End of the year fun....



This week in the library we read stories about Mother's Day and prepared a special card for our mom.
It was a lot of fun reading and discussing all the amazing things that our mom's do for us.  I loved hearing the students plans for celebrating Mother's day. Some examples

Some Card Examples:  

Thanks Mom For...

Summer Bucket Lists

 

This week in the library we read the book "Yes Day!" by Amy Krouse Rosenthal. This is a wonderful story to use when discussing a bucket list, no matter what time of year. The kids loved it and it inspired us to begin brainstorming on our anchor chart all the many things we could do. See our anchor chart here:

Then we went to our tables and created our very own Summer Bucket List. This time of year is always so rewarding to me. I love creating a project that students can do independently. I love showing the teachers what they have done for me. This shows the student just how capable they are and shows the teacher just how far their kiddo's have come. I was so impressed with this whole project.

One of my students really tugged on my heartstrings, this week. One of my friends happens to be blind. I sat at the table to help her write on her summer bucket list.  She asked me, "Do you think I could add roller skating to my list?".  I told her,  "I think skating might be difficult yet, I think it would be tough to get around and you make it look so easy".  I told her that maybe if she had a friend to help her, she probably could skate. Then I asked her if she wanted to give it a whirl?  She smiled so brightly and with such enthusiasm, she said "yes, yes, I would!" 

On Friday, I brought in my grandson's roller skates and worked it out with her teacher, Mrs. Hoffman to find sometime to allow her to skate. Mrs. Hoffman was so sweet to come in and cover my class so that I could share this experience with my friend. Mrs. Miller helped us out, so I could capture the moment with pictures and Mrs. Kim could take a video.  Kind of an all out effort to bring some joy to a friend. 

She was a natural as we walked holding her hand,  she rolled down the halls of Kennedy school. She was beaming with confidence and a bright smile.  Calling herself "Skater Girl" she  was so excited and everyone that saw her shared this with her.  We were all thrilled to see her conquering yet one more challenge put in front of her. She is truly amazing and inspiring.

As the students came in from recess, her class lined up on the wall outside of their classroom and all of them gave her a standing ovation. Giving her words of encouragement and many smiles, as well.

 



Mrs. Miller and my friend skating in the halls of Kennedy 

 

Teacher Appreciation Week

This week was a special week of celebrating our wonderful teachers. I honestly feel it is a privilege to work with such amazing and caring teachers. Each year I am in awe at just how far they bring their students, the lessons they teach and the things I take away from observing each of them with their students. I truly appreciate each and everyone of my Kennedy staff, we all play a role in this teacher appreciation week. Great big THANKS to all my Kennedy Family!

Some awesome Teacher books for teacher appreciation:

Summer Reading List

I am still compiling my summer reading list and will post it as soon as it is completed. I was hoping to have it finished by now but...I am still working on it. As, this list will not only be for K-1 but for our K-1 families. I will include several read a louds for families to share and also several series that families may fall into. So, needless to say I have been reading a lot lately and have finished some really great choices that I hope you will all select this summer.

Appy Summer

I also wanted to include some fun websites for our Kennedy kiddo's to try out. If you have time please check out these free websites to keep our students learning over the summer. Have FUN!

 

What am I reading

I have been reading a lot of chapter books for read a louds  which I will post soon. I personally have been enjoying the book  The Same Kind Of Different As Me by Ron Hall.  I also won a book on audio from Reading Group Choices.  Tempting Fate by Jane Green. I received 12 copies for my book club and we will be reviewing it June 2nd. Can't wait. Hope you are enjoying your current read, feel free to share it. 

Happy Reading,

Mrs. Shamhart

 

The Final Check Out

Happy May...

Y

 I am listening to my Adele 21 CD

 It was looking like a Mocha Latte kind of day. (sporting my new ring from my slant swap buddy).

I can't believe we only have 15 "school days" left...bittersweet!

Schools out for summer May 23rd.

I want the warm weather back that we had last week. 

We actually have a freeze warning for tonight (May1st).

I need to clean my house and get my garden in.

Last years pic of the garden. We have actually extended it about 6 feet and added some more stones, barrels and a bench.

Check out The Elementary Librarian on Bloglovin

I think she is awesome and has lots of great ideas.

