This spring the 5th graders have been reading books and writing book reviews of their books.  For ALL book reviews students must describe what the book is about AND give their opinion of the book.  In this section you will find titles that students would NOT recommend.

This spring the 5th graders have been reading books and writing book reviews of their books.  For ALL book reviews students must describe what the book is about AND give their opinion of the book.  In this section you will find titles that students think are OK.

This spring the 5th graders have been reading books and writing book reviews of their books.  For ALL book reviews students must describe what the book is about AND give their opinion of the book.  In this section you will find titles that students love.

I have noticed this year that the two most popular titles in the library are Diary of a Wimpy Kid and the BABYMOUSEseries.  This got me to thinking…which series (yes, a second Wimpy Kid book just came out) do kids like better?  Do students have a preference?  Let me know if you do.  I know I have a preference.  I’ll give you a clue…I like the color pink.  And while we’re at this…did you know BABYMOUSE and Wimpy Kid both have new websites?  You can find the link in the Fun section in the Orenda Library Website.  Which website do you like better?  And remember, always tell me WHY you like or do not like something.

After many tries author/illustrator Dave Ross was able to visit Orenda’s 5th graders on Wednesday, December 19th.  Dave Ross is a retired Shenendehowa art teacher who now creates books full time.  He visited Orenda to talk with students and explain how books are made.  He even told some funny stories about his experiences in school when he was growing up.  Again,  5th grade students will be sharing their opinions about his visit so keep checking back to see what the students have to say.

On Monday, November 26th poet Jeff Nathan came to Orenda to help teach students in grades K–5 about poetry.  Some of the poems he read to the students were Take Me Out of the Ball Game, He’s a Lady, and Mary Had a Little Lamb.  Many students especially loved the poem Ups and Downs.  Ordinarily teachers let visiting authors know how much students enjoyed the visit but this year we are doing something different.  This year the 5th grade students will be sharing their opinions about visiting authors.  So, keep checking back to this weblog to read student reactions to Jeff Nathan’s visit.

Earlier this year the students learned why using resources from a library are better than resources in a bookstore.  Recently the students learned that these same ideas can be applied to computers.  When doing research, students should ALWAYS start with a database because…

1.  databases are maintained by trained professionals who are experts in their topics.
2.  databases are selected by the library teacher to make sure they are at an appropriate level for the intended students.
3.  the library teacher teaches students how to use the databases with success.
4.  students have access to databases from a home computer.
5.  anyone with a computer can make a website but that doesn’t mean the website is good for students.

Recently, the fifth grade students have been comparing and contrasting the Orenda Library with local bookstores.  After doing this activity the students have learned the library is better than a bookstore because…

1.  the library has a trained library teacher who can help students.
2.  the library offers classes for the students on how to use different resources.
3.  the library tries very hard to have only highly recommended books for students to read.
4.  the library allows students to BORROW books so no money is needed.

You may notice an unfamiliar name may be posting comments to this site.  Believe it or not, I am still in contact with my first ever media specialist from preschool.  I even did part of my library internship with her when I was in graduate school.  She helped me start my love of reading and she taught me just about everything I know about technology.  Though she is retired, she does like to keep up with the newest technology so I said she may participare with our 5th grade technology lessons this year.  Her name is Mrs. C.  You may also notice I don’t usually refer to her as Mrs. C.  I just refer to her as Mom.

As many families know cyber bullying is becoming a bigger and bigger problem for students, schools, and families.  Throughout the year I will be discussing cyber bullying with students and trying to help students find ways to avoid cyber bullies.