Revisiting things the students have made in our cozy library

I am still exploring the poetry centers. Last week, I was experimenting with a word splash with the students. I asked them to think about the school library and then think of one word they would use to describe the program. I modeled examples and then asked them to write down their one word at a specific center. I thought we might be able to create a spoken word poem or found poem, but it didn't quite work out as planned.  In a sea of "read" and "books," two words stood out -- make and cozy.

I really want students to see the library as a place where they make products and where they share ideas. That one student used this word gives me hope that I am on the right path. That another student wrote "cozy" also gives me hope. I want our space to be cozy and welcoming and safe. I have been adding little touches and am happy that they too are making a difference.

In honor of School Library Month and National Library Week, here are some things the students have made in our cozy library.

Students make products that express ideas and share information:

Students make connections with other learners across the country.

Students make presentations.

Students make reading choices.

Students make connections with authors.

Students form opinions and make decisions.

Students make art and stories.

Students make memories in our cozy learning space.

I especially love that our library is a space for sharing life. This student arrived at the library with this message: 

Celebrate: Third Graders

Today I am celebrating my week with my third grade students.

Celebration Number One: