AC Whelan School Library Blog

This week in Library

2011-01-05T10:17:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year everyone. I hope everyone had an enjoyable Holiday Break. It has been a very pleasant start to 2011. The Library has received many new book donations. You can see what books have been added to our collection through our Library catalog- Destiny. Please be on the look out for Birthday Book Club forms for the January birthdays; they are going to be sent out to classroom teachers either this afternoon or tomorrow morning.

Library classes are getting off on the right foot for the new year. This week, the focus will be on review in the Library classes. We will be reviewing Library rules and procedures, as well as, recapping on what we have so far learn. If you are unfamiliar with Library procedures, please check out the Library web site.

5th Grade Survey

2010-03-29T04:45:00.000-07:00

5th Graders, I need your help. For our next unit in Library, I would like to do a read a loud of a chapter book but I cannot decide what to read. Help me out by completing the following survey:

Book Survey

Thanks in advance

MCAS Testing

2010-03-25T10:34:00.001-07:00

Library class will be held in Room 307 (3rd Floor Computer Lab) during MCAS testing (March 23-April 1st). Students will hold onto their Library books and no overdue notices will be going out during this time.

While prepping for the test, students may check out the following web site for test taking pointers and practice questions:

BPL MCAS Practice Software web site offers sample MCAS questions for students in grades 4, 8, and 10 (but even students in other grades can benefit from their tips and strageties).

MCAS Mentor is a web site for parents with students that are about to take the MCAS. The site includes information about the test, scoring, and standards over by the test. The site also includes practice work sheets.

State of Texas Online Practice Assessment (Math) is an example of the State of Texas Math Assessment for 3rd grade (the questions are similar to 3rd grade math MCAS). Students will get results instantly.

Virginia State Standards of Learning Practice Tests contains questions from the math, science, and technology test for grades 2-8. Students can select the number of questions they want to answer at a time.

State of Texas Online Practice Assessment (Reading) is an example of the State of Texas Reading Comprehension Assessment for 3rd grade (the questions are similar to 3rd grade Reading MCAS). Students will get results instantly.

Dewey Podcast created by Ms. DeMarco's class

2010-03-22T11:04:00.000-07:00

Ms. DeMarco's 3rd grade class is here to teach you about the Dewey Decimal System. Each group was responsible for researching and writing about one of the Dewey classes. Students then created a podcast script and rehersed their parts. When all the groups were ready, they recorded their podcast with Mrs. C.

Group 1

Group 2

Group 3

Group 4

Group 5

Group 6

Group 7

Dewey Podcast Created by Ms. Hamel's class

2010-03-19T04:48:00.000-07:00

Ms. Hamel's 3rd grade class is here to teach you about the Dewey Decimal System. Each group was responsible for researching and writing about one of the Dewey classes. Students then created a podcast script and rehersed their parts. When all the groups were ready, they recorded their podcast with Mrs. C.

Group 1

Group 2

Group 3

Group 4

Group 5

Group 6

Group 7

Dewey Podcast Created by Mr. Rolli's class

2010-03-18T07:14:00.000-07:00

Mr. Rolli's 3rd grade class is here to teach you about the Dewey Decimal System. Each group was responsible for researching and writing about one of the Dewey classes. Students then created a podcast script and rehersed their parts. When all the groups were ready, they recorded their podcast with Mrs. C.

Group 1

Group 2

Group 3

Group 4

Group 5

Group 6

Group 7

Dewey Podcast created by Ms. Cortazar and Ms. Knox's class

2010-03-09T07:28:00.000-08:00

Ms. Cortazar and Ms. Knox's 3rd grade class is here to teach you about the Dewey Decimal System. Each group was responsible for researching and writing about one of the Dewey classes. Students then created a podcast script and rehersed their parts. When all the groups were ready, they recorded their podcast with Mrs. C.

Group #1

Group #2

Group #3

Group #4

Group #5

Group #6

Group #7

Awesome job guys!

New Trial Databases

2010-02-23T07:29:00.000-08:00

The Whelan LMC is pleased to have with them for the following month trial subscriptions to PebbleGo Animal Database and Encyclopedia Britannica Online. To access these databases- click on the DATABASES on the LMC's web site.

What are we doing in Library this week

2010-01-11T10:22:00.000-08:00

Happy Monday.

