Learning in the Kent Library

'Techno Petting Zoo' Arrives @ Kent

2012-02-25T23:14:00.002-08:00

'For the Love of Books' continues at Kent School with a closer look at how technology supports all kinds of reading. Have you ever wondered how to get an eBook ? or what it's like to read a book on an electronic device ? We were wondering too, so we signed up for the FVRL 'Techno Petting Zoo' workshop. It's pretty easy !

There were no lions, tigers, or bears in the school library on Wednesday afternoon, but there were a lot of young readers, teachers, and parents all eager to learn how to access free ebooks and audiobooks from the Fraser Valley Regional Library. Yes, it's free with your library card [and that's free, too].

FVRL - Agassiz Branch supervisor Terrill Scott delivered a helpful workshop to our intermediate students and their teachers, guiding us through the steps of accessing, requesting, downloading, and reading an eBook or audiobook from British Columbia Libraries to Go. Thanks, Terrill.

Terrill showed us how ebooks and audiobooks can be delivered via the FVRL web site to a variety of electronic devices. Our students couldn't wait to get their hands on the iPad, iPod, smart phone, and ebook readers. Thanks to Mr. and Mrs. Turner for loaning us their Kobo eReader to 'play around with' for the week. Mrs. Dumas is reading Lois Peterson's book, The Ballad of Knuckles McGraw on the Kobo and Mr. Gallamore's students are reading the same book on an iPad.

Well, even if there were no lions, tigers, or bears in the school library we still had a roaring good time. Thanks, Terrill, for the workshop and all the great prizes and books which you brought for the kids.

Happy eReading !

Mrs. Dumas

What Will Our Students Be Reading Next ?

2012-02-22T21:37:00.003-08:00

Students from Ms.Exley's and Mrs. Gallamore's classes were searching the library for books they will read someday soon. We call it 'book shopping' and much like book-store shopping our young readers kept track of their future reads by recording titles and authors on their Someday Reading List.

We also learned how to preview books by reading the jacket summary, the author information, and the reviews that are often provided. These simple skills help young readers become more confident and independent when making book choices.

These two boys found books about ocean life and sea animals.

Looking at book covers helps young readers make book choice.

We bought a lot of new books this year.

Write down the title of the book and the author's name.

Clipboards help us write our 'Someday Reading List'.

Students and teachers talk about authors and illustrators.

We are all readers :)

So what are you reading next ?

Happy reading !

Mrs. Dumas

Intermediate Grades 'Read-In' Feb 2012

2012-02-22T20:52:00.002-08:00

Read-In Feb 2012, a photo set on Flickr. Play a slideshow of our pictures by clicking the coloured text and then the slideshow button. The pics have been edited with Picnik, a fun, free web tool.

A great afternoon of book fun. Thanks to our PAC for organizing and buying the cookies + milk that were served to all of our students. The milk was donated by Island Farms dairy, and the cookies were purchased from Sardis Bakery. The kids and staff loved the snack.
Happy reading !
Mrs. Dumas

Kent School Afternoon Read-In

2012-02-21T22:24:00.002-08:00

Happy children reading books @ the Kent School library.
Kick back and get comfortable with a good book.

VIP Readers @ Kent Elementary School

2012-02-17T09:50:00.001-08:00

Today was our third and final visit from local 'VIP Readers' who came into the school to read to our students. Students and staff enjoyed the variety of stories, the talk about books, and the fun of being read to.

Mr. John VanLaerhoven - Mayor, District of Kent : Reading about hockey and a funny animal 'farm team'.

Mrs. Roxanne Watson - High School Teacher and Past Principal of Kent Elementary School : Sharing books with exceptional illustration and artistry. Where are the paints ?

Mr. Chris Wejr - Principal, Kent Elementary School : Reading about survival on the high seas.

Thanks to all of our community 'VIP Readers' who came to our school to read aloud to our students.

'For the Love of Books'

continues with a full schedule of fun, book-related events for next week...

Monday - afternoon 'read in' with all grades - bring your book!

Tuesday - this year's new books in the library - find your next read !

Wednesday - 'techno petting zoo' [GR 4-6] how to load FVRL ebooks

Thursday - ebooks for our primary students - FVRL BookFlix

Friday - read with a buddy & character dress up day

Happy reading !

Mrs. Dumas

First VIP Readers Visit Kent School Today

2012-02-13T20:33:00.000-08:00

Who will the VIP Readers for today be ?

Students from Kent School heard local VIPs read today. This was the first of three days of sharing stories, talking books, and meeting people from the community that like to read.

Who were the VIPs today ?

Ms. Terrill Scott - Fraser Valley Regional Library [FVRL] Branch Supervisor, Agassiz Public Library

Dr. Karen Nelson - Superintendent of Schools, Fraser Cascade School District #78

Mr. Jim Turner - Teacher-in-Charge, Kent Elementary School

Thanks for sharing your love of books with our students.

