Unshelved
The Findley Oaks Media Center Monthly Newsletter
November 2023
Book Browsing and Checkouts
Online Browsing and Book Holds
All students have 24/7 access to browse the online catalog via Destiny on ClassLink and place holds for books. Click here for a short video showing how to use the online catalog.
Students who request books will receive a notice in their classroom when the materials are ready to be picked up in the Media Center.
In-Person Browsing and Book Checkout
- Class Browse: All homerooms will be given 10 to 15 minutes at the end of each media center class to browse and checkout books.
- Independent Browse: 7:15 a.m. to 1:45 p.m. Teachers may send up to 4 students per class at a time.
- Free Reading: 7:45 a.m. to 1:45 p.m. Students may enjoy reading books in the comfy blue chairs or on the chair cycles.
How Many Books Have We Checked Out?
Makerspace
November Stations
- Button Collages and Button Sorting
- Cup Stacking
- Geometric Block Building
- Lego Wall
- Marble Run
- Stick Together Collage
- Tangram Puzzles
Click here to see some of the things created in the Makerspace.
November Maker C.A.R.E.
Character Education Word: Respect
Activity: Collaborative Veterans Poster
Media Center Classes
October-November Classes
Kindergarten and 1st Grade students wrapped up their lessons on authors and are now using a variety of literature to explore the roles of illustrators. Our first lesson uses Sam and Dave Dig a Hole to consider how illustrations are sometimes needed to help convey the whole story. After the read aloud in which they don't see the illustrations, students draw what they think happened in the story. We then read the story a second time, this time with the illustrations. Students also hone their listening skills with a series of "Draw A story" activities in which they listen to a tale gradually told and draw components as we go along until all the "drawings" come together to form something connected to the story.
2nd and 3rd Grade students are reading and revving up creativity with a series of lessons focused on the word Unique. We begin with a read aloud and discussion with the book Seaver the Weaver. Each class then works in small groups to create unique webs using only popsicle sticks. Check out some of their work below. For our follow up lesson, students dig more deeply into the concepts of the word unique with the book Stumpkin which provides a wonderful perspective of how we have differences, but also common ground. Students then design individual pumpkins and present on how they are unique.
4th and 5th Grade students are wrapping up their research and related activities in a series of lessons focused on people who used their success and wealth to help make the world a better place. Using the book The Sweetest Scoop, students considered the example of Ben and Jerry developing ice cream flavors to support causes such as "Save Our Swirled" to help the environment. Students brainstormed causes they are passionate about, from cleaning parks to homelessness to buying books for children who don't have them. They are now wrapping up the prototypes for the flavors they designed to support their causes. Click here to see some of their finished products.
PreK students continue to enjoy fall-themed story times using literature and activities to reinforce skills being taught in the classroom. Some of the books we are reading include, Pumpkin, Pumpkin, and Pumpkin Eye.
Podcast
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Reading Resources
Responsibility Online
Technology plays a growing role in the lives of students, particularly during this time in which their education is increasingly reliant on technology. While students are often quite adept at using tech tools, navigating the online world can sometimes be more complicated. All K-5 students will participate in hands-on instruction at the beginning of the school year to develop strong digital citizenship skills. The lessons, developed by Fulton County Schools in partnership with Common Sense Media, lay the groundwork for students to successfully use technology to enhance their learning and their lives as they grow older. The school-based instruction is just one component to developing good digital citizens. Parents and guardians are encouraged to play an active role in their student’s use of technology at home. Click here to access our Digital Citizenship resources.
Virtual Choice Boards
Students can explore a variety of monthly-themed celebrations and events through our virtual choice boards. Print books on the themes are also featured in the media center for students to check out and dig deeper into a specific theme that caught their interest. Our November Choice Board can be accessed by clicking on the picture below.
Amy Rubin
Media and Educational Technology Specialist
Email: rubin@fultonschools.org
Website: https://tinyurl.com/mediacenterfoes
Phone: 470-254-9364
Twitter: @LibrarianRubin