Monday, June 25, 2012

Doing Dewey

After Grade 4 students investigated several Dewey Decimal 100s categories, we practiced assigning topics to those categories.

Each table received a stack of cards with information like "You want to find crafts to make at your birthday party" and "You want to find a map of Japan." Students worked together to figure out where they'd go to find the information and paste them into the correct column of their "gameboard."

There were some heated discussions. Where would cats go versus tigers and lions? What about the history of dinosaurs?




Even if students didn't put a card in the right column, they got credit for having a good reason for choosing the one they selected. We don't all think the same way as Melvil Dewey!


Being able to categorize information is a skill that students will use in the future, from structuring writing assignments to organizing computer files.

Do YOU know which 100s to look in for the following topics?

  • You need to do a report on hurricanes.

  • You need to show your classmates how to do origami.

  • You need to find a recipe for pancakes.

  • You need to learn about what life is like in Brazil.


Monday, June 18, 2012

Beware These Dangerous Animals!

To finish up our animal research unit, the third graders read "Never Smile at a Monkey" by Steven Jenkins (which won the 2011 RICBA). We learned why we should never pet a platypus, clutch a cane toad, or go near a variety of animals who could hurt or even kill us. Did you know that the HIPPO is the deadliest land animal? Or that a spitting cobra can shoot its venom 8 feet?

Then we found the animals' ranges on a world map. Luckily, we only need to worry about black bears and beaded lizards here in North America. Africa, Australia, and the oceans have some of the deadliest animals. Make sure you never corner a cassowary!

 

Tuesday, June 12, 2012

Top Catalog Searches - Q4

1. big nate
2. what's new cupcake
3. percy jackson
4. skellig
5. bone
6. dogs
7. dork diaries
8. amulet
9. the lost hero
10.drawing

Kids Reading Across RI

We’re just about done with our library giveaways for the year, but that doesn’t mean you are out of chances to get a free book! The KIDS Reading Across Rhode Island program encourages students across the state in grades 4 through 6 to read the same book, and engage in community discussions and programs.

This year’s selection is Dave at Night by Gail Carson Levine. On June 16, a kickoff celebration at the State House will include crafts, games, and a free copy of the book (one per family) while supplies last. Levine (who also wrote Ella Enchanted) will speak at 2:15 and 3:30 p.m.

Visit the OLIS web site for more information.

Thursday, June 7, 2012

Interesting Animal Facts 3T - cont'd

After using the index and table of contents of animal books to find information and take notes, 3T students created posters. Everyone has now finished making their presentations and sharing some pretty interesting facts.



Dolphins have very good hearing; they can pick up sounds that people cannot hear.


Nurse sharks live close to the ocean floor.




Zebras are endangered.


Narwhals can weigh up to one ton.




Chameleons' eyes move separately; one can look forward while the other looks back.


Iguanas' tails are twice as long as their bodies.




Cougars' babies are called kittens.




Sea otters are the slowest sea mammals.


Turtles live everywhere in the world except Antarctica.




Beavers are the largest North American rodents.


Cheetahs are the world's fastest animals.




Blue whales migrate to warmer water in the winter.




Wolves prey on deer, moose, and caribou.


Chimpanzees have long fingers and short hair.




Bears can use their sharp claws to kill prey.




Great white sharks like shallow water.


Sunday, June 3, 2012

Do You Have Questions for
Jeff Kinney?

National Public Radio (NPR) has an online kids' "book club" each month, and the June pick is Diary of a Wimpy Kid.  

The attached story includes links to previous questions for Jeff Kinney as well as your chance to ask him what YOU'VE been wondering about!

P.S. The next book in the series will be out on
November 13!