News from the BSE Library!
The cold, gray winter days continue, but it’s warm and cozy in the BSE library! Thanks for reading on to find out what BSE learners have been up to lately.
NEW Library Website
I’m excited to introduce the new BSE library website! This is a resource for students, staff, and caregivers. Please take a look around, and keep checking back as more features and news are added. Under the ‘Find Books’ tab, you’ll notice the link to our new online reading platform, SORA, as mentioned at the top of this newsletter. Enjoy exploring!
Mock Caldecott
A favorite schoolwide unit during our year in the library is the Mock Caldecott election. Each year the Caledcott medal is awarded to the illustrator of a children’s book with phenomenal artwork. Over the course of 2-4 library visits, classes read several outstanding picture books published in the last year, culminating in a dramatic vote for the one with the best illustrations. Some favorites in the lower grades were Mine! and Big. A popular one in the upper grades was the wordless picture book, The Tree and the River. Each year, it’s exciting for students to then find out which book wins the ‘real-deal’ Caldecott. This year, Big, by Vashti Harrison was chosen by the American Library Association as the medal winner. Please ask your kiddo about this powerful story, made even more poignant by stunning illustrations by Harrison, the first black woman to win this honor.
Digital Citizenship Lessons
Please be on the lookout for materials coming home with your child about their digital citizenship learning. K/1 classes had their first lessons last week, focusing on finding a happy balance between online and offline activities, and learning to “pause and think” to stay safe and have fun when online. Students in grades 2-6 continued their learning with lessons on privacy and security, digital footprints, and online friendships. These lessons offer kids the opportunity to share and discuss, and I’m often impressed with the critical thinking that is evident in their responses to ‘big idea’ questions.
Stay Tuned!
It’s not too early to mark your calendars for our annual Book Fair! This year, classes will visit the book fair during the week of March 18-22. The fair will be open to the entire community on March 21-22, during parent-teacher conferences. Please stay tuned for volunteer opportunities. We always appreciate your support in making this a successful fundraising event!
