I was so impressed by the results - here are just a few to watch and enjoy!
Revenge of the Babysat
Summer of the Mariposas
Showing posts with label Vista. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Vista. Show all posts
Thursday, June 13, 2013
5th graders' video book trailers!
Inspired by Julie Hembree, a local school librarian who shares wonderful information on her blog, I challenged our 5th graders to create video book trailers! In addition to inspiring their fellow students to read, they learned about searching via Creative Commons for images that are licensed for reuse (or creating their own), and thinking critically about what makes a book trailer memorable and enticing (how to select images, music and an Animoto template that evoke the essence of the book, include the right amount of text and say just enough to intrigue the viewer).
I was so impressed by the results - here are just a few to watch and enjoy!
Revenge of the Babysat
Summer of the Mariposas
I was so impressed by the results - here are just a few to watch and enjoy!
Revenge of the Babysat
Summer of the Mariposas
Tuesday, March 26, 2013
5th graders publish their writing online!
A few years ago I saw noted educator Yong Zhao speak at a PNAIS conference and was struck by something he said: what if you went to work every day and just "practiced" your job, but never produced anything real that actually had an impact on the world? You'd soon feel very discouraged.
He pointed out that sometimes in school that is what students feel like they are doing year after year; he stressed the importance of offering them work that will touch others' lives, work they can feel proud of and invested in because it matters.
I thought about this - and about how our students are drawn to collaborative, dynamic, Web 2.0 sites such as Wikipedia. (While we warn students about the potential pitfalls of Wikipedia and do not allow them to cite it for their school-related research, I do explain that it can play a valuable role in leisure-time information seeking and can be a great jumping off point for getting an overview of a subject and collecting data that you verify in more reliable sources.)
Recently our 5th graders learned about Simple English Wikipedia, a version of the site intended for English language learners and younger readers. The articles it contains are shorter and written in easier English. We compared and contrasted articles on the same topics in regular and Simple Wikipedia.
Then each student came up with a topic of interest that either did not already have a Simple English Wikipedia article, or that had only a very short one that needed additions.
They spent time researching their topic using credible sources, such as our school and the public library's databases. They wrote their articles, had them reviewed and edited by their peers, and created properly formatted MLA citations. Finally I uploaded them to the web!
Since anyone can change Wikipedia, some of their articles no longer exist in their original form, of course! This in itself is a valuable lesson in the strengths and weaknesses of using Wikipedia as a source.
Interested in reading what they wrote? Check out the links below! Isn't it fun what a wide range of subjects they covered? I hope they all feel proud of the fact that they are helping to contribute information that will be of use to many readers around the world!
First, here are the articles that were brand new and did not exist before one of our 5th graders wrote it:
1920s Fashion
Aquarius (constellation)
Bioterrorism
Campbell's Dwarf Hamster
Flag Football
Northern Pygmy Owl
Satanic Leaf-Tailed Gecko
Steven Moffat
Next, the articles that students contributed much-needed additions to:
Artery
Black Mamba
Fashion Design
Fishing Lure
Gabrielle Douglas
Handball
Hecate
Iridium
Jeremy Lin
Labradoodle
Lacrosse
Macaroni Penguin
Maggot
Major League Soccer
Mountain Goat
Pegasus
Phoenix (mythology)
Poison Dart Frog
Pol Pot
Poseidon
Pug
Rhythmic Gymnastics
Sapphire
Swimming
Unicorn
White Hole
He pointed out that sometimes in school that is what students feel like they are doing year after year; he stressed the importance of offering them work that will touch others' lives, work they can feel proud of and invested in because it matters.
I thought about this - and about how our students are drawn to collaborative, dynamic, Web 2.0 sites such as Wikipedia. (While we warn students about the potential pitfalls of Wikipedia and do not allow them to cite it for their school-related research, I do explain that it can play a valuable role in leisure-time information seeking and can be a great jumping off point for getting an overview of a subject and collecting data that you verify in more reliable sources.)
