POW WOW Student Librarian

Adam Ingle is new to ILE, but he is no stranger to books!  Adam has read 1,511,458 words.  Incredible for a young man with much energy and many interests.  Adam spent his day reading to younger students, checking books in and out of the library, shelving books, cleaning the library, running errands all over the school, and making the library announcements.  Adam logged in about 4 miles as a student librarian!

Way to go Adam! You have the love for books, work ethic, and skills to be a great librarian someday. Thanks for your help!

Mrs G.

Celebrate Literacy 2014

We had an amazing time at Vol State College on Thursday, April 24, 2014.  We celebrated our own ILE authors!  Check out the video and see our aspiring young authors.

Celebrate Literacy 2014

Book Fair Fiesta

 

 

 

Don't miss THE BOOK FAIR FIESTA.  You will find us at the Pow Wow from 11:00 - 3:00.  Also, check out the $4500.00 worth of informational texts we purchased - over 200 books.  Students are learning to read text and online sources!  Check us out and donate to more books!

 

See you at the Book Fair Fiesta.  Yo Quiero Libros!!!

Looking Back With Literature

I had one of "those" experiences last week - a kind of "wow" experience.  The second graders have been working on biography projects.  I wanted to look at kid heroes in the library as well.  One of my favorite kid heroes is Ruby Bridges.  Maybe you remember her from history; maybe you do not.  In 1960, she was chosen to be one of the first African American children to attend an "all-white" school in New Orleans.  The trauma she endured at the hands of men, women, and children is unconscionable.  Is it possible that a six-year-old child could experience such hatred from a civilized group of people?

Ruby Bridges preceded me in school by a few years, but I was going to school when Nashville forced integration by busing students to different schools.  I was a seventh grader entering Donelson Junior High for the first time.  I walked through lines of angry people.  I observed how fear incited anger and misunderstanding.  But I saw a miracle - kids learning to work through differences.

The "wow" experience last week is that Ruby Bridges accomplished her childhood goal, but it was realized years later.  Our ILE students could not imagine such atrocities because they sit in a classroom where students are "not judged by the color of their skin." 

In my lifetime, I have observed a miracle which is just another reason I love being part of education and teaching at Indian Lake Elementary.   

As a family, you might consider watching the movie Ruby Bridges -  Ruby Bridges movie You can find it online.  Talk about the past and where we are today.  What do we need to continue to work on? 

Sam Sparrow - Super Reader

     I finally caught up with Sam Sparrow, a fourth grader in Mrs. McKinney's class.  By Christmas, he had read and tested over 2,000,000 words.  I wanted the real scope, honest answers, about kids who read.  Here is the interview and insightful answers from a delightful young man who loves to read.

     When did you learn to read?  "Kindergarten.  But I really started reading this year in 4th grade.

     What got you hooked on reading?  "The Warrior series.  It is in-depth, fantasy, cats and clans, awesome names.  I read more than play video games."

     Why are books better than movies?  "In movies, you can only see and hear.  Movies cannot transmit the feeling of the characters."

     What advice do you have for reluctant readers?  "I recommend the Artemis Fowl series full of action and fantasy for kids who don't read.  Boys who do not read should read the Warrior series, especially Into the Wild."

     Tell me Sam, do readers have a life?  "I don't just read, I game.  I will go into computers in college.  I have a you.tube channel."

     What is your favorite place to read?  "My room - on the bed.  It is annoying when my brother blares his music in the next room."

     What advice do you have for teachers, librarians, and parents?  "Encourage your kids to read.  When adults read aloud, you get it the way the adult wants you to get it, but not the way you want to get it." 

Readers

     Do kids really have time to read these days? Life is so full and busy with lots of homework.  So who takes time to read?  Check out these 4th and 5th grade students.  Each of them have already READ over 1,000,000 words and tested on these books (AR) since the beginning of the school year.  Stay tuned for a couple of interviews with two of our top readers.

Thank You!