Happy reading !

Mrs. Dumas

Book Swap Readers Sweep Tables Clean

2012-02-13T20:11:00.000-08:00

Our intermediate students swapped for so many books that there are only 8 books left. We had a great time, every student left with a book, and the library is now a library again. A big thank you to the teachers who brought their students, the parents who sent the books, the kids who hauled the bags of books into the library, and the grade six students who volunteered as 'checkout clerks'. Thanks Hannah, Amanda, and Jessica. We couldn't have done this without you !

Happy Reading !

Mrs. Dumas

BONE Graphic Novel Book Winners

2012-02-13T20:04:00.000-08:00

Can you believe it ? Primary students swept the BONE graphic novel book draws. Congratulations Sam, Adam, and Nora. Enjoy your books ! Thanks to the kids who brought these books in for the book swap.

Have you read any of the BONE books, by Jeff Smith ?

Happy reading !

Mrs. Dumas

Free Book Swap for Our Youngest Readers

2012-02-10T23:10:00.000-08:00

For the Love of Books @ Kent School

Kent School had an amazing turnout for our Book Swap this week. Thursday afternoon saw students in kindergarten, grades 1, 2, and 3 shopping for free books. We estimated there were 150 picture books for the young readers. Everyone had fun choosing books and reading in the library. Tabletops, shelves and boxes were filled with so many books.

A big thank you to the parents, students, teachers, and friends of the school library who donated books. Thank you !!

Book Swap Donations Pile Up !

2012-02-02T20:15:00.000-08:00

Students and parents are bringing books into the library for the Free Book Swap, Feb 9 & 10. The books are arriving in backpacks, grocery bags, and cloth shopping bags. We have a great selection - board books, picture books, chapter books, and nonfiction. We have been so busy taking books into the library that we have lost count. Drop by the library and check out the books. Which ones will you trade for ?

Books in = Books out

Book Swap = Book Recycling

Happy reading !

Mrs. Dumas

For the Love of Books Ready for Kickoff !

2012-01-30T21:08:00.000-08:00

Kent School is ready to begin a one month literacy initiative called

'For the Love of Books'.

We have a month of book-related activities scheduled, with many ways for students of all ages to read, talk, and learn about great books, great authors, and great stories. Check the bulletin board outside the library door to follow the events. A few highlights...

Free Kids Book Swap - February 9 & 10 Drop off your books @ the school library anytime this week and watch the books pile up ! Books in = books out. Please remember to ask your parents first.

Amazing Authors on the Web - February 6 Surf the very best author and illustrator web sites.

VIP Readers - February 13, 15, 16 Who will it be ?

School-wide 'Read In' - February 20 Milk + cookies too !

Technology Petting Zoo - FVRL eBooks - February 22 Learn about ebooks and how to load them on your digital devices. Parents welcome !

Book character dress-up day - February 24 Can you guess ?

iPAC demo - February 27 & 28 Learn how to search the library catalogue from the school computer network and from your home computer. Parents welcome !

Canadian author Julie Lawson visits Kent School !!! We are so excited to welcome Julie Lawson to our school, to learn about how she writes books, and have her share her stories with us. If you have copies of her books bring them along to have her sign them. We have a stack of her books in the school library for everyone to read. Read one before she comes and join in the book talk.

For the love of books - fun all February long.

Happy reading !

Mrs. Dumas

FVRL - Agassiz Branch Hosts Family Literacy Day Evening Event

2012-01-24T21:06:00.000-08:00

The Agassiz Branch of the Fraser Valley Regional Library is hosting an evening event on Friday, January 27 to celebrate our national Family Literacy Day. Their web site invites all families to join in the fun.

Family Literacy Day: Celebrate Together

Friday, Jan 27^th - 6:30pm-8:00pm Agassiz Library

It's the library after hours as we celebrate thewonder of books, reading and family - all at once! We will do a booklaunch for the winners of the Storytime in the Park summer book writingcontest. There will be a special library scavenger hunt for any families daringenough to try their hand at it. Refreshments and background music will make fora great family evening. All welcome, drop in.

Sounds like fun. See you there.
Happy reading !
Mrs. Dumas

Family Literacy Day Next Week

2012-01-21T09:43:00.000-08:00

January 27 is Canada's Family Literacy Day.!

What is your family planning
for this national celebration
of reading and learning ?
This year's theme is 'Learning happens in everything we do'.

We invite families to drop in to the school library on Friday, January 27 anytime from 1:00-2:30

to read, play, and build together.

Please join us.

See you there. Spread the news. Bring a family.

Happy Reading !

Mrs. Dumas

Snow Day @ Kent School January 2012

2012-01-19T16:37:00.001-08:00

Snow Day @ Kent School January 2012, a set on Flickr.
Click on the blue/purple text, then click on flickr slideshow button.