Recently our 5th graders learned about Simple English Wikipedia, a version of the site intended for English language learners and younger readers. The articles it contains are shorter and written in easier English. We compared and contrasted articles on the same topics in regular and Simple Wikipedia.
Then each student came up with a topic of interest that either did not already have a Simple English Wikipedia article, or that had only a very short one that needed additions.
They spent time researching their topic using credible sources, such as our school and the public library's databases. They wrote their articles, had them reviewed and edited by their peers, and created properly formatted MLA citations. Finally I uploaded them to the web!
Since anyone can change Wikipedia, some of their articles no longer exist in their original form, of course! This in itself is a valuable lesson in the strengths and weaknesses of using Wikipedia as a source.
Interested in reading what they wrote? Check out the links below! Isn't it fun what a wide range of subjects they covered? I hope they all feel proud of the fact that they are helping to contribute information that will be of use to many readers around the world!
First, here are the articles that were brand new and did not exist before one of our 5th graders wrote it:
1920s Fashion
Aquarius (constellation)
Bioterrorism
Campbell's Dwarf Hamster
Flag Football
Northern Pygmy Owl
Satanic Leaf-Tailed Gecko
Steven Moffat
Next, the articles that students contributed much-needed additions to:
Artery
Black Mamba
Fashion Design
Fishing Lure
Gabrielle Douglas
Handball
Hecate
Iridium
Jeremy Lin
Labradoodle
Lacrosse
Macaroni Penguin
Maggot
Major League Soccer
Mountain Goat
Pegasus
Phoenix (mythology)
Poison Dart Frog
Pol Pot
Poseidon
Pug
Rhythmic Gymnastics
Sapphire
Swimming
Unicorn
White Hole
Monday, February 25, 2013
March book presentation for 5th grade: published before 1900
The theme for March is
books published before or shortly after 1900 (up to about 1910). There
are several ways to find these classic books!
1) We have a selection of about 15 titles in the school library for students to borrow. (To see the full list, click on "Open Window School," choose "Copy Categories" in the upper right-hand corner, and choose Pre/Circa-1900 to view the choices. Or just stop by the school library to browse!)
2) The database ProQuest Learning: Literature offers full-text access to tens of thousands of literary works including many full-length novels which may be read on your e-reader or home computer (login information is available on my Sharepoint page in the Database & Research & Homework Information folder).
3) Goodreads has a list of books shelved by readers on the pre-1900 shelf. Bear in mind that classics are best appreciated when the reader is familiar with the historical and cultural contexts, so a bit of parental help with that is great. You can use World Book Online or History Study Center (two databases we subscribe to) to learn about the setting for your book.
4) You may borrow a Nook from the school library. Each one comes loaded with several pre-1900 classics. See the Nook information folder on my Sharepoint page for more information (students must submit a signed Nook permission form).
Of course, you can always ask a friend or relative for a recommendation! One of my personal favorites from this time period is The Princess and the Goblin by George MacDonald.
1) We have a selection of about 15 titles in the school library for students to borrow. (To see the full list, click on "Open Window School," choose "Copy Categories" in the upper right-hand corner, and choose Pre/Circa-1900 to view the choices. Or just stop by the school library to browse!)
2) The database ProQuest Learning: Literature offers full-text access to tens of thousands of literary works including many full-length novels which may be read on your e-reader or home computer (login information is available on my Sharepoint page in the Database & Research & Homework Information folder).
3) Goodreads has a list of books shelved by readers on the pre-1900 shelf. Bear in mind that classics are best appreciated when the reader is familiar with the historical and cultural contexts, so a bit of parental help with that is great. You can use World Book Online or History Study Center (two databases we subscribe to) to learn about the setting for your book.
4) You may borrow a Nook from the school library. Each one comes loaded with several pre-1900 classics. See the Nook information folder on my Sharepoint page for more information (students must submit a signed Nook permission form).
Of course, you can always ask a friend or relative for a recommendation! One of my personal favorites from this time period is The Princess and the Goblin by George MacDonald.
Monday, December 17, 2012
January book presentation for 5th grade: recommended by Ms. Simeon!