     Thank you for all that you do to make my days at Indian Lake Elementary School so special!
     Most of you do not know that I drive almost an hour each way to school.  The country drive is beautiful, and it gives me time to reflect on all my blessings!
     Indian Lake is one of those blessings!  I love the students and families that enrich my life Monday through Friday. 
     Thanks for once again overwhelming me with kind words and gracious gifts before Christmas.  I am so grateful for each family and for the children who daily give me reasons to smile.
     Be assured - Indian Lake is worth the drive.  Happy New Year!

Book Fair Oasis

Book Fair Oasis

Thank you for making the Book Fair an incredible success!  My rough estimate is that we sold over $15,000.00 worth of merchandise (excluding sales tax).  We brought in over $5000.00 during the Thanksgiving Lunch. 

I hope you were shopping during the flash mob!  What talent we celebrate at ILE.

Thanks for bringing such joy to the library.  Hopefully, soon we will enjoy the new books we purchase from our cut in the Scholastic Book Fair. 

Until spring, happy reading!

Book Fair Oasis 2013

Check out your kids at Book Fair Oasis!  Click above and watch the video!
Hope to see you at the Book Fair Oasis November 8  - 15, 2013. 

Why Read at Home?

2nd Quarter - The Holiday Quarter

     Welcome back to school after a fabulous fall break.  Autumn is most definitely in the air.  Bring on cozy fires by which to read a great book.

     This quarter is full of holidays:  Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas.  These holidays are usually full of family activities that break up the usual evening at home preparing for the next school day.  I try to encourage students to get on top of their reading goals early.  AR reading goals are set according to STAR testing.  Those students who have consistently read the first quarter tend to go up in their reading levels.  New reading levels ignite enthusiasm for new books and reading opportunities.

     Students are encouraged to check out both fiction and nonfiction books.  Fiction is for the pure pleasure of reading.  Informational text (nonfiction that is usually science, math, or social studies based) teaches each of us how to read and retain information differently than the relaxed reading of fiction.  Research indicates that your child will be reading 75% - 90% informational text by the time s/he graduates from high school.  At ILE, we are spending hours locating the best informational texts for students to read. 

     Some of us are auditory readers and need to hear the words as well as see the words.  Go to the Hendersonville Public Library site (http://www2.youseemore.com/hendersonville/default.asp) and look for TumbleBooks.  These books are interactive books - both fiction and nonfiction - that your child can read and be read to.  Oftentimes, there are activities included with the reading.  Many of these e-books are AR books, and your child can test on them at school.  It is a fun and innovative way to read. 

     This quarter, we will also have the Scholastic Book Fair:  November 8 - 15.  The theme is Reading Oasis - A Cool Place to Discover Hot Books!  Think mummies, pharoahs, Egypt.  The library will be closed for check-out for 7 - 8 days.  However, most of the Scholastic books are also AR books.  Plan now.

     Speaking of the Book Fair, I could use some parent volunteers.  I need a DECORATION CREW and BOOK FAIR STAFF for November 7 - November 15.  Are you available?  We are able to purchase MORE books from our sales.  Your help would be invaluable. 

     Let me be the first to wish you a quarter of family fun and holidays!  May parents and kids learn to love reading!

Kathy Gallagher

Under Construction: 2013-2014

 

 

Welcome back to the Library!

 

 

I am thrilled that school is starting.  There are so many books and so little time to read!  Let's get started.

 

 

However, I need to let you know, the Library is Under Construction!  We were hoping that the library would be all painted and ready for students, but that did not happen.  So together, we will watch as the library transforms into an exciting media center with exciting books and resources for learning. 

 

 

What's new in the library?  First, Mrs. Sneed is coming to work in the library and as a 3rd grade EA.  You may remember her from last year; she was a volunteer in the library.  We are so excited to work together to make our library more kid-friendly!!!  Please welcome her when you see her.  Also, we are adding E-Books to our circulation.  Stay tuned for some exciting new books that you can access from home.  Finally, Mrs. Gallagher received an IPad for her birthday.  Look for some fun activities using the IPad in the library.

