Elementary Media Matters
News and Resources from the Elementary Media Centers
December 2015
'Tis the Season for Books
The media secretaries in all of the media centers have been sharing some of their favorite holiday books with students this month. I'd like to share that list with you and include a few of my favorite books too. So - here's the Twelve Books Before Holiday Break.
On the 12th day before Holiday Break, my media secretary recommended to me,
Oskar and The Eight Blessings by Richard Simon
On the 11th day, Click Clack Ho Ho Ho by Doreen Cronin
On the 10th day, Tree of Dancing Goats by Patricia Polacco
On the 9th day, Snowmen at Christmas by Caralyn Buehner
On the 8th day, Seven Candles of Kwanzaa by Andrea Davis Pinkney
On the 7th day, Welcome Comfort by Patricia Polacco
On the 6th day, The Legend of the Poinsettia by Tomie De Paola
On the 5th day, the classic - How the Grinch Stole Christmas by Dr. Seuss
On the 4th day, Mr. Willowby's Christmas Tree by Robert Barry
On the 3rd day, The Year of the Perfect Christmas Tree by Gloria Houston
On the 2nd day, Dear Santa, Please Come to the 19th Floor by Yin
On the 1st day before Holiday Break, my media secretary recommended to me
My Peguin Osbert by Elizabeth Cody Kimmel
Along with hearing these favorites, students have also been learning about different holiday traditions around the world and using their chromebooks to explore Blendspace links about the holidays.
'Tis the season for other books too! All 3rd grade students in Warren will be receiving a free book of their choice on Friday, December 11, 2015 as a part of the Warren/NCAA Road to Reading Challenge. The Road to Reading Challenge kicks off on Friday with a pep rally at the PAC. When the students return to their schools, their books will be waiting for them in their classrooms. All 975 students will be receiving their 1st choice books - thanks to Warren, the NCAA, and Scholastic. Additional book choices will be available for 3rd graders to check out from the media centers beginning in January.
I hope everyone has a wonderful holiday break. Curl up with a good book and read!
Lowell
Hawthorne and Brookview
Grassy Creek and Pleasant Run
The Blossoming Universe of Violet Diamond by Brenda Woods (Grades 3-4)
EIEIO - How Old MacDonald Got His Farm by Judy Sierra (Grades K-2)
Story Hour Kit from Candlewick Press
How Do You Burp in Space?: And Other Tips Every Space Tourist Needs to Know by Susan E. Goodman (Grades 3-4)
Online Resources of the Month - Coding
Although the official week for the Hour of Code is during Computer Science Week, December 11-13, the beginning coding activities will continue to be available. There are self-guided tutorials for all ages as well as teacher lesson plans to move further with coding.
This program is for iPads and Android tablets. It is geared toward K-2nd grade students with no coding experience.
These activities can also be accessed through the Hour of Code official website. Tynker.com can be accessed on the Chromebooks and there is a free iPad app too.
Upcoming Events
Warren/NCAA Road to Reading Challenge Pep Rally and Book Delivery - December 11 @ PAC
Hour of Code Events -
December 10 and 15 @ Grassy Creek (4th grade/3rd grade)
December 16 @ Sunny Heights (3rd grade)
December 18 @ Warren Early Childhood Center (small groups in Full Day Preschool classes)
Elementary Media Centers - Elaine Loftus
Email: eloftus@warren.k12.in.us
Website: http://destiny.warren.k12.in.us
Phone: (317)903-7760
Twitter: @WarrenPK4Media