For January, students will be reading a book recommended by their librarian! There is a shelf of fiction and nonfiction books that I love - but that haven't circulated as much as I think they deserve to. Students are welcome to stop by anytime to select one. I hope some of these overlooked books will find appreciative readers.
Monday, November 26, 2012
December book presentation for 5th grade: ALA award winners!
The American Library Association sponsors many book awards, some of which are widely recognized (the Caldecott and Newbery, for example), while others honor equally worthy material but are less well-known.
This month's book presentation for Ms. Russell's class will be on a book of appropriate length and difficulty which is not a biography and was selected as a medal or honor book for one of the ALA awards listed below.
We have many qualifying titles on display in the school library for students to choose from. Or you may follow the links below to see what else there is! Remember to run your selection past Ms. Russell for her approval!
The Batchelder Award is "awarded to an American publisher for a children's book considered to be the most outstanding of those books originally published in a foreign language in a foreign country, and subsequently translated into English and published in the United States. ALSC gives the award to encourage American publishers to seek out superior children's books abroad and to promote communication among the peoples of the world."
The Pura Belpré Award is "presented annually to a Latino/Latina writer and illustrator whose work best portrays, affirms, and celebrates the Latino cultural experience in an outstanding work of literature for children and youth."
The Coretta Scott King Award is "given to African American authors and illustrator for outstanding inspirational and educational contributions, the Coretta Scott King Book Award titles promote understanding and appreciation of the culture of all peoples and their contribution to the realization of the American dream of a pluralistic society."
The Newbery Medal is "awarded annually to the author of the most distinguished contribution to American literature for children published by an American publisher in the United States in English during the preceding year. There are no limitations as to the character of the book considered except that it be original work."
The Robert F. Sibert Informational Book Medal "is awarded annually to the author(s) and illustrator(s) of the most distinguished informational book published in the United States in English during the preceding year."
This month's book presentation for Ms. Russell's class will be on a book of appropriate length and difficulty which is not a biography and was selected as a medal or honor book for one of the ALA awards listed below.
We have many qualifying titles on display in the school library for students to choose from. Or you may follow the links below to see what else there is! Remember to run your selection past Ms. Russell for her approval!
The Batchelder Award is "awarded to an American publisher for a children's book considered to be the most outstanding of those books originally published in a foreign language in a foreign country, and subsequently translated into English and published in the United States. ALSC gives the award to encourage American publishers to seek out superior children's books abroad and to promote communication among the peoples of the world."
The Pura Belpré Award is "presented annually to a Latino/Latina writer and illustrator whose work best portrays, affirms, and celebrates the Latino cultural experience in an outstanding work of literature for children and youth."
The Coretta Scott King Award is "given to African American authors and illustrator for outstanding inspirational and educational contributions, the Coretta Scott King Book Award titles promote understanding and appreciation of the culture of all peoples and their contribution to the realization of the American dream of a pluralistic society."
The Newbery Medal is "awarded annually to the author of the most distinguished contribution to American literature for children published by an American publisher in the United States in English during the preceding year. There are no limitations as to the character of the book considered except that it be original work."
The Robert F. Sibert Informational Book Medal "is awarded annually to the author(s) and illustrator(s) of the most distinguished informational book published in the United States in English during the preceding year."
Monday, October 29, 2012
November book presentation for 5th grade: historical fiction!
Historical fiction is a fun genre because it is so broad. You can choose to go on an adventure in medieval England or 1930s New York City or 1970s Vietnam. The possibilities are endless! With so much variety, there is truly something for everyone - even readers who are sure they "don't like history."
Two authors in this genre that I especially love are Christopher Paul Curtis and Jennifer Holm. Both create characters so vivid and plots so engaging that you are drawn into the story. Nothing is more jarring than the sort of historical fiction where it feels like the author is trying to cram as many facts into your brain as possible. That is NOT going to happen with these two!
