Computer programming...yah, we do that!

Our 8th grade class wrote over 1,900 lines of code yesterday during their Technology Enrichment class.  Using Code.org's Intro to Computer Programming course, each student worked their way up through the first few levels.  In June, we will calculate which Enrichment class (6,7, or 8) wrote the most lines of code during their quarter of Tech Class and we will celebrate with a treat. 







Don't have a student in my Tech class?  You can still join in the coding fun!  Use this link (http://studio.code.org/join/GPZKTP)to sign your student up for the Intro to Computer Programming Course.  It is entertaining and easy to do with video introductions to each new step.  The characters. like Angry Birds or PvZ Zombies keep kids engaged. 

Hour of Code Week 12/8-12/14 - "Don't just consume things, create things."- President Obama

This is one of the coolest weeks of the year!  What?!?!?  You haven't heard of the Hour of Code Week?  Well, let me tell you all about it. 

Launched in 2013, Code.org® is a non-profit dedicated to expanding participation in computer science by making it available in more schools, and increasing participation by women and underrepresented students of color. Our vision is that every student in every school should have the opportunity to learn computer science. We believe computer science and computer programming should be part of the core curriculum in education, alongside other science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) courses, such as biology, physics, chemistry and algebra. (code.org/about)

There are so many awesome and fun activities to help your child (or you) learn the basics of coding. Check out the site below for walk-throughs and more!
Khan Academy
Code.org
Hopscotch App
LightBot App
More apps

Another reason I love my job!

As I sit at the orthodontist while my son gets his braces taken off, my inbox is inundated with work stuff. First an email from Darla with links to an awesome reading campaign going on throughout the state, quickly followed by Sarah's amazing resource for finding great leveled books. How annoying... right? I mean, I took the day off! NO WAY! I love that I work in a place where everyone shares and watches out for those around them. Where teachers mentor others and meet together to find the best outcome for every student. Where links and articles are shared and someone steps in during their lunch so you can take a bathroom break. Where someone will give up their spot at a conference so another can attend. Where everyone wants everyone else to have successes and moments they reflect on that make them smile. I am so thankful for every one of these people that exemplify the qualities I am trying to teach my own children.

Read and enter for your chance to win a POSTER!!

Our Win a Poster reading incentive is going on now until December 19. The rules are simple, read a book, get a ticket, enter to win the poster of your choice.  Of course, if you read to your student that counts!  Students can receive their tickets during their library time or recess. 

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. 

Kindergarten loves tech class!

Every other week the Kinders join me in the computer lab for Tech Time.  We have been working on mouse skills.  Most children don't have the dexterity to be able to move, click, and drag a mouse.  They are doing awesome and our first group moved on to using these new skills to make pizzas, cakes, and even robots!  One of the best sites to work on these skills is abcya.com.  Choose grade K and then scroll down to "more" to find activities that continue to support mouse skills.  There are so many educational games on this site, you might find a favorite too!

Banned books and more!

It has been an exciting day in and out of the library.  Before any power outages, the other half of the 4th grade class worked on their "animals should not borrow library books" lesson.  They came up with some great ideas!  Check them out here!

Celebrating Banned Books Week: Our 5-8 grades had a visit from Kate Hudson from the Multnomah County Library.  She presented "Feasting on the Forbidden Fruit."  This presentation was about censorship and banned/challenged books.  The students were shocked to learn some of their favorite titles (even some that have been read aloud in a class) were on that banned/challenged list.  Students went through titles that Kate brought with her to figure out why they thought it might have been on the list of banned/challenged books.  Want a great conversation?  Ask them their thoughts about banned books!

An animal should not borrow library books because...

We read "Animals should definitely not wear clothing" in class today and adapted it to our own library.  4th graders know why animals should not borrow library books!  See what they came up with.  

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0BzQltm5fJBpCeHVqVUpKN3pxN242X29ZQjk3RDJuRVIzaVUw/edit?usp=sharing

The readers of 1st grade!

Our first grade class got caught reading!  We used the last 5 minutes of library time to practice our SSR (sustained silent reading.)  Great job First Grade!!

We are safe, respectful, and responsible in the Library

The first week of library has been AWESOME!!  Students K-8 were instructed in the expectations in the library and as a library patron.  Being safe, respectful, and responsible is our first priority.  Each class came up with great examples of how to accomplish the "big 3."  We also practiced using shelf markers to be sure that books were put back in the right places after browsing.  K-5 grades had our pal, SkippyJon Jones, help us learn about how to keep our books safe.  Ask your student if they remember the "5 Book Care Rules".  This week 347 books have been checked out of the library! Thanks for sharing your readers with me!

Welcome to the SIA Library Blog!

I am so excited for a new school year.  I enjoyed my summer and spending time with my kids, but I missed all those other little kids that don't live at my house.

I have been able to read a lot this summer and find some great additions to our library.  I am looking forward to scheduling library times with the teachers and always love to have parents come volunteer.  See you at the BBQ and then stop in on the first day to say hi!