Library Tech

With Book Week 2018 themed “Find Your Treasure”, it’s the perfect occasion to dive into the realms of wonderful stories, characters, and imaginary worlds with exciting activities. Here are 23 activity ideas to celebrate the joy of reading and spark a love for books:

1. Treasure Map Creation: Have the children create their own treasure maps that lead to their favorite book in the library.

2. Character Dress-Up Day: Everyone dresses up as their favorite book character.

3. Reading Marathon: Set up a challenge to see how many books can be read in a week.

4. Book Themed Art Contest: Invite children to submit artwork based on their favorite books.

5. Write Your Own Adventure Story: Encourage children to write stories with a treasure hunt theme.

6. Pirate Story Time: Host a story session featuring pirate-themed books.

7. Book Swap: Organize a day where kids can bring a book from home and swap it with another child’s treasure.

8. Golden Bookmark Craft: Create special bookmarks that represent “finding treasure” in reading.

9. Library Scavenger Hunt: Organize clues that lead kids through different genres in the library to find a hidden treasure.

10. Read Aloud Relay: Pass along a book and have each person read a page before passing it on.

11. Create Your Own Book Cover: Allow kids to redesign the cover of their favorite book.

12. Secret Book Society: Start a secret club where members discuss books they’ve discovered.

13. Storyteller Guest Speaker: Invite an author or storyteller to share their tales.

14. Dramatize Favorite Scenes: Have students act out scenes from well-loved stories.

15. Bookish Bake Sale: Sell treats named after popular books or characters with proceeds going to charity or school library funds.

16. Illustration Workshop: Bring in an illustrator to teach about bringing stories to life visually.

17. Young Librarians Day: Let kids take turns being ‘librarian’ for the day, recommending books to their peers.

18. ‘X’ Marks the Book Spot: Place ‘X’ stickers underneath random chairs at school, those who find them win a book prize.

19. Poetry Treasure Hunt: Create an event where children search for and collect poems around a theme.

20. World Book Day Video Call: Connect with children from another school elsewhere in the world and talk about your favorite books.

21. Puzzle Pieces Story Building: Each child gets a piece of puzzle with a story element written on it and together they create an adventure tale.

22. Escape Room Literature Challenge: Design classroom challenges around literary puzzles that require knowledge gleaned from books read during Book Week to escape.

23. Treasured Reads Display: Kids bring in their most ‘treasured’ read and explain why it is so important to them, displaying the works in a special showcase.

These activities aim not only at fostering children’s imagination but also at deepening their connection with literature in fun and interactive ways during Book Week 2018!

Once upon a time, in a small town with limited resources, there was an elementary school teacher named Mrs. Smith. She had always wanted to instill the love of reading in her students but lacked the resources to create a library for them. So, she decided to start a take-home library – for free. In this article, we uncover the story behind Mrs. Smith’s incredible initiative and how it inspired countless students to embrace reading.

The seed of inspiration was sown during one of Mrs. Smith’s visits to a garage sale in her neighborhood. She found people selling their pre-loved books at low prices, and it struck her that these books could be priceless for her students if they were made accessible at no cost.

Mrs. Smith started collecting books from garage sales, thrift stores, and used bookstores over the next several weeks, spending just a few dollars each time. When her collection reached a hundred books, she knew it was time to bring them into the classroom.

The take-home library started modestly – housed on a small bookshelf in the corner of Mrs. Smith’s room. It had no specific rules or procedures; she simply allowed her students to pick books they liked and read them at home, returning them whenever they finished.

Undoubtedly, the most significant challenge of starting a free take-home library was finding ways to maintain its growth without any financial support from external sources. Mrs. Smith reached out to her friends, colleagues, and parents of the children in her class for help.

Her community partners helped by holding book drives and looking out for deals on used books that they would donate to her project. Surprisingly enough, just sharing her initiative with others led to an influx of generous donations that kept the supply growing steadily.

