habitats
- 4th grade - Cool Science
- 5th grade - Microorganisms
Why research in the library? Well, libraries are filled with wonderful resources on various topics.
According to linkedin.com "engaging children in the research process can help them develop important skills like critical thinking, analysis, and evaluation". Your child will have the opportunity to conduct research, ask questions, and form their own conclusions. Resulting in them learning new knowledge and skills.
STEAM in the library
In 2022 I started a small STEAM (aka science, technology, engineering, art, and math) station in the library to allow students the opportunity to engage in hands on learning using activities related to science, technology, engineering, art, and math. With proceeds from the book fair the STEAM station has grown to 6 stations over the last 2 school years.
You may wonder why these activities are so important for students? First, it engages students in learning by tapping into their innate curiosity and creativity. Second, it allows students to participate in collaborative conversations as they work together to find solutions. Lastly, according to the Space Foundation "STEAM lessons focus on deep questioning and finding novel solutions rather than memorizing standard facts and figures that can easily be 'Googled'.”
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Secret Society of...Shhh it's a Secret😉
Each month our classroom teachers select a student to join the library's Secret Society of Readers club. Readers meet to discuss a book they are currently reading and receive a free book and a few goodies. Congratulations to our newest members. We will have our next secret meeting on March 19th and 20th. Keep reading!
Library Books
Periodically overdue notices are sent home. Please note that these are not bills, but are reminders to return the books so that they can be made available to other students. If the books are not returned by the end of the school year then you will receive a bill to pay for the cost of the lost or damaged book. The next overdue notices will go out Wednesday, March 20, 2024.
Thank you and your students for supporting our library by taking care of and returning the library books!
Chefs in Training - After School in the Library
Our after school cooking class
This month we learned about Italian food, enjoyed pizza, and practiced a bit of Italian. We learned hello (ciao), goodbye (arrivederci), how to count from 1-5 (uno, due, tre, quattro, cinque, respectively), and colors. Many students showed great interest in learning another language. Click here to practice and learn Italian with your little one.
New Media Center Webpage
Resources, Fun, Free eBooks, Photos, and more!
The library will have a newly redesigned webpage, which will be published on Thursday, March 21, 2024. Be sure to check it out by clicking here!
Ms. Ebonie Ervin
Email: eervin@dd4.k12.sc.us
Website: www.clayhill.dorchester4.k12.sc.us/media-center
Location: Ridgeville, SC
Phone: (843) 851-7386