What has taken over the library?

Did you know that the book fair is the biggest fundraiser for the library?  With these funds we have purchased hundreds of books, the "rounds" that quiet readers get to sit on during library time, display shelves for our books, and reading program incentives.  Most of the books we purchase are at the request of teachers and align with their units of study.  These funds are also used for books that students would like to see in our library.

Teachers and students have browsed the sale and filled out their wishlists.  If you would like to see a teacher wishlist, they are available by clicking here.  When you purchase for a teacher wishlist, we provide you with a book plate that tells the teacher who gave the book gift.  Student wishlists should be in student backpacks. If you choose to send a check with your student, please make checks payable to SIA PTC.  You can also pay by credit card over the phone.

Our online sale is open until November 30 and can be accessed through this link.  All online orders ship free to the school after the order period has ended.  If you purchase online for a teacher wishlist, please let me know, so I can be sure there aren't multiple purchases of the same book. I appreciate the support of so many of the families and community members that help make the book fair so successful.

Clipboard work!

What happens when a parent donates awesome tiny clipboards?  Kids want to use them, of course!  1st graders had some clipboard time making lists of two books they have read and two books they want to read.  It wasn't just busy work, it actually helps me to know what books are a hot commodity among that age.  This in turn dictates the books I purchase for the library.  

Battle of the Books - Do you know what is going on?!?!

Feeling left out, worried, or confused about Oregon Battle of the Books (OBOB)? No worries!  I have the answers.  All OBOB info can be found at oboblsta.pbworks.com/w/page/5653620/FrontPage, but here are the basics and their timeline. 

Now: Students are reading the OBOB titles and starting to form their teams.  If your student doesn't have a team yet, don't worry!  Just keep them reading those OBOB titles.

November: Final teams will be formed.  Students will meet as a team and make sure that within their group at least every title has been read once.  They will start to memorize the titles and authors from each OBOB book. 

December: Teams will continue to read and memorize.  We will take time in library class to answer sample questions.  Teams may also meet on their own and work on sample questions (provided by me.)

January: Teams will continue to work on sample questions and prepare for the battles.

February: Local battles will be held in the library at lunch time.  Each team will get to battle twice and then their team score will be added together to determine who will be representing SIA at the regional battle held in March. 

What does a team look like?  Each team consists of 5 members.  One of those members is an alternate.  Each member of the team should read as many titles as they can.  If that is 2 titles, then that is perfect!  If students don't have a team, we have plenty of students that are looking for a team and we will be sure that every student that wants to participate can. Teams can be made up of different grade levels within the OBOB levels (3-5 grades, 6-8 grades.) 

What does a local battle look like?  During lunch recess, students will come to the library for their battle.  Other students are encouraged to attend so they can cheer on the teams.  Alternates will participate in the battles with their teams (this is different at the regional level.)  Alternating questions will be given to each team about the OBOB books.  Points are awarded by correctly answering questions, including the title and author of the book.  

Still confused?  Please post a question in the comments section and I will do my best to help! 

Here are some links to access to some practice questions for the 3-5 and 6-8 battles.  A parent from Scappoose School District has put this together.  Thanks Erin! If you would like access to add questions to the spreadsheet, please let me know.  

Book orders due Sunday, October 26.

Interested in placing a Scholastic order? I will be closing the order out on Sunday, October 26. Use code LL8LH or follow this link (http://bit.ly/1FDNR8O) to access the online ordering area. Please submit your payment online. If you have any questions, please contact me at thayes@sauvieislandacademy.org.  You can order for ages PreK-12th grade.  

Want to say the sentence, "Sure you can go online!"

Technology provides us with access to so many things.  Trying to find something great for your student?  Have you tried www.wegivebbooks.org?  There are TONS of books that can be read online. You can search for books by author, genre, age, and more. If you have kids at home during the school day, join We Give Books on October 21 for Read for the Record.  We will be reading for the record in the K-2 classrooms.

Your kiddo can never use the excuse, "I don't have anything to read" ever again!

Mr. Radich's shelfie

To promote our upcoming Literacy night, we are collecting "shelfies".  What is a shelfie, you ask?  A shelfie is a selfie with you in front of your bookshelf.  Students (past, present and future), parents, pets: Grab your phone/camera/iPod and snap a shelfie.  Send it to me at thayes@sauvieislandacademy.org or post it to the SIA Library Facebook page.  Then, join us October 23 from 6pm-7pm to see our awesome shelfie display!

1st grade became illustrators today!

Our 1st graders had an awesome time learning to draw their favorite Mo Willems characters, Elephant and Piggie.  We read the book, "A Big Guy Took My Ball" and then used the step by step directions to create our own Elephant and Piggie.  They are quite the artists!  Follow this link to access the step by step directions.