Another important aspect of ensuring the success of the take-home library was creating awareness about it amongst students and parents. Mrs. Smith dedicated a portion of her classroom time to reading, discussing the merits of various books, and encouraging her students to share their thoughts about what they’d read.

Eventually, the success of the take-home library began to impact the school’s culture. Other teachers took notice and followed suit, creating their own take-home libraries in their classrooms. Students who had no inclination towards reading now had a repository of literary treasures waiting for them – and best of all, it didn’t cost them a dime.

Today, thanks to Mrs. Smith’s efforts and dedication, the once modest take-home library has expanded far beyond the four walls of her classroom. More than just giving the children access to free books, she has managed to foster an environment where reading becomes an integral part of their lives.

The legacy of Mrs. Smith’s free take-home library serves as an inspiring example for educators worldwide who question whether they have the resources needed to make a difference in their students’ lives. Through resourcefulness, community support, and an unwavering commitment to nurturing a love for reading, Mrs. Smith demonstrated that nothing can stand in the way of a determined teacher on a mission.

Introduction:

As educators and parents, we strive to prepare our children for the world beyond the boundaries of our classrooms and homes. One essential area where young students often find themselves ill-equipped is real-world money skills. Financial literacy plays a crucial role in ensuring a stable and secure future for our children. Here are some engaging activities that teach students real-world money skills that we absolutely adore!

1. Playing Store:

This classic pretend play activity teaches students about various aspects of managing money. Setting up a makeshift store within the classroom or at home allows students to take on roles as shoppers and cashiers. They handle play money, participate in transactions, and learn about making change—important skills that will be valuable later in life.

2. Budgeting Activity:

Introduce students to the concept of budgeting by presenting them with fictional or real-life scenarios—be it planning a birthday party, family trip, or small school event. Students will identify what they need to purchase and formulate a budget, prioritizing expenses, while balancing needs with wants.

3. Classroom Currency:

A fun way to promote both responsibility and financial literacy is by implementing a classroom currency system. Students earn currency through good behavior, completing assignments, or participating in class activities. They can later use their earnings to purchase items from the classroom store or exchange them for special privileges.

4. Savings Goal Tracker:

Teach students the importance of saving by having them set personal savings goals for something they want to buy. Students will create trackers that visually represent their progress toward reaching their goal and update them regularly as they save up little by little.

5. Financial Board Games:

Games like Monopoly, The Game of Life, or Payday simulate real-life financial situations kids might encounter as adults. Playing such games helps provide opportunities for critical thinking and decision-making regarding financial matters in a fun yet competitive atmosphere.

6. Stock Market Simulation:

Introducing older students to the stock market through a simulated experience allows them to dip their toes into investing. They can research different companies and choose to invest fictional money while tracking their stocks’ performance. This activity emphasizes the importance of patience, diversity in investments, and understanding market trends.

Conclusion:

Financial literacy is an essential life skill that, unfortunately, isn’t always given enough attention in schools or homes. Engaging in these activities helps develop students’ real-world money skills, paving their way toward a secure financial future. By understanding concepts like budgeting, saving, and investing at a young age, our children will be better equipped to navigate their financial lives as adults—which is something we can all appreciate!

Introduction

In today’s diverse classrooms, educators must cater to students with a wide range of strengths and challenges. One area where extra support is often needed is reading. Identifying vulnerable readers early and providing targeted intervention can make a significant difference in a student’s academic success. In this article, we will discuss how teachers can plan effective reading interventions for their most vulnerable students.

1. Identify Your Most Vulnerable Students

The first step in planning a reading intervention is to identify the students who need the most support. These may be students who struggle with decoding, comprehension, fluency, or other aspects of the reading process. To identify these students, use data from assessments such as standardized tests, classroom observations, and progress monitoring.

