Scenes from Field Day in the Library

 The Library had several centers for students to choose. A map on the SMART Board showed what each center offered. Activities changed with each grade level.

 The Play and Coloring areas were very popular. Volunteers were invaluable.

 A group of 1st graders managed to finish the floor puzzle. Great!

 Some 4th graders enjoyed the yearbooks. Also, note the boys in the back where the Reading Corner offered, "Be a Librarian".

 Lots of fun in the Play area.

Finally, I loved watching the children who chose the center, "Be A Librarian".

A fun day for all!

More "Wonder"!

The latest items for the Wonder Table were all connected to whales. Mrs. Rathbone let us borrow some of her treasures and this photo shows the jars of krill along with information from resources. In many Library classes we looked at some books after students had a chance to do hands-on examination of the jars. In some classes we were later able to listen to whale songs and look at a video clip of gray whales migrating.

The Wonder Table was a new idea for this year and I think I've loved it as much as the kids and teachers. The world is full of so many wonderful things and we all like to touch, look, and wonder. That curiosity and wonder continues after the "answer" appears on the Wonder Table. For example, even though I learned the jars contain krill and that it is a major food of baleen whales, I still wonder how the enormous whales can eat enough tiny creatures to stay alive. It's a wonder!

Library Classes

This photo, "kids reading on the beanbag chairs", is yet another of my favorite image. In fact, you may notice that a similar one graces the top of this blog. That young man was in Kindergarten; I think he's in high school now! The children in today's posting were in Mrs. Healy's 1st grade Library Class when they came earlier this spring. In fact, I think it must have been Table 3's turn for beanbags that day as you can tell by the happy faces!

Soon this scene, my favorite,  will be gone until September. Although students continue to come to Library Classes, class checkouts will end Friday, May 25th. It takes at least 3 weeks to get everything back and begin getting the Library in shape for the summer. As I been telling the kids, if there is a book you've been wanting, get it now!

Internet Safety

These 3rd graders from Mrs. Rathbone's class are working in pairs at the computers doing an online Internet Safety Quiz. It's a fun activity that reviews and reinforces the ideas we've discussed during some of our Library classes. This online quiz is used as a self-assessment; then they will have a test to demonstrate their knowledge. As I tell them, it's mostly common sense.

A student once asked me why we were covering Internet Safety in Library classes. Not only is it part of our curriculum and standards, but I think all of us know it doesn't hurt to hear the messages about keeping yourself safe in many different places. Believe me, the students in 3rd and 4th grade always have plenty of questions and comments!

We keep it simple and do not go into horror stories they may have heard on the news. The main talking points come from these "FBI Internet Safety Tips" (c2003):

#1 Never give out personal information
#2 Never write to someone who makes you feel uncomfortable, even if you know who they are.
#3 Never meet someone or have them visit you without your parent's permission.
#4 Tell a trusted adult right away if you read or see anything on the Internet that makes you feel uncomfortable.
#5 Remember that people online may not be who they say they are.

Don't we all hope our students grow up to make good, common-sense decisions about being online?

Reading Week Photos

Reading Week 2012 is over so enjoy these last few photos.

More Guest Readers included Mrs. Nancy Ferri, our Library Clerk plus Office Staff Mrs. Haney and Mrs. Barber. Thanks to all who shared their time and talents with our students in the Library.


Finally, the week ended this afternoon with an all-school silent reading session in the hallways. This is always a favorite event of mine and it was as good as usual. Keep Reading!

More Reading Week Fun

More scenes from Reading Week:

Monday found student teacher Jessica Fournier playing the part of Goldilocks - I hear she even had the 3 bears in Mrs. Healy's class! This photo of Ms. Fournier and Mrs. Katie Wright, Reading Coordinator, was taken outside my favorite place, the Library. Tuesday's Parade of Books was popular as usual with favorite books lining the hallways.

Today, Wednesday, featured a visit by local author and illustrator, Leslie Tryon. Ms. Tryon favored us with three assemblies, Grades 1&2, Grades 3&4 and then Kindergarten. Students in the youngest group came to the Library and enjoyed hearing a story plus seeing the model that Ms. Tryon created for a story. A fun time was had by all - thanks, PTO!

Great Start to Reading Week!

Reading Week began with a Monday visit from Superintendent Barry Ricci who was a Guest Reader in the Library with Mrs. Hershman's Kindergarten class. Looking at the photos, it's hard to say who's enjoying it more - Mr. Ricci or the kids!

Tuesday will feature a Parade of Books in the hallway; students may share a favorite book. Tomorrow will also find Assistant Superintendent Carol Blanchette as a Guest Reader in the Library.

Wednesday - our school will enjoy a visit from local author and illustrator Leslie Tryon. Thanks, PTO!

On Thursday, classes will display letters they have written as class projects.

The end of the day of Friday will culminate in our annual Reading in the Hallway.


It's all part of our weeklong celebration of reading at Charlestown School. Of course, in the Library every week is Reading Week.

Stay tuned for more scenes from Reading Week!