Frames, Flags and Fun!

Our school has been implementing the strategies outlined in Writing in Science by Betsy Rupp Fulwiler for two years now, and our science scores have been going up and UP!  While we might not be conducting science experiments in the specials classes, we have all made efforts to support what is happening in the classrooms. One of the strategies we have been using with students is to emphasize looking for supporting details within a response.  Along the way, we encourage the student to use a "frame" to ensure that they do this.  For example, "I think _______ because ________".  By using this language, the students are compelled to cite evidence that proves their responses are logical, and they also gain a deeper understanding of the subject at hand.

Our reading specialist, Mrs. Bartkiewicz, created "flags" that say  I predict and Because to provide a visual cue to students when they are sharing their ideas with the class.  I added an I think prop to use during book discussions in the library.  They worked wonderful well, and I admit I enjoyed holding up and waving the Because flag if a student forgot to provide evidence for an observation!  Each time I did so, the student would just grin and then provide a more complete response.  The first time I used them with a fourth grade class I mentioned that I felt like a cheerleader as I waved them around, and one student surprised me by inventing his own "cheer" for the library!  

Yes, of course I caught it on video!

100 Wonderful Readers!

 

Thursday was the 100th day of school!  Celebrations and activities were taking place, and this year I decided that I wanted to join in!  I created a poster numbered 1-100, wrote numbers on the backs of 100 bookmarks, and pulled together a set of bright markers in a rainbow of colors.  Then, as each class visited the library during the week, each student selected a bookmark (to keep of course!) and looked on the back.  Whatever number they found on their bookmark was the space they'd sign on the poster.  Some of the students were hoping to get their own personal, favorite number, but most were eager to see if their bookmark was the coveted "Number 100".  That honor went to a third grader, and he was so excited to show it to his friends!  The poster was displayed during "Morning Meeting" in the gym at the beginning of the school day.  I think the students had fun with the project, and now they all have a brand-new bookmark to safely save their place in their library books.  (Are you wondering about the students who weren't able to sign the poster?  We have a lot more than 100 children in this school after all!  Not to worry, all of them got to participate.  I created a second poster for them to sign, and when they both go up on the wall the titles will say, "100 Wonderful Readers...and a Whole Lot More!")

Because the teachers use the 100th day celebrations to reinforce math skills, I spoke to a teacher from each grade level to learn what concepts they are practicing in their rooms.  Then I used the poster during line-up to support the classroom objectives.  For example, kindergarten is practicing number identification, so I asked each student to find his or her name on the poster and read aloud the number.  To be excused to line up, I asked each to tell me either the number that comes before or after.  First graders found their numbers and would then tell me how many "ones" and how many "tens" their numbers had.  Second graders would determine what number they would need to add to their numbers in order to equal 100.  Third and fourth graders are both working on multiplication (with different amounts of complexity), so I challenged them to tell me a factor of their numbers.  Depending on the number, this was a challenge!  Lucky were the children whose numbers ended in 5 or an even number!  When stuck, the students fell back on their knowledge that 1 is factor of all numbers!

In some classes, I didn't have time to have the students sign their names and do the "math games", but the posters will be on display for a while so they'll all have a turn at some point!

From the Desk of the Shelf Elf

The Bookapillar and one of Skoob's letters

Last week I wrote about the letters our kindergarten students wrote to Skoob, the library Shelf Elf.  As promised, I would like to share some of the children's questions and the responses they received!

Both classes told Skoob that they'd like to meet him and asked where he lives.  Skoob replied,  

"I am glad that you would like to meet me.  I hope you will 

forgive me, but I am very shy and like to stay hidden.  You asked 

me where I live in the library.  Well, I haven’t decided on one place.  

Sometimes I sleep under a tree next to a yellow brick road.   Last 

night I slept in the castle at the top of a bean stalk.  (Good thing

I’m a good hider so the giant doesn’t find me!)  My favorite spot 

is under the bed of a little boy.  That probably sounds dark and 

scary, but I really enjoy it because the boy 

loves to sing and I love music!"

Well, that explains why we never see him...he can use his magic to go into the stories on the shelves! Did you recognize the ones he mentioned in his letter?  They're all books we have in our library: The Wizard of Oz, Jack and the Beanstalk, and Mortimer.

Mrs. Smith's class also asked Skoob if he likes the book about him, "The Shelf Elf", and if he likes all the other books in the library.  Can you guess his answer?

"The Shelf Elf  is my favorite,  but it’s a lot of fun 

exploring all the different kinds of 

books you find in the library!"

For the first time since I've started having students write letters to Skoob, both classes asked about the doll of Skoob that we have in the library.  Mrs. Smith's class wanted to know if Skoob ever plays with the doll, and Miss Lambert's class asked if his vest really has one big button on it.  This is what he had to share:

"Sometimes I read a story with Bear and the doll I made so 

it feels like we’re having our own story time!  You were 

wondering if my vest really has a button on it.  The answer 

is: it sure does!  When I made the toy Shelf Elf, I tried 

hard to make it look just like me." 

 Skoob not only answered the students' letters, but he also left a special surprise for them.  Did you see the toy Bookapillar in the picture above?

"I’m so glad you like the doll I made.  It was fun 

making it, so I even stitched together another little 

present for you.  I hope it reminds you to be super 

careful with your library books both at school and at home!"

Both classes promised to help Skoob win the Golden Shelf Elf Award, and they're getting a little closer each week.  Each time the class leaves the library, I walk around and count each "oops" that I find, such as a shelf marker that hasn't been put away.  In order to win the award, there can't be more than 5.  I can't wait to report that both classes have earned this special recognition.  Skoob and I will be so proud!