Can I copy that whole book? Can I scan the entire article? How about a class set? What about copying an image from the internet and using it in homework or a presentation without citing it? Teachers, staff and students ask (and don’t ask) these questions often, and there are good answers. Copyright law, while […]
Concrete Poetry Concrete poetry is poetry by design. The second grade classes discovered, read, brainstormed and created their very own concrete poetry. The students all incorporated their learning of poetry from the classroom, connected meanings from the concrete poetry examples we read in library class and created some astounding examples. See below: Samuel, “Seeds” Pearl, “Wind” […]
The Youth Media Awards were announced this morning! The YMAs are like the Oscars or Grammys for the children/young adult book world. Some of the most notable categories include the Caledcott, Newbery, Printz and Coretta Scott King awards. Watch the full awards ceremony here: For some extra fun check out the pre-game show and post-game […]
Critical thinking is nothing new in education, but it sure is getting a lot of attention. In the BFS Libraries, we frequently discuss and share ideas to inspire critical and creative thinking. But what is it? Critical thinking is beyond the investigation and deeper into the how and why of an idea, person, place or […]
The Second Grade spends a lot of time in the Fall doing animal research. As a way to connect the classroom to the library and to encourage the understanding that the library is a place for research in addition to pleasure reading, nonfiction text features, reading strategies and note-taking skills are explored and practiced in […]
It’s a new year and that means new books! Maybe you missed a few great titles from 2013? Well we’ve got you covered. Check out any of these lists to catch up on the some excellent reads from last year: NYPL’s 100 Titles for Reading & Sharing (Includes titles for Pre, Lower, and Middle grades) SLJ’s […]
The Third Grade has spent time learning to navigate the library this Fall. Recently, we asked them to conceptualize the Dewey Decimal Classification System and track themes that emerge from each hundreds section from 000s to 900s. Students worked in pairs to explore one section and become experts to then share what they discovered using […]
The Second Grade classrooms meet student curiosity about ocean animals with an exciting research project that spans several weeks. In the library, we have supported this experience by enjoying learning apps on the iPads, exploring ways to navigate the library to find nonfiction materials, and how to use a nonfiction book for research. Most recently, […]
Across the Lower School Division, students have been studying the Dewey Decimal Classification System. We have been learning how the system originated, how it is organized, and how to navigate the library space. The Fourth Grade created book spine poems to share their assigned section of the nonfiction section of the library. The idea was […]
4th Grade Newbery Lunch Club IT’S A MYSTERY! WHICH ONE WILL YOU SELECT? On Wednesday October 30, the first meeting of the 4th Grade Newbery Club came together over lunch in the PS/LS Library. 23 students signed up for the club to read 15 titles as we explore the Newbery Medal and why and how […]
If you haven’t already downloaded the Dictionary.com app, it’s worth checking out! The app offers a comprehensive dictionary and thesaurus with pronunciations that can be played out loud. The folks at Dictionary.com also share regular blog posts and slide shows on interesting words, phrases, and more. A few of my current favorites include: What do the M’s […]
Celebrate your freedom to read during Banned Books Week, September 22-28, 2013. You can visit the official site as well as the Banned Books Week YouTube channel for more information on this important first amendment right and to hear people reading from some of your favorite banned or challenged books! You can also stop by NYPL for […]
