Elementary Library News

Fifth Graders

2011-09-23T09:54:00.000-07:00

This week, we have begun creating webs for our research topic. This means, students have decided on a topic and on the subtopics for their report. Our next step is to begin taking notes from encyclopedias. Once we have searched for information in the encyclopedias, student can still decide on a different topic or re-structure their web. By the middle of October, students will have to turn in the definite topic of research.

4th Grade collections Presentation

2011-03-17T08:52:00.000-07:00

Our fourth graders have finished studying the collections of books available at the Elementary School Library. Now, in groups of five or six they will be presenting different collections for thier classmates. They will describe the kinds of books in each and how these books are arranged and then try to convince us theirs is the best set of books available and we just NEED to go there. They can do this in different ways, and knowing our students...they will be very creative. I can hardly wait to see what they will come up with.

5th Grade Report

2011-03-17T08:31:00.000-07:00

As you are very well aware, fifth graders have been researching a topic of their choice since the beginning of the year. It is time now to turn in their findings. This means a 780 word paper with the coming together of all the information. This paper is due on the following days:

Section A March 24

Section B March 3

Section C March 28.

When your child turn in his paper, he/she must also turn in the following:

* notebook with at least 18 pages of notes (three from each source),

* six source cards: 1 encyclopedia article, 2 books, 2 internet and 1 magazine articles, and

* the bibliography including the sources used when taking notes to write the report.

First, Second and Third Grade parents

2010-10-14T11:52:00.000-07:00

The Jefferson-Valle Media Center-Elementary has over 25,000 books, videos, CD's DVD's, etc. for your child to enjoy and for you to enjoy with him/her. As you are aware, the only way to access these is through the use of our electronic catalog. We make a special effort that every student becomes an excellent user of this software, as once a child knows how to do this, he/she is ready to use any other electronic catalog.
We are reviewing this with our first, second and third graders. This also involves locating the desired item on the shelves. Slowly, but surely, we will be experts in no time.

Arthur and Friends

2010-10-14T11:44:00.000-07:00

Kinder Parents:

This week we are getting to know Arthur and his friends. We have learned why Marc Brown (author of Arthur books) came up with the idea of Arthur, why Arthur is an aardvark, and why Arthur has lost his nose. We will begin by reading Arthur's Nose, and go on to meet and color Pal and all Arthur's frinds.

We hope you can stop by and check our Arthur books to enjoy with your child as well.

Pre-Kinder parents

2010-10-14T11:38:00.000-07:00

October 18th is a very special day for us. It is the day when our pre-kinder students will come to the library for the very first time this year. We can hardly wait!! We have prepared a puppet show to welcome them and to point our rules for behaving in the library. We are ready to show pre-kinder boys and girls how much fun we can share at the library.
We encourage you to stop by and check our books to read with your child. Early-on experiences are ever-lasting and such is the enjoyment of books.

Friendly Reminder

2010-10-04T06:02:00.000-07:00

Parents:

Please be aware that you are able to check out five books per child you have registered at AST's Elementary School. We are here to help you help your child read just-right books. Reading is the foundation your child needs for all the years to come.

You can foster this attitude be reading to and with your child. When your child sees your read and enjoy books also, he/she will also grow up to find books enjoyable as well. This is a memorable experience for both parent and children.

We hope to see you soon!!!

First, Second and Third Grade Parents

2010-09-24T10:46:00.000-07:00

Our Elementary Library has over 25,000 records available for check out by our students and yourselves. This is a lot of books in Spanish and English, videos, read-alongs, DVD's CD's, etc. to try and locate without the use of a search tool.

This search tool for us is our electronic catalog. From the onset, students need to become very good users of this instrument to find what they want or need from the library. This certainly is preparation for library use anywhere in the world!!

How exciting to see children as young as our first graders glued to a computer and jotting down call numbers and walking to the shelves.

We are Authors!!! We are Illustrators!!!

2010-09-24T10:34:00.000-07:00

Dear Parents of Kindergarden Students
Your child has been learning about the rol of authors and illustrators. Together, we wrote a book, drew pictures, and published it through the the Eagle's Publishing House. Students were excited to see the final product. Please ask to see it in your child's homeroom.

DO STOP BY

2010-09-23T13:55:00.000-07:00

Please come visit us and share our excitement as this school year we were able to expand our computers for student use from eight to seventeen. This allows for better teaching practice as less students have to crowd around one computer during teaching lessons.

