Hour of Code

"The Hour of Code" is a international effort to get as many students as possible to explore the language of computer coding.  Students of all ages at South School will be participating in this fun event between December 8th and  December 19th.  I encourage you to visit the following links to explore coding on your own.  -Mrs. Tibbetts

Code.org LINK

For the iPad, Kodable

Halloween Links!

Audio Stories

LINK

Increase Your Speed

Become a better researcher, writer, and computer user!  Use Type to Learn to increase your keyboard skills.  Download the program at home with this link. LINK  Be patient.  It took me 20 minutes to download it on my computer.  Use your district ID and password to login.  Have Fun!

Make New Friends at the Library!

When school starts I love to introduce students to the many wonderful characters that they can find on the library shelves. Visiting characters in series is like spending time with old friends. One of the new characters we will meet this year is Otis the tractor.  He is the creation of author and illustrator Loren Long. Watch the video below to learn more about the craft of illustration.

Here is another visit with author Loren Long.


You can visit author Loren Long at his website. LINK

You can visit Otis at his very own website. LINK

Big Fish! by Kindergarten and First Grade

Click here to view this photo book larger

Shutterfly offers exclusive layouts and designs so you can make your book just the way you want.

We're Going on a Bear Hunt, Recorded by Mrs. Futera's Class

Ms. Merrow's Class is Published!

Click here to view this photo book larger

The new way to make a photo album: photo books by Shutterfly.

South School Authors and Illustrators, Made Possible by Fast Track!

Click here to view this photo book larger

Turn your favorite photos into a photo book at Shutterfly.com.

Click here to view this photo book larger

Turn your favorite photos into a photo book at Shutterfly.com.

This site has some great coloring pages, paper cities, and other fun art & craft projects for families.  Click on this link to explore it for yourself. 

LINK

Sydney Opera House!

Paris!

Paper City

Be Creative!

from the crafty crow website

700s

Leisure Arts

With vacation coming up this is a great time to learn about sites that have fun things to make and do. Also, be sure to visit our school library and your public library and look in the 700s section for books on this topic.

Remember our internet safety rules:

1.Always ask an adult before you go online.

2. Only talk to people you know.

3. Only visit sites that are just right for kids.

Some of my favorite sites:

LINK

LINK

The Crafty Crow

LINK

Deep Space Sparkle!
LINK

DIY Play!

Some sites that have some great ideas for games to play outside:

Playworks.org

LINK

Clapping Games

LINK

PBS Kids Explore the Outdoors
LINK

Library Resources

Library books about sports and games are in the 700s.  Books about sports are in 796.

Here are a couple of books you should take a look at:

793.4 ROC

796 GO

April is Poetry Month

Check out these poets:

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Joyce Sidman

LINK

Take a look at these websites:

gigglepoetry.com
LINK

Here are some great books:
(Look in the 800s section for more.)

A Kick in the Head by Paul Janeczko

Some fun poetry activities:

• Celebrate Poem in Your Pocket Day. We will celebrate on April 18th at South School but the national Poem in your Pocket Day is April 24th
• Participate in the Rockland Public Library's Poetry Contest
• Write and illustrate a poem for the South School Poetry Book
• Do a Poetry Slam with a friend
• Recite and record poetry
• Video tape yourself reading poetry

Pick Your Chick!

Chickadee that is.  During the last week of March we will be joining students from around the state of Maine to vote for the 2013-2014 Chickadee Award winner.  Students will have 10 books to choose from.  Over the next few weeks students will listen to the nominees during their library class and in their classrooms.  We encourage you to share the books at home and to discuss them with your children.  This is a great way to encourage reading, increase awareness of authors & illustrators, learn about children's book awards, and have some fun! To learn more about the Chickadees go to this website, LINK.

Here are this year's nominees:

Black Dog by Levi Pinfold

The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind by William Kamkwamba and Bryan Mealer, illustrated by Elizabeth Zunon

Infinity and Me by Kate Hosford, illustrated by Gabi Swiatkowska

Jangles: A Big Fish Story by David Shannon

Lost and Found by Bill Harley, illustrated by Adam Gustavson

Mrs. Harkness and the Panda by Alicia Potter, illustrated by Melissa Sweet

The Princess and the Packet of Frozen Peas by Tony Wilson, illustrated by Sue deGennaro

Randy Riley's Really Big Hit by Chris Van Dusen

Step Gently Out by Helen Frost, photographs by Rick Lieder

Too Tall Houses by Gianna Marino

Do You Know Mo?

Meet Mo Willems, Our January Author Study!

Mo has lots of fun stuff to do on his websites.  Click this LINK to go there or try this LINK for even more fun.  You can go to this LINK to read more about him.