 

So, how about you?  Did you read any great books this summer?  Did you learn anything new?  Join me in the library the week of August 5.  I can't wait to hear about your adventures!  

 

See you soon!

Mrs. G. 

ILE BOOK FAIR

    Our Book Fair is coming and we are so excited!  Mark your calendars for Friday, November 9 - Friday, November 16.  Our goal this year is to sell 5,000 books for students and classrooms.  Prepare your holiday shopping list and come ready to buy.

     Our Book Fair kickoff begins on Friday, November 9. Our traditional ILE Thanksgiving Dinner will be served and you are invited to dine with your children and come shop with us.  Teachers will prepare "crates of books" if you wish to purchase a book for your child's classroom.  

     On Tuesday, November 13, Diary of a Wimpy Kid:  The Third Wheel hits the shelves.  Shop here for your copy!  

     Our l-o-n-g-e-s-t shopping day is Thursday, November 15.  We will keep the Book Fair open all day and all evening until the PTO meeting begins.  What better opportunity to shop than the quiet evening in the library turned bookstore before PTO?

     Don't miss your last opportunity to shop - Friday, November 16.  Buy all holiday gifts now so you won't have to fret and fuss on Black Friday.

     This year, we are sending home the Wish Lists and Book Fair list of books.  Please help your son or daughter prepare his/her list.  You can also check out our Book Fair website and check out other book possibilities.  If we don't have it, we can get it or you can order online and we still get the profit.  

     Book Fair Website: ILE Book Fair

    So, what will we do with the money?  We are working to update our selection of nonfiction, particularly in the areas of technology, science, math, and history.  Thanks for making this possible!

Tidbits of Information

     Life is busy and very fulfilling in the ILE Library.  The enthusiasm of kids is so contagious, and they notice and appreciate everything.  I am so fortunate to be here.
     For the next 4 weeks in all the classes, we will be studying nonfiction.  More and more, children and adults need to know how to read and understand informational text.  And nonfiction books have come a long way.  At an early age, children can become experts and on topics.  We need to all fill our home libraries with great nonfiction.  My purchasing goal this year is to work on updating and expanding our nonfiction.  Stay tuned for more information.
     Children are reading at an incredible rate.  Last Friday during a 30 minute period, over 45 students came in to check out books.  I went home frazzled, but students of ILE are voracious readers.  It is a highlight to talks books with kids of all ages.  Do you know Horrible Harry?  Have you met Fancy Nancy?  Dads, were any of you wimpy kids?  Have you enjoyed the Diary of a Wimpy Kid with your fourth or fifth grade son?  Kids are also delighting in some of my childhood favorites:  Little House on the Prairie and Anne of Green Gables.  
     Thanks for allowing me to be a part of the life of your kids!  Every day is full of surprises.

      Are you needing more information on Accelerated Reading and Math?  Check out Renaissance Place for Parents at http://www.renlearn.com/parentspage/default.aspx.

     Did someone mention Book Fair?  Mark your calendars:  November 12 - 20.  

Through the Eyes of a Child

       One of the greatest joys that I have as the librarian at ILE is looking at life from a child's perspective.  Too often, my life is complicated by adult responsibilities and adult stresses.  Each day as a librarian, I learn from a child.  Some days are so full of my "to-do" list that I could miss the opportunity to view life through the eyes of a child.

     Let me give you a poignant example.  If we line up before the teacher arrives, we play "Who is As Smart As a _______ Grader?"  A few days ago, we were playing "Who is As Smart As a 1st Grader?"  The question I asked was, "What is the capital of Tennessee?" 

     One eager 1st grader raised his hand, jumped up and down, and squealed, "I know! I know!" 

     I called on him and again asked, "So what is the capital of Tennessee?" 

     He eagerly answered, "Capital T!"

