Stone Soup

We are so very lucky to have our library near the Kindergarten classrooms. Last week, they read Stone Soup. Then, they felt sorry for us having to smell the delicious aroma wafting through the hallways! Here's our reward for that:

YUM!!!

A New Librarian Means New Library Procedures and Arrangements

Since I started working here at Kerr Elementary School, many changes have occurred in the library. One way it has changed is the way the library was arranged. This is the fourth library I have served and I enjoy setting up my teaching and learning spaces in a way that are sensible and useful to me. I don't like to come into a new place and just turn it topsy-turvy for no reason at all, though. I waited a few weeks before I started making any changes because I wanted to see how the library was being used before I made any changes.

Quickly, I learned that the way the library was arranged was confusing for me and areas could be arranged for better use by more people. For example, We now have all of our Everybody picture books in just two sections of the library vs. being shelved in several different areas.We also moved our sign-in station to a cart next to the E section (pictured below on the right). This alleviated the congestion at the library door when students were coming and going.

Everybody section with Nonfiction section behind it on the wall

The rug area below is now called the Cougar's Den. I like to have a cozy story area where children can sit or lay on a carpet or rug and listen to lively stories and learn new things. The bookcases surrounding it are filled with books that are below the 350 Lexile level books (old AR 1.9 and below levels). This makes it easy for Kindergartners, 1st and 2nd graders to find books that are just right for them to read.Older kids who are reading and learning on those levels don't have to feel weird about going to those shelves because we've made it a cool space from which to choose your favorite book.The kids love this area! I foresee many fun activities in our future.

Cougar's Den with the Quiet Room and Fiction sections behind it

 Books that are young adult theme or Lexile level are placed in what are now known as the Tween Shelves.

I've enjoyed working in my new library home and hope that the new arrangements and sections make it easier for everyone to find just what they are looking for!

Veterans Day Studies at the Kerr Cougar Library

All of our students enjoyed watching the "History of Veterans Day" video published by the History Channel or listening to Ms. Sloggett read a nonfiction book about Veterans Day. We were lucky enough to have plenty of books about armor, military equipment and transportation, and veterans to go around for the last couple of weeks.

Our PE teacher, Sgt. Bodden  and Corporal Nease, Ms. Sloggett's son-in-law, let us display their dress uniforms. Mr. Bodden's is the green Army coat on the left and Mr. Nease's is the black Marine coat on the right. The students were extremely impressed with the medals these heroes earned while in the service of their country.

Students learned how to recognize a veteran, why Veterans Day is important, and how to thank a veteran. Many students shook hands with Mr. Bodden and another veteran who works at our Kerr, Captain Johnson.

Several of our students attended the Veterans Day Parade held in Tulsa on Tuesday, November 11th. We wish to thank all veterans for their service and we are proud to have them represent our country.

Halloween and Drug Awareness Week at Kerr

Last week was extraordinarily busy at Kerr Elementary. We had a dress-up day every day to try and inform our students about the dangers of drugs and alcohol. One day was "Super Heroes Don't Do Drugs" and many students dressed up as superheroes that day. Here are a couple of pictures of visitors in the library:

In addition to Drug Awareness Week, it was Halloween. Someone on our staff started "Boo-ing" people with a cute little gift and note. Mrs. Holcomb and I both were "booed" and received nice gifts from an anonymous source which was really a spirit-lifter! Here is the gift basket I received and a picture of the little ghost sign that I had to put out on the library door so that others would know that I had been "booed". Such a fun tradition!

At our school, the staff belong to support groups that have been developed to support each other and to encourage all of the staff at our school. One support group came around and posted positive and encouraging quotes on our doors. Here are the two that were placed on the library door for me and Mrs. Holcomb. We were surprised and cheered to have these placed in our honor. Thank you!

Kerr Cougars ROCK!