2. Analyze Student Strengths and Needs

Once you’ve identified your vulnerable readers, it’s essential to pinpoint their specific strengths and needs. This may involve administering diagnostic assessments that focus on phonemic awareness, phonics skills, vocabulary knowledge, fluency abilities, or text comprehension strategies. By assessing these components individually, you will be better able to address each student’s unique needs.

3. Set Individualized Goals

Based on assessment findings and your understanding of each student’s needs, set individualized goals focusing on their specific areas of difficulty. Be sure to make these goals realistic but ambitious; they should be achievable yet push the student toward growth.

4. Design Targeted Interventions

Once goals are established, design targeted interventions that address each student’s strengths and areas of need. This may involve working with small groups or providing one-on-one instruction using evidence-based practices such as guided reading or multisensory phonics instruction. To ensure fidelity and effectiveness, select resources and materials that have been proven effective through research.

5. Monitor Progress Regularly

To determine if your intervention is working, monitor students’ progress regularly through ongoing assessments such as curriculum-based measurements or informal reading inventories. Use this data to adjust instruction and provide continued support as needed.

6. Communicate with Parents and Support Team

Collaboration is crucial for the success of any reading intervention. Keep parents informed about their child’s progress and inform other stakeholders, such as special education teachers, tutors, and speech therapists, about the goals and methods being used. This will help ensure that everyone on the team is working together in the student’s best interest.

7. Be Prepared to Adjust and Adapt

As with any educational endeavor, be prepared to adjust and adapt your approach to match each student’s unique needs. As new challenges arise or students demonstrate growth in one area but continue to struggle in another, be open to changing your strategies or materials to better address their needs.

Conclusion

By identifying vulnerable readers early, analyzing their specific strengths and needs, setting individualized goals, designing targeted interventions, monitoring progress regularly, communicating with parents and support teams, and remaining flexible in your approach, you can effectively provide crucial reading intervention for your most vulnerable students. With perseverance and dedication from teachers, families, and support staff alike, these students will have the opportunity to develop the essential reading skills needed for academic success and lifelong learning.

Introduction:

Little Free Libraries have gained popularity in recent years, and for good reason. They are a fantastic way to promote literacy and foster a love of reading in the community. By bringing the concept of Little Free Libraries to schools, we can reach even more potential readers and encourage all students to explore the boundless world of books.

What is a Little Free Library?

A Little Free Library is a small, free-standing bookcase or box that holds books for people in the community to borrow, read, and return voluntarily. They can be found in neighborhoods worldwide, with thousands of registered Little Free Library locations across the globe.

The idea behind these libraries is simple: Take a book, leave a book. They provide free access to literature and help build vibrant communities by promoting literacy and fostering connections between neighbors.

Benefits of Bringing Little Free Libraries to Schools:

1. Accessibility – By placing a Little Free Library on school grounds, we make books readily available to students who might not otherwise have easy access to reading materials.

2. Encourages Reading – Having books readily available encourages students and staff members alike to pick up a book that intrigues them, sparking their curiosity and promoting reading for pleasure.

3. Builds Community – A Little Free Library at school can create bonds between students, teachers, parents, and community members who share their favorite books and discuss their latest literary discoveries.

4. Promotes Lifelong Learning – Developing an early love for reading can have lasting benefits since it helps children improve their language skills, creativity, critical thinking abilities, empathy, and overall life success.

How To Implement A Little Free Library At Your School:

1. Gather Support: Reach out to teachers, principals, School Board members, parent-teacher organizations, or local community groups to get approval and support for your project.

2. Fundraising: Fundraise within the school community and seek donations from local businesses, bookstores, or online sources. You can also apply for grants available through the Little Free Library website.

3. Building And Installing: Choose a design and location for your Little Free Library on school grounds. You can use recycled materials or purchase a pre-made library box online. Make sure to follow your school’s safety guidelines and have the library box securely installed.

4. Stocking Your Little Free Library: Collect book donations from students, teachers, and the community to fill your Little Free Library. Aim for a diverse selection of children’s, young adult, and adult literature so everyone has something to enjoy.

