Let the Spelling-bees Begin

The Grade 7 class had their first spelling-bee in the library last week. I chose many words from a list of words appropriate for their grade level. The students were anxious but they enjoyed the change of atmosphere that the library provided.

Before beginning, I always explain a couple of simple rules and tips:

• Say the word out loud
• Pretend you are writing on a piece of paper if it will help you
• The game is for fun!

My last rule is most important. I have this game to build the vocabulary of the students and help them become more confident with their spelling. I ask the students to all be considerate of everyone spelling, and to make sure there are no negative comments or assistance.

The students have a lot of fun taking part, and two lucky students get to go home with a prize, if they are the last ones standing.

Look-and-Find

Today, I played a game with the Grade 7 class called Look-and-Find. This games helps children increase their vocabulary and is a fun way to incorporate a writing exercise. Each student was asked to choose a book they found interesting from a table stacked with a variety of fiction and non-fiction books. They had to skim through the book, looking for unfamiliar words or descriptive words that they don't use often, and write seven words down. When the students had finished, they shared their words with class.

Increasing vocabulary has many advantages besides just being able to read and write effectively. It helps improve communications, increases self-confidence and can even contribute to building better relationships with people!

The Look-and-Find game can be adapted to different grade levels to help them with the skimming technique and adding to their own vocabulary.

A picture book about friendship

Today I read the book called "Everyone Needs a Friend" by Dubravka Kolanovic to the Kindergarten class. It teaches us about friendship and acceptance of others, which is important to instill at a very young age. This is a feel-good book with beautiful illustrations of Jack the wolf and Walter the doormouse navigating the struggles that we can sometimes face in friendships.

Look out! Spelling-Bees are coming to the Library.

A few years ago I started having spelling-bees in the library with my library classes. Grades 3-8 had a few weeks of spelling-bees where the last two students standing won chocolate bars. It is a good-natured game in a supportive environment where the kids are encouraged to participate without feeling anxious or judged. My goal is to help the children learn new words, how to spell them correctly, and also challenge them with some friendly competition.

BuzzzzZZZZzzz! And the first word is ......!

Knitting Club is filling the Library!

I am so very happy to see so many students wanting to learn to knit. The classes have begun and they are wanting to even stay in at lunchtime. So many colours of wool, the enthusiasm fills the air and they are so proud when they have completed a row of knitting. It is heart warming to see some of my last year students attending this year with their projects. Gender doesn't matter, some of my students are boys and they are interested in creating and completing a project on their own.

  Let the needles begin....

  Happy Knitting!

  Mrs. Lummiss & Karly Mitchell (student volunteer)

Would it be a snail?

The Grade 1 class was full of smiles on their little faces, ready for library class to begin today!
I shared an outstanding science book with them called "The Snail's Spell" by Joanne Ryder and pictures by Lynne Cherry. I asked the children to listen carefully to all of the words of the book because it was going to answer an important question: what is it that is in the garden? The children listen intently to the words and half way through the story most of the children had the answer. They did ask to see the front cover of the book before I began reading, but of course, I declined and told them I would tell them why at the end of the book.

Playing the riddle game and learning about this very interesting creature was informative and FUN. Did you know that small black eyes rest at the tips of the feelers of the snail? He can tuck his eyes inside his feelers and hide them from danger. Impressive!

After we talked about this creature, I shared another book with the class called "Snails" by Jen Green. This book is from a favourite series called "Nature's Children." I shared a photograph and information about the sea slug. The colourful creature is pink, white and yellow. They also had an opportunity to see a Giant African land snail, which is the biggest snail in the world.

The Grade 1 students and myself will look at the snails now knowing how unique they truly are.

Voices of the Wild

Yesterday, I shared a book with the Grade 4/5 class called "Voices of the Wild" by Jonathan London and illustrated by Wayne McLoughlin. When I read this book aloud I never tell the students what the animal is. I incorporate reading the descriptive words with the important mystery question: what am I? Students need to listen intently to the words of the book to answer the question. It is fun to hear all the different answers and to hear the excitement in the room when it is time to answer the question.

"This marvellously imagined look at man - through the eyes and vices of wild creatures - combines bold narrative with breathtaking wildlife art to create extraordinary portrayal of the North American wilderness" (inside cover of the book)

It is a fun game to play and the person reading will have as much fun as the students guessing the animal.