But my hands down, all-time favorite historical fiction novel of all time is One Crazy Summer by Rita Williams-Garcia. It's got humor, intrigue, suspense and some of the most appealing and memorable characters you'll ever meet. In fact, it's far too good just for middle schoolers - if you're a parent reading this, do yourself a favor and read it too (or listen to the wonderfully performed audio version). Here I am with the author at a library conference in New Orleans in 2010!
Two authors in this genre that I especially love are Christopher Paul Curtis and Jennifer Holm. Both create characters so vivid and plots so engaging that you are drawn into the story. Nothing is more jarring than the sort of historical fiction where it feels like the author is trying to cram as many facts into your brain as possible. That is NOT going to happen with these two!
But my hands down, all-time favorite historical fiction novel of all time is One Crazy Summer by Rita Williams-Garcia. It's got humor, intrigue, suspense and some of the most appealing and memorable characters you'll ever meet. In fact, it's far too good just for middle schoolers - if you're a parent reading this, do yourself a favor and read it too (or listen to the wonderfully performed audio version). Here I am with the author at a library conference in New Orleans in 2010!
We have dozens of books available in the library
learning commons just for 5th graders to choose from. Stop by anytime to choose
your book!
Here are some reading lists for more ideas:Monday, September 24, 2012
October book presentation for 5th grade: mystery & suspense!
Fifth graders: are you ready to start reading your October genre book for Ms. Russell's class? We have a number of books
waiting for you to choose from in the library learning commons - stop by anytime!
Want to borrow something from the public library instead? This site lists fiction and nonfiction mystery books for preschool through high school: It's a Mystery!
Want to borrow something from the public library instead? This site lists fiction and nonfiction mystery books for preschool through high school: It's a Mystery!
Tuesday, September 4, 2012
September book presentation for 5th grade: nonfiction
Welcome back to
school!
This month 5th graders will be reading a nonfiction book for their monthly book presentation for Ms. Russell's class. Qualifying books will have more than 40 pages that are primarily text, and will not be biographies (biographies are coming up later). Science books must have been published during or after 2007. No duplication is allowed (each 5th grader must select a unique title). Ms. Simeon or Ms. Russell may approve your book choices.Books need to be selected by Monday, September 17th.
Students may stop by the library learning commons at any time to select an appropriate book from the 5th grade “genre of the month” shelf. If you prefer to borrow books from the public library instead, check out some recommended authors and websites below to get ideas. Make sure you evaluate all titles in terms of age appropriateness as well as whether they meet the parameters Ms. Russell has set!
Suggested authors:
Rhoda Blumberg
Russell Freedman
Sy Montgomery (please note that she writes for both adults and young people)
Suggested websites:
Classic Non-fiction from the TeenZone at KCLSThe Sibert Medal, an award for exceptional non-fiction given by the American Library Association (which also gives out the Caldecott & Newbery Medals)Outstanding Science Trade Books for Students K-12 offers detailed annotated lists for those who enjoy science.The Cooperative Children's Book Center has numerous reading lists, many of which focus on non-fiction. Select first by grade level, then by topic.
This month 5th graders will be reading a nonfiction book for their monthly book presentation for Ms. Russell's class. Qualifying books will have more than 40 pages that are primarily text, and will not be biographies (biographies are coming up later). Science books must have been published during or after 2007. No duplication is allowed (each 5th grader must select a unique title). Ms. Simeon or Ms. Russell may approve your book choices.Books need to be selected by Monday, September 17th.
Students may stop by the library learning commons at any time to select an appropriate book from the 5th grade “genre of the month” shelf. If you prefer to borrow books from the public library instead, check out some recommended authors and websites below to get ideas. Make sure you evaluate all titles in terms of age appropriateness as well as whether they meet the parameters Ms. Russell has set!
Suggested authors:
Rhoda Blumberg
Russell Freedman
Sy Montgomery (please note that she writes for both adults and young people)
Suggested websites:
Classic Non-fiction from the TeenZone at KCLSThe Sibert Medal, an award for exceptional non-fiction given by the American Library Association (which also gives out the Caldecott & Newbery Medals)Outstanding Science Trade Books for Students K-12 offers detailed annotated lists for those who enjoy science.The Cooperative Children's Book Center has numerous reading lists, many of which focus on non-fiction. Select first by grade level, then by topic.