January brought cold winter weather to Agassiz. Four snow days kept students and teachers away from school. What did the school grounds look like during these days? What were you doing on the snow days?I hope you found a little time for reading.
Stay warm.
Mrs. Dumas

Snow Day Books @ Kent School Library

2012-01-18T07:43:00.000-08:00

We have a lovely selection of 'snow day' books in the school library.

Two classic picture books about snow……

A few newer books on a snow theme….

Try a few non-fiction titles about snow….

Reading happens everywhere, even on snowy days.

Happy Reading!

Mrs. Dumas

Snow Day + Books = Family Literacy

2012-01-17T07:11:00.000-08:00

School may be closed, due to extreme weather, but literacy and learning continue. Reading happens everywhere.

snuggle up with a warm blanket and a good book
make a meal together
read a recipe and bake
put on a play of your favourite folktale
make some sock puppets and put on a puppet show
make a 'fort' with the couch cushions and read with a flashlight
sing your favourite family songs
visit the FVRL website and try some reading fun with BookFlix or Tumblebooks.

Stay warm.
Happy Reading !
Mrs. Dumas

Canada's Family Literacy Day - Jan 27

2012-01-14T10:31:00.000-08:00

National Family Literacy Day is coming !

Take the Learning Journey for Family Literacy Day !

Learning happens in everything we do.

What does literacy and leaning look like ?

What is Family Literacy Day ?
Will you join in ?

"Family Literacy Dayis a national awareness initiative created by

ABC Life Literacy Canada in 1999 and heldannually on January 27 to raise awareness of the importance of reading andengaging in other literacy-related activities as a family.

Morethan 1.5 million Canadians have already participated in the initiative sinceits debut. Taking time every day to read or do a learning activity withchildren is crucial to a child’s development. Even just 15 minutes a day canimprove a child’s literacy skills dramatically, and can help a parent improvetheir skills as well."

Canadian Children's Book Centre, "About Family Literacy Day".

Kent School Celebrates Family Literacy Day

Will you be there ?

Drop into the Kent School library Friday, January 27 from 1:00 - 2:30 pm, with yourfamily and read, play, build, and soak up the literacy atmosphere as KentSchool celebrates Family Literacy Day.

See youthere. Spread the news. Bring a family.

Happy Reading!

Mrs. Dumas

Historical Fiction - What is it ?

2012-01-04T16:25:00.000-08:00

Students in Mr. Penner's class will begin a literacy study using historical fiction books this month. So, what is historical fiction and why do teachers use this genre to teach ? Wikipedia defines the genre this way.....

"Historical fiction tells a story that is set in the past. That setting is usually real and drawn from history, and often contains actual historical persons, but the main characters tend to be fictional."

"Historical fiction presents readers with a story that takes place during a notable period in history, and usually during a significant event in that period. Historical fiction often presents actual events from the point of view of fictional people living in that time period."

Teachers use historical fiction [HF] for many reasons but two key reasons are that HF gives students a richer understanding of the past, and helps students learn to view issues and historical events from different viewpoints. Many teachers use HF to enrich a Social Studies theme or when examining the history of a current world event.

We have many historical fiction books in the Kent School library. The DEAR Canada series, written by notable Canadian authors, is an interesting collection of stories about Canadian history told through the diary format, giving our elementary students a glimpse into the lives of children who lived through various time periods in our country's past. Each book is extensively researched to be both historically accurate and entertaining. Many of these books have been awarded the Geoffrey Bilson Award for Historical Fiction for Young People.

The Scott O'Dell Award for Historical Fiction is another prestigious award given for outstanding HF for children and young adults.

Many adults also enjoy reading historical fiction. Do you ?

Happy Reading !

Mrs. Dumas

Books New and Old @ the Bookman

2012-01-02T13:56:00.000-08:00

Many of our students will have been given books for Christmas. Lucky kids !

Whether books to read themselves or to share with parents books make a lovely gift. Did you know that the Fraser Valley is served by a unique and affordable alternative for book purchasing ? The Bookman, on Wellington Avenue in 'old' Chilliwack, is worth a visit if you have never been there. They offer a wide range of books and have quite a big collection of used books for all ages.

Shoppers can buy books outright, or trade in their own used books for book credits which can be banked for later shopping. The book credits can be used for a percentage of new book purchases. Kent School Library has an account, so if you or someone you know would like to dedicate book credits to our account go ahead. Please and Thank You !

We were recently gifted $100.00 worth of book credits and used them to buy Nancy Drew books for our avid mystery book readers.

Take a look at The Bookman web site.
Happy Reading !
Mrs. Dumas

War Horse Book + Movie

2011-12-29T22:26:00.000-08:00

The film adaptation of the book War Horse, written by British author Michael Morpurgo, has arrived. If you have read the book I think you will agree that the film truly captures the story; all of the major events of the story are there on screen. The story is told in the horse's voice which some may find reminiscent of Black Beauty. The story is powerful in text, very powerful on screen, and not a Disney tale of boy and pony. For students who have an interest in military history, who love horses, and who have the maturity to view some of the realities of war then War Horse is a fine choice. Of course, read the book first. We have one copy in the school library, and it is in the FVRL system. If it sounds like a good match for you or a young reader you know go ahead and enjoy this great book. I am already a big fan of Morpurgo.

