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Gonzalez Library Lowdown
November 2022
SCHOLASTIC BOOK FAIR IS HERE DECEMBER 5TH-9TH!
Get ready! This year's Book Fair is going to be epic! We've turned up the volume with more fun, more choices and more excitement, so kids will arrive curious and leave bolder, prouder, and stronger than ever before. Here's what you need to know about our upcoming fair:
Every dollar you spend will benefit our school directly
Starting on November 14th, you can sign up for an eWallet, a convenient digital payment account, so your child can shop the Fair cash-free. Grandparents, friends, and others can contribute to the eWallet to help build your home library. Visit our book fair home page to set up you eWallet on November 14th!
We’re taking precautions to host a safe Fair at our school, focusing on preventive measures.
Save these dates and view our school’s Fair site:
Fair Dates: December 5th-9th
Times: 7:30 am-2:30 pm for students and families
Book Fair Homepage: https://www.scholastic.com/bf/gonzalezsyc
We can’t wait to see your child at the Fair!
Storytime Books for the Month
A Book is Just Like You by Kathleen Fox
Introduces the parts of a book by describing how they are similar to a person.
Learning Goal: Parts of a Book
Turkeys on the Farm by Mari C. Schuh
Nonfiction book with simple text and photographs describe turkeys and their life on the farm.
Learning Goal: What is nonfiction and fiction?
Turkey Trouble by Wendi Silvano
Turkey is in trouble. Bad trouble. The kind of trouble where it's almost Thanksgiving...and you're the main course. But Turkey has an idea--what if he doesn't look like a turkey? What if he looks like another animal instead? After many hilarious attempts, Turkey comes up with the perfect disguise to make this Thanksgiving the best ever!
Learning Goals: Review nonfiction and fiction. Discuss gratitude.
Reading Tip of the Month
Finding Good Books
This month's tip is about finding good books for exceptional readers, though these work for pre-readers as well! Here are a few tips:
- Figure what your child is interested in and find books that match. These are the years where a life-long love of reading begins!
- Ask an expert! If you have trouble finding books that your child is interested in, ask a librarian. Librarians are here to help you find the books you want and need.
- Find a series. Book series are a great way to keep a child anticipating the next book. Book series feature the same characters and are usually written by the same author. A fun series for preschoolers include Mo Willem's Elephant and Piggie series or Norman Bridwell's Clifford books.
- Try nonfiction books. Informational picture books can be very engaging for preschool students.
- Read aloud! Now that you've found books, it's time to read them aloud to your children. Use an engaging voice while you and don't forget to ask a few simple questions along the way.
To read the rest of these tips for parents, look below for a link to the tip sheet, "Practical Tips for Parents of Exceptional Readers," from Common Sense Media:
English version: https://www.commonsensemedia.org/blog/practical-tips-for-parents-of-exceptional-readers
Spanish version: https://www.commonsensemedia.org/espanol/blog/lecturas-para-ninos-que-son-lectores-excepcionales
Online Resource of the Month
Common Sense Media
From Common Sense Media website:
Since 2003, Common Sense has been the leading source of entertainment and technology recommendations for families and schools. Every day, millions of parents and educators trust Common Sense reviews and advice to help them navigate the digital world with their kids. Together with policymakers, industry leaders, and global media partners, we're building a digital world that works better for all kids, their families, and their communities.
Common Sense Media rates movies, TV shows, podcasts, books, and more so families can feel good about the entertainment choices they make for their kids. We offer the largest, most trusted library of independent age-based ratings and reviews. Our timely parenting advice supports families as they navigate the challenges and possibilities of raising kids in the digital age. Our vision: Families taking charge of their digital choices.
To learn more about Common Sense Media, visit www.commonsensemedia.org
Celebrations for the Month
Native American Heritage Month
Family Litracy Month
Picture Book Month
1st: Day of the Dead/Dia de los Muertos
2nd: Stress Awareness Day
5th: Book Lovers Day
6th: Daylight Saving Time Ends
5th: STEAM/STEM Day AND Young Readers Day
9th: World Adoption Day
11th: Veterans Day
12th-20th: Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week
13th-19th: Children's Book Week
15th: I Love to Write Day AND America Recycles Day AND International Games Day
17th: Take a Hike Day
18th: Apple Cider Day
19th: Family Volunteer Day
20th: Universal Children's Day
20th-26th: Games and Puzzles Week
24th: Thanksgiving
28th: Red Planet Day
November Storytime STEAM Challenge for Home
Leaf Man
Written & Illustrated by: Lois Ehlert
Harcourt: 2005
Video Link of Book: https://youtu.be/Ndu51wy3wFw
Summary from Publisher:
Ride the wind and drift east with Leaf Man in this autumnal classic by Caldecott Honor-winning author-illustrator Lois Ehlert, perfect for young readers returning to school in the fall.
Fall has come, the wind is gusting, and Leaf Man is on the move. Is he drifting east, over the marsh and ducks and geese Or is he heading west, above the orchards, prairie meadows, and spotted cows
No one's quite sure, but this much is certain: A Leaf Man's got to go where the wind blows.
Ehlert crafts each illustration out of actual fall leaves on every spread to reveal gorgeous landscapes. This playful and whimsical book celebrates the natural world and the rich imaginative life of children.
Materials Needed:
Leaves, sticks and other items found on nature walk
Any other supply on hand that will help
Challenge: For this month's challenge, you will go on a leaf hunt and then design and build a "leaf sculpture" that is at least six inches tall. Here are the steps:
STEP 1: Go on a nature walk. Observe the changes fall brings to the natural world. Talk about it. Ask yourself: How the leaves are changing? What colors do you see? Collect leaves of varying shapes and colors.
STEP 2: Gather Leaves and other materials. You can use any materials available to you, as long as you are also using leaves. Do not buy anything, please use items you have around your house. Get creative! Find materials that will help the leaves to stand taller than six inches.
STEP 3: Design and build your leaf sculpture. Use a ruler to make sure your sculpture is at least six inches tall.
If you would like to show off your hard work, you can take a picture of your challenge and share it with your teacher via Seesaw or post it on Facebook with the hashtag #PupsRead and @gonzalezsyclibrary. If you post a picture of your STEAM Challenge for Home on Facebook with the hashtags, your child will receive a free book!
Found at: https://theeducatorsspinonit.com/2015/09/fall-stem-challenge-for-kids-leaf.html
How to Translate This Newsletter
Did you know that there is an option to translate this newsletter into another language? There are more than a hundred languages to choose from, including languages like Arabic and Spanish.
At the top of the newsletter to the right. you will see a button that says "Translate." Click on Translate and choose the language you prefer from the drop-down menu. Click on Done and enjoy reading! See the image to the left to see where you can find the Translate button in this newsletter.
Amanda Qualls, School Librarian, MLS
Gonzalez Schedule
Monday mornings
Wednesdays
Fridays
Email: aqualls@dentonisd.org
Website: https://sites.google.com/g.dentonisd.org/gonzalezlibrary/homecasa
Location: 1212 Long Rd, Denton, TX, USA
Phone: 940-369-4385
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gonzalezsyclibrary
Twitter: @GonzalezSYCLib