Library Media Center News

The Nutmeg Book Award encourages children in grades 4-8 to read quality literature and to choose their favorite from a list of ten nominated titles. Jointly sponsored by the Connecticut Library Association (CLA) and the Connecticut Educational Media Association (CEMA),the Nutmeg Committee is comprised of children's librarians and school library media specialists who are members of our sponsoring organizations.

All books nominated for the award must be:

1. A work of fiction, with appeal for readers in grades 4-6; 7-8 respectively.

2. Copyrighted in the United States, and first published no more than five years from date of selection;

3. Currently in print, and available in paper back as well as hard cover (for the 2008 nominees; thereafter, required to be in print only in paperback);

4. Well-written, with strong characterization, a vivid setting, striking language, a well-constructed plot, and a plausible conclusion.

This year’s nominees were:

• Archer's Quest by Linda Sue Park
• Attack of the Turtle by Drew Carlson
• Dog's Life by Ann Martin
• Double Identity by Margaret Peterson Haddix
• Drita, My Homegirl by Jenny Lombard
• The Ghost's Grave by Peg Kehret
• Paint the Wind by Pam Munoz
• Ryan Rules by Cynthia Lord
• The Stumptown Kid by Carol Gorman and Ron J. Findley
• The Year of the Dog by Grace Lin

And the winner is…

4th grade students at Ryerson were encouraged by myself and classroom teachers to read the Nutmeg nominees. Classroom teachers read Nutmeg books to their students and I put up special displays in the library. Voting took place in the library the week of January 14th. The book at Ryerson that received the most votes was DOUBLE IDENTITY by Margaret Peterson Haddix. It received a total of 30 votes. If you want to learn more about the 2011 Nutmeg nominees click on this link; http://www.nutmegaward.org/7101.html

1st Grade Research Lesson

In the spring, first grade students will be coming to the library to use books from the library collection to research dinosaurs. First graders will be shown how to find information using the Table of Contents. Each 1st grade student will be teamed with a 4th grade student who will help them complete the research. 1st grade students will create a presentation using appropriate software in the computer lab.

Information Skills Objectives:

• Use of Table of Contents
• Use technology to create a presentation
• Working co-operatively to solve a problem

Science Objectives:

• Understand characteristics of different types of dinosaurs

Language arts Objectives:

• Create effective expository communication
• Accurate word use
• Effective punctuation

2nd Grade American Landmark Lesson

2nd grade classes are coming to the library to research famous American landmarks such as the Lincoln Memorial, the White House, the Liberty Bell and Mount Rushmore. Working in teams, students research a landmark using non-fiction books. Students then go to the computer lab and create a presentation using Microsoft PowerPoint and KidPix.

Our goal is to have students understand the following:

• There are many different landmarks throughout the USA each with its own characteristics and symbolism.
• Non-fiction books are a source of factual information.
• Note-taking and writing complete sentences.
• How to create a presentation using Microsoft Word and KidPix.

4th Grade Explorer Lesson

Over several visits to the library, students researched a European explorer using library books. Over several visits to the computer lab students completed a PowerPoint presentation. Students:

• Created and added slides.
• Typed in their information and changed font style, size and color.
• Cut and pasted pictures that related to the information on their slides from the Internet.
• Animated their slides.
• Used PowerPoint to make an effective presentation to a group
• Created a citation page to avoid plagiarism.

Happy Birthday Dr. Seuss!

Do you like green eggs and ham?

Do you want to help us celebrate Dr Seuss’s birthday?
Do you want to see Principal Spooner eat green eggs and ham?

All a student has to do is read 90 minutes over the February vacation. Students who read 90 minutes or more can wear a funny hat to school on March 1st.
(Only students and teachers who read can wear a funny hat!!)

During lunch on March 1st the funniest hat wearers from each classroom will be selected to sit at a special table with Principal Spooner.

She will read Green Eggs and Ham by Dr. Seuss and then eat some green eggs and ham!