This will be another busy week for students in the Library. For this week only- on Tuesday, grades 3-5 will be meeting in the Auditorium to have their Nick Page kick off. On Wednesday, grades 2,3, and 1 will switch with my Monday classes (this week on Wednesday I will meet with Ms. Petrone's, Ms. DeMarco's, and Ms. Sutherland's class- Ms. Murphy's, Ms. Hamlet's, and Ms. Clark's will have Spanish instead).

Kindergarten will be learning about animals in the winter. Students will learn what hibernation is and how do animals prepare for it. They will listen to Bear Snores On by Karma Wilson. To end our lesson- students will get to play "Which bed does it belong in" on the SMART Board. Fancy words for our Fancy Word Wall include hibernation (deep sleep) and lair (home).

First graders will be talking about what it means to be a citizen and how they can teach our LMC community to become good Library citizens. Last week we read Officer Buckle and Gloria by Peggy Rathmann. This week students will be making their Library Tip stars. Each star will have a tip on one side and an illustration of the tip on the other side. These tips will help all Library students be around of Library Media Center behavior and how the Library Media Center is a community space in the school. The stars will be on display in the Library Media Center when they are completed.

Second grade will be wrapping up the parts of the nonfiction book this week with a Smart Response Quiz.

Third grade is working on their Dewey Podcast. Each table will be created a podcast that teaches about one class of the Dewey Decimal System. Students will be researching their class, writing their podcast scripts, and recording their podcast. When the podcast are completed, I will be uploading them onto the LMC's blog.

Fourth grade will be working on the Diary of a Wimpy Kid read aloud. We will enjoy the 1st book of the Diary of a Wimpy Kid series by Greg Kinney. This week we will be reading pages 8-35. Students will be responsible for writing in their own journal (helping them prepare for the MCAS Long Comp. in March). This week writing prompt will be about the student's best prank.

Finally, fifth grade is coming to the end of their Google ninja training. Students will be learning about Boolean operators and how to use them.

Newbies for the week of January 4th

2010-01-06T07:48:00.000-08:00

If I Ran the School, edited by Bruce Lasky 811 LAS

Bruce Lansky has written five new poems for this book and selected nineteen others from some of his favorite poets, including Jack Prelutsky, Kenn Nesbitt, Ted Scheu, and Robert Pottle.

Pilgrim Children Had Many Chores, Gina Lems-Tardif; Illustrated by Gina Lems-Tardif's first grade class 974.4 LEM

A simple book about what Pilgrim children did on a daily basis.

Caballitos de Mar (Sea Horses), Carol K.Lindeen 597.6798 (SPA)- Spanish Collection

Describes sea horses, what they look like and where they live.

September 11, 2001: the Day that Changed America, Jill C. Wheeler

Describes the events and immediate aftermath of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks on the United States, in which planes were crashed into the Twin Towers buildings in New York City as well as into the Pentagon building near Washington, D.C.

What are we doing this week in Library?

2010-01-04T13:09:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year!

I hope everyone enjoyed their Holiday break. So far the students are eager to be back in the Library, for some it has been a while since they checked out new books. This week, the beginning of Library class is dedicated to going ove LMC rules and procedures (not that I think anyone has forgotten). Here is a sampling of who is learning what in the LMC:

Kindergarten will be starting a new theme- Winter. We will be reading stories about activities to do during the winter months, what animals do during the winter, and the Olympics. This week, the students will have a SMART Board activity about things we can do during the winter. They will listen to Ezra Jack Keat's story, The Snowy Day. Students will be able to go onto Starfall (http://www.starfall.com/) and play Ten Little Snowmen.

First graders will be talking about what it means to be a citizen and how they can teach our LMC community to become good Library citizens. This week we will be reading Officer Buckle and Gloria by Peggy Rathman.

Second grade is continuing learning about the different parts of nonfiction books and how they can use that to find information. This week we are going to talk about captions (the sentence underneath a picture that describes what is going on in the picture). Students will have a chance to place Animal Caption Matching (Mrs. C created Quia game).

Fourth grade will start a Diary of a Wimpy Kid read aloud. We will enjoy the 1st book of the Diary of a Wimpy Kid series by Greg Kinney. Students will be responsible for writing in their own journal (helping them prepare for the MCAS Long Comp. in March).