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Our Last Check Out

Booster Kindergarten reading on our last check out day.

I can't believe we have just completed our last check out of the school year, it is a bittersweet feeling.

I don't know where the time has gone,( honestly, I feel this way every year).  I have to begin my library inventory, which is a huge undertaking. Although, when the inventory is completed, it will be  ready for a new school year. So, like I said it's a bittersweet feeling.

This week was a fun filled week with many happenings. We had a celebration, to recognize and appreciate our military families.We had several soldiers come to visit and talk about their military experience. After the assembly the soldiers shook hands and greeted our students as they walked down to their classrooms. The students absolutely loved this experience.

Welcome home to Mr. Hinkle, he was one of our soldiers that we sent care packages to in Afghanistan, this past fall. We are so happy that he is home, safe, sound and reunited with his wonderful family. A great big THANK YOU to all our military families.

 

First graders off to visit McKinley...

My first grade friends were so excited to go visit McKinley. I could see their smiling faces as they were heading down the hall, to catch the bus to McKinley. I look at them and can't believe how much they have grown. They got to meet Mr. Schwartz and tour McKinley.

 Field Day

We also had so much fun at field day. The kids, played games like the 3 legged race, the sack race and tug of war, 50 yard dash and much more. They were good sports and ultimately had a lot of fun and made lots of memories. I loved watching them and listening to all the details as they shared them with me. Oh my goodness were they excited!

3 Legged Race

This week we read books about the zoo to prepare our friends for field trips. What they will see and what to expect. Also, how we expect them to follow our school pledge. By being responsible, respectful and our very best selves, we can have a safe and wonderful trip.  Our 1st graders had a wonderful time at Rolling Hills!

We read a story this week called 'Twas the Day Before Zoo Day, Mrs. Willey's kindergarten class made the connection that it was similar to 'Twas the Night Before Christmas. I told them after field day on Friday we could get together for an extra lesson and brainstorm about what field day looked like and what it sounded like and maybe we could create our own poem.

This is what we came up with...

'Twas the day of field day

when all through the school, 

students were excited 

and they followed every rule.

Mr. Willey had games

for all of us to play.

It wasn't like 

a normal, busy, school day.

We had the sack race,  tug of war,

 50 yard dash.

We cheered, as friends crossed 

to finish in a flash.

 Children were excited,

jumping up and down.

Teachers were all smiling 

not one, wore a frown.

When the horn blew, we knew,

it was time to move.

To our next challenge

to show how we've improved.

When out in the field 

there became such a cheer.

We all looked around 

and it became quite clear.

When, what to our wondering eyes

should appear

Mr. Willey and our teachers 

giving us a big cheer!

Summer Reading Challenge
Our summer reading challenge was created in a unique way and I thought I might share how it came to be. Each season, I speak to the students about my plans/ my bucket list for that season.
I share with them all that I would like to do and see. Then, I ask them what are some of the things you
would like to do this summer/season?

Since this will be our last bucket list we create, they will be creating their own bucket list,
next week. I am really excited to see what they come up with. I had an epiphany, why not include our summer reading challenge with our bucket list and see how many we can check off the list. This is what I created:

Starting May 23-August 15 

Summer Bucket List 

Reading Challenge

 2014

www. primarylibrarydiva.blogspot.com

 Mrs. Shamhart 

tshamhart@live.com

 Read in a tent   Read about a wild animal  Read at breakfast  Read a book about a city far away Read at the park Read a book with chapters Read a book about bugs Read a book then act it out Read to a pet Read at dinner Read a biography Read in the bath Read a magazine Read a book that makes you laugh Read in a blanket fort with a flashlight Read a book without words Read a book about space Read under a tree Read a book you wrote Read a book about friendship Read on video Read about the U.S.A Read a book as a family Read an alphabet book   Read a comic book Read in a funny accent Read a pop up book Read at the beach Read a book about art Read a book about Summer Read a book about camping Read a book you find at the public library.       

 Remember, this is just a list to get you started reading. I am still compiling my reading list and finishing up some awesome reading series that I can't put down. As soon as I am finished selecting them, I will post them. I suspect, my next post will include the reading list. I will send a copy home and you can find it on my blog under the reading challenge tab at the top. This will go home the last week of school. 