It is the story of a horse and the young man who loves him. The publisher's summary reads this way….

"In 1914, a beautiful foal with a distinctive cross on his nose is sold to the Army and thrust into the midst of the war on the Western front. But his heart aches for Albert, the farmer's son he left behind. Will he ever see his true master again?"

Michael Morpurgo has a long list of book titles to his credit, many of which are about animals. Listen to his interview with CBC Books. Don't be confused by his reference to the London stage production of the story. His web site is also a fun stop on your internet ramble. His book Kensuke's Kingdom is another great choice for the intermediate grade reader [and parent]. It is one of my favourite books to recommend.

I have entered a random draw, which CBC Books is offering, for a signed copy of War Horse. Hope we win.
Happy Reading !
Mrs. Dumas

Christmas Holiday Reading

2011-12-21T20:19:00.000-08:00

What are you reading during the holiday ?
Post the titles you are reading in the comment box and we can build a 'Holiday Reading List' to share.

Happy Reading !

Mrs. Dumas

PS Read the comments below to see what other holiday readers are reading. Thanks for sharing.

I must admit I am reading 3 books this week; War Horse, by Michael Morpurgo; Fish, by Gregory Mone; and Canada From Above: A Photo Journey, by Canadian author Heather Patterson. Plus I have a small pile of books on the kitchen counter that I might read next week. The movie version of War Horse is coming out in theatres this coming week so I want to be ready for that. Canada From Above is an amazing collection of high arial photos of Canada. I hope to use it with our grade three classes in January. Mrs. D

Students Present Research Projects

2011-12-12T16:13:00.000-08:00

Students in Ms. Home's grade 1 + 2 class were proud to present their Ocean Animals projects in the Kent School library this week. Each student chose an animal, from the ocean habitat, to learn about; they worked hard, learned a great deal, and were ready to share their learning. Take a look at the slideshow of student presentations on the right side of this blog page. Congratulations to all the children who worked so hard on their research.

Student research, sometimes referred to as inquiry, is a very important part of 21st century learning. Knowing how to formulate questions, seek accurate and relevant information, pull information together into a final product, present what has been learned, and reflect on the learning and process of research are key features of research in the information age we live in.

The British Columbia Teacher Librarians' Association has recently published a new graphic to accompany their student research model called, 'The Points of Inquiry'. The model is used to teach children how to plan, investigate, and create a research project. In a world saturated with information, we need to be information literate. Through research and inquiry our students learn to....

1. Connect & Wonder = make connections to the world around them by thinking about what they already know about a topic, ask questions related to the topic, choose questions and topics of study which interests them

2. Investigate = locate and select information which is relevant to their topic and written at their level. They learn the difference between fact and fiction, learn how to read non-fiction texts, and use technology where appropriate

3. Construct = organize their information into a presentation format, consider their audience, and use creative technology tools

4. Express = share their learning with small and large audiences, using a variety of formats

5. Reflect = think about what did and did not work in their research, express what they learned, apply what worked in future inquiries, and celebrate their successes

Students at Kent School are learning how to research important questions and become information literate.

Happy non-fiction reading !

Mrs. Dumas

They Did it Again !

2011-12-12T15:16:00.000-08:00

They did it again.

Two friends + 3 books x 2 = reading fun !

Are there any more reading buddies @ Kent School ?

Happy Reading !

Mrs. Dumas

Read-Aloud With Strong Start Families

2011-12-10T20:03:00.000-08:00

Every Friday afternoon, at 1:00pm, our Strong Start families come to the Kent School library for a story read-aloud. You will find us sitting on the carpet getting as close as we can to the pictures; reading words, touching pictures and asking questions. This week we read A Sick Day for Amos McGee, which tells a lovely story of friendship and care of a sick friend. The soft pastel illustrations earned artist Erin Stead the prestigious Caldecott Medal for best picture book illustration in 2010. Take a close look and you will see why.

The very best picture books combine print and illustration for a true literary experience. Commonly set at a mere 32 pages, picture books draw the reader in and lead them on a journey which may be familiar or wildly imaginative. Sharing picture books with a child can be a fun pastime, a relaxing daily routine, and a surefire way to build language and understanding of how books work.

Picture books are located in the Easy Books [E] area of the library. Not all picture books are intended for young readers and some will call picture books [E] for Everyone. Many fine authors and illustrators write for an older audience and use the picture book form to weave a story of text and illustration telling more complex stories. Try these two books for a start...

Chris Van Alsburg's Jumanji, and

Henry's Freedom Box, by Ellen Levine.