Finally, fifth grade is coming to the end of their Google ninja training. Students will be learning about Boolean operators and how to use them.

I hope everyone enjoys their week back!

Mrs. C

Welcome Back

2009-09-02T08:08:00.000-07:00

Welcome to the start of the 2009 / 2010 school year. This year the Library is starting it off right- students in grades 1-5 may start borrowing Library books at the end of their 1st class! Students will be receiving a letter for their parents and guardians about borrowing books when they 1st check out. These letters do not need to come back to Mrs. C; however, please take the time to go over the letter. A copy of the letter can be found on the Whelan's Library web site.

April is National Poetry Month

2009-04-01T11:02:00.000-07:00

And to celebrate- all month long the Kindergarten classes will be taking a look at poetry and different types of poems. This week, we are reading If Not for the Cat by Jack Prelutsky. Students are trying to guess what type of animal Mr. Prelutsky is describing and are also learning about haiku poems. Next week we will be taking a look at Shel Silverstein's funny poems.

GottaBook blog is also hosting 30 Poets / 30 Days all through out the month of April. More information about the program can be find in School Library Journal.

Thank you Whelan Students

2009-03-31T09:12:00.000-07:00

Thanks to all the students at the Whelan for their secret donations on Crazy Hat Day. Your generousity has bought the Library the following books for their collection:

The Frogs Wore Red Suspenders
Amelia Bedelia
La Pequena Locomotora Que Si Pudo
A Bad Case of the Giggles: Poems that Will Make You Laugh Out Loud
Gato com Sombrero Viene de Nuevo
Juevos Verdes con Jamon
Where the Sidewalk Ends
A Light in the Attic
Poetry for Young People Robert Louis Stevenson
Poetry for Young People American Poetry
My Name is Gabito / Me Llamo Gabito
Poetry for Young People Emily Dickenson
Poetry for Young People Robert Frost
Poetry for Young People Langston Hughes
A Child’s Book of Poems

Books are currently available for all students to check out and enjoy!

Junie B. Who Wants to be a Millionaire

2009-03-19T12:04:00.000-07:00

So you think you know Junie B.?

Take the Junie B. Who Wants to be a Millionaire Challenge!

The First Grade has just finished reading Junie B. First Grader Aloha-ha-ha and as a fun challeged they are playing Junie B. Who Wants to be a Millionaire Challenge! Students are selected at random to take a turn in the hot seat! They can win prizes by answer questions correctly about the book.

Anyone can play if they have read the book; check out the game at the following address:
http://www.quia.com/rr/443746.html

Mrs. Hamel's Class presents the Dewey Decimal System

2009-03-16T11:40:00.000-07:00

3 graders just finished a BIG unit on the Dewey Decimal System. They are now Dewey experts and wanted to show off their knowledge. Each table created a podcast about a different class from the Dewey Decimal System. The following podcast our from Mrs. Hamel's class:

Mrs. Hamel's class group 1

Mrs. Hamel's class group 2

Mrs. Hamel's class group 3

Mrs. Hamel's class group 4

Mrs. Hamel's class group 5

Mrs. Hamel's class Group 6

Mrs. Hamel's class Group 7

Mrs. Nickerson / Mrs. Knox Class presents the Dewey Decimal System

2009-03-09T07:47:00.000-07:00

Mrs. Nickerson and Mrs. Knox's class group 1

Mrs. Nickerson and Mrs. Knox's class group 2

Mrs. Nickerson and Mrs. Knox's class group 3

Mrs. Nickerson and Mrs. Knox's class group 4

Mrs. Nikcerson and Mrs. Knox's class group 5

Mrs. Nikcerson and Mrs. Knox's class group 6

Mrs. Nikcerson and Mrs. Knox's class group 7

Ms. DeMarco's Class presents the Dewey Decimal System

2009-03-09T05:11:00.000-07:00

Ms. DeMarco's class group 1

Ms. DeMarco's class group 2

Ms. DeMarco's class group 3

Ms. DeMarco's class group 4

Ms. DeMarco's class group 5

Ms. DeMarco's class group 6

Ms. DeMarco's class group 7

Ms. Barone's Class presents the Dewey Decimal System

2009-02-11T07:30:00.000-08:00

Ms. Barone's Group #1

Ms. Barone"s Group #2

Ms. Barone's Group#3

Ms. Barone's Group #4

Ms. Barone's Group #5

Ms. Barone's Group #6

Ms. Barone's Group #7

Using Table of Contents- Learning about the parts of the Nonfiction

2009-01-23T07:41:00.000-08:00

The 2nd grade is learning about the different parts of nonfiction books. This week we learned how to use Table of Contents. Students practice using the TOC found information about blizzard safety. Each class created a fact poster (which are hanging around the Library) and each students was required for their "Ticket to Check Out" to write one tip about blizzard safety. Here is a few:

"stay in the car and have food and drive home"
"stay in the house and stay warm"
"you can turn your heat up"

Library Idol Podcasts

2009-01-13T09:10:00.000-08:00

Last year during American Idol Season, the 4th grade created songs about the different reference books they learned about through out the year. Each group could choose if that wanted to sing about encyclopedias, atlases, dictionaries, or almanacs. Groups then had to write songs about how we can use the source.

To listen, click on the play buttons below:

Mrs. Randall's Class, Table One We Love Our Dictionaries

Mrs. Randall's Class, Table #5, D*I*C*T*I*O*N*A*R*Y

Mr. Rolli's Class, Table # 1, Atlas Thriller

Mr. Rolli's Class, Table #4, Atlas Rap

Mrs. Spera's Class, Table #7, Who Let the Words Out?

Diary of a Wimpy Kid Reading Party.

2009-01-12T18:52:00.000-08:00

Join me on Friday, January 23rd to celebrate the newest Diary of a Wimpy Kid, The Last Straw.

For Who: Students in the 4th and 5th Grade that LOVE the Diary of a Wimpy Kid books

When: Friday, January 30th at 3:10 (SQUIRT time)

Where: The Library

What to bring: Your favorite Diary of a Wimpy Kid book, something comfy to read with (like your favorite reading pillow)

What to expect: A quiet place to read and enjoy one of our favorite series, and some Diary of a Wimpy Kid games

Please see me (Mrs. C) if you are interested in attending Diary of a Wimpy Kid Reading Party.

NO MORE OVERDUES!

2009-01-12T18:44:00.000-08:00

I have decided that the Library is no longer going to hand out overdue notices. My New Year's resolution is to save paper and weekly overdue notices waste too much paper. Instead I am expecting my students to be more responsible for their Library books. All Library books go out for one week and all students can renew (check out again) their Library book if they are still reading it. If they wish to renew their books, students need to renew their book during their Library time. Students should also record in their agenda books when their books are due, or, a reminder when to bring in their book.

As an incentive (reward), classes with no overdue books for the month of January will be allowed to check out two books during the 1st week of February. That is right, every student in an overdue-free class will be allowed to check out an additional book.

NO MORE OVERDUE BOOK! Say YES to an extra book!

Our Librarian Won't Tell Us Anything!

2008-11-18T12:01:00.000-08:00

You are sitting in science class when your teacher announces that you are going to do an animal research project. You silently groan as you pull out "naked mole-rat" from the hat; you know nothing about naked mole-rats." You groan out loud when your teacher passes out a grading rubric and you read that you need to use a book, an encyclopedia, and a web site to find information. How are you going to find all that? Where are you going to find all that?

Sure, you can go to the Library but it always seems that the librarian never answers your questions and does not get you what you need. It is almost as if she expects you to learn how to find the information you are looking for.

Robert and Carmen are in your shoes. When their teacher Mr. Dickinson assigns them a predator and prey multimedia product- they go to Mrs Skorupski, their school librarian. Carmen insists that "Our librarian won't tell us anything!" But does she really? Does Mrs. Skorupski not tell the them anything?

How does one explain how Robert becomes a "Library Success Story."

4th graders are going to answer the following question:

How does one become a Library Success story?

Please post your answers under comments.

Search Engines

2008-11-12T07:08:00.001-08:00

Currently 5th grade is learning about research strageties. The next few weeks we are going to focus on using the Internet to help us find information. When starting to look on the Internet, one usually starts on a web site called a SEARCH ENGINE. A search engine is a web site that's job is to look for another web sites that best match what we are looking for!

For our activator, please answer the following questions in the comment section of the blog:
What search engine do you like to use? Why do you like to use this search engine?

Please answer in a complete sentence.