Cara Box Swap
Wahoo! My Cara box swap came in from my swap partner Penny and what a lovely surprise. I loved everything! I hope you will check out Cara Box they will have a new sign up soon for  June.

Happy Reading,
Mrs. Shamhart

On your Mark, Get Set, Go!

This week in the library once again has been a busy one, to be sure. We shared books about the upcoming field day, next Friday, May 2nd. My friends and I enjoyed several good books; Clifford's Field Day by Norman Bridwell, Miss Nelson Has a Field Day By Harry Allard and Be a Good Sport, Miss Malarkey by Judy Finchler.

After sharing these wonderful stories, we discussed what is field day? What should a kindergarten friend expect to see? What will we do at field day? Our parents and grandparents may come to watch us. We may get to eat lunch outside if it is nice out. (Mr. H will let us know if this will happen usually the day of.) Lots of questions and comments like these were addressed.

First graders reflected on last years field day and their favorite part of field day. We had much excitement and lots of smiles as we shared memories of the tug of war against other classes and their family members. We had lots of fun sharing stories and expectations of what this field day will bring, more fun, Mr. Willey always sees to that.

We also, discussed what it might look like to be a good sport. We don't want to hurt feelings or be sore losers either. Remembering that our goal at field day is to have fun! Enjoy, our time playing games with friends.

I saw this and thought what a cool field day activity this could be....just saying! It happens to be my all time, most favorite game ever. I could totally see some of the staff being pretty competitive over a game like this. LOVE IT!

This week we also shared books from Bill Peet. What a wonderful author study to share with my friends. They loved hearing several stories and learning about Bill Peet. When we shared that Bill Peet worked for Walt Disney, and that he did the story boards for several Disney movies, the kids were all a gasp. One friend said "if he had anything to do with Walt Disney, I want to read all his books!" Which made my heart sing. It has to be said, I kind of loved hearing this. I will continue to read Bill Peet again next week.

We also, discussed the difference, with 1st grade, about a biography vs. an autobiography. I was surprised that several of my first graders already knew this tidbit. Got to love it! Moments like this make me so proud of just how far they have come in the short amount of time we get to learn together here at Kennedy. Here are a few pics of what 2 of my 1st grade classes look like. When I look at them all reading silently, it makes my heart sing, once again.

Mrs. Cook's 1st grade class

Mrs. Nuss' 1st grade class

We also celebrated Secretary's Day this week and it was so nice to see the students being so kind to Mrs. Pitts. I loved seeing her receive the love she deserves as, she does so much for everyone. Miss Kim does as well and we love them both. Hat's off to both of you, ladies!

 Mrs. Hoffman's 1st grade class with Mrs. Pitts

 Secretary's Day!!

                                               

Not only are these lovely ladies my friends but they are pretty amazing, they keep Kennedy running smoothly. I love you ladies, you truly are a gift to all of us.

 

Summer Reading and Read Alouds

I promise I am working diligently on the summer reading challenge and my summer book list. I have gotten so many requests on this list I am feeling a bit pressured and have even reached out to a few other librarians for a few recommendations on new series. I don't like to recommend books I haven't read so to be fair it might take another week or two to get through a few more of these books. But be assured I am getting it together.


A question I receive often from parents when they see our summer book list is, “How do you get your children interested in sitting and listening to read-alouds?”

Start With Picture Books

Don’t jump straight into chapter books. That’s like asking your six-year-old to skip elementary math and leap right into algebra.You have to slowly work up to chapter books. Start with picture books — reading just a little more each day to help your children’s attention span to grow over time.

 

Gradually Introduce Chapter Books

After you’re reading your children a steady diet of picture books, gradually introduce some short chapter books. Look for chapter books that have pictures at least every few pages and that have chapters no longer than a few pages. As your children become more engaged, increase the amount of reading time and up the reading level of books. Eventually, you’ll probably find that your children want you to read for longer than you have time to do so!

 

Become Best Friends With the Library

I’m a champion of local libraries as they can provide a steady stream of great book options, all for free! As a librarian I have many lists I go by to order books for the school libraries collection. For my own personal choices I use many of the same things you might use: recommendations from friends, a book review, summer reading lists from the library or through magazines, lists from blogs I follow, or from just browsing through the library.