Happy reading !
Mrs. Dumas

Questions Foster Curiosity and Wonder

2011-12-06T19:48:00.000-08:00

Young learners are curious about the world around them. They have questions about the natural world and about the people they meet. They wonder about the way we live in Canada and how other people around the world live.

Who hasn't met a child who is always asking question ? Questions provide a window into the child's thinking and can roadmap a wonderful journey of learning for children and parents alike. A prominent researcher in the field of childhood autism explained how her young child was curious about asphalt, and so the family embarked on a journey of becoming experts on road construction, building materials, and asphalt. Childhood curiosity can become a springboard to learning in amazing and unexpected ways.
Edison, the famous inventor, was expelled from elementary school for asking too many questions. Go figure !

What is your child curious about ?

What questions is he asking ?

What personal interests is she showing ?

The library has a great collection of information books on many topics: crafts, bridge building, hockey superstars, Vikings, mythology, military history, cooking...

Drop by the library and see what books we have to help answer the questions your child is asking. Parents can set up a family library card to sign out books from the school library. The FVRL, Agassiz branch, also has a great collection of information books on a wide range of topics.

Kids have questions. Will you help them find answers ?

Happy Reading !
Mrs. Dumas

Online Reference Tools @ FVRL

2011-12-01T20:42:00.000-08:00

When you have questions, you need answers!

Librarians, whether in school or public libraries, work to provide students access to reliable reference tools. For learners, whatever their age, online reference tools are exceptional and easy to use. Knowing how to find accurate information is key. With so much information on the internet it's sometimes hard to know where to start to search for reliable information. We can help.

Did you know that your Fraser Valley Regional Library [FVRL] provides a wide array of information sources via their web site ? All you need is a FVRL library card and a PIN number, which are free and easy to set up at the Agassiz library branch. Terrill Scott, our Agassiz branch supervisor, or any of the friendly staff are ready to assist.

Once you have your library card set up, you can search FVRL on your computer browser [think GOOGLE]. From the FVRL home page, point and click on the green LEARN bar [see READ, LEARN, PLAY].

From the ONLINE RESOURCES page scroll down through the list of different titles. One very good electronic information source is the WORLD BOOK ONLINE/ World Book Kids, which is at the very bottom of the list. Click on the blue World Book Online and you will be prompted to type in your library card number and your PIN.

The FVRL pays 'big bucks' for these online reference tools, so let's make good use of them. Through our school library program students are taught to use print and electronic reference tools to study and research. It's nice to know that parents can support their child/ren's education, from home or from the library branch, with electronic reference tools. Computer stations are available for use at the Agassiz FVRL branch.

Go ahead and take a look @ the FVRL library web site. [click here]
Remember, it's free ! If you have any questions or would like to 'test drive' the FVRL online resources, drop in to the school library for a demo. You have questions ? We have answers.

Happy Reading ! (and researching)
Mrs. Dumas

Ranger's Apprentice Series Sweeps Kent School Library

2011-11-26T21:17:00.000-08:00

Thanks to an enthusiastic parent, sharing her family's reading enjoyment with the book series Ranger's Apprentice, students at Kent School are being swept into a lengthy fantasy series about young Will, a Ranger apprentice.

With ten books in the series, it is a reading challenge for intermediate grade students and teachers alike.

I am on book seven and am enjoying every page. Do you want to know more ? Drop by the library and take a look. How about a Ranger's Apprentice book club ?

Happy Reading !
Mrs. Dumas

Morning Readers @ Kent School

2011-11-11T09:57:00.000-08:00

Every Tuesday and Thursday morning a small group of dedicated seniors gather in the library to listen to young students read. Imagine heads lowered over story books, quiet voices reading and offering encouragement, and the happy faces of students as they exit the school library after a fun session of reading. In fact, the Morning Readers program has become so popular at Kent School that grade six students have been asked to assist as reading coaches.

Thanks to the Morning Readers many young students have become more confident readers and have enjoyed the fun of reading.

Happy Reading !
Mrs. Dumas

Friends + Names + Books = Fun

2011-11-11T09:41:00.000-08:00

Two friends have found yet another way to have fun with books. These two readers who have the same first name, have chosen the same books for their reading fun this week. Great idea, girls !

Happy Reading !
Mrs. Dumas

Reading Link Challenge Teams Meet

2011-11-05T20:54:00.000-07:00

On Friday afternoon our three Reading Link Challenge teams met in the school library to hear about the books chosen for this year's battle of the books. Agassiz Library RLC coordinator, Jacquelynne, met with our students to unveil the book list and bring each team a set of books.
Thanks, Jacquelynne :)

What a list !! Take a look !!

Click on the blue book titles to read reviews of these great books. Parents and families might want to read the books on the list too. All of the books are available at the Agassiz branch of the FVRL.

Alvin Ho : Allergic to Girls, School & Other Scary Things by Lenore Look
Other books by Lenore Look....