At the end of Library today, students may go back and take a look at different classmates answers. To view answers, just click on view comments.

MSLA Conference 2008

2008-11-02T18:46:00.000-08:00

On Monday, November 3rd, I will be out for professional development. Read all about my adventures at MSLA this year here: http://mslaconference2008.blogspot.com

Winged Sandals: Challenges in Greek Myths

2008-10-07T04:25:00.000-07:00

Currently the 4th Grade is working on a unit on Myths. The past few lessons, students have been taking a look on different Greek Myths, their (the myths) characteristics and the different characters. During the week of October 6th, the students learned about the heroes in Greek Myths and the different challenges they face in the stories. The students watched Winged Sandals: Perseus and Medusa and was presented to do the following:

After watching the following short film- Winged Sandals: Perseus and Medusa (clip from Unitedstreaming), answer the following question:

What was King Polydecte's challenge to Perseus?

Click on comments to post your answer.

Standards addressed: ELA

Grades 3-4
16.6 Acquire knowledge of culturally significant characters and events in Greek, Roman, and Norse mythology and other traditional literature

Birthday Book Club starts

2008-10-01T05:15:00.000-07:00

On Wednesday, October 1st, the Birthday Book Club Letter and Form will be going out to all students in grades K-5. Last year, the Library received over 100 books through the BBC. I know this year we will even more successful!

The Birthday Book Club is a program to give families the opportunity to celebrate their child’s birthday by donating a book to the school’s library. Families may donate a book in honor of their child’s birthday or donate money to the library for us to purchase a book their honor. This is a wonderful opportunity for families to recognize their child’s birthday while helping to enhance the library’s collection.

How does the Birthday Book Club work? At the beginning of each month, a sign up form will go home to students whose birthdays are in that month. If you are interested in participating in the Birthday Book Club, please fill out the form and return it to your child’s classroom teacher. Families may donate up to $15.00 for a birthday book or may choose to donate a brand new book of their choice. A bookplate will be placed inside the book to recognize the student’s special day and contribution. At the end of the month, participants will be called to the library to see their donations. A photo will be taken of all the students with their donation and they will be the first to check out their books.

Please help us celebrate our student’s birthdays. If you have any questions about the Birthday Book Club program, please contact Katie Cerasale-Messina, the A.C Whelan School’s Librarian, at 781-388-7510. Copies of the letter and the form can be found on the Library Web Site under the link "Library Documents: Students and Parents.

Book Fair

2008-09-23T03:00:00.000-07:00

The Library will be hosting the Scholastic Book Fair this week (September 22-25). Students will have an opportunity to shop at the Book Fair during their schedule Library class. The fair will also be opened during Family Game Night on Wednesday, September 24th. If students are not able to shop during their schedule time, their teachers need to contact Mrs. C. to see about scheduling another time.

Thanks to the generosity of the PTA, the Library will be able to purchase books from the fair. Thank you once again.

Book Check Out

2008-09-17T05:11:00.000-07:00

Starting the week of September 8th, students in grades 2-5 will be able to check out books from the Library's collection. Students in 1st grade will start checking out books beginning next month. Classes will have an opportunity this year to check out every week; the last 15 minutes of Library class will be for checking out books and silently reading. Students that will not be checking out are strongly encouraged to read one of our many magazines. Students are allowed to check out one book at a time.

Before they start checking out books, students have a brief lesson on proper book care and resonsiblity. We go over "safe spots" for library books both at school and at home. Every student received a letter from the Library about borrowing from the Library to take home to go over with an adult.

Students are responsible for the books they borrow. If a book gets lost or demaged, they need to let Mrs. C know right away. The student will need to replace or pay for it.

A copy of the letter as well as the Book Check Out Power Point can be found on the Library web site under "Library Documents for Students and Parent."

Library Citizens

2008-08-31T17:37:00.000-07:00

Image from the following web site: www.nklibrary.org/Reading/preschool.htm

The Library is not like most classrooms. We may have to share our space with other classes, students that are studying, and others that may be working on something very important. That it is important that we learn how to be a good library citizens. This week the 2nd grade will start the unit about Good Library Citizenship. Students will learn why it is neccessary to follow Library safety and discuss what possible rules citizens can follow in the Library.

