5th Grade Science Research

One of my favorite things to do as a librarian is to collaborate with the classroom teachers to develop learning experiences for students that expand upon the things they are learning in their classrooms.

Just before Thanksgiving Break 5th grade students spent 3 days doing science research in the library to introduce their new cluster. We worked on learning more about topics that had given students trouble in the past: natural resources, fossil fuels, erosion, weather, deposition, and the rock cycle.

Students spent Day One on an introduction to natural resources and fossil fuels by watching some BrainPop videos and then completing a classifying resources game called Sortify. They had a lot of fun while learning some very important and difficult concepts. They thought the game would be super easy, but it turned out to be much more difficult than they expected. They persevered and did an awesome job!

Day Two the students really buckled down and got into the heart of our research by utilizing the databases to answer a research outline that covered a variety of information they'd be learning about during this science cluster. We discussed how databases are much more reliable than just Googling to find the needed information. Students used print resources (books) to answer questions as well. Students have access to our databases at home as well as at school. To access the databases from home you can click on the Research Resources tab on this blog. They should all know their username and password, but if they don't you can contact me to find out that information.

Day Three we finished up our database and book research, and then moved on to the fun part! Students participated in a Kahoot! to review all the information they'd learned the past few days. They still have some more to learn about natural resources, fossil fuels, erosion, weathering, deposition, and the rock cycle, but they're rocking it so far! I can't wait to see how they do on their CBA.

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Bluebonnets, 2x2's, and Kinder Shelf Shopping, Oh My!

The last couple weeks in the Taylor library have been super busy, and chock full of learning! Kindergarten, First, and Second grade classes have all been listening to several 2x2 read alouds to help them fill in their 2x2 boots! Once students have read all 20 of the 2x2 books they just need to bring their colored boots to Mrs. Riley in the library! Mrs. Wartluft or I will take your picture, give you a brag tag, and make you famous by putting your picture on the 2x2 Wall of Fame! 2x2 Readers will also be announced on the Taylor Talk News Show!

While K-2 has been reading 2x2's, Third, Fourth, and Fifth graders have been working on the Bluebonnet books. We've heard one story read aloud to give all students in those grades the opportunity to take the Bluebonnet survey to get one book closer to becoming members of the Bluebonnet Book Club. To be part of the Bluebonnet Book Club 3-5 students have to read 5 of the 20 Bluebonnet books (2 must be chapter books), and complete the survey. Bluebonnet Book Club members will also receive a brag tag and have their name announced either on the Taylor Talk News or at GMT (whichever one is closer to them completing their requirements). Once they're members of the club they get to vote on their favorite book in January and have a party!

Second through Fifth graders also had a refresher course on what to do if they need to come to the library, by themselves, to check out books when it's not their library week. They've been doing a great job taking care of their business without interrupting other classes! Great job Taylor Readers!!

This week marks a milestone in Kindergarten-the first time they were able to shop from the shelves after lots of practice table shopping and using shelf markers to shop from the book cart. They did a fabulous job using their shelf markers, really looking at the inside of the books to see if they were interesting to them, and putting them back correctly if they decided the book wasn't right for them. They were so excited to shelf shop like the "big kids"!

2x2 Fun with Tupera Tupera's Polar Bear's Underwear

This lovable story sends the kids into giggles as they help Polar Bear find his "missing" underwear. As they go on a quest with Polar Bear and mouse to find the underwear, that he's actually been wearing the whole time, they meet many animals with different types of underwear.

After reading this fun, 2x2 story with K-2; students set to designing underwear that Polar Bear is sure not to forget he's wearing! They did a fantastic job, and had so much fun with their designs!!

Illustrator AG Ford is coming to visit Taylor Elementary!!

International Dot Day!

International Dot Day is celebrated on September, 15th. The story, The Dot by Peter Reynolds, is the inspiration for this fabulous, fun day. The Dot is a story about a little girl who doesn't have much confidence in her art abilities...until one day when her art teacher tells her to start by just making a mark. The next day, her dot is in a fancy, swirly frame displayed in the classroom! After that, she tries to make the best dot ever!! This even includes an entire DOT art exhibit! When another student looks at her work with envy, guess what she does for him?! This beautiful story is about encouraging others to be the best they can be!  

Kindergarten and first grade friends are making their mark by creating unique bookmarks with dots and other shapes.

Second and third grade friends are making their mark by creating their own dots and then making them 3-D with the QuiverVision app. It's so awesome, and the kids are loving it!!

International Literacy Day

September 8, 2016 was the 50^th annual International Literacy Day.  On this special day, we promote the importance of education and literacy (the ability to read and write) around the world. To celebrate the day we encouraged Taylor Readers to take time to read a book by themselves, to a friend, a family member, or even to their pet or stuffed animal! Below is a video of some students and staff who were caught reading!

A free digital slideshow by Smilebox

Fast and Furious

The first three weeks have been fast and furious in the Taylor library! We started off the first week with all the classes visiting the library, except Kindergarten. Those sweet kiddos need a week to adjust to school life.

First and second grade enjoyed their first 2x2 book There's a Lion in My Cornflakes to start off their boot coloring. They also received a review of the library, including how to use shelf markers, and a reminder of how to treat their library books from Mr. Wiggles!

Third, fourth, and fifth grades all received a library orientation and a Bluebonnet Book Talk. Their second visit they had lots of fun checking out new books and playing Kahoot! to review information about the library. It was very competitive and so much fun!

Welcome!

Hi all,

Welcome to the Taylor Library website. This year is going to be awesome and I can't wait to keep you all posted on what we're up to here in the library!

I wanted to start by introducing myself as this is my first year at Taylor Elementary. My name is Mrs. Riley and this is my 11th year in education. I taught 2nd grade in Cedar Hill for 5 years, then moved on to become a librarian spanning a few school districts, and encompassing all grade levels. This will be my first year in Frisco ISD. I have a sweet family, my husband Chris, who teaches Physics and coaches swimming at Heritage High School, and our three littles, who all attend Sem Elementary: Faith (10 years old), Samantha (8 years old), and Aaron (7 years old). They keep us super busy, but they're always good for a laugh!

I graduated from The University of North Texas in 2005 with a degree in Interdisciplinary Studies, and I loved UNT so much I went back and graduated in 2011 with my Master's degree in Library Science. When I'm not shuttling my kiddos to softball or swim practice, I love reading, baking, and relaxing with a cup of coffee. I feel super blessed to be part of the Taylor family and look forward to exciting library adventures with everyone.

Check back soon to see what's happening in the library.