Northern Hills Library News
Happenings From May 2017
Fourth Grade Research
Fourth grade was the last grade to do their research in the library this school year. With only 2 weeks left of school, lots of learning still went on in the library. Each student chose an animal to study. Their primary focus was on the adaptations of their animal. The students used a variety of databases to assist in their learning. They used Kiddle, PebbleGo, Britannica and National Geographic for Kids on the iPads and the computers. In addition they had a non-tech table where they completed a flip book that showed their knowledge of their adaptation vocabulary. After the completion of their research, the students were given a choice of ways to create their final product.
The students extended their learning in the library by participating in a Skype virtual field trip to the Buffalo Bill Center of the West in Cody, Wyoming. They learned about adaptations of animals in the Grand Canyon and their habitats and toured the Center. Look below for photos of this fun and educational event.
Skype Virtual Field Trip
Learning About The Pronghorn
We Are In Wyoming!
Grizzly Bears Are Cool!
Makerspace Club
For the final meeting of the Makerspace Club the students constructed a marshmallow launcher. Prior to the building of the launcher they watched videos that demonstrated types of force and motion and how the device models both. It was a great way for the students to learn more about forces and engineering.
Battle of The Books
The month of May is all about Battle of the Books!
The library sponsors four different battles for grades 1-4. The actual battles are all held in May. It is a very busy time, but we love it and so do the students. Congrats to all of this year's winners-First grade: Hernandez, Second grade: Leas, Third grade: Chavez and Fourth grade: Allen. The fourth grade team went on to represent the school at the district battle.
The list for next year's fourth grade battle will be released by the district in August. The third grade list is on the library webpage.
Kinder Alphabet Fair
To close out our year with kinder we hold an alphabet fair in the library. The students try out different fun carnival type games to "win" words. The stations are manned by our student library helpers and safety patrols.
Canine Reading Program
We are so lucky to have Rowdy the Golden Retriever come to our campus each week and have third graders read to him. Rowdy and his wonderful mom Lynn have been coming to our campus for six years now and will be joining us again next year. They are with the Delta Society Pet Partners program.
Library Information
- 22 instructional days.
- Checkouts by grade level: PK-54, K-73, 1st-117, 2nd-280, 3rd-142, 4th-64, 5th-35, Staff & Parents-10.
- Total items checked out 822
- 22 total classes taught. Classes focused on animal adaptations, habitats, coding.
- 9 classes came in for check out only.
- 53 walk-ins.
- 7 check outs on Overdrive.
There are many summer reading programs being offered around the city. Be sure to visit the San Antonio Public Library, HEB, Chuck E. Cheese, Half Price Books, Barnes & Noble to find out more information. In each student's report card envelope there was a flier about the Public Library's program and a calendar for fun events going on at the Thousand Oaks branch.
Click on the library webpage button below to see the district summer reading lists. There are lists for all ages. Even grownups!
Don't forget about using Overdrive to check out ebooks!
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