The first lesson students will listen to the story Officer Buckle and Gloria by Peggy Rathmann. After the story is readed, students will have an opportunity to play Safety Tip Order with Officer Buckle and Gloria off of Library Web Site.

The next week, students will have an opportunity to help create Library rules. Students will break out in groups of five and brainstorm answers for the following questions:
How can we be safe in the Library?
What can be some Library rules?
How can we make the Library a better place?
What would Officer Buckle say if he saw us being Good Library Citizens?

Towards the of class- each group will present their answers and select their best two. Mrs. C will then take the best ideas from each group and create an idea collage. The idea collage will be on display all year in the Library for other grades to see.

1st Week Back!

2008-08-25T19:29:00.000-07:00

Welcome back everyone! This week in Library we will be focusing on getting reacquainted with the Library. That is right- the theme is Library Orientation. All grades will go over the rules of the Library and Library procedures, such as what to do during a fire drill and how to sign out a pass. Students will then get familiar with parts of the Library and Library services that they will use and learn more about this year.

1st graders will be given a PowerPoint presentations on areas of the Library will be focusing on this year. They will also get a hands on walking tour of the Library.

2nd grade will get to become Library Tourists. We will be going on a walking tour of the Library with their "cameras."

The 3rd grade will be quized on how much they know about the Library and what they are going to learn this year. They will be playing "Knowing Library Services" Rags to Riches under the "Library Practice Games" on the Library web sites.

And finally- 4th and 5th graders will be going on a Library scavenger hunt to get better familiar with the Library and the Library web site.

Weekly lessons, as well as the lesson's power points, games, and worksheets will be the Library's web site for anyone that misses a lesson or may want some more Library practice.

If anyone has any questions, please feel free to contact Mrs. C either via email or by posting a comment.

Good luck to everyone this week!

Welcome the newest addition to our Library

2008-08-18T18:42:00.000-07:00

We are getting closer to the start of school kids (seven days, but who is counting). The new Library schedule is posted on the Library's web site. New book displays are being put up as I type this. Needless to say, I am excited for the beginning of the school year and seeing all my friends back in the Library.

OK- I have to admit that there is one more reason why I am excited to start the year. It has to do with the new addition to our computer lab area; our new Library SMART Board. We are lucky to have one of the newest models of the SMART Board, the 600i. This model has the projector and speakers built onto it and can work with a wireless lap tops. I enjoy incorporating the SMART Board into Library lessons- students find the lessons more interesting and it blends technology, research skills and literacy together. Missed out on a brainstorming session? Do not worry, we saved our ideas using Smart Notebook. Having trouble seeing the text on the article we found on Kids Infobits? Do not fret- we can magnify it using the tools so you do not need to strain your eyes. Did not get that Power Point on parts of the dictionary? We can play Dictionary Hangman using the interactive SMART Board. Having this tool available in the Library will definitely make Library more interesting this year.

For more information about the 600i, click on the following link:

SMART Board

Summer Reading

2008-08-10T17:30:00.000-07:00

With only two weeks left of summer vacation, it is time to start thinking about finishing up your SUMMER READING (cue dramatic music).

"But Ms. C, I did not get a Summer Reading list."
Well do not worry because I included the link to the Summer Reading list in this post:
Elementary Summer Reading List
The list includes many titles and authors for each grade. And such a variety! The list includes fiction, nonfiction, and biographies. There is something for every reader.

Need a suggestion? The Cloud Book (dePaola) and The Principal's New Clothes (Calmenson) are my favorites off the 1st grade list. I adore writers Beverly Cleary and Jon Scieszka and recommend their books for my friends in the 2nd and 3rd grade. And 4th and 5th graders are crazy about Andrew Clement's novels- A School Story, A Week in the Woods, and The Jacket are my favorites by Clement.

"Where can I find copies of the Summer Reading books?"
Our school library is open on Tuesday mornings from 8 to 11 during the Summer. Mrs. Durante will be more than happy to help you find the right book.

The Revere Public Library also has copies of the Summer Reading books. You can see what is available by checking out their OPAC.

If you want to buy your Summer Reading books, Barnes and Nobles in Saugus has the copies of the lists in the Children's Section as well as copies of the books.

Completing Summer Reading ensures you for a great start to the school year. It only takes 20 minutes a day to do Summer Reading. It is great practice for the Fall!