Monday, June 4, 2012
Read.Film.Win
Today our local KCLS Teen Services Librarian will stop by the Vista Assembly to talk about Read.Film.Win, the library's annual summer video book review contest for teens! Anyone entering or in middle school, junior high or high school is eligible to participate. Check out the video montage of last year's winners and start thinking about what you can do...
Remember, Ms. Gifford has open hours in the computer lab that you can use to start working on your video. And if you need inspiration, come by the library anytime. Unfortunately checking out is over for this school year, but you can browse the collection and chat with me about your idea.
Remember, Ms. Gifford has open hours in the computer lab that you can use to start working on your video. And if you need inspiration, come by the library anytime. Unfortunately checking out is over for this school year, but you can browse the collection and chat with me about your idea.
Wednesday, April 18, 2012
5th grade presentation: May
The category for 5th grade book presentations this month is titles recommended by me, your school librarian! Ms. Russell and I talked about how many wonderful gems sit languishing on the library shelves for a variety of reasons - an unappealing cover, a title that may not sound interesting enough, or simply because they are not as well known as the currently popular books.
I've scoured the shelves looking for these treasures - many of which students adore once they give them a chance - and have placed 44 of them, both fiction and nonfiction, on the usual shelf in the library.
Stop by soon for the best selection! You may choose any of these books that you have not already read and keep it until June 8th.
I've scoured the shelves looking for these treasures - many of which students adore once they give them a chance - and have placed 44 of them, both fiction and nonfiction, on the usual shelf in the library.
Stop by soon for the best selection! You may choose any of these books that you have not already read and keep it until June 8th.
Thursday, March 1, 2012
Stump the Librarian and win a gift card!
Are you a Vista student? Do you want a chance at winning a bookstore gift card? Just enter the Stump the Librarian contest running now through May 2012!
To enter, current Vista students need to submit a reference question* to Ms. Simeon. The goal is to try to come up with something clever and tricky enough to stump her! Ms. Simeon will use print and online resources to try to answer each question.
Rules:
• At the end of each month from March-May 2012, one student will be chosen to receive a $15 University Book Store gift card
• There will be one winner chosen per month
• One entry per month per Vista student
• Entries must be submitted to the VistaReads wiki AND signed with your real name (if you are not a member, contact Ms. Simeon to be added)
• Questions and answers will be printed and posted on the bulletin board in the library
• Questions must be the original and independent work of the student
• Entries will be judged for creativity and originality (harder and more obscure is not necessarily better than simple but displaying a fresh and thought-provoking perspective!)
• If Ms. Simeon cannot choose between two or more highly qualified entries, she will enlist the help of Vista teachers
• All entries must have a real answer (i.e. “how many angels can dance on the head of a pin?” is not permissible because it is not the original work of the student and there is no definitive, factual answer
*A reference question is a question a patron asks a librarian about any type of knowledge they are seeking. Here are some examples of real life reference questions:
• Why are our pointy teeth called “eye teeth”?
• Can worms smell?
• Who is the best-selling children’s author of all time?
• Do eagles have tongues?
To enter, current Vista students need to submit a reference question* to Ms. Simeon. The goal is to try to come up with something clever and tricky enough to stump her! Ms. Simeon will use print and online resources to try to answer each question.
Rules:
• At the end of each month from March-May 2012, one student will be chosen to receive a $15 University Book Store gift card
• There will be one winner chosen per month
• One entry per month per Vista student
• Entries must be submitted to the VistaReads wiki AND signed with your real name (if you are not a member, contact Ms. Simeon to be added)
• Questions and answers will be printed and posted on the bulletin board in the library
• Questions must be the original and independent work of the student
• Entries will be judged for creativity and originality (harder and more obscure is not necessarily better than simple but displaying a fresh and thought-provoking perspective!)