     I anticipated the correct answer to be Nashville.  From the eyes of a 1st grader, life is all about letters, words, and reading.  He stumped me for a second; though I did not anticipate his answer, he was absolutely correct!  If I had not thought about his response, I would have quickly "corrected" him and told him the answer was Nashville.  Oh, to see through the inquisitive and enthusiastic and trusting eyes of a child. 

     Children love to learn and read at this age.  My favorite milestone of my own children was The Day They Learned to Read!  May I never miss the wonder of childhood!  It is the reason I love coming to work each day.  Thanks for sharing your children with me!

Make Reading a Habit at Home

     The following is an article from SCHOLASTIC.  It explains the importance of reading at home, but it also gives us some creative ideas.  If your child has a favorite place to read at home, please take a picture and send me a JPG file; include your child's name, grade, and teacher.  I would like to include some of these pictures on our website.  


Research shows that children who read books for just 20 minutes a day perform better in school. Here are some great ways to get your child reading!

1. Set aside a reading time. Pick a reading time that is good for everyone. It might be before bedtime or even after homework.

2. Pick a reading place. It is important that everyone is comfortable so they can enjoy the book. Try reading in the living room, or maybe the dinner table works best.

3. Read together. One person can read the book, or people can take turns.

4. Involve and engage listeners. Before you read, point to the book’s title, author, and illustrator. Ask listeners, “What do you think the story is going to be about?” As you read, you can ask your family members what they think will happen next. And be sure to engage listeners with exciting voices!

5. Fill your home with reading materials. Place books, magazines, newspapers, cookbooks, and more throughout the house so your child is surrounded by things to read.

6. Get caught reading yourself. When your child sees you read, she will be inspired to read.

7. Older siblings read to younger siblings. By reading to a younger sibling, the reader will gain confidence.

8. Start seasonal traditions. Pick a book to read every year when your child goes back to school. You can also read the same special book during a holiday.

9. Keep favorite books around. It can be comforting for a new reader to build confidence and fluency by practicing when re-reading a favorite book.

Excerpt from http://www.scholastic.com/bookfairs/family/downloads/fg_reading_habit.pdf.  Accessed on
      August 24, 2012.

Exciting Happenings in the Library

     The first 2 days back in school have been so exciting!  Kids are engaged and working hard.  What is in the works in the library?  Check it out:

     1.  Look at the new face of our online catalog ATRIUUM.  You can see the covers of the books!

     2.  Students have been busy testing and will soon know their Accelerated Reading Levels.

     3.  We have been busy getting students set up in AR and downloaded into the patron list for ATRIUUM.    
          When this is completed, we will begin making library cards so students can start checking out books.

     4.  First and second graders read The Shelf Elf and learned basic library manners.  The third graders looked at library personalities and read Library Lion.  Fourth graders imagined a town without television; Library Lil inspired everyone to read, even the town bullies.  Fifth graders learned about figurative and descriptive language through The Library Dragon.  Monday - Wednesday, students will continue this literacy adventure.

     5.  Did an ILE student explain that there is a fire truck in the library?  Check it out Thursday night during our Open House.  I look forward to meeting you then!

     6.  Remember to look at the Pages at the top.  I will be adding some library and internet resources for your scholars to work on at home.  

READY, SET, SCHOOL!

     




There are so many books and so little time.  I love our library at ILE.  Along with me, the new librarian, there are some more changes.  We even have a fire engine reading corner for K-2!  We have a great area for the older kids to work with the smart board.  We have more AR tests and even a new Book System - Atriuum.  Soon, we will have book jacket previews when you are looking for a book.
     But someone very important is missing from the library.  That is YOU!  I can hardly wait to meet you, get to know you, and share some of my favorite book friends!  
     What have you been reading this summer?  Who have you met in the pages of a riveting book?  
     I better get busy.  You will be here very soon.  Come READY, SET, to READ!
     Mrs. Gallagher