Thursday, December 20, 2018

Happy Holidays to All!

December is another quick-moving month. We’ve been busy with our library traditions. 4th and 5th graders have been doing Reader’s Theater, which is a great way to tempt students who might be a little reluctant to try a little acting as well as practice their reading fluency. Every year, I end up being surprised when one of our quieter students steals the show with a legendary performance. 3rd graders have been exploring classic myths to go along with their study of Ancient Rome. 2nd graders have just been introduced to Type to Learn, an online keyboarding tutor to help them improve their typing skills. Also, all of our K-3 friends have been enjoying the Library Reading Tree. Students unwrap books so that Mrs. Graser and I can read holiday and winter stories “on the spot”.
Speaking of reading (and when am I not)…are you looking for an awesome holiday tradition to start with your family? Consider Jolabokaflod, (pronounced “Yo-La-Bok-A Flot”) which means “Christmas Book Flood”. It is the Icelandic custom of giving books as gifts and then cozying up to read them on Christmas Eve. What a wonderful way to encourage reading as a family activity as well as build a great home library.  Studies have shown a strong connection between students’ book ownership and their reading ability, motivation, and academic achievement. Books are gifts that keep on giving the whole year through…
That’s all for now…from our Library family to yours….Happy Holidays and Happy New Year!
Don’t forget to READ4FUN!

Mrs. Abbott