TOP 10 THINGS WE'RE THANKFUL FOR

10. That we have a job
9. Work parties
8. Insurance
7. Computers (?)
6. Holidays and weekends off
5. Librarians
4. Education
3. People we work with
2. Books
1. The Last Working Day of the Month

Check out the great bulletin board by Gina Christensen.

✮☠✮HALLOWEEN SPOOKS!✮☠✮

I'm sure you all have an idea for your school regarding the elections. This is from Andrea Chapman at Fox Hollow and has a twist that will get the students to judge a book by its content, not the cover.

For younger grades (K-2)
I tell the kids that an important event is coming for The USA. We talk
about what it is to vote (for younger kids, to make a choice between a
few options). I tell them that this year it is for the President and
also local leaders. I tell them that in USA we are lucky that we get to
have a choice. I tell them how you vote...you go to a designated place
from where you live, kind of like since you live here you go to this
school. Then how the booth is set up and how it is done.

Then...WE HAVE A VOTE! I had them close their eyes and put down their heads and vote between 2 books.

I explain that every vote counts and can be private. After, if some of the kids are disappointed, I explain that even if you didn't get the result you wanted it was still good to make a choice. The books were "Big Pumpkin" and the other was "Wolf's Coming".

Wolf's Coming by Joe Kulka was perfect for Halloween but also helped me explain that you can't judge a book by its cover! I told them to choose a book to check out that the cover didn't interest
them but the insides did!

For grades 3-6
I start by asking the kids what important event for the USA was coming up. Some said Halloween...:)
When they finally say the elections, we talk about it for a few minutes. Same as above but they ask more questions, so its fun to have that dialog with them.

With older grades, its fun to have a ballot that they fill out (for next weeks book) and have the teacher tally them during that library time.

For our VOTE I had the kids decide if THEY wanted a chance to read the book or if they wanted ME to read the book. After the story was over and they were surprised by the ending, I told
them you can't judge a book by its cover and related that to candidates for office. (doing research on candidates)

One child asked "WHO ARE YOU VOTING FOR?" and another yelled out "THAT'S PERSONAL DUDE!" So, for the rest of the week if anyone asked, I responded "that's personal, dude!"

It was really fun and the kids really got into it. Most kids knew who was running for President and were pretty informed (in upper grades).

Emedia

I've always had trouble downloading videos from emedia - the file format isn't correct and my computer wouldn't play them. Well, I figured out that if I use Safari instead of Firefox it works. So, I have started downloading different videos that I can use and saving them to a flash drive. Then, I just pull out the drive and play them whenever I want. I can also lend the flash drive to teachers. It works great!

Making a magic bag is easy. Stack 3 pieces of fabric, 1 foot square, on top of each other. Sew through all three thicknesses on 3 sides. Leave the top open. After sewing around three edges turn it right side out. You now have two pockets. A front one and a back one. Sew a strip of velcro on the middle and front & back. The picture of the open bag doesn't show too well but there is a middle section that has velcro on each side and then velcro on the front and back. Before the students come into the Library fill the back pocket with the items the "magic will create". Put items you want to "magically change" in the front pocket with the students help or at least as they watch you. Close the front pocket and say the magic words. Rip open the pocket again and "presto" you have done a magic trick!! Secretly you have ripped open the back pocket the second time. The ripping noise distracts them somewhat. I dress Dandlion by Don Freeman or make a rainbow for the Storm Book by Charlotte Zolotow. I have more instructions if you want them let me know. Jennilynn@Scera Park

monkey theme

here's pics of my monkey theme i mentioned earlier...

jeana haymond, cascade elementary

Great resource for series and sequels

I was using this link the other day and thought I would pass it along to any new people. I use it all the time and it saves my life whenever a kid comes up and asks "Whats number 4 in this series?"

Does This Job Wear Scott Out?

Scott Schroeder at East Shore High School
(Sleeping on the Job?)

Poor Scott has to crawl on his hands and knees to see some of the books in his library. I wonder if he could get a skate board to sit on and cruise around?
Sue@AIMC

Hey, this looks like it will be fun & helpful. I hope everyone shares. Ask Vickie Hovik how she likes using my magic bag idea. I gave her the instructions. Anyone else want to try it??
Jenny@Scera Park

Thanks to those who looked and posted comments. Just to clarify things - if you call or email me I will give you the username and password so you can create a new post, not just post a comment. I'm anxious to have ideas, pictures, music and videos you add. If you need help let me know. I'm a newby but have done a little blogging, I'm sure some of you have much more experience.

This is the first post for our Media Blog. I really hope the librarians of Alpine School District use this as a tool to develop and exchange ideas. If you will call or email me I will give you the username and password so you can add your post to this site!

Sue
"There is more treasure in books than in all the pirates' loot on Treasure Island...
and best of all, you can enjoy these riches every day of your life."
Walt Disney