What I love about the public library is that I can check out literally dozens of books each week and then go through them to decide which ones will be best to read. If I bring some books home that don’t end up being a good fit, I can easily return them without any guilt because they were free!
Help your children learn to love the library, too, by regularly bringing them with you to the library and helping them find good fit books to check out.

Be Enthusiastic

Enthusiasm is contagious. If you’re excited about a book, your children usually will pick up on your excitement and join in. When we’re getting ready to start a new read-aloud, I usually preface it by telling my children/students why I’m looking forward to reading it, giving them a little teaser as to what it’s about and  why I think they’ll enjoy hearing me read it. After my little pep talk about the book, my kids are usually begging me to hurry up and start the book already.

 

Choose Books That Will Interest Your Child

Do you like to read books that are boring and on topics that don’t interest you? I’m guessing you don’t! So why would you expect your children to get excited about listening to books on topics that aren’t their cup of tea?

I love to choose books that I think they will really love. For instance, my children are really into books that involve mystery and adventure. It is so fun to read together when you’re all engaged and completely interested in the topic and storyline. Plus, there’s nothing better than getting to the end of a chapter and having everyone begging, “Please, please, just one more chapter!”

Make Reading Time Fun

Want to make reading time even more fun? Get a little creative in what it looks like every day.
Maybe some days you read outside on a blanket spread out over the grass. Or, you all head out to the sandbox and you read while your children play in the sand. How about making some hot cocoa and snuggling under a blanket? For a really special memory, set up your tent in the backyard (or create one in your basement with blankets!) and huddle in together and read with a flashlight.

 

Don’t Expect Your Children to Sit Perfectly Still

Speaking of making reading time fun, one of the biggest things we’ve done is to not expect our children to sit still and just listen.While I know some people expect that read-aloud time means everyone sits with their hands in their lap while mom reads, that’s not at all what happens at our house. In fact, I’ve found that often children listen better when their hands are busy. So I encourage  children to play with Legos, or draw, or color, or do some other quiet activity while I’m reading. Not always but when I see sitting quietly might not be an option. They seem to enjoy it a lot more and the time flies! We also often read as part of our meal times. It’s a great way to get in a few pages or a few chapters while your children’s hands and mouths are busy eating!

Engage Your Children

When you’re reading, stop and ask questions along the way. “Why do you think they did that?” “Was that a good response or a poor response?” “What would you do if you were in that situation?”
Get your children’s minds turning and their creativity flowing. Some of our best discussions have come as a result of a book we’re reading. Like I say every day in the library, Dr. Seuss' quote
Think and Wonder and Wonder and Think!

Also, take time to answer their questions. It can get tiring to continually be answering question after question. But if you’re willing to take the time to listen and really respond to what your child is asking, they’ll not only learn a lot, but you’ll probably be blessed by some of the conversations this leads to.

As you’re reading, stop and locate where a country, state, and/or city is that the book mentions. My children have learned so much geography just from this simple activity. We actually have a map with pins in it. Red pins for places we want to visit one day and blue pins for places we have read about or learned about.

If you encounter words that they are unfamiliar with, I would stop, explain what the word meant, and  maybe even use it in a sentence. Remember our kiddo's are increasing  their vocabulary and to aid them in this endeavor we need to take moment and let them know that they need  to stop you, if they don't understand something or if they can't visualize what you are reading.

 

Don’t Be Afraid to Stop a Book If It’s Not Working

I wanted to end with this encouragement: if a book just isn’t working, don’t feel like you have to keep trudging through it. There are plenty of excellent books out there that there’s no need to waste time on books you just aren’t enjoying at all. Give yourself grace, chuck your guilt, and move on to a better book!  Don't think you have to finish every single book on my book list or the library book list. Remember these are just ideas to spark your interest. I hope you find some wonderful choices to share with your children.


Spending time sharing books has created so many cherished memories for me. Reading to my children, grandchildren and for the many students I have shared so many stories and so much time with, over the past 13 years. 

I will also be spending my summer reading with my grandson's, with my tablet or a good ol' book from the library.

Happy Reading,
Mrs. Shamhart

Easter Holiday, Library Week and Earth Day Celebration in the Library...

Holy Cow! Where did April go? I have been slacking on my blog. I have several weeks to convey. I have been so busy both personally and professionally. I am excited to share the many things we have been up to in the library.

