Welcome February...

 Wow! Where did January go? It was here and gone in a flash. My first graders and Kindergarten friends had 3 week long projects. Kindergarten friends learned 20 nursery rhymes and had to recite their own nursery rhyme that they selected. I am so proud of all of them.

My Booster Kindergarten friends in Mrs. Alderson's / Mrs. Desbien's Class enjoyed listening to A Garden For Groundhog by Lorna Balian and It's Ground Hog Day by Steven Kroll.  We then made our own Groundhog Day hats. They all look great!

My First grade friends worked on their animal research papers and I am always so aware of their growth when we complete this project, it's one of my favorite projects.

I get many kiddo's coming down to read to me and I love it. It is one of my most favorite parts of my job. It shows me how much they have grown since the first day of school. This is a video of my grandson Carter when he came down to read to me the other day. I will share more video's of readers, I love this idea.

What Are You Reading

My current book club book is The Magician's Assistant by Ann Patchett.
I enjoyed this book but didn't love it. This book surprised me. Throughout the whole thing, I was never exactly sure how much I was enjoying it, and yet I couldn't wait to pick the book back up and continue reading. By time the book was done, I wanted to read more, and wanted the story to continue.

The story itself is strange, it draws you in immediately. It's the story of a woman named Sabine who is coming to terms with exploring the hidden past of her husband, a famous gay magician after his death. You wonder how this story is going to work, which is the beauty of how well it draws you in. It's a beautiful example of story-telling, and the writing is flowing and enticing.
Sabine, the main character, spends time with her dead husband's family, none of whom she knew existed. The reader is supposed to come along on the journey with her to discover the missing parts of her longtime friend/spouse. The story felt like I was eavesdropping on someone's conversation.

 The West Coast Magician reinvented himself well,  so much so, as to have no connection to the Midwestern teenager he once was (by the way, the Midwest is NOT as bleak and backward as portrayed in this book -some of the stereotypes were obnoxious). After a traumatic childhood, he left town and ended up with love and friendship and happiness.

I am excited to take this story apart with my book group and get some other perspectives. I hope you pick it up and give it a try. 

I am listening to an audio book of Ember in The Ashes by Sabaa Tahir which is a YA fantasy book and I have been wanting to read it for some time now.

I'm also reading The Witches, Salem 1692 by Stacy Schief, for my online book club and these 2 books can't be more different. I try not to read more than one book at a time but if I listen to an audio book it is different somehow...I don't tend to confuse the stories or details within. I have an uncanny ability to remember most every book I have ever read. Maybe not minute details but the majority of the story.

  Swaps

 My Cuppa Swap buddy was so good to me. I received 2 books from my Goodreads wishlist By Patrick Rothfuss. They look amazing and I knew I wanted to read them after reading the blurb about them. Although, after seeing them they are a bit intimidating with nearly 700 pages in one and 1000 pages in the other. I can't wait to get started!!!

Not only did I get a Game of Thrones coffee mug I got a wonderful Wild Blueberry Coffee and a yummy Toostie Roll Hot Cocoa. I love it all Thanks so much Cyra Schaeffer from Rattle The Pages.

  http://rattlethepages.blogspot.com

My exciting news for one of my most exciting swaps is the #otspsecretsister project, selected partners this past weekend.  I have a new secret sister and I am so excited to get to know her. It runs for 6 months at a time and is dedicated to those with a love of books. I am so blessed to be a part of these lovely ladies. I have gained some incredible relationships and have met people from all over the country.
Happy Reading,
Mrs. Shamhart

Winter Character Education Day...

Character Education Day:

This is always a fun time learning about character traits; caring, responsibility, respect, citizenship, trustworthiness and fairness.

8th graders from AMS that are part of the Longhorn Leaders came over to implement the lessons. We had a wonderful time.

Watch this video so you can be a part of what made us so "happy" Tuesday!