Fifth graders will not have to stand in line to search for information on the web or on the data bases our library provides. This is important as their library time is limited and they are getting ready for that 780-word paper they need to turn in at the end of the school year.

ID Picture Taking

2010-09-22T09:03:00.000-07:00

Hello Parents

Starting on Sept 27 through October 5, the Elementary Library will take student pictures for Library ID's. This will be done during your child's library period. We hope all children will be here on these dates. The schedule is the following:

Kinder A Sept 27

Kinder B Oct. 1

Kinder C Sept 30

Sections A Sept. 29

Sections B Oct. 5

Sections C Oct. 1

Fourth Grade News

2010-09-02T13:22:00.000-07:00

Parents of 4th Grade Students
This month, we have been studying the Easy Collection. We have done an interactive assignment on it and all students have a handout that they have pasted to their notebooks. Next week, we will be filling in a Worksheet and then taking a short quiz. Once I am sure all students understand the makings of this collection, we will move to contrast and compare the Easy Collection with the Fiction Collection.

Welcome Back

2010-08-16T12:23:00.000-07:00

Welcome Back!!

This Blog will be updated on a Monthly basis

Welcome back everyone. This will be a great year for all PreSchool and Elementary students at our Library.

Pre-school children will be learning learning behavior in the library, and how to enjoy books and take care of them.

It is exciting time for the First Graders. It is the first time they get to choose and check out books to take home. We are learning responsibility in doing this. This involves taking care of books at home and at school as well as bringing them back to the library on the day they are due.

Second graders feel all grown up and we like to help them on their way to becoming selective readers. They will be learning how to access the books they like through the use of the electronic catalog.

Third Graders already know how to choose just-right books through the library's data base and they will become experts in finding these on the shelves.

Fourth graders are on their way towards independence. By the end of th e year, they will be able to manage themselves on their own around the collections and use library resources wisely.

This is important for them as Fifth Grade is a decisive year in the Library.

Fifth Graders will write a 780 word paper. Parents, you will receive more information regarding this in my next post. This paper will be done mostly during Library Period, so it is important that the students be attentive in class and work to the fullest.

FRIENDLY REMINDER

Parents, remember you can stop by the Elementary Library and check out five (5) books per child you have registered in Pre-school or Elementary. Our Library is open Monday through Thursday from 7:00 am to 3:00 pm, and Fridays from 7:00 am to 2:30 pm. We look forward to helping you help your child.

Library Reminder

2010-05-17T13:47:00.000-07:00

AST Parents

As our school year draws to a close, we wish to remind you that all library books need to be back in the library at this time.

Also, please remember that on May 31 and/or July 1st you will be able to check out 15 books for your child to enjoy over the Summer. These books do not need to be back until August 12th. Take good advantage of this opportunity!! See you then.

Summer Reminder

2010-04-21T07:39:00.000-07:00

All Grades: It is amazing how time flies!! Pretty soon we will be home once again for over two months. Vacations are time for relax and recuperation. Nevertheless, learning needs to be an on-going process. We, as librarians, are aware of the importance of reading in this learning process, and we are more than happy to help you help your children.

Please remember that you may check our 15 books for each child in the elementary school. You can do this starting Friday May 28 through Tuesday, June 1st. These books do not need to be returned to the Library until next school year, on Thursday August 12th.

Take advantage of this great opportunity, check your child's favorite reading books, read with them and ENJOY!!

2010-03-08T11:28:00.000-08:00

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, DR. SEUSS

March 2nd was Dr. Seuss' Birthday and the Elementary Library decided to celebrate one of his children's best loved books, the Cat in the Hat.

Upon our request, first through third grade teachers seleced one boy and one girl to come cut the B-Day cake. We had fun singing for Dr. Seuss 106th birthday. Wasn't it a great cake?

But it is all gone, sorry!

Family Literacy Workshop

2010-02-23T08:26:00.000-08:00

Your child's future depends a lot from support at home.

Actively-engaged parents make a significant difference in how children will perform at school and in their future as professionals. As teachers, we feel it is our responsibility to work as a team to see our students not only succesful during their school years but happy as lovers of reading and writing.

We hope to see you at AST'S FIRST FAMILY LITERACY WORKSHOP this coming Thursday, at 2:45.