Alvin Ho : Allergic to Camping, Hiking, and Other Natural Disasters
Alvin Ho : Allergic to Birthday Parties, Science Projects, and Other Man-made Catastrophes
Ruby Lu, Brave and True
Ruby Lu, Empress of Everything
Uncle Peter's Amazing Chinese Wedding
Henry's First-Moon Birthday

Because of Winn-Dixie by Kate DiCamillo
Other books by Kate DiCamillo....

The Tale of Despereaux
The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane
The Tiger Rising
Great Joy
Louise, the Adventures of a Chicken
The Magician's Elephant
The Mercy Watson Collection

Extra Credit by Andrew Clements

Other books by Andrew Clements.....

We the Children
Lost and Found
No Talking
Frindle
The Jacket
Things Not Seen

Safe As Houses by Eric Walters
Other books by Eric Walters....

Wave
Flyboy
Voyageur
Catboy

Seaglass Summer by Anjali Banerjee
Other books by Anjali Banerjee.....

Looking for Bapu

George's Cosmic Treasure Hunt by Lucy Hawking
Other books by Lucy Hawking

George's Secret Key to the Universe

Teams will be meeting on Monday to talk strategy, choose a team name, and get their books.

Happy Reading !

Mrs. Dumas

New Books on the Shelf

2011-11-01T20:08:00.000-07:00

New books are on the shelf at the Kent School library. Check for new books on the folding shelf near the library entrance. New books will be kept on that shelf for about one month and will then be moved to the fiction shelves. Take a look.....

The Clockwork Three

by Matthew Kirby

Historical Fantasy
friendship
ages 8-14

The Night Fairy

by Laura Amy Schlitz

Adventure
magic
fairies
friendship
ages 7-11

Heart of a Samurai

by Margi Preus

based on the true story of Nakahama Manjiro
Newberry Honor book
teen shipwrecked in a storm
ages 10+

Horse Diaries

Books 1-6

horse fiction
ages 8-12
look for book #7 Risky Chance soon

Goyangi Means Cat

by Christine McDonnell

When young Soo Min moves to her new home she does not know any English. The love she feels for the family cat is something familiar and paves a way for friendship and love.

exceptional illustration
ages 4-9

The Sniffles for Bear
by Bonny Becker

When bear gets a nasty cold he is a difficult patient. Mouse tries his best to help his friend get well.

4th of the Mouse and Bear books
ages 4-9

Dino-Basketball

by Lisa Wheeler

dinosaur fiction
another in the series of dinosaur sports : Dino-Hockey, Dino-Soccer, Dino-Baseball

Happy Reading !

Mrs. Dumas

Kent School Joins D.E.A.R.

2011-10-24T20:49:00.000-07:00

Students joined the provincial D.E.A.R. challenge by reading around the library this morning. The buzz was the sound of voices reading and friends sharing books.

Reading Link Challenge

2011-10-22T17:38:00.000-07:00

Kent Readers Join FVRL Reading Link Challenge

Kent Elementary School signs two teams to the Fraser Valley Regional Library [FVRL]

Reading Link Challenge

Reading Link Challenge is a friendly battle of the books event which challenges grade 4 & 5 students to read books from a select booklist and answer questions about the book characters and events.

Book lists to be released in early November.

Good luck Kent students !

Happy reading !

Mrs. Dumas

D.E.A.R. = Drop Everything And Read

2011-10-22T15:23:00.000-07:00

Join us on Monday, October 24th @ 11:00am as we D.E.A.R.

"HEY BC! DROP EVERYTHING AND…READ!

VICTORIA--On Monday, October 24, 2011, the British Columbia Teacher-Librarians’ Association (BCTLA) hopes that you will join them to…DROP EVERYTHING AND READ!

Through its annual support of National School Library Day, the BCTLA wants all British Columbians to celebrate the joy of reading and the power of literacy by joining them to read for twenty minutes (officially from 11:00-11:20 a.m. but any time is a great time!). Last year, over 45 000 students and teachers joined several MLAs and local officials from around the province to drop what they were doing to spend time just…reading.

For many rural communities in British Columbia, the local school library is often the only library that their students have access to on a regular basis. Sadly, many of these rural (and several urban) school libraries offer limited access (i.e. one morning a week), are not staffed by a trained teacher-librarian, and/or possess an outdated and unattractive collection of materials for youth. While continuing its advocacy for BC school libraries, the BCTLA has formal requested that the government officially recognize the fourth Monday of every October as ‘BC School Library Day’ in order to bring a greater public awareness to the plight of the school library in the province.

This year, the Minister of Education, and several high-profile MLAs, including Carole James, will be participating in the DEAR Challenge on Monday, October 24th. We hope you’ll take a moment from your busy day and join us, too!