The Corner On Character:

Top 10 books on character you must share with your child. (Pre k- 2nd grade)

1. Caring- Horton Hatches The Egg by Dr. Seuss

2. Respect- The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein

3. Responsibility- I Just Forgot by Mercer Mayer

4. Honesty- Ruthie and the Not So Teeny Tiny Lie by Laura Rankin

5. Kindness- Hey Little Ant by Phillip Hoose

6. Friendship- Enemy Pie by Derek Munson

7. Manners- Time To Say PLEASE! by Mo Willems

8. Empathy- Those Shoes by Maribeth Boelts

9. Acceptance- Stand Tall Molly Lou Mellon by Patty Lovell

10. Citizenship-What if Everyone Did by Joann Stover

I hope you will find time to share these wonderful books with your child and enjoy reading them together.

This week was a short week with MLK Day on Monday, we didn't have school. Then on Thursday we had a snow day. We received about 5 inches of snow.  The Snow Day Bucket List I shared with my kiddo's.

My grandson, Oliver and his daddy building a snowman "Olaf".

Book club:

My book club just got started reading our newest selection The Magician's Assistant by Ann Patchett

I am only about 75 pages in but I am really getting hooked. I have been thinking about it all day. I am hoping I can finish it this weekend. 

 Red Queen by Victoria Aveyard

My Review:

Red Queen was incredible. For anyone who enjoys YA and dystopian fantasy books you will not be disappointed.

The book is a dystopian fantasy with two main groups of people. The Reds and the Silvers. The Reds have no real value they are powerless and subject to the Silvers cruelty. Silvers on the other hand have these extreme type of powers and they are considered to be like gods who live in the lap of  luxury. With a revolution on the rise and a simple Red girl somehow having powers that only Silvers should possess things get really interesting pretty quick.

Mare Barrow's life is challenged in so many ways... being a Red is just one of them. When the royal family discovers that Mare has powers that they can't explain away, they give her a new identity as a Silver. She can either go along with the charade or they will kill her. 

I loved Mare, she gets thrown into a world she knows nothing about, she is in constant danger from discovery of her true identity.  Yet, she meets two princes both seeking her affection. Yes, there is a love triangle of sorts but luckily it all gets nipped in the bud so don't let that stop you from reading Red Queen.

All the key characters were very well developed and even the villains were complex. There was so much betrayal and manipulation...oh what a plot twist! When you thought things couldn't get any more intense...it does. Just when you thought you had a character figured out...they would somehow surprise you. I think the quote that can sum up Red Queen would be...

"Anyone can betray anyone."

The world created by Aveyard was cruel and beautiful all at once. If your looking for an addictive read that is full of action and a real page turner I highly recommend picking up Red Queen.

Happy Reading,

Mrs. Shamhart

My Year In Books....

This Week In The Library

We continued working on our lessons we started last week. In kindergarten we are learning 20 nursery rhymes. We worked on Pat-a-cake, Old Mother Hubbard, Little Miss Muffet, Hickory Dickory Dock, Hey Diddle Diddle, Jack Be Nimble, and  Twinkle Twinkle Little Star.  The students did an amazing job practicing and learning these rhymes. Yesterday, each kindergarten friend received a nursery rhyme that they will have to recite in the coming weeks. They were very excited ( I have to say, I absolutely love their enthusiasm).
 
First grade friends have been working on their research project here in the library. They each selected an animal that they would like to know more about, they had to read a book about their animal and we just started filling out their graphic organizer to help them to write their research papers. Ask your student what animal they selected to learn more about.

Best In Books

I have been asked so many times this month (it's only the 15th), what was your favorite book in 2015? I have to say that this is a loaded question.  I looked back at my Goodreads account and broke things down the best I could, I hope this helps to answer the question...

1. Best Book You Read In 2015? Wild by Cheryl Strayed

2. Book You Were Excited About & Thought You Were Going To Love More But Didn’t? All The Bright Places by Jennifer Niven

3. Most surprising (in a good way or bad way) book you read? Mosquitoland by David Arnold Loved it!!!

4. Book You “Pushed” The Most People To Read (And They Did)? The Good Girl by Mary Kubica and The Girl On The Train by Paula Hawkins

5. Best series you started in 2015? Best Sequel of 2015? Best Series Ender of 2015? The Lunar Chronicles by Marissa Meyer (for all three)