• If Ms. Simeon cannot choose between two or more highly qualified entries, she will enlist the help of Vista teachers
• All entries must have a real answer (i.e. “how many angels can dance on the head of a pin?” is not permissible because it is not the original work of the student and there is no definitive, factual answer
*A reference question is a question a patron asks a librarian about any type of knowledge they are seeking. Here are some examples of real life reference questions:
• Why are our pointy teeth called “eye teeth”?
• Can worms smell?
• Who is the best-selling children’s author of all time?
• Do eagles have tongues?
Monday, February 27, 2012
5th grade presentation: March
The theme for March is books published before or shortly after 1900 (up to about 1910). There are several ways to find these classic books!
- We have a selection of about 15 titles in the school library for students to borrow
- The database ProQuest Learning: Literature has full-text access to tens of thousands of literary works including many full-length novels which may be read on your e-reader or home computer (login information is available on my Sharepoint page under Shared Documents)
- The public library has a selected list of classics for teens and elementary students (check date of original publication - some are modern classics!)
Of course, you can always ask a friend or relative for a recommendation! One of my personal favorites from this time period is The Princess and the Goblin by George MacDonald.
Monday, February 13, 2012
One Author Vista: Ken Mochizuki!
On February 3rd we were excited to welcome local author Ken Mochizuki to Vista as part of our annual One Author Vista program. For several months I displayed books by selected local authors and invited Vista students to read them and vote for the author they would most like to invite to our campus. Fortunately our winner, Ken, was eager to take us up on our invitation!
He talked eloquently about growing up in Seattle during the '70s as the grandson of Japanese immigrants, stereotyping of others by race, the historical background to his books about the Japanese American internment camps and the Holocaust, and much more!
Following his talk, he answered more questions from individual students and signed books! Parents: we have a few more signed books available for students who did not submit their pre-orders in time. There are titles for elementary, middle and high school students. Please contact me if you would like to purchase one!
He talked eloquently about growing up in Seattle during the '70s as the grandson of Japanese immigrants, stereotyping of others by race, the historical background to his books about the Japanese American internment camps and the Holocaust, and much more!
Following his talk, he answered more questions from individual students and signed books! Parents: we have a few more signed books available for students who did not submit their pre-orders in time. There are titles for elementary, middle and high school students. Please contact me if you would like to purchase one!
Tuesday, January 31, 2012
5th grade book presentation: February
February's theme is biography and memoir! The only requirement is that the book be a minimum of 40pp long.
We have a great selection of both in the general and middle school sections of the school library, but if you would like to borrow from the public library, you can:
1) browse the B (biography) section of your local public library, or
2) check out these online biography resources (databases and websites) provided by KCLS to get ideas - but please remember that while this is a good place to start, there will not be biographies about all of these people written for a younger audience!
When you are looking at library books online, remember that the call number JB means it is was written for elementary and middle school readers, while YB means it was written for teens. If you need more information, click on "Reviews & More" beside the title or click on the title to see the number of pages.
Just a few of the books I would recommend from the school library are:
- Chasing Lincoln's Killer by James L. Swanson (about John Wilkes Booth)
- Margaret Bourke-White: Adventurous Photographer by Christopher C. L. Anderson
- She Touched the World: Laura Bridgman, Deaf-Blind Pioneer by Sally Hobart Alexander
- Claudette Colvin: Twice toward Justice by Phillip Hoose
- The Forbidden Schoolhouse: The True and Dramatic Story of Prudence Crandall and Her Students by Suzanne Jurmain (about a courageous teacher who tried to integrate her school in the 1830s)
- Charles and Emma: The Darwins' Leap of Faith by Deborah Heiligman
- Fireflies in the Dark: The Story of Friedl Dicker-Brandeis and the Children of Terezin by Susan Goldman Rubin (about the Holocaust)
- This Land Was Made for You and Me: The Life and Songs of Woody Guthrie by Elizabeth Partridge
- Onward: A Photobiography of African-American Polar Explorer Matthew Henson by Dolores Johnson
Monday, November 21, 2011
5th grade book report: December
This month's book presentation will be on a book of appropriate length and difficulty which is not a biography and which was selected as a medal or honor book for one of the American Library Association awards shown below.