Since we had so much going on around the same time, I moved up Earth Day Story time and we enjoyed reading several books and putting our information together. I hope the students came home with lots of knowledge about Earth Day and what they can do to help our Earth.

In first grade we shared the books Just a Dream by Chris Van Alsburg and 10 Things I Can Do To Help My World by Melanie Walsh, We also played a game where we got to mix and mingle, quietly, (it is a library after all) and ask different friends, questions about recycling and saving energy. It was a lot of fun and really helped to remind each one of us what we can do to help the world.

In Kindergarten we read the books Our Tree Named Steve By Alan Zweibel and The Earth and I by Frank Asch and a poem called Our Earth by Lynn Hayes. We then made connections from the books and poem. I loved hearing the many ways that the students Recycle, Reduce and Reuse.

 

We then celebrated National Library Week by having a week long celebration On Monday we had Hats off to good books we all wore our hats,  Tuesday was Be a team player READ! We all wore our favorite team wear. Wednesday was Be true blue and read! We all wore blue. Thursday was Sock it to me with a good book we wore our silly and/or mismatched  socks.

This was a fun filled week of celebrating books, libraries and reading.

 We then read the book Simon's Book and watched a short Reading Rainbow movie and through this movie we took a trip to the bindery. This film shows how a book is made from the written word and  black and white sketched illustrations to the finished  book being shipped to the publisher. 

I was amazed how well all classes watched with intrigued interest during this film. We had a wonderful discussion after the movie. Many of the kids made connections after viewing the movie. They students enjoyed hearing from Author and Illustrator Henrik Dresher and his explaination of  the process he takes in creating a book.

The trip to the bindery, through this wonderful Reading Rainbow movie was a delight and an informational adventure.

My List of 13 Bookish Things

My friend Kristen from  www.thebookmonsters.com shared her  list and I loved it so much that I had to share my own list yet I think my list is about 100 bookish things because I love so many things and if I am dreaming why in the world not dream big, Right? But I won't bore you with all of them just some of my most fun ones. I tried to make it 10 but I couldn't!

1. Bookworm socks...love these!

 

2.  Library cup and saucer...so cute, right?

 

3.  A different "colored book" jump drive...totally cool.

4.  This I need for all my summer/ fall reading....I would soooooo love this.

5. I'm thinking this is my very first purchase!

6.  I kind of love this book holder.

 

7.  It's always time to read. This would be a perfect necklace for me. So when anyone saw me reading

they would think it's her time to read but really, any time, is my time to read.

 

8. Kind of think these bookish coasters are the bomb!

9. If anyone would like to get this for the library I would love it ALWAYS!

10. A bookish bracelet because I love it and I don't have one as cool as this and I always wear a bracelet or 2 or 3 every single day.

11. Kind of love this stationery... a must have for a library girl like myself.

12. This is so much fun....I would definitely wear this.

13. If you know me, you know I love to do my nails. I have got to get these!!!

Don't forget in the coming weeks we will be going to the public library for a tour, library card sign ups ( for any students who do not already have a library card) and a summer preview of what is going on in their summer reading program, Great opportunity to see and hear about all the many activities the library will be hosting. I am super excited to see all of your faces in the library this summer. I will be there getting my next book that's for sure.

I am in the process of putting together our summer reading challenge which will begin as of  May 23 and run through August 1st. I am super excited. I will be sharing many of the books I pick up at the library for  children and adults alike. So keep checking back.

 Last week just before the Easter holiday we shared several Easter / spring books. I love this time of year it wouldn't be spring if I didn't share the book The Easter Egg Farm by Mary Jane Auch it is a love of mine. I enjoy the way the kids respond and when I ask them if they would like to take a trip to the Easter Egg farm after we have finished the story every hand shoots up in the air. I explain at this moment that this is why I enjoy reading... because books can transport us to places. I am posting the video below. I hope you enjoy it as much as we did.

I have been reading, reading, and reading over the last few weeks. My current read is called Miss. Peregrine's Home For Peculiar Children. I have just started it but I have already got the next book in the series ordered, if that is any indication.

I also, received in the library over 100 new books and I have been reading every single one of them. It feels like Christmas when I get a delivery of books. I will be sharing some of my favorites this weekend.

 Happy Reading,
Mrs. Shamhart