March 2014
HMS Library Media Center
What a Busy Month!
Our fifth graders spent the month of March coming up with topics they would be interested in researching. I am using Chris Lehman's Energize Research Reading and Writing: Fresh Strategies to Spark Interest, Develop Independence, and Meet Key Common Core Standards, Grades 4-8 to guide our lessons. At this point, students have chosen 3 topics they believe to be researchable and topics they are interested in studying.
Fifth graders are also preparing for Reading Week (April 7-11) by creating top ten "must read" lists and compiling trivia questions based on books they care about for a daily trivia contest.
Fourth graders have been busy working on Barbara O'Connor summaries that include the following four elements: theme, main characters, problem, and cliffhanger. Effectively including the theme in the summary was a little trickier than we anticipated, but everyone was successful!
Students then had a script to work on the technology avenue of their choice: Tellagami app on the iPad or PowerPoint on the desktop computer. Many were able to complete both this month. We "tweeted" out so many of the Tellagami book trailers to author Barbara O'Connor and she complimented each and every one.
5th Graders
4th Graders
Creating Barbara O'Connor PowerPoints
4th Graders
Creating Tellegami book trailers of Barbara O'Connor books
Author Barbara O'Connor Visits the Fourth Grade
HMS Fourth Graders have been eagerly awaiting the opportunity to finally meet beloved author Barbara O'Connor in person. Students have reported reading up to 7 of Barbara's books in anticipation of her visit! Barbara exceeded everyone's expectations. She was kind, down-to-earth, and funny. She effortlessly shared her passion for writing with students and staff alike. A colleague said, "I don't know what it is about her, but after hearing her speak I want to go home and write." A student said, "I listened to her advice for show not tell and I changed my writing to add more details."
Barbara O'Connor seemed to enjoy her visit with us just as much as we enjoyed hosting her: http://greetings-from-nowhere.blogspot.com.
Everyone Gave Barbara a Warm Welcome
Barbara with Kids' Corner Interviewers
4th Graders Debrief After Meeting Barbara
Library Statistics
Between March 3 and March 28, 2014
Total Books in Library: 11,637
Total Circulations: 1,244
Total Holds Placed: 54
Top Books Checked Out:
1. Fame and glory in Freedom, Georgia O'Connor, Barbara.F OCO26
2. On the road to Mr. Mineo's O'Connor, Barbara.F OCO23
3. The Fantastic Secret Of Owen Jester O'Connor, Barbara.F OCO20
4. Greetings from nowhere O'Connor, Barbara.F OCO15
5. Me and Rupert Goody O'Connor, Barbara.F OCO15
6. Sidekicks Santat, Dan.741.5 SAN14
7. Umbrella Summer Graff, Lisa (Lisa Colleen), 1981-F GRA14
8. The small adventure of Popeye and Elvis O'Connor, Barbara.F OCO13
9. Guinness World Records, 2014 editor-in-chief, Craig Glenday.031/.0212
10. Wonder Palacio, R. J.F PAL12
Featured Resource
Literary Lists for the 21st Century Teacher & Librarian
Ever wonder how you could find a book based on a topic? Here's your go-to guide!