We have dozens of titles on display in the school library or you may follow the links below to choose one yourself. Remember to run your selection past Ms. Russell for her approval!
The Batchelder Award is "awarded to an American publisher for a children's book considered to be the most outstanding of those books originally published in a foreign language in a foreign country, and subsequently translated into English and published in the United States. ALSC gives the award to encourage American publishers to seek out superior children's books abroad and to promote communication among the peoples of the world."
The Pura Belpré Award is "presented annually to a Latino/Latina writer and illustrator whose work best portrays, affirms, and celebrates the Latino cultural experience in an outstanding work of literature for children and youth."
The Coretta Scott King Award is "given to African American authors and illustrator for outstanding inspirational and educational contributions, the Coretta Scott King Book Award titles promote understanding and appreciation of the culture of all peoples and their contribution to the realization of the American dream of a pluralistic society."
The Newbery Medal is "awarded annually to the author of the most distinguished contribution to American literature for children published by an American publisher in the United States in English during the preceding year. There are no limitations as to the character of the book considered except that it be original work."
The Robert F. Sibert Informational Book Medal "is awarded annually to the author(s) and illustrator(s) of the most distinguished informational book published in the United States in English during the preceding year."
We have dozens of titles on display in the school library or you may follow the links below to choose one yourself. Remember to run your selection past Ms. Russell for her approval!
The Batchelder Award is "awarded to an American publisher for a children's book considered to be the most outstanding of those books originally published in a foreign language in a foreign country, and subsequently translated into English and published in the United States. ALSC gives the award to encourage American publishers to seek out superior children's books abroad and to promote communication among the peoples of the world."
The Pura Belpré Award is "presented annually to a Latino/Latina writer and illustrator whose work best portrays, affirms, and celebrates the Latino cultural experience in an outstanding work of literature for children and youth."
The Coretta Scott King Award is "given to African American authors and illustrator for outstanding inspirational and educational contributions, the Coretta Scott King Book Award titles promote understanding and appreciation of the culture of all peoples and their contribution to the realization of the American dream of a pluralistic society."
The Newbery Medal is "awarded annually to the author of the most distinguished contribution to American literature for children published by an American publisher in the United States in English during the preceding year. There are no limitations as to the character of the book considered except that it be original work."
The Robert F. Sibert Informational Book Medal "is awarded annually to the author(s) and illustrator(s) of the most distinguished informational book published in the United States in English during the preceding year."
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
Write an author fan letter!
If you're in grades 4-12, you're invited to write a letter to an author (living or dead) whom you admire and submit it to the Letters about Literature contest. The deadline is January 6, 2012, which gives you plenty of time to ponder and write!
You can also read letters from past winners as well as some authors' responses.
Writing can be a solitary and lonely occupation. Sending a letter of appreciation to your favorite author and submitting it to this contest - and also mailing it to him or her (find contact information on the author's website or write c/o their publisher) - is a lovely act of generosity! And it might just win you national recognition too.
You can also read letters from past winners as well as some authors' responses.
Writing can be a solitary and lonely occupation. Sending a letter of appreciation to your favorite author and submitting it to this contest - and also mailing it to him or her (find contact information on the author's website or write c/o their publisher) - is a lovely act of generosity! And it might just win you national recognition too.
Tuesday, October 11, 2011
November book presentation for 5th grade
November's genre for Ms. Russell's 5th grade Humanities class is historical fiction!
We have over 70 books available in the library learning commons just for 5th graders to choose from. Stop by anytime between 8:30am-4pm to choose your book! The deadline for letting Ms. Russell know which book you will be reading is November 7th.
Here are a few places to get reading suggestions:
KCLS KidsPage American Historical Fiction
KCLS KidsPage World Historical Fiction
KCLS TeenZone American Historical Fiction
KCLS TeenZone World Historical Fiction
We have over 70 books available in the library learning commons just for 5th graders to choose from. Stop by anytime between 8:30am-4pm to choose your book! The deadline for letting Ms. Russell know which book you will be reading is November 7th.