2010-02-19T07:44:00.000-08:00

Kinder School parents:

We have been reading Arthur books, learning about all the characters and about Marc Brown, Arthur book's author. Your children love Arthur, DW, Francine, Binky, Brain and all the rest of the "gang". We have a lot of Arthur books in our library, so stop by and bring some home for your boys and girls. I am sure they will love to read more books about the aardvark who lost his tooth and learns to accept his sister, DW.

1st Grade parents:

We have been learning about parts of a book and why library books need a special "address" where they live (call number). As your child about this. You will be surprised of how much they know!

2nd Grade parents:

We are becoming small experts on how to find books through the use of the library's electronic catalog. This is what we will be concentrating on for a few weeks now.

3rd Grade parents:

Your children divided themselves into three groups to describe three different jackets. Then, each group read their description for the rest of the class to draw. It was funny what the class drew from what the children described!! The purpose of this exercise was to learn why we need to be very specific when we are describing an object. Now we will talk about book descriptions, and what goes into describing a book adequately. This is important for fourth grade work.

4th Grade parents:

Your students are engaged now in comparing books in the Easy and Fiction Collections. Once this is done, they will fill in a Fiction Collection worksheet and take another short quiz.

5th Grade parents:

Deadlines are closer that we think!! Remember your child will need to turn in his/her rough draft, Source Cards and notes during the first week of March. I have told your child I am here at 6:45 every morning and am willing to help anyone who needs it.

Mission:"The American School provides a student-centered, enriching, college-preparatory education that emphasizes social responsibility in a safe, bi-cultural and disciplined learning environment."

Misión:"La Escuela Americana provee una educación enriquecedora, orientada al alumno, pre-universitaria y que enfatiza en la responsabilidad social, en un ambiente de aprendizaje seguro, bicultural y disciplinado."

2010-02-04T05:47:00.000-08:00

Parents of 4th Grade:
Your child is getting ready for 5th grade when he/she will need to write a short research paper using library resources. We are reviewing how to access information, and all about the different Collections in the library. Together we have done an Interactive Writing sample for the Easy Collection. Each child has then filled out a practice sheet which has been followed by a short quiz to make sure your child is on tract. We will begin with the Fiction Collection by next week, and then continue with Non-Fiction, Biography, Story Collection and Reference. The learning strategy will be the same for each one.

Parents of 5th Grade:
As you may remember, your child has been working on a short research paper which will be the bulk of his/her grade for the year. Most students are doing great! I am proud of them!! This is a necessary skill as we approach Middle School. Note-taking is done during library period and to make sure your child does not fall behind, I periodically pick up notebooks and comment on their notes. Also, on the first week of March, I will be collection a First Draft. This first draft needs to be turned in to me with six Source Cards (2 books, 1 encyclopedia article, 2 internet articles,and 1 on-line magazine article) as well as the notebook showing notes taken during this school year. This allows me to make sure that the 780-word paper has been written from the information your child has gathered, and to make comments on the Final Paper which he/she needs to turn in in April.
This is the date due for the First Draft per section:
Section Date Due
Section A March 5
Section B March 3
Section C March 1

I have been learning a lot from notes taken by your children....on topics I did not know much about. It has been fun for me as well!!

2010-01-26T07:47:00.000-08:00

Pre-Kinder parents:
As you are aware, Wednesday, January 27 will be a "virtual day" at AST. Section B is scheduled to come to the library first period. Please use this time (or any other time that is more convenient for you) to read a book with your child. Children love to read (or te read to), learn from reading and enjoy spending time with you. It is an investment in their future!!

Remember, our library is open Monday thru Thursday from 7:00 am to 3:00 pm, and Fridays from 7:00 am to 2:30 pm for you to come to check out five books for your children. This holds true for your children in the "Big School".

Padres de Pre-Escolar

Como ya es de su conocimento, el miércoles, 27 de enero, será un "dia virtual" en AST. La sección B está programada para venir a la biblioteca. Por favor utilize este momento, o cualquier otro a su conveniencia, para leer con su hijo(a). A los ninos les encanta leer, que les lean y aprenden de esto. Además les encanta pasar tiempo con Uds. !Es una inversión en su futuro!

No olviden que tienen derecho a sacar 5 libros en préstamo de nuestra biblioteca por cada hijo matriculado en la Escuela Primaria.

Thursday's work for 4-B

2010-01-21T06:00:00.000-08:00

4-B Students
As you know, we were supposed to meet today. so please read these instructions carefully, do the assigned work and give it to your teacher tomorrow. Thank you.
Choose five books you have at home and for each one, write down the following:
Author, Title, City of Publication, Publisher, and copyright date. Also, write down the number of pages in the book and decide in which library collection (Easy, Fiction, Non-Fiction, Biography, etc.) you would place the book.