For more information about the DEAR challenge, you can visit our official website athttp://dropeverythingandreadbc.ca, find us on Facebook (DROP Everything and READ), follow us on Twitter (@BCTLA_DEAR) or contact BCTLA VP (Advocacy), Jeff Yasinchuk (yasinchuk@hotmail.com).

British Columbia Teacher-Librarians’ Association, 2011 "
Heather Daly
BCTLA President

In Circulation is the blog of the British Columbia Teacher-Librarians' Association's President

http://bctlaincirculation.blogspot.com

Celebrate reading by joining other BC readers for our annual 'Drop Everything And Read' event. All readers are welcome to gather in our school library with a book of their choice for 20 minutes of reading, on Monday, October 24 @ 11:00am. See you there.

Happy Reading !

Mrs. Dumas

Kent Elementary Students Meet Author Sigmund Brouwer

2011-09-27T20:06:00.000-07:00

Grades 3 and 4 students from Kent Elementary School were invited, by our host Agassiz Christian School, to meet Canadian author Sigmund Brouwer. We braved the wind and rain, arrived dripping wet, but quickly warmed to the funny stories, rockin' music, and all-around fun. Brouwer delivered a powerful, lively, and well-paced workshop. His big message ? We are wired for storytelling.
We can get lost in great music, great stories, and great feelings.

Know your audience and hook the reader's interest.

"Brouwer visits dozens of schools, delivering the message that reading and writing go hand in hand, and that practice and persistence pay off, to as many as 10,000 students annually. He has described his school visits as a reward for writing and particularly enjoys working with students in the lower grades, when a love for reading can “more easily be fostered.”
Quill & Quire : Canada's Magazine of Book News and Reviews. [http://www.quillandquire.com/authors/profile.cfm?article_id=99]

We are building our collection of books written by Brouwer and will soon have a complete set of the popular Timberwolf series, published by Orca Publishing. Check them out at the school library next week.

Happy reading!
Mrs. Dumas
PS
The books are in and ready for signing out !

What Kind of Books do You Like to Read ?

2011-09-20T18:21:00.000-07:00

This week students in our school are taking reading interest inventories. We want to know what they like to read. We want to give them more of what they like and introduce them to other types of books, or genres.

The results are coming in and they are showing that students at Kent School really like to read and they have a wide range of interests; some like mystery books, some like funny books, and there is a big trend toward graphic novels.

We have posted the results on the board outside the library door. Mr. Mills' students just love funny books, Mr. Penner's students love graphic novels, and Mrs. Cardinal's students like all kinds of books.

Kids at Kent Elementary School just love to read !

Happy reading !
Mrs. Dumas

Choosing a Great Book

2011-09-19T20:34:00.000-07:00

Making a book choice can be tricky.

Sometimes we don't know where to start looking for a book.

Sometimes we wander around hoping that a great book will fall off the shelf into our waiting hands.

How to find a book that you want to read ?
How to find a book that you can read easily ?

think about the kind of books you like.... mystery, adventure, fantasy, or funny ?
think about what you are interested in ?
think about authors you already know ?
read a part of the book. Can you read almost all the words ?
think about your AR level

Choose a great one !

Happy reading !

Mrs. Dumas

Family Literacy Project

2011-09-17T09:47:00.000-07:00

Kent School is offering families a new way to support reading : the Family Literacy Project.

Parents can set up a library account to sign out books from the school library so that they have books for family reading during the week. Families can come into the school library any morning, from 8:15 am - 9:00 am and after school until 3:15pm, to read with their children, and/or select books for reading aloud at home. Simple !

We already have two family accounts set up and welcome any other families who may wish to join.

We also have applications for free, Fraser Valley Regional Library (FVRL) public library cards.

Happy reading !
Mrs. Dumas

Assignment for Reading

2011-09-01T19:02:00.000-07:00

The Hunchback Assignments,
by Arthur Slade, is a book our older readers won't want to miss !

fast-paced
short chapters
gripping adventure
evil villain
trilogy [3 book series]
Canadian author
award winner

Hugo Cabret

2011-08-07T22:23:00.000-07:00

The wonderfully imaginative story Hugo Cabret is going to be released as a movie this fall ! I can't wait ! Have you read it yet ?

"Set in 1930s Paris, an orphan who lives in the walls of a train station is wrapped up in a mystery involving his late father and an automaton." (IMDb)

au.tom.a.ton (noun) a moving mechanical device made in imitation of a human being

If you haven't read the book yet, get reading, because it is amazing! Author and illustrator, Brian Selznick used highly detailed pencil sketches in all sorts of sizes to help tell the story. He combined pictures and words in very unusual ways to create a story like none other. I know you will love it. Get the book ! We have two copies in the library. By the way, did you know it has 526 pages, and that 300 pages are pictures ? Have some fun with the Hugo Cabret website. Be sure to take a look at his art studio and his book list.