Here are a few places to get reading suggestions:
KCLS KidsPage American Historical Fiction
KCLS KidsPage World Historical Fiction
KCLS TeenZone American Historical Fiction
KCLS TeenZone World Historical Fiction
Monday, October 3, 2011
Alliance for Young Artists & Writers Contest
Are you in grade 7 or higher? If so, check out this great opportunity to share your creative talents! The Alliance for Young Artists & Writers contest allows you to enter in a variety of categories, including journalism, video game design, film, fashion, novel writing, jewelry, comic art, and more.
Why not give it a whirl? There may be a cool project you started in class that could be perfect!
Why not give it a whirl? There may be a cool project you started in class that could be perfect!
Monday, September 26, 2011
October book presentation for 5th grade
October's genre for Ms. Russell's 5th grade Humanities class is mystery/suspense!
We have a number of books available in the library learning commons just for 5th graders to choose from. Stop by anytime between 8:30am-4pm to choose your book! The deadline for letting Ms. Russell know which book you will be reading is October 3rd.
Here are some places you can look for more ideas. As always, check the recommended age level for each title! The best way is to look up the book at KCLS, click on "Reviews & More," then "Reviews." I highly recommend Booklist or School Library Journal. A review will also give you a summary of the plot so you can see if the book interests you or not.
We have a number of books available in the library learning commons just for 5th graders to choose from. Stop by anytime between 8:30am-4pm to choose your book! The deadline for letting Ms. Russell know which book you will be reading is October 3rd.
Here are some places you can look for more ideas. As always, check the recommended age level for each title! The best way is to look up the book at KCLS, click on "Reviews & More," then "Reviews." I highly recommend Booklist or School Library Journal. A review will also give you a summary of the plot so you can see if the book interests you or not.
Monday, September 12, 2011
Before you turn in that paper...
I'm sure you are all familiar with the concept of "plagiarism" but sometimes, especially when you're doing research online, it can feel a bit confusing. This website from the makers of Turnitin (which a lot of your high school teachers will probably use) helps clarify things. You can also use this fun interactive tutorial to test your knowledge!
Now, before you hand in your paper, you might want to run it through Plagiarism Checker (you can enter a maximum of 32 words at a time on this site) or Paper Rater (this one works better for longer papers and also gives you advice on grammar and writing style).
What do you do if one of these sites says you plagiarized? Remember that if you paraphrase in your own words or directly quote someone else's original idea, you must give them credit by including a citation! If you intended to paraphrase but didn't manage it the first time, try using a thesaurus such as WordSmyth to find other ways to word your sentences.
A direct quote also needs to be put in quotation marks. Use the citation generator in World Book Online (see my page on Vista Sharepoint for login information) or KnightCite to create your citation. At our school we use MLA format for citations.
Citations need to be used to give credit to authors whose works you used in your research even if you do not quote or paraphrase them. General knowledge (e.g. "George Washington was the first president of the United States") does not need to be cited.
When in doubt, check with your teachers or me! It's better to play it safe and give credit to the sources you use.
Now, before you hand in your paper, you might want to run it through Plagiarism Checker (you can enter a maximum of 32 words at a time on this site) or Paper Rater (this one works better for longer papers and also gives you advice on grammar and writing style).
What do you do if one of these sites says you plagiarized? Remember that if you paraphrase in your own words or directly quote someone else's original idea, you must give them credit by including a citation! If you intended to paraphrase but didn't manage it the first time, try using a thesaurus such as WordSmyth to find other ways to word your sentences.
A direct quote also needs to be put in quotation marks. Use the citation generator in World Book Online (see my page on Vista Sharepoint for login information) or KnightCite to create your citation. At our school we use MLA format for citations.
Citations need to be used to give credit to authors whose works you used in your research even if you do not quote or paraphrase them. General knowledge (e.g. "George Washington was the first president of the United States") does not need to be cited.
When in doubt, check with your teachers or me! It's better to play it safe and give credit to the sources you use.
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