The Holidays Are Behind Us , Welcome 2014!

Happy New Year! Can we all collectively agree that the holidays flew by in a whirlwind?

 The week of December 14th we had a week of fun in the library. Every day the kids came down.
On Monday, we checked out books so we would have books over the break. Tuesday, every class got to visit with Santa and have their picture taken. It was so much fun!!! Then, on Wednesday, we had a holiday store, which primarily consists of items for moms and dads. Things like holiday decorations, jewelry, glove, hats, scarves, books, wallets, coffee mugs, lotions, and household items. (These items donated by Kennedy staff and friends).  It is so exciting watching them shop and seeing them get excited  to give to some one special. Then, on Thursday, we had a Christmas movie with Christmas cookies. We watched Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer in first grade. I was surprised how many had never seen it before. Which was awesome because they were glued to it. In Kindergarten we watched a movie called Jingle Bells which was a wonderful story. I had 3 classes (a whole pod) in the library at one time, with 4 showings that day. The students were very well behaved and it was fun for everyone.
See the article in our wonderful Abilene Reflector Chronicle about Santa in the library
http://www.abilene-rc.com/newsdetail.asp?article_id=1999&HL=News%3AKennedy+students+receive+surprise+visitor

 My grandson Ollie, even made a visit to see Santa. He dressed in his elf costume in hope to impress the big guy! :) I'm not quite sure Ollie knew what to think of him.

The new year started off with Fairy Tales in the library. We shared Jack and the Beanstalk, Hansel and Gretel and The Little Red Hen. We will continue with Fairy Tales and Fractured Fairy Tales this week with 1st graders. See our anchor chart we created:

In Kindergarten we shared the Knuffle Bunny stories and we have enjoyed sharing about them. Learning about the Author Mo Willems and getting to know his characters.

This is always a fun series of books to read and a must have in your child's at home library.

I have selected several wonderful stories to add to your child's count down to Valentine's Day book bin.  Find them here:

I am thinking of starting another book challenge and the wheels are spinning. I am hoping to have something put together by the end of the week.

In the mean time let me tell you about a new swap I am involved in. I don't know about all of you but I read a lot of blogs and one of my favorite blogs that I view on Bloglovin is Chaotic Goddess Swaps
and the name of this swap is right up my alley so to speak. It is the Books and Bloggers Swap.

Chaotic Goddess Books and Bloggers Swap

Can't wait to get started on this swap. 2 of my most favorite things; books and blogs.
I can't wait to tell you all how it goes.

Happy Reading,
Mrs. Shamhart