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Best Books of 2020

Well, it’s that time of year again! I love reading all the best books lists at the end of the year. It’s wonderful to see some of the books I have loved over the year and also find some new gems to add to the library.  If you’re looking to get some gifts for the holidays for the kids in your life or just looking for a great read, have a look at these fabulous lists.  If you are buying books, consider supporting local bookstores such as Kidsbooks.

First off, check out this great list by my colleague, Elaine Su:

If you’re looking for some great Canadian choices, try this list by the Globe and Mail:

School Library Journal and Kirkus Reviews also publish a comprehensive list with several categories to meet the needs of all kinds of readers:

Best Books of 2020

Hope you found something great to put on your list for 2020! Happy reading and please contact me if you have any questions or comments.

 

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Drop Everything and Read

On Monday, Oct. 26th South Slope/BCSD participated in Drop Everything and Read (DEAR).  Everyone was invited to wear their PJs and we all read in our classrooms and around the school after lunch.  DEAR day is sponsored by the British Columbia Teacher Librarian’s Association (BCTLA) and we were one of many schools around the province who participated.  It was also National School Library Day and we celebrated that, too.  Many schools across the country have limited or no access to their school libraries and librarians due to COVID restrictions.  I feel blessed at South Slope/BCSD  to be part of a school community that has embraced the COVID protocols and that we are able to be able to provide access to the library for all our students.

Here are some memories of our fabulous day:

 

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So much to be thankful for…

It’s hard to believe it’s Thanksgiving already.  I’m especially thankful that the library, with new safety protocols in place, is now open!  Students are visiting the library with their class once a week for story times, book exchanges and more.  Here is the current book exchange schedule:

Monday: Div 1, 2, 6

Tuesday: Div 3, 4, 5, 9

Wednesday: Div 13- 19

Thursday: Div. 7, 8, 20

During our storytimes we completed Peter Reynolds “creatrilogy” as we read “Ish” and “Sky Color”.  Classes also completed their response to our school wide read of “The Dot” with art and have created a gallery the whole school can enjoy.

Check our our gallery:

We also recognized Orange Shirt Day school wide with Project Heart and in the library:

 

Intermediate students have been learning how to use our Library Catalogue to find books and more.  There are Web Resources that students can access for school research or personal interest projects.  Students have also learned how to place books on hold and soon we will be adding student book reviews to the catalogue database.

As we begin the fall season, students have enjoyed one of my favourite books, “The Little Yellow Leaf“ by Carin Berger.  There are beautiful paper collage illustrations throughout this wonderful book about fall and finding courage with the help of a friend.

 

For Thanskgiving, some classes read “Bear says Thanks” by Karma Wilson.  Students responded by sharing many things they are thankful for including family, friends, food, books and being at school.  During these pandemic times it can often be difficult to feel thankful, but the students reminded me of all the many things we can still be thankful for.  For me, having students in the library again and helping them finding the books they want has made me very thankful.  Their joy, curiousity and enthusiasm fill me up.

I wish you and your family a very happy Thanksgiving!

Mrs. Araujo

 

 

 

 

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BPL Survey

Take the Burnaby Public Library survey

Families and students, let Burnaby Public Library know about the technology, creative tools and digital skills you need. Take a short survey online at https://www.bpl.bc.ca/survey? or visit the library and ask for a paper survey. The survey is anonymous. Your answers will help the library decide on activities and services and what it loans.

 

 

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This week in the library…

This week the library, or rather the librarian (that’s me), will be visiting classrooms and reading “The Dot” by Peter Reynolds.  September 15th”ish”  is International Dot Day and we will be celebrating it by asking everyone to “Make your Mark” and “See where it takes you!” Everyone will create their own dot and we will display them in the hallway outside the gym.

Here are some of the Big Ideas we are exploring:

  • Language and story can be a source of creativity and joy.
  • Everyone has a unique story to share.
  • Exploring stories and other texts helps us understand ourselves and make connections to others and to the world.
  • Texts can be understood from different perspectives.

Core Competencies we are developing:

  • I can show a sense of accomplishment and joy.
  • I get new ideas or build on other people’s ideas.
  • I am kind to others.

Here are some videos of and about the book:

  • Watch “The Dot” on Tumblebooks . Click on the link on at the top right hand side of the blog under “Links”.  In TumbleSearch, type in “The Dot”.
  • Watch author and illustrator, Peter Reynolds the story behind the story and how this book helped launch International Dot Day – a worldwide celebration of creativity.
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Welcome Back!

Welcome back! I missed you and so did the library. I hope you all had a great summer and found some good books to read.  These are a few of the books I read this summer.  I highly recommend them. They can be checked out from our library soon.  There will be some changes in how we use the library this year.  Stay tuned for updates!

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Summer 2020 Virtual Library

Well, this unusual year has now come to a close.  I hope you all have a wonderful summer and find time to rest and play.  Here is a “virtual library” for you to explore over the summer.  I hope you enjoy the activities and links for reading and more.  See you in September! 

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Summer Reading @ BPL

 

 

 

 

 

 

I wanted to share some more information about what’s happening at the Burnaby Public Library this summer.  This year the Summer Reading Club will be virtual.  There is a club for kids up to grade 7 and one for teens.  Click on the posters above to learn more.

Another exciting development is their new Paper Bag Pickup service.  You can order library items from the online catalogue and safely pick them up at your preferred BPL branch.  Click on the image to learn more.

 

 

I hope you all take advantage of what your public library has to offer this summer.  If you live in any community in BC, you can still join the Summer Reading Club.  Just visit your local public library website for information.

Check out the video below for an ASL welcome to the Summer Reading Club:

 

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Loving Hair Love!

This week in of our classrooms we have been reading Hair Love written by Matthew A. Cherry and illustrated by Vashti Harrison.  The students really enjoyed this funny, heartfelt story of a African-American father learning how to do his daughter’s hair for a “special day”.  Hair Love is also an Academy Award winning film!  In this case, the movie came first and then the book.  Students watched the movie, too, and were asked to look for and think about the similarities and differences.  Hair Love is a great book and movie to share with our kids now to celebrate family, love and diversity.

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