Love Rocks Make Their Way to the Library!

If you are like me you have seen the cool and creative love rocks all over campus. Lower School students are always excited to find a love rock and often times they want to keep it. They are easily persuaded to plant the love rock somewhere else so that another student may find it. Recently Nursery students came into the library via the elevator. They stepped out of the elevator so excited because someone had placed a love rock in the elevator. It was not long before the love rocks found their way into the corners and shelves of the story room. During a book checkout a Pre K student was excited to find a love rick near the book she wanted. The entire class admired it and then made the decision to plant it on a different shelf. There is only one love rock remaining in the library. I am sure the rest have found other homes!

3rd grade is trying something new!

This week the 3rd grade is finishing their state top ten lists.  They spent weeks finding interesting facts and turned those details into convincing reasons to visit their states.  In the past, the kids presented their speeches at a podium in front of the class.  This year, we used an online video software called FlipGrid to film their state lists.  At first, some of the students felt a little nervous about recording themselves, but after a couple of practice runs, they turned into master film-makers! The software allows them to easily record, pause filming and delete mistakes.  They have created amazing final presentations.  Not only are these students having fun recording themselves, but it seems that using FlipGrid motivates
them to take ownership of their projects.  I have seen greater engagement and investment in the presentation of their speeches than in previous years.  After they finish their videos, the students will  record video reflections about their research process, how they organized their facts, and how they felt about their final products.

News from the Story Room!!

The story room is a space on our campus designed for our youngest members of the community. If you have ever been in the story room you know that the chairs are small and comfy. The tables are small and round. The story time area is beautifully designed with bright colors and a cozy rug. 

Since our return from spring break we have created Open Hours in the Story Room specifically for students in early childhood. During open hours students are given opportunities to explore materials and objects and ultimately create their own structures, crafts and designs. In effort to boost early literacy, students are introduced to new books in the library and various collections in the library. The goal is for students to bring these books home to share and read with their families.