Mar
16
2011

Fiction vs. Non-Fiction

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monarch-butterfly_largeFirst graders have been exploring the differences between fiction and non-fiction.  They know that one is true and one is a story, but it is easy to get confused as to which is which.  After a visit to the NYPL, students have learned to look for clues such as the dewey decimal number on the spine of the book, tools like an index or a table of contents as well as pictures with captions to lead them to non-fiction status.

In library we have been pairing fiction with non-fiction and discovering that many times fictional accounts of animal or insect characters may indeed contain some facts.

For example, Velma Gratch and the Way Cool Butterfly, by Alan Madison includes such facts as monarch butterfly migration patterns, the number of butterfly species as well as some tidbits about metamorphosis as well.  Eyewitness Juniors Amazing Butterflies & Moths, by Still revealed facts about the senses, shapes and sizes, and color patterns of the insects.   Other topics explored were worms, dancers and spiders.

Next time you visit the library, why not check out a fiction/non-fiction pairing?  If you need some help, simply ask a librarian (or your first grader) to give you a hand!

Mar
08
2011

Poetry in Motion

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K 13A 1 Concrete Truck-1Most of you know that April is National Poetry Month.  But here in the LREI Library we like to integrate poetry into lessons all year long.  Recently, the 2nd grade took a look at concrete poetry.  “What is concrete poetry?” was the first question that was asked.  A few students were familiar with the term and explained it to their peers by calling them shape poems.  We read through some collections of poetry that feature concrete poems and then decided to work on our own!

The 2nd graders were given free choice as to the topic of their concrete poems.  Some were inspired by pets, favorite foods, friends, shapes and places.

Please come by the library and take a look at the bulletin board.  Maybe you will be inspired to create your own concrete poem!

Feb
09
2011

Caldecott of Caldecotts

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The second grade has been reading the Caldecott winners of the past.  We have been talking about storytelling and the role of illustration within a story.  Some of the questions that we asked during library were; “Are illustrations simply an add on, or are they integral to the story?”  “Can you tell a story with only pictures?”  “What kind of illustrations speak to you?”

As a group second graders read 12 Caldecott winning titles of the past and had the task of figuring out which winner they thought deserved the title of Caldecott of Caldecotts.  We strayed from traditional Caldecott format and had a secret ballot, and the book that came out on top was David Wiesner’s TUESDAY.  TUESDAY won the Caldecott Award in 1992.

tuesday-coverThe  humor found in the illustrations was definitely a factor with our second grade audience.  Frogs flying on lily pads?  Frogs zooming all over town?  Why don’t you come on by the library and check out a copy for yourself to see what captivated our students!

Feb
01
2011

Book Award Season

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imagesLast month, librarians from all over the country gathered in San Diego for the ALA Midwinter Meeting.  This is a working meeting where librarians award grants, book awards, and work on all things related to the American Library Association.

One of the most exciting happenings is the Youth Media Award announcements.  This is when the winners of the Caldecott, Newbery, Printz, and Coretta Scott King awards (among many others) are announced.

To see a list of the 2011 winners please visit this link.

These are great go-to lists of books when you or your child are looking for something new to read.

Happy reading!

Dec
07
2010

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pbcoverThe second graders have just completed a several month study of Tall Tales. We read a variety of American Tall Tales ranging from Paul Bunyan and Sally Ann Thunder Ann Whirlwind, to Mose, John Henry and Febold Feboldson.

Students talked about what makes a Tall Tale a Tall Tale? We figured out that in Tall Tales some things are true, but others are wildly exaggerated. Tall Tales are usually pretty funny, but there are instances where unhappy endings add a realistic edge.

At the end of our study, students developed their own Tall Tale characters. Some of them chose to take the tried and true format, and develop a character who is big in size, talent and personality while other students decided to develop a small tale character – who while small in stature, is big in talent.

Please feel free to explore the following links and take the opportunity to have your child teach you a little more about Tall Tales!

Wikipedia Tall Tale Link

Reading Rockets Book List

Nov
21
2010

To E-Read or not to E-Read?

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Is this the question we should really be asking? Perhaps it should be “How can I make e-reading work for my family?”

Research is starting to find that e-readers are motivating some reluctant readers to pick up a device and crack open a book. For some, e-readers makes reading slightly edgier and cool. For others, adjusting the font might be the key. Now with e-readers allowing for color and illustration, devices are more attractive than ever.

The best thing that the adults can do to help children become life long readers, however, is not simply providing them with the newest and greatest gadget. What we can do is model reading behavior, regardless of platform. Let our children see us reading books, magazines, e-readers, newspapers et cetera.

Raising readers is work, it doesn’t simply happen. Follow this link to find more tips for raising your own readers…e or otherwise!

Oct
19
2010

Is the Picture Book Really Dead?

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Some of you may have read the article in the New York Times recently stating that the day of the picture book is over.  As I read the article I thought to myself, “It’s not dead at LREI, that’s for sure!” There are picture books being published for every age; from the very young throughout the teens and into adulthood.  Each year we read and review books that are too sophisticated for our youngest readers and happily find readers in upper elementary and even the middle school grades and high school grades. Picture books brings a whole different kind of literacy to the reader.  From sequencing and visual literacy to rich vocabulary and lush illustrations, older readers can find plenty to dig their teeth into by reading picture books. Please enjoy the following titles that the LREI librarians think your older readers will enjoy!

Tan, Shaun.  The Arrival.

