Third grade is working on two projects right now, so library visits for those classes will not be about the holidays. Instead, the students are learning about research strategies, checking out books on an endangered animal, and choosing biographies. With third grade I've been talking a lot about accuracy in internet research. We at Pennekamp have access to two online encyclopedia that are accurate and at our students' reading level: World Book Online and Britannica School. I can't put the passwords on this website, but you can get them from me or your child's teacher. Over the years the library has acquired more and more books about the animals that third grade researches, so the library should have a book for each student on their chosen animal. The public libraries are also great resources. If you would like to extend your child's learning on the topic of endangered animals, I have a suggestion: I recently saw the Photo Ark exhibit at the Annenberg Space for Photography and I recommend it highly. The Annenberg Space for Photography is in Century City and is free to enter (although parking is not free). This would be a fun activity to do over the winter break with your third-grade student or really for anyone at all. The exhibit is beautiful and fascinating, but it's not huge--I think most people could really see it in just over an hour. There's a short promotional video below.
The PK library's book club for 5th grade is starting up. The introductory meeting will be Wednesday, December 19, at lunch recess in the library. Consent forms are going home in the Wednesday envelope. The club is a social activity, and participation is completely optional. Club members read and discuss one chapter-length book each month. Each participating student must obtain a copy of the monthly selection (public library copies and e-books are fine to use), but parents need to be ready to help with that!
Reading for the Super Literacy Quiz Bowl continues until the competition events in March 2019. The PK library is checking out the chapter books and has on reserve the nonfiction and picture book selections; the Manhattan Beach public library is checking out all SLQB title (subject to availability) and has even created a nice display of the SLQB books under the big staircase. The grade-specific lists can be seen on this website.
Wishing you joyous holidays and happiness in 2019!