5. Grand Opening And Promotion: Have a small ceremony to unveil the new Little Free Library, complete with speeches or readings by students or staff members. Share the news with the school community via newsletters, social media, and other communication channels.

Conclusion:

By bringing Little Free Libraries to schools, we promote reading and literacy in an accessible and engaging way. Not only do these libraries encourage students to discover new books and authors, but they also foster connections within the school community. As schools continue embracing this innovative idea, generations of children will benefit from exposure to literature and the joy that comes with nurturing a passion for reading.

Introduction

Toni Morrison, a prolific American novelist and essayist, was known for her distinct and poignant storytelling that predominantly focuses on African American experiences. Although she was best known for her adult fiction, Toni Morrison also authored several captivating books for children and teenagers. By delving into themes of family, culture, and friendship, these works introduced younger audiences to the wonders of literature while promoting diversity and empathy.

1. The Big Box (1999)

Co-written by Morrison’s son Slade Morrison and illustrated by Giselle Potter, “The Big Box” is a thought-provoking picture book that tells the tale of three children trapped in a “big box” tightly controlled by adults. As the kids long for freedom and self-expression, they show how the rigidity of adult expectations can stifle creativity and independence in young minds. The book is an excellent conversation starter for parents to discuss individuality, societal norms, and the importance of supporting their child’s unique identity.

2. The Book of Mean People (2002)

Another collaboration with her son Slade Morrison and illustrated by Pascal Lemaitre, “The Book of Mean People” is an entertaining picture book that addresses the topic of meanness. In a world where unkind words or actions can affect children and teenagers significantly, this witty book effectively illustrates what it means to be mean through humorous examples. It encourages discussions about empathy and kindness while helping young readers navigate difficult social situations.

3. Remember: The Journey to School Integration (2004)

Taking a break from fiction, “Remember” is a powerful look into the turbulent period of school integration in America during the 1950s and 1960s. Through archival photographs adorned with Morrison’s poetic captions, this important historical account captures the determination and courage displayed by African American students who faced immense adversity as they pursued equality in education.

The book is an essential resource for teaching young people about civil rights history and the ongoing struggle against discrimination and racial injustice.

4. Peeny Butter Fudge (2009)

For a lighter tale, “Peeny Butter Fudge” once again finds Toni Morrison and Slade Morrison working together, with illustrator Joe Cepeda joining them. This delightful picture book revolves around the loving relationship between three siblings and their grandmother, Nana.

Against their mother’s strict instructions, Nana introduces her grandchildren to the joys of baking peeny butter fudge from scratch. This heartwarming story about family bonding and cherished traditions serves as a gentle reminder of the special bonds that exist between grandparents and grandchildren.

Conclusion

Toni Morrison’s books for children and teenagers are diverse treasures that showcase her extraordinary skill at storytelling. They tackle various themes, from individuality and empathy to civil rights history and family traditions. These works introduce young readers to complex subjects in an engaging manner, instilling important values while nurturing a love for literature. So if you are searching for timeless stories that will transport young minds to vivid literary worlds, look no further than Toni Morrison’s enchanting creations!

We all love a good joke, especially when it’s about something close to our hearts – like literature. Here are 15 cheesy but hilarious literature jokes that will surely put a smile on your face!

1. Why did Shakespeare only write in ink?

Because pencils confused him – 2B or not 2B?

2. What did Mary Poppins use to build her website?

SuperCallaFragilisticExpiala-Dot-Com!

3. What’s a librarian’s favorite type of sandwich?

A shhhhhh-a-poboy!

4. Why don’t writers ever get cold?

Because they’re wrapped up in their stories!

5. How did the Harry Potter books make readers feel?

Absolutely spell-bound!

6. Why was the math book unhappy?

It had too many problems…

7. Which author loved seafood the most?

Jules Sardin Verne!

8. Why do mystery authors make terrible comedians?

They always give away the punchline at the beginning of their jokes.