Overdue Books

2010-01-20T07:43:00.000-08:00

To all Elementary School parents

As you may know, report cards are being sent home next Friday, January 29th. Please remember your child will not be able to do so if he/she has books overdue at the Library.

A Todos los Padres de Primaria

Como ya es de su conocimiento, el viernes 29 de enero se entregan calificaciones. Recuerde que su hijo no recibirá las suya si tiene libros pendientes de entregar en la Biblioteca.

2010-01-20T07:06:00.000-08:00

Parents of Kinder student: We have been reviewing how we call the person who writes the words in a story and how we call the name of the person who draws the pictures. As a review at home, please take a moment and pick up any children's book you have and read the title of the book with your child. Also, read the author's name and ask your child to repeat the word "Author" with you, as the person who wrote the words in the story. Do the same with the Illustrator, as the person who drew the pictures.

Padres de familia de alumnos de Kinder: Con sus hijos, hemos estado aprendiendo cómo llamar a la persona que escribe las letras en un cuento (Author) y cómo llamar a la persona que hace los dibujos (Illustrator). Tome un libro de niños que tenga en su casa y lea el titulo. Lea ademas el nombre del autor y pida a su hijo que repita la palabra Author. Haga lo mismo con el ilustrador, Illustrator.

2010-01-15T09:48:00.000-08:00

Parents: Your children have been learning how to check out just-right books for themseves. Now it is your turn!! At the library, we are more than happy to help you , so please stop by.

Here is a list of favorite January to May books for the smaller ones:

January: Happy Birthday, Martin Luther King

Snowy Day

February: George Washington and President's Day

Let's celebrate Valentine's Day

March: Rachel Carson

On the same day in March

April: April Foolishness

Our earth, ourselves

May: My Teacher for president

Planting a rainbow

June: Arthur's family vacation

Strega Nona takes a vacation

Fourth graders have been working on the correct way to find information they need at the library.

Fifth graders are working on the web of the 780-word paper they must turn in in April. Their first draft will be due during the first week in March. Please take note.

This mean, for 5-A - March 5

5-B - March 3

5-C - March 1

Students work at school, but they make work at home as well.

Author's Visit

2009-12-09T07:49:00.000-08:00

On November 18th, second and fifth grade students were privileged with the visit of Laurie Cameron, US native and co-author of a book called The Ghost at Old Oak Way. Ms. Cameron introduced her book and spoke to the children on her experience as a published author. She answered questions, starting with how she came up with the idea for her book, where and when she wrote it, how long did it take to write it and how did she get it published. Students were very engaged with the presentation and some were even motivated to begin a book of their own. Ms. Cameron signed books for fifth-graders who purchased it.

Choosing Just-Right Books

2009-10-28T09:00:00.001-07:00

Parents of 1st, 2nd and 3rd graders:

The first two weeks in November we will be working with your child to help him/her choose just-right books. We want our students to be succesful and confident readers and we know finding the right book can be the "spark your child needs to ignite his passion for reading". Each child is special to us and we want to reach each one at his/her level towards independent reading. Shortly, we will be sending information on how you can help us and your child in achieving this goal.

Parents of 4th and 5th graders:

During the first two weeks in December, we will also be working with your child in helping him/her choose just-right books. We feel this is an on-going task required to prepare your child for independent reading. At present, fourth graders are getting ready for an oral test based on finding information in the library through the use of its electronic catalog. Students have a handout that reviews how this is done and we have also been practicing in class.

Fifth graders are working on taking notes for their research paper. Also, please read what has been posted on your homeroom teacher's blog. On Nov. 18th, we will be having an author-signing day. A US citizen, who currently resides in Honduras, will be reading from her book and autographing those bought by our students. I have read the book, and really enjoyed it. I hope your child will do so as well.

2009-09-01T14:08:00.000-07:00

Welcome to our Library. As you may know, each year our school invests a lot of money to have, not only a good library, but a great one. This year, we have added over 2,000 items...which brings our grand total to 23,000 books that you and your children can enjoy.

FRIENDLY REMINDER

As a parent, you can check out 5 books per child you have registered at the American School. These, you can keep for two weeks, or less if you wish to return for more. We are more than happy to serve you

Book Parade

2008-02-26T13:39:00.000-08:00

Great activity