September
Welcome Back!
This is a photo of me when I started school at the age of 4! I've always loved September because the start of a new school year is rich with possibilities. New students, new relationships and new books!
I am excited for another school year and eager to introduce students to the new library lay out. I spent a lot of time during the summer weeding our collection and rearranging the books in a way that I hope will help students find the books they love and maybe introduce them to new genres they may have overlooked in the past. Ask your student what they think of our genrefied collection!
The library hours will be different this year, but I'll still get to work with each class every week and am committed to serving our students as much as time allows. The library will now be closed on Thursdays and open for morning recess on Wednesdays.
I will be using the Washington Library Association award books to build a program of study for our students and families can visit the various sites to see the titles that I will be sharing with students.
The Sasquatch nominees will be the basis of a lunch time book group for 4th and 5th grade students and once again I'll be challenging students to read all 12 titles in order to earn a free book at our annual book fair. My summer reading featured almost all the books on the list - two more to go! Visit the site to check out the nominees for this year.
Our K-2 students will be enjoying the nominees for the Children's Choice picture book award in weekly read alouds. Take a look at this year's nominees at the WLA website.
The Towner Award nominees for 2020 were chosen by WA State librarians and I'm excited to share the 10 books with our students. These informational texts are sure to offer something of interest to everyone.
K-2 students are encouraged to read the 6 books nominated for the early reader Otter Award. If they read or listen to all the books and turn in their challenge sheet, their name will take pride of place on the Otter Wall of Fame! Visit the Otter Award page to find out which books have been nominated this year and ask your student to bring home the challenge sheet.
Here are some of my recent reads. Click on the book cover if you'd like to read a review and then maybe you could check it out from our library. Happy Reading!
You can see more book suggestions if you follow me on Instagram, where I post pictures of books @ Wolfpackbookbag.
Have you read the Rebel Girls books? Well there is now a podcast where you can listen to stories about amazing women. Follow this link and find out what else is on offer on the Rebel Girls Boundless website.
Technology
Digital Citizenship
Montlake students are digital natives and our job is to help them navigate that world in a safe and responsible way. “Digital citizens recognize and value the rights, responsibilities and opportunities of living, learning and working in an interconnected digital world, and they engage in safe, legal and ethical behavior.” The Washington State Technology Standards outline detailed ways to teach digital citizenship to our students. This year I'll be collaborating with classroom teachers to weave technology needs into library classes.
Volunteer Information:
Volunteers keep our program going. In order to provide students with the highest quality of educational experiences it is necessary to rely on volunteers to support some of the ongoing non-student contact tasks like shelving of titles. If you are interested in attending and assisting in the library while your child is (or isn't) present contact Vivian van Gelder, our Montlake Volunteer Coordinator, vavangelder@seattleschools.org.
Volunteer opportunities include shelving, check in/out, book repair, special projects! Thank you for your support.