March 2 is Read Across America Day!
Dr. Seuss's birthday is March 2!
Share your favorite Dr. Seuss book with someone!
Pssst: Mrs. Kent's favorite Dr. Seuss book is Oh, the Places You'll Go!
Have a fun time visiting Seussville
Can I donate books to the Media Center?
I am often asked by parents if they can donate their children's old books to the Media Center.
The answer is generally yes if the books are in good condition and appropriate for K-5 students. I use the same county mandated selection criteria in evaluating donated books as I do in books I am considering for purchase. If the books cannot be used in the Media Center, then they are put out for the teachers to use in their classrooms.
If you have any questions or concerns, please give me at call at 678-594-8127 ext. 233.
Thank you.
February Lessons
Now that we're back on a normal schedule, or as close to one as can be had in an elementary school, library lessons have resumed. Here's what we're doing this month:
K & 1st - Award Winning Literature - Share the 2007 Caldecott Winner, Flotsam by David Wiesner and compare/contrast to previous winners. Introduce concept of wordless books. Share other stories on the Georgia Children's Book Award list.
2nd - Look It Up! - Mr. Wiggle returns to introduce us to essential reference tools like the Dictionary, Encyclopedia, Atlas, Almanac and Thesaurus in Mr. Fribble Looks for Answers. We'll be digging into dictionaries toward the end of the month.
3rd - Look It up! - We will join Fribble the mouse as he solves the mystery in The Secrets of the Rock by Phyllis J. Perry. Along the way, we will explore different reference tools to assist us in interpreting the clues. Our first three lessons will cover dictionaries, encyclopedias and biographies.
4th & 5th - Meet Your Destiny! - Students will learn how to search for books using the library's new Destiny catalog system. Dewey and the Decimals will help students understand the library's organization system. Once mastered, these two skills will enable students to easily navigate most any library.
Caldecott & Newberry Winners
BRRRR - it's still cold outside!
Why not be sweet to yourself and pick up a good book to read this February?
The 2007 Caldecott and Newberry Medal award winners were recently announced by the American Library Association (of which Mrs. Kent is a member).
Caldecott
: Flotsam by David Wiesner (Picture Book)
Let your imagination roam freely as you follow the adventures of an inquisitive, young beachcomber who discovers an old camera. This wordless book will inspire many different stories!
Newberry: The Higher Power of Lucky by Susan Patron (Chapter Book/Novel)
Some readers may be reminded of Ramona Quimby when they meet Lucky, the heroine in this story. Set in California, this is the story of a young lady who comes to terms with her new life after her mother's accidental death. It's 144 pages for those of you considering this title for a book report.
These books are available at local bookstores and the public library. Be sure to check-out the Caldecott and Newberry Honor books, as well.
It's Science Fair Time
Hayes Science Fair is coming February 13th! Are you ready?
Judging from the number of students Mrs. LaRosa and I have encountered coming in for science fair information, we expect a huge turn-out.
If you need help getting started with your project, here are a few websites for you to try:
The Internet Public Library's Science Fair Project Resource Guide:
http://www.ipl.org/div/projectguide/
Homework Spot's Science Fair Center:
http://www.homeworkspot.com/sciencefair/
Discovery Channel's Science Fair Central:
http://school.discovery.com/sciencefaircentral/scifairstudio/ideas.html
Once you've chosen your topic, you can find more information in our Media Center, on the Cobb Virtual Library (see us for password list) or at the Cobb County Public Library. Make use of all your available resources! Remember: your science fair project should be your own work!
One final note - I recently spied project boards (those tri-fold boards used to display your project) at Wal-Mart and School Box. You can also find them at most any office supply stores such as Office Depot, Office Max or Staples.
Searching for Books
Shortly before Christmas break, Hayes launched its new library circulation/catalog system called Destiny. This program is much more user-friendly than Athena.
Students can now see actual photos of the book's cover and search for reviewed websites geared specifically toward K-5.
One of the exciting features of this system will be the ability for students to search for library media materials from home. As we are still in the beginning stages of rolling out the program, remote access hasn't been turned on. Once it is, be rest assured that we will announce it here, on HNN and in the school newsletter.
Once students learn how to use Destiny, they should have no problem using other library catalogs.
Hugs!
Mrs. Kent
Remember: There's Snow Better Time to Read
About Mrs. Kent
My name is Teresa Kent and I am the media specialist at Hayes. My job responsibilities run the gamut from teacher to technology to plain old librarian. I also produce the morning news show, HNN. One thing's for sure, I'm never bored.
I actually grew up right here in the Atlanta area. I graduated from UGA and spent 10 years in the business world before obtaining my master's degree in library & information studies at FSU. I worked a law librarian before moving into education. This is my sixth year working in a school. And yes, I'm back in school @ FSU pursuing a specialist degree with an emphasis in School Library Media Leadership.
My husband and I live in the West Cobb area and have a dog. I enjoy gardening, reading and quilting during my free time.
Georgia Children's Picture Books
How many of these books have you read this year?
We will vote as a school on our favorite book in April.
Mrs. Kent will cast the school's vote along with other GA schools that are participating in this reading event.
Happy Reading!