6. Favorite new author you discovered in 2015?  Mary Kubica

7. Best book from a genre you don’t typically read/was out of your comfort zone? Cinder by Marissa Meyer

8. Most action-packed/thrilling/unputdownable book of the year? Girl On The Train by Paula Hawkins

9. Book You Read In 2015 That You Are Most Likely To Re-Read Next Year? Winter Stroll by Elin Hilderbrand.

10. Favorite cover of a book you read in 2015?

11. Most memorable character of 2015? Cheryl Strayed in Wild

12. Most beautifully written book read in 2015? The Life Intended by Kristin Harmel

13. Most Thought-Provoking/ Life-Changing Book of 2015?The Life Intended by Kristin Harmel
 
14. Book you can’t believe you waited UNTIL 2015 to finally read? Eleanor and Park by Rainbow Rowell

15. Favorite Passage/Quote From A Book You Read In 2015? From Wild by Cheryl Strayed
So many amazing and thought provoking quotes throughout this book. Loved it.

 
16.Shortest & Longest Book You Read In 2015? Shortest: 181 pages – The Ocean at the End of the Lane by Neil Gaiman, Longest: 504 pages The Signature Of All Things by Elizabeth Gilbert

17. Book That Shocked You The Most: We Were Liars by E. Lockhart
 
18. OTP OF THE YEAR (you will go down with this ship!): (OTP = one true pairing if you aren’t familiar) Eleanor and Park by Rainbow Rowell
 
19. Favorite Non-Romantic Relationship Of The Year:Lucy and Marva Object of My Affection by Jill Smolinsky

20. Favorite Book You Read in 2015 From An Author You’ve Read Previously: Winter Stroll by Elin Hilderbrand

21. Best Book You Read In 2015 That You Read Based SOLELY On A Recommendation From Somebody Else/Peer Pressure: In A Dark Dark Wood by Ruth Ware
 
22. Newest fictional crush from a book you read in 2015? Dashiell Sutherland from Dashing Through the Snow by Debbie Macomber
 
23. Best 2015 debut you read? The Life Intended by Kristin Harmel

24. Best Worldbuilding/Most Vivid Setting You Read This Year? Cinder by Marissa Meyer

25. Book That Put A Smile On Your Face/Was The Most FUN To Read?If I Could Turn Back Time By Beth Harbison

26. Book That Made You Cry Or Nearly Cry in 2015? The Life Intended  By Kristin Harmel and The Martian By Andy Weir
 
27. Hidden Gem Of The Year? Where They Found Her by Kimberly McCreight
28. Book That Crushed Your Soul? The Life Intended by Kristin Harmel

29. Most Unique Book You Read In 2015?  The Mountain Story by Lori Lansens
 
30. Book That Made You The Most Mad (doesn’t necessarily mean you didn’t like it)? We Were Liars by E. Lockhart

 Swaps

As I posted last week I am in a swap with Chaotic Goddess Swaps called The Book and A Cuppa Swap. I love being involved in their swaps they are so much fun and I get to meet people from all over, that blog and read. I just got assigned my swap partner and her name is Cyra and her blog  is amazing Rattle the Pages.   
 

 




I am currently part of the OTSP Secret Sister Project and I absolutely love my Secret sisters. I have only one I know and can't wait for the other sister to reveal herself. Signups for the next round are this weekend and I am so excited to get started. LOVE these ladies and the many that are involved in #otspsecretsisters I have come to find I read many of their blogs, pick up the books they suggest and enjoy getting to know them all.

Here is a little info on this swap:

The Basics:

The What:

The Secret Sister project is essentially a cheer club. Think Secret Santa but all year round (in 6 month intervals) with less emphasis on big presents, and more thoughtful notes, cards, small somethings sent just to let your secret sister know that you are thinking about her!

The When:

• Sign-ups will go live on January 16, 2016
• This round will run from February through July 2016

The Who:

You guys! But there are some conditions that must be met prior to signing up, we are going to outline those below under “The Rules.”
The How:
On January 16 we will be posting questionnaires on our blogs for you to fill out. In addition to the questionnaire, you will also be asked to answer a few questions for a Google form. PLEASE NOTE: If you do not fill out BOTH of these things in full, then you will NOT be paired. The Google form is NEW this round, but it is what we will be using to pair, so DO NOT FORGET. 

 

What am I reading?

I just started the book The Red Queen by Victoria Aveyard  here is a photo of my book and beverage last night. I will keep you posted on how it goes. So far I am loving it.