9. What do you get when you cross Charles Dickens with Dracula?

A Tale of Two Fangs!

10. Why did Macbeth become a baker?

He heard there was a chance to knead the dough.

11. How does Sherlock Holmes always stay cool in summer?

With his biggest FANcroft.

12. What’s Jane Austen’s favorite fruit snack?

Her Pride and Preju-dice cream.

13. What do Moby Dick and Dracula have in common?

They both have a monstrous appetite for blubber.

14. How does Dorian Gray order his eggs?

With a Portrait of an Over Easy on the Side.

15. What do you call two writers who are great friends and have an amazing sense of humor?

F. Scott Fitz-buddies!

I hope these cheesy literature jokes brought a smile to your face. Remember, laughter is the best medicine, and a good book can provide just that. So, don’t forget to pick up your favorite classic or try something new, and share the joy of literature with others!

A thrilling mystery novel can capture the imagination of readers, and your classroom library is the perfect place to showcase some of the best titles in the genre. With twists and turns that keep students guessing, these 20 mystery novels will keep young readers engaged and on the edge of their seat.

1. Encyclopedia Brown, Boy Detective by Donald J. Sobol

2. Nancy Drew: The Secret of the Old Clock by Carolyn Keene

3. The Hardy Boys: The Tower Treasure by Leslie McFarlane

4. Chasing Vermeer by Blue Balliett

5. The Westing Game by Ellen Raskin

6. Greenglass House by Kate Milford

7. The Invention of Hugo Cabret by Brian Selznick

8. The London Eye Mystery by Siobhan Dowd

9. Harriet the Spy by Louise Fitzhugh

10. From the Mixed-up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler by E.L. Konigsburg

11. The Boxcar Children: The Mystery of the Haunted Boxcar by Gertrude Chandler Warner

12. Moon Over Manifest by Clare Vanderpool

13. Holes by Louis Sachar

14. Sammy Keyes and the Hotel Thief by Wendelin Van Draanen

15. One Crazy Summer by Rita Williams-Garcia

16. Nightmares! The Sleepwalker Tonic by Jason Segel and Kirsten Miller

17. Murder Most Unladylike (A Wells & Wong Mystery) by Robin Stevens

18. Lockwood & Co: The Screaming Staircase by Jonathan Stroud

19. Stormbreaker (Alex Rider Series) by Anthony Horowitz

20. When You Reach Me by Rebecca Stead

This diverse mix of exciting mysteries ensures that there is a book for every young reader in your classroom library – from classic detective stories to more contemporary titles. By incorporating these 20 must-read mysteries into your collection, you’ll provide students with engaging literature that encourages critical thinking and feeds their natural curiosity.

1. Start with open-ended questions: Open-ended questions encourage critical thinking and foster more in-depth discussions about the book. Try to avoid questions that can be answered with a simple “yes” or “no.”

2. Use Bloom’s Taxonomy: Structure your questions based on the different levels of cognitive skills, from basic knowledge recall to higher-order thinking skills like analysis, synthesis, and evaluation.

3. Give students time to think: After asking a question, give students some time to process and formulate their response. This allows them to think critically and articulate their thoughts more effectively.

4. Encourage follow-up questions: If a student answers a question briefly or vaguely, ask them to elaborate or clarify their response.

5. Focus on the text: Make sure your questions are grounded in the text itself. Encourage students to refer back to specific passages or quotes when discussing their thoughts.

6. Ask about themes and motifs: Instead of simply asking about plot points, challenge students to identify and discuss recurring themes, motifs, or symbols within the book.

7. Probe for personal connections: Encourage students to make personal connections by discussing how the book relates to their own experiences or emotions.

8. Explore alternative viewpoints: Prompt students to consider how other characters or readers might interpret specific events in the book.

9. Encourage predictions: Ask students what they think will happen next in the story, or how they would have resolved a particular conflict differently.

