BIG Week

As the weeks pass by, quicker and quicker it seems, we have so much yet to accomplish. This week is a big one for us. Beginning tomorrow morning students will present themselves as the famous African Americans the researched. I sent a note home last week letting you know what day your child would present. Students whose last names are A-G will present Monday, H-M go on Tuesday, and P-T on Wednesday. On the given day, the students are to come to school in costume, but don't forget to bring SSA to change into later. Parents are invited to join us and watch. If you can't make it, don't worry; I plan on taking plenty of pictures. A few students who do well on their presentations will get a chance to present again during the program Thursday night.

Speaking of Thursday, I hope you are planning on attending. Look for information to come home tomorrow. You will have an opportunity to register for sessions covering a variety of topics. The evening will end with the fourth grade program in the auditorium. The students have been working with Mrs. Alley to learn songs about African American history. Students are asked to come dressed as their famous person for the program.

Book orders are due this Friday. Don't forget you can order online HERE. (class: karraker password: bookorder)

This Friday also marks the deadline for making the second installment toward the LCO. This payment is $10; checks can be made out to Jones Paideia. Can you believe we are only eleven weeks away? It will be here before we know it. After Spring Break we will be sending home packing recommendations and final paperwork. We will also have another parent meeting to go over last minute questions. Stay tuned.

Have a good week, and I hope to see you Thursday if not earlier!

A Closer Look at Graphic Novels

Today we have a guest post from Mrs. Sharp. I hope this helps.

One of the most often heard questions that I receive each day in the Jones Paideia Library is “where are the graphic novels?” Graphic Novels are attracting the attention of students in every grade level, both girls and boys. This is quite exciting as students discover what lies between the pages of each book!

Here is the scoop on Graphic Novels! Graphic Novels are just another format to engage children in the enjoyment of a story, such as audio books. They are not a genre in themselves. As children, we thought of these graphically engaging books as comic books. However, these “comic books” have now been turned into novels. One no longer has to wait for the next issue to arrive before finding out what happens in the story. The story has resolve!

As students have become more interested in these novels, it leads us as educators and parents to question the benefits of this format. After some investigation I was pleased to find this article on the Diamond Comics Website titled, “How Comics Can Reach Reluctant Readers.” It stated, “comics use the combination of visuals and text to tell a complete story, thereby increasing a student’s visual literacy and acting as an assistive device. Far from being easier to read, though, comics are actually just as challenging as traditional text: the student is engaging in higher-level reading skills because he or she must be able understand the sequencing of each panel while following the text and art at the same time.” I found this interesting, that not only are graphic novels just as challenging as traditional text, but the student has to engage in higher-level reading skills to fully understand the story.

There are different graphic novels geared toward children and adults of all ages. The reading levels and the interest level can vary. In our library we have graphic biographies, fiction and historical non-fiction graphic novels, and of course the more traditionally thought of superhero graphic novels. Our graphic novels are appropriate for readers starting in second grade and up. If you are searching for this format in your local public library, take the time to review your child’s choice as they can vary in their content and age appropriateness.

Graphic novels are another great format for students to enjoy. As a library media specialist I am always searching for ways to engage your child in the enjoyment of reading. The addition of Graphic Novels to the Jones Paideia Library seems to be one of the motivating factors in bringing the children through the door!

Article Referenced

How Comics
Can Reach Reluctant Readers http://bookshelf.diamondcomics.com/public/default.asp?t=1&m=1&c=20&s=182&ai=37708&ssd
Retrieved February 17, 2008

If you have any more questions, you can e-mail either Mrs. Sharp or me.

Ms. K Has Left the Building--well, sort of

Here lately it seems as if I have been out of the classroom so much--at least more than I typically am. The most recent two days I was out, I was actually in the building working on something for the school. Now here is the news that will make your children jump for joy! They will think it is Christmas all over again. This coming Monday I am to report for jury duty, which means I will be out of the classroom for several days, possibly the whole week. I can almost hear their shouts of jubilation right now.

Needless to say, I could use your help next week. Please remind the class that their behavior and effort should be as good if not better than normal. This is an amazing class and I could sing their praises all day long, but I know the temptations that arise when a substitute teacher is in the room. I have been the student and the substitute, so believe me, I know.

What next week holds (with or without me):

1. Midterms will come home Monday. Please sign and return the cover sheet.
2. Permission slips for the symphony trip on February 19 are due back ASAP. There is no cost for this trip, but students will need to bring a sack lunch that day. If you need a sack lunch from the cafeteria, please let the substitute know right away.
3. Thursday is the 2nd annual Valentine’s Day Non-party. (We are allowed only two parties a year and our class has parties at Christmas and the end of the year.) Mrs. Ward will be hosting our Non-party with her students. If you would like to send in cupcakes and/or juice boxes, please contact Mrs. Ward ( 291-6382 x 1107 or ashley.ward@mnps.org ). She will be coordinating everything and making sure there is enough for our classes. If you are sending in Valentines, please try to send one for your child’s reading buddy and maybe for Mrs. Ward, too, to thank her for allowing us to have the Non-party.
4. No school on Monday, February 18 for Presidents’ Day.
5. Remember to bring a lunch on Tuesday, February 19.
6. Black history projects are due Friday, February 22 and presentations will be that following week. I will send home information as to what day your child will go so you can try to attend.
7. The second LCO payment ($10) is due no later than February 29.

I will be back in the classroom as soon possible. I am grateful that you are so understanding and supportive. Please trust that all of these absences of late have been out of my control. I’ll make it up to you by keeping your children for two nights in May! Deal?

Have a good week and try not to miss me too much, because I will be back.

(Look for a post about graphic novels next week.)

P.S. Here is an interview with my former student and current NBA rookie, Brandan Wright. It goes to show you that you can be a professional athlete making millions of dollars and still be a good, humble person. I am very proud of Brandan and all that he has accomplished and will achieve in his life. He is a role model you can look up to who actually walked the same hallways you do today!

It's February!

Well, I hope whatever this flu bug is that is going around misses you and your family. We had several teachers and students out today, and I think there might be even more tomorrow! We definitely missed Mrs. Ward and Ms. Hunt today. I was so lonely without my other musketeers (or are they stooges?)! Please do your best to wash your hands as much as possible to try and prevent the onset of this illness.

I have some news to make about next week. Last year we had a "Non Party" for Valentine's Day. As I wrote in the newsletter, I am not sure that we are going to get to have a "Non Party" this year. I do not know if I will be at school or not, and so I am hesitant to schedule a "Non Party" for a substitute teacher. What I will suggest is that if you were planning on sending in items for the students, have enough for everyone. Then at the end of the day, whether I am there or not, the students can pass out their valentines and goodies and then pack up for home. If I am able to be at school that day, we can do something a little more elaborate and have a small "Non Party." What do you think? Let me know. Thanks!

Have a good, warm, and hopefully healthy week!