Last week I told you that I was finishing up the book The Martian by Andy Weir and let me just say it was wonderful!!! I am so glad that I read it before seeing the movie. I really enjoyed watching the movie and laughed a bit.  

This book was fantastic! A thrilling survival story with a hearty dose of humor. The main character Mark was very tongue and cheek throughout the book and I LOVED IT. The voice and the premise hooked me right away and kept me thoroughly engaged the whole time. My only real issues were that some of the minor characters didn't really stand out as much as they could've, and some of the science heavy bits were a little hard to follow and felt a bit of info-overload at times. But the human aspect, the heart of the story, was totally on point, and for the most part I just had a great time reading this!

 

Happy Reading,
Mrs. Shamhart

Welcome 2016

 

Currently

Over the holiday break I enjoyed catching up on Game of Thrones since, HBO was airing a Game of Thrones marathon. I absolutely enjoyed spending time with family. Even though I was a midst the holiday break I never stop thinking and planning for school. If I could just put the breaks on and slow this break down I could balance my time with my family and all that I want to accomplish at home and at school. If I only had another week off...I might even get a chance to finish the 3 books I am reading. My one word is Love because everyone needs love.

Special Note:

I have taken some time off from blogging and I am ready to get back into the swing of things.

Back To School

As we head back to school and welcome in the new year, we will be starting our research papers in 1st grade (this seems to get earlier and earlier every year). My kindergarten friends will be starting our nursery rhyme unit and will each be given their very own nursery rhyme to recite in library class. This is a collaborative effort with Mrs. Christner our music teacher. She will be preparing kindergarten classes for their spring music recital, using some of the same nursery rhymes we will be learning here in the library.

It has been a bit frozen here in Kansas this past week:

 My Next Swap:

 



 Chaotic Goddess Swaps Book and a Cuppa Sign-up Post

YOUR PACKAGE MUST INCLUDE

• 1 Mug
• 1 Book from your partner’s wishlist
• Other book-related and mug-related goodies – bookmarks, coffee, hot cocoa, etc.

This is the perfect swap for me.

My Current Read:

I'm so engrossed in this book, I have only a few pages to left and will finish tonight. I highly recommend it. I wanted to read it before I went to see the movie.  My #otspsecretsister sent this to me she knows me to well.  Please let me know what you are reading.

My Book Clubs Next Read: January 2016 Book Choice

Happy New Year and Happy Reading,
Mrs. Shamhart

October Fun In The Library

Feeling Fallish

As many of you know I love fall, it happens to be my most favorite time of year. I enjoy the cooler weather, football, pumpkin everything and especially our family visit to the pumpkin patch.

Kindergarten:

We worked on bats  in the library this week and enjoyed a lesson on fiction and non-fiction. We shared the books; Bats In The Library By: Brian Lies and Bats by Natasha Wilson

 

Last week we worked on Scarecrows and had fun sharing The Scarecrow's Hat and The Lonely Scarecrow.

1st Grade:

Worked on Acorns and a writing. We enjoyed reading Earl The Squirrel by Don Freeman. We read several stories about squirrels and made an anchor chart.

Our Halloween decorations have been a big hit.

Pumpkin Everything:

Pumpkin Pancakes click on this link for the recipe.

Book And A Beverage Online Book Club

This is the funny, light hearted book we are reading. I'm enjoying a Pumpkin Spiced Latte from Starbucks.

Happy Reading,
Mrs. Shamhart

Check Out What's Happening In The Library...

Guess Who Is Back...?

Our lovely Mrs. Pitts! She is back from here knee surgery and we are so happy! It just wasn't the same starting back to school without her. 

In The Library...

We are working on introducing to kindergarten students our "Book Character Wall" We have several book characters depicted on our library wall (as you can see below). I enjoy sharing these characters and their stories with all of my friends. 

 

From left to right; Koala Lou by Mem Fox, Cat In The Hat By Dr. Seuss, Curious George By H.A. Rey,  Franklin By Paulette Bourgeois,  "The Nook"  From Dr. Seuss' One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish,  Arthur by Marc Brown,  Clifford By Norman Bridwell and Corduroy By Don Freeman.

