October Newsletter 2023
~THE IMPORTANCE OF THE FAMILY READ ALOUD~
As a teacher-librarian, I'm enthusiastic about explaining why families should continue reading aloud to children, even when they can read independently. Reading aloud nurtures imagination, strengthens family bonds, and models a lifelong love for books. It enhances language skills, introduces complex concepts, and can incorporate STEM/STEAM themes. By engaging children in shared stories, parents foster a passion for reading, expand vocabulary, and open doors to new horizons. So, keep those books open and the tradition alive, because reading aloud is a gift that keeps on giving, promoting literacy, and sparking lifelong learning. 📚✨
For older students, the school just purchased an illustrated copy of
The Golden Compass by Philip Pullman, which would make an excellent read-aloud.
~Wondering what day
your child has library?~
It recently occurred to me that you may not be aware of when your child visits the school library to exchange books. Therefore, I've decided to create a graphic.
Since I have two young children in elementary school, each with library visits on different days, I created a calendar reminder on my phone to remind me the day before and the day of that books need to be returned after a maximum of 2 weeks (books can always be renewed if more time is needed to finish them).
In addition to your child's scheduled library visit, the library is also open every day at lunch and after school for students to return and exchange their library books
~ New BOOKS ~
A small sample of new books added to the collection this month. See the full collection here.
A World Full of Spooky Stories
by Angela McAllister
by Dan Gemeinhart
by Matthew Burgess
by Katie O'Neil
~ LIBRARY VOLUNTEERS ~
The school library has a small team of amazing volunteers but we are looking for one or two more to help in the mornings or afternoons. All library volunteers must have a criminal record check on file at the school before volunteering. If you think you might like to volunteer feel free to stop by the library or reach out via email at christopher_lister@sd33.bc.ca
~SCOLASTIC BOOK FAIR~
📚 Exciting News for Parents! 📚
Get ready for an enchanting literary adventure at our annual Scholastic Book Fair, happening from Monday, Oct 16th through Thursday, Oct 19th, including the early dismissal afternoon.
At our fair, your young readers will discover the latest graphic novels, captivating nonfiction, and engaging chapter books tailored to elementary-aged children. 🌟
Foster a love for reading and support your child's literacy journey, as books are available starting at just $7.00. 📖 All proceeds of the fair will go towards purchasing new books for the library.
Join us and fuel your child's imagination through the magic of books! 📚✨
~SCHOLASTIC BOOK FAIR VOLUNTEER SIGN-UP~
The Scholastic Book Fair will be returning to Strathcona once again this Fall. From Monday, October 16th through Thursday, October 19th the fair will be set up in the library. Students will have a little time during the school day to view and purchase from the fair, but it will also be open after school each day and during the 1/2 day set aside for parent-student-teacher conferences on Thursday, October 16th. Closer to the date a schedule will be released that details exactly when the fair is open as well as a call out for parent volunteers with existing criminal record checks on file at the school to help out.
If you think you may have time to volunteer, then please click on the document opposite and enter your contact information.
~BOOK CARE: WATER BOTTLES~
This video serves as a cheerful reminder to ensure the proper care of books borrowed from the school library.
It is crucial to store and transport these books within a protective 'second skin,' such as a book bag (available for purchase at the library for just $1) or a similar water-resistant bag.
~THE SCHOOL LIBRARY IS FOR GROWN UPS TOO~
Besides serving as an invaluable resource for students, the school library extends its welcoming doors to adults as well. Should you intend to frequent the library, I can facilitate the creation of an account for you, much like the process at a public library. This school library offers an excellent selection of chapter books suitable for family read-aloud sessions, as well as a diverse assortment of picture books perfect for nightly bedtime stories with your children.
~Podcast Spotlight~
Figuring out truth from lies is getting trickier and trickier these days, even for adults. So learning how to weed out deception is a critical skill all kids need to learn as soon as possible. This podcast, which is set up like a game show, makes the process fun by having two “experts” discuss a current topic, like computer hacking or roller coaster safety. Kids then have to decide which person is telling the truth and which is lying. Parents can play along with their children, trying to figure out together what is “fake news” and learn tips on how to identify it in the future. Children of all ages will enjoy the guessing game, but kids ages eight to 14 will get the most out of it.
View other podcast recommendations here
~Book Review~
Rainbow Grey written and illustrated by Laura Ellen Anderson
Type: Chapter Book
Genre: Fantasy
Grades: Grades 3+
Pages: 304
Published: 2021
Introducing an enchanting new series by acclaimed writer and illustrator, Laura Ellen Anderson!
Residing in the wondrous realm of the Weatherlands, young Ray Grey, aged ten, finds herself amidst Weatherlings who possess extraordinary control over the elements. However, there's one significant difference - Ray possesses no magical abilities!
Everything changes for Ray after a journey to Earth. In an extraordinary transformation, she evolves from being Ray Grey to becoming the vibrant RAINBOW GREY! Assisted by her closest companions and the lively cloud cat, Nim, Ray's mission now entails mastering her newfound powers and embarking on a quest to protect the world from an enigmatic, formidable adversary...
Themes: Nature and animal stories, Magical realism, Friends and friendships, Environment and sustainability
~COOL TOOLS & GAMES~
~BOOK DONATIONS~
The school library will gladly take any children's books you would like to donate only if they are in excellent used condition.
If you would like to purchase new books for the library this is a link to the school library's Amazon Wish List
~BOOKS FOR BABIES~
We are thrilled to continue our "Books for Babies" program again this year. This heartwarming initiative is designed to celebrate the arrival of new additions to our Strathcona School community, whether through birth or adoption. When a new baby joins our Strathcona family, we will be gifting a special package that includes a cherished book. We believe that fostering a love for reading from the very beginning is a wonderful way to celebrate the joy of learning and strengthen our community bonds. We look forward to sharing the magic of books with our newest members and hope this program will be a source of delight and inspiration for all.
Welcome to Strathcona, where reading is not just a passion; it's a tradition!
If you know a Strathcona family that qualifies for the Books for Babies package, then please contact the library.
~Strathcona's Little Free Library~
Strathcona Elementary is a proud supporter of community literacy!
WHAT IS A LITTLE FREE LIBRARY?
A Little Free Library is a free book exchange. It belongs to everyone, and everyone can use it!
TAKE BOOKS
If you see something you would like to read, take it. When you’re finished, share it with a friend, bring it back here, or leave it in another Little Free Library.
GIVE BOOKS
It’s up to everyone to keep this Library full of good reads! Bring books to share when you can, and continue being a friend of Little Free Libraries everywhere!
Strathcona's Little Free Library will be rolled out at the back of the school at the end of each school day. It will return to the school after supervision ends.
~POSITIVITY - INSPIRATION - JOY~
Meet Meg Crofoot, a primate researcher on Barro Colorado Island at the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute (STRI) in Panama. Meg studies intergroup competition in white‐faced capuchin monkeys (Cebus capucinus) by tracking them through radio telemetry collars and observing their behaviors.