I wonder if you will like the book or the movie better ? I usually like the book better because I get to create my own vision of the story in my imagination. But with a book like Hugo Cabret who can predict how the director will capture this story on film.

To make things even better, Selznick's new book Wonderstruck will be in bookstores September 13. Yes, we will have two copies in the school library as soon as I can get them catalogued. Who will be first to read it ?

Happy reading!
Mrs. Dumas

The BC Kids Writing Contest

2011-08-02T21:07:00.000-07:00

Do you like to write ?

If you do...
think about entering the "Express Yourself: The BC Kids Writing Contest", which is sponsored by the BCLA. (That means BC Library Association)

If you are between the ages of 8 and 12, and you live in BC then you can enter. The contest starts June 29th, 2011 and the final day of the contest is September 16, 2011. Winners will be announced in October, which just happens to be Library Month.

You can write a story, a poem, a play or any other kind of writing you want. Keep the word count to 300 words, and be sure to include these 6 words; zest, book, key, chair, dark, library. The special words make this contest really tricky, but who doesn't like a challenge. Check out the list of judges. Find out more at http://expressyourself.bclibraries.ca/

OK, I might be a little too old for the contest but I am going to try to write something too.
Get started and bring your writing in during the first week of school.
Good luck Kent students ! Start writing !
Mrs. Dumas

Have you joined the summer reading club yet ?

2011-07-04T22:19:00.000-07:00

The Agassiz branch of the Fraser Valley Regional Library is still accepting registrations for the summer reading club. Check out all the fun going on at our local library branch: great books, fun special events, and AC (air conditioning) !

What could be better ? See you at the library :)
Mrs. Dumas

Summer Reading

2011-06-12T00:57:00.000-07:00

Summer holidays are a great time to relax with a good book. What are your plans for the summer ? Are you going camping with your family ? Are you taking a car trip to visit family and relatives ? Whatever your plans make sure you plan to read a few new books and take time to read with your family. Looking for some book titles ? I recommend.....

Up and Down [E], by award winning author Oliver Jeffers, is a charming story about a boy, a penguin, and a trip to the South Pole. A heart-warming story about friendship, adventure, and dreams. Be sure to check out his other books as well. Beautifully illustrated.

Stanley's Wild Ride [E], by Canadian author Linda Bailey, is one of a series of funny books about Stanley the dog and his backyard animal friends. Funny, well-illustrated, family reading fun.

Fishing With Grubby [E], by Kim LaFave, would be a good fit for kids and families that like to go fishing. The story tells the facts about one season in the life of a salmon fisher. Catch a big one!

100 Cupboards [F], by N.D. Wilson, tells of 12-year old Henry and hidden doors and the worlds they lead to. Ready for an adventure ?

Ottoline and the Yellow Cat [F], by Chris Riddell, is a different kind of book with super illustrations and a funny story. Riddell is already writing book two.

Have a wonderful summer holiday.

Mrs. Dumas

Welcome to the Kent School Library

2011-06-11T00:23:00.000-07:00

Welcome to the Kent School Library blog: Learning in the Library. It's going to be a great journey with great books, lots of new learning, and tons of fun with technology. Come in and see what is new in the Kent School Library.

Mrs. Dumas

Learning in the Kent Library

'Techno Petting Zoo' Arrives @ Kent

What Will Our Students Be Reading Next ?

Intermediate Grades 'Read-In' Feb 2012

Kent School Afternoon Read-In

VIP Readers @ Kent Elementary School

More VIP Readers @ Kent School

First VIP Readers Visit Kent School Today

Book Swap Readers Sweep Tables Clean

BONE Graphic Novel Book Winners

Free Book Swap for Our Youngest Readers

Book Swap Donations Pile Up !

For the Love of Books Ready for Kickoff !

FVRL - Agassiz Branch Hosts Family Literacy Day Evening Event

Family Literacy Day Next Week

Snow Day @ Kent School January 2012

Snow Day Books @ Kent School Library

Snow Day + Books = Family Literacy

Canada's Family Literacy Day - Jan 27

Historical Fiction - What is it ?

Books New and Old @ the Bookman

War Horse Book + Movie

Christmas Holiday Reading

Students Present Research Projects

They Did it Again !

Read-Aloud With Strong Start Families

Questions Foster Curiosity and Wonder

Online Reference Tools @ FVRL

Ranger's Apprentice Series Sweeps Kent School Library

Morning Readers @ Kent School

Friends + Names + Books = Fun

Reading Link Challenge Teams Meet

New Books on the Shelf

Kent School Joins D.E.A.R.

Reading Link Challenge

D.E.A.R. = Drop Everything And Read

Kent Elementary Students Meet Author Sigmund Brouwer

What Kind of Books do You Like to Read ?

Choosing a Great Book

Family Literacy Project

Assignment for Reading

Hugo Cabret

The BC Kids Writing Contest

Have you joined the summer reading club yet ?

Summer Reading

Welcome to the Kent School Library