10. Discuss author’s choices: Explore why the author made specific choices in terms of plot, characterization, language use, etc., and discuss how these decisions impact readers’ experiences.

11. Compare and contrast: If studying multiple texts by similar authors or within the same genre, ask students to identify similarities and differences among the books.

12. Discuss structure and style: Analyze elements of writing like narrative structure, prose style, and use of literary devices.

13. Consider historical context: Examine how the book reflects the time period in which it was written, as well as any potentially relevant cultural or historical factors.

14. Discuss character development: Encourage students to track character growth and changes throughout the narrative.

15. Use creative prompts: Give students unique and imaginative ways to frame their thoughts about the book, such as describing a scene from a different perspective or imagining a conversation between characters.

16. Focus on critical thinking: Always strive to facilitate discussions that encourage students to analyze, evaluate, and synthesize information from the text.

17. Use visual aids: Incorporate book covers, artwork, or graphic organizers to help facilitate discussions and deepen understanding.

18. Reference external sources: Incorporate articles, interviews, or reviews related to the book to enrich the discussion with different perspectives on the work.

19. Ask ethical questions: Prompt students to consider ethical dilemmas faced by characters and discuss how they would navigate similar situations.

20. Encourage empathy: Ask students to put themselves in the shoes of different characters, fostering empathy and understanding of diverse experiences.

21. Make connections to current events or real-life situations: Help students draw connections between literature and the world around them by discussing relevant events or themes that connect with the book.

22. Encourage respectful disagreement: Create an environment where differing opinions are welcomed, allowing for open, engaged discussion where students feel comfortable voicing their thoughts.

23. Reflect on discussions afterward: After a classroom discussion, take some time for both you and your students to reflect on key insights gained from their exchanges, and consider how these discussions might impact future reading experiences.

Introduction:

Getting children hooked on reading can be a homerun with the right books. As America’s favorite pastime, baseball has always been a popular subject to enthrall young readers. From beginners testing out their swing to avid fans eager for behind-the-scenes stories, we’ve rounded up 22 winning baseball books for kids of all ages. Encourage your little ones to step up to the plate and dive into these engaging stories.

1. “Goodnight Baseball” by Michael Dahl

2. “The Berenstain Bears: We Love Baseball!” by Mike Berenstain

3. “The Littlest Leaguer” by Syd Hoff

4. “Randy Riley’s Really Big Hit” by Chris Van Dusen

5. “Baseball Saved Us” by Ken Mochizuki

6. “Pete the Cat: Play Ball!” by James Dean

7. “The Everything Kids’ Baseball Book” by Greg Jacobs

8. “Zachary’s Ball” by Matt Tavares

9. “There’s No Crying In Baseball” by Kelly Easton Rubin

10. “Mickey Mantle: The Commerce Comet” by Jonah Winter

11. “Hi! Fly Guy Presents: Bats at the Ballgame” by Tedd Arnold

12. “Out of Left Field” by Ellen Klages

13. “Curveball: The Year I Lost My Grip” by Jordan Sonnenblick

14. “Heat” by Mike Lupica

15. “Babe Ruth Saves Baseball!” by Frank Murphy

16. “Jackie & Me (A Baseball Card Adventure)” by Dan Gutman

17. “Soar” by Joan Bauer

18. “Pitching for Success: My Journey to Major League Baseball” by Jennie Finch with Ann Killion

19. “Summerland” by Michael Chabon

20. “Calico Joe” by John Grisham

21. “The Art of Fielding” by Chad Harbach

22. “My First Book of Baseball: A Rookie Book” by Sports Illustrated Kids

Conclusion:

From picture books to in-depth novels, this list of 22 winning baseball books offers a wide range of engaging stories for kids to enjoy. Celebrate your child’s love for baseball and reading with these home run selections that will entertain and educate them about the exciting world of the sport. Whether your child dreams of making it to the major leagues, or simply loves to learn about different aspects of baseball, these books are sure to hit a grand slam with young readers!