Thayer, Ernest L and Christopher Bing.  Casey at the Bat.

Van Allsburg, Chris.  The Mysteries of Harris Burdick.

Bird, Eugenie.  Fairie-ality: The Fashion Collection from the House of Ellwand.

Van Allsburg, Chris. The Garden of Abdul Gasazi.

Lowry, Lois.  Crow Call.

Jun
04
2010

The Public Libraries Need You

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3 of LREI’s 4 librarians have public library backgrounds.  We have worked in all three systems, and have personally witnessed how important the public libraries are to a large segment of New York City’s population.  The libraries are facing the harshest budget cuts in history, and if the numbers hold true over 1400 people will lose their jobs, 40 libraries will see their doors closed, and the libraries that remain open will have a drastic reduction in hours.

Who cares?

We do.

The public libraries provide more than a place to check out books.  Free and equal access to information for anyone who comes through the door.  There are computer classes, ESL classes, resume workshops, job seeking courses, reading groups, arts and crafts clubs, summer reading clubs, homework help and the list goes on an on.

We let the 4th graders in on what is happening in the city and they were very upset.  We decided to become a part of the Save NYC Libraries Postcard Campaign with students creating postcards to mail in, outlining their ideas on why libraries are so important.

“Some people don’t have a lot of books and they can go to the library.”

“I do homework in the libraries.”

“It’s unfair that 1498 people will lose their jobs!”

“Without their jobs, how are they going to support their families?”

“Many people do not have a computer at home and they can come to the library   to take classes.”

“I love to read and I love to experience the pleasure of sitting in a nice friendly place (like a library) with a book!”

“Also, many schools do not have libraries and they depend on public libraries for their reading.”

To quote the New York Times:

When world-class libraries fall the people who suffer most are the ones with the least power: the poor, children, and teenagers. Along with the loss of education and services, the closing of libraries is a loss of public place where all are treated with respect and dignity, where culture has value, and where thought is encouraged. [see “Library Cuts Could Hurt Manga Mania in Queens”, NYTimes, May 16, 2010]

To find more information on the postcard campaign please follow this link.

May
04
2010

Summer Reading

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summer-reading It’s that time of year again.  It’s hard to believe, but it’s time to start thinking about summer reading!  Our Spring Book Fair is taking place Thursday May 20th and Friday May 21st, and you and your child(ren) will be able to pick up some books that are full of appeal to young readers!  Please keep in mind that the lists that the librarians provide are not “must-reads” rather they are “can-reads.”

Lower School parents will find 5 lists to choose from for their children.  Jesse designs the “Early Childhood” reading list for ultimate enjoyment for our youngest students.  Stacy designs the First through Fourth Grade Reading Lists with the wide range of readers at LREI in mind.  There are books on all of the lists for independent reading, for sharing, and for reading aloud.  Our lists are simply suggestions of titles with some or all of the following qualities:  they are reflective of the LREI community, they are ALA award winners, they are classics, they are stand outs in their genres, they are quality read aloud titles, they have been suggested by classroom teachers.

Helpful Hints
Since we do not want summer reading to become arduous, here are some suggestions from your librarians and classroom teachers to help make summer reading fun instead of frustrating.
* Sit down with your child to map out summer reading.  Which titles will your child read independently?  Which will you read together?
* If your child is becoming frustrated with a particular book, try to find out what is going on.  Is it too difficult for independent reading?  If it is, take the opportunity to make that title a read aloud.
* Feel free to drop a title.  If your child is not enjoying a book simply for plot reasons, choose another book!  Not every book is made for every child.
* Don’t leave summer reading until the last week of August.    Reading should happen throughout the days of summer.
* Don’t feel too tied to our lists.  There are many opportunities for summer reading out there.  Check out the public libraries where your family will be during the summer.  New York Public Library, Brooklyn Public Library and Queen’s Borough Public Library all have summer reading lists and summer reading programs in which your children can participate.
* Create your own summer reading lists.  Have your child come up with 5 or so books that s/he wants to read this summer.  Set some goals, and read together!
* Take reading outside.  There is no reason to be cooped up inside…books are portable!  Have a reading picnic in a local park.
* Have a book swap.  Summer play-dates can be reading themed.  Have your child swap some well-loved books with their friends.
* Start a book club.  Get together with friends and choose some books to read together.  Then meet up to have a book discussion over snacks!
* Always carry some books with you!  If you are stuck in traffic, end up waiting somewhere, or have a moment, hand your child a book.  This helps to solidify the culture of the reading family.

As always, please see your librarians or your child’s teacher if you have any questions about book titles or reading choices.

Apr
16
2010

National Poetry Month Activities

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As April is National Poetry Month, we took some time during library to think about poetry.  One of the activities that 3rd graders did during class was to create some magnetic poetry.  I first created a magnetic poetry kit with a combination of nouns, verbs, adjectives, adverbs, exclamations and interjections, articles and conjunctions.  The third graders then combined the words into poetry.  They had the freedom to decide how to structure the poem.  Some of the questions they considered were – “Do I like the sounds of these words together?” — “Am I trying to tell a story?”, and “Do the ideas of these words go together?”.  The students dove right in, working on poems individually and together.  We noted the transient nature of the magnetic poem as they borrowed words from one another, and shuffled their poems away.  We took several photos of the poems and a few videos as well.  If you’d like to create your own magnetic poetry set with your child with the words of your choosing, please drop by the library for a copy of the instructions.