Happy February! On January 27th, we began a new library/tech rotation. This means that for the next six weeks, grades 1, 2, and 4 have library classes and grade 3 has technology class. So that third graders stay connected to the library during their tech rotation (and because I would miss them!) they have a 15-minute book checkout time each week on Fridays. Kindergarten has both library and technology classes every week throughout the year. Unsure when your child has library so you can help remind them to bring back their books? Check the current schedule HERE. 

During this rotation, we are focusing on a "Mock Ezra Jack Keats Book Award." As a part of this unit, kids are learning about Ezra Jack Keats (EJK) and why he was important in the world of children's book publishing. We are also learning about the criteria used for this book award and have our OWN Lincoln School Criteria (see below.) Each week we read one or two 2024 picture books to decide as a K-4 community which ones we think is worthy of our own Lincoln School EJK Award. At the end of this current rotation, all kids will get to vote for the book they think is best, and we will award a symbolic gold and silver medal to the first and second place winners. The kids are very excited about this, and I love to hear their thoughtful commentary about each of the books. Ask your child which book is their favorite so far and why!

Note: Because 3rd grade does not have library class during this rotation, I am going into 3rd grade on Wednesday mornings to do a grade-level read aloud so our third grade students can also be a part of our Mock EJK vote!

And speaking of book awards... If you are looking for ways to bring math into your storytime at home, check out these winners from Mathical, which awards book prizes each year to outstanding fiction and nonfiction books that inspire children to see math in all areas of their world. SO many awesome titles on these lists.

Finally, thanks to all of the kids who entered the MSLA bookmark contest! We had SIXTY kids submit a creative design (Wooo-Hooo!) Winners will be announced at the MSLA conference in early March, which I will be attending, and my fingers are crossed that one of our Lincoln School library kids will be a winner!

Until next month... Happy Reading Everyone!