Many of the students think I painted these wonderful characters on the wall but our previous, art teacher, Mrs. Holaday is the amazing artist that recreated these book characters for Kennedy kids, to enjoy.

Our First grade kiddo's read The Strega Nona books by Tomie DePaola. We enjoyed Strega Nona,  Strega Nona Her Story,  Big Anthony And The Magic Ring  and  Big Anthony His Story.  We also learned facts about the author Tomie DePaola. We discussed some of the stories we had shared last year that we read of Tomie DePaola's  and shared some of the other stories we have in the library that they may enjoy checking out.

 

Books and Bloggers Swap:

 

My Swap partner was so amazing, I enjoyed getting to know her and checkout her videos.  I absolutely loved everything she sent.  See all the wonderful things my partner sent. Jen Wesner is my partner and you can find a link to her youtube channel here:    Jen Wesner  

 

My Next Swap:

 

Hey all I've decided to participate in Swapoween - a Halloween swap hosted by Chaotic Goddess Swaps!

Halloween is one of my favorite holidays! When I saw this swap I knew I had to participate.  I've been involved in this swap for the last 2 years and it is a favorite.

Here's what's involved:

YOUR SWAP OBJECTIVE:

Get to know your partner and send them a fantastic Halloween-themed package with goodies that meet their style/preferences/favorite things about the holiday.

YOUR PACKAGE MUST:

Include at least 5 Halloween-related items

Cost $20-$30, before shipping (to ensure relative value)

If you want to know more check out their post on SWAPOWEEN!

My Book Club:

 

At my book club we shared the story of Harper Lee's book Go Set A Watchman. I was very reluctant to read this book. To Kill A Mockingbird, is my all time favorite book. I read it the very first time as a freshman in high school. Since then, I have probably read at least 6 other times. I love to share this book and discuss it. 

Naturally, when I began reading Go Set A Watchman I came in skeptical, but I loved this novel for exactly what it is: a brilliantly written, beautiful southern novel about a young woman who discovers who her father is.

I also, can relate as to, why Harper Lee might want us to have this novel now, at this point in her life. She need the story to be told and let the readers decide. That is what I have done... curious?

I love the dynamics of the relationship between Scout and her father, Atticus Finch. Harper Lee was able to build on the foundation established from her first novel, reflecting the character development in a beautiful way. 

In our discussion of the book some felt Go Set A Watchman destroys the heroic portrait of Atticus Finch and erodes the adoration of his daughter, but I see it as an extraordinary coming of age story about Jean Louise. When faced with the humainty of her family and childhood community, questions about racial equality and women's freedom, surface. It seems tht these had always been personal convictions rather than family values. She has to decide if she can accept the people she loves most, despite their conflicting perspectives. 

She misses the feelings of belonging, that her small town provided her, she doubts their ability to accept her because of her progressive views. In the end she emerges with an identity all her own, forged by the very people she shares a history and possibly a future with.

In the end I am grateful to have read this book but To Kill A Mockingbird is still my favorite.

Recipe: 

For my book club I made my infamous Pecan Pie Cheesecake. I have had so many people over the years ask me for this recipe and I will share it here.

 Pecan Pie Cheesecake

 
Crust:
1 ¾  cups vanilla wafer crumbs ¼ cup firmly packed brown sugar ⅓ cup butter, melted

Pecan Filling:
1 cup sugar ⅔ cup dark corn syrup ⅓ cup butter, melted
2 eggs
1 ½ cups chopped pecans
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Cheesecake Filling:
3 (8-ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
1 ¼ cups firmly packed brown sugar
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
4 eggs ⅔ cup heavy whipping cream
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Pecan Filling:

Combine all ingredients in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce heat and simmer until thickened, about 8-10 minutes, stirring constantly. Pour into crust and set aside.

Cheesecake Filling:

Reduce oven to 325°. With a hand mixer or stand mixer, beat cream cheese at medium speed until creamy. Add brown sugar and flour and beat until fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each one. Stir in cream and vanilla. Pour over pecan filling. Bake for 1 hour. Turn off oven and leave cheesecake in oven with the door closed for 1 hour. Remove from oven and run a knife along the outside edges to loosen cheesecake from sides of pan. Let cool. Chill for at least 4 hours before serving.

 

Happy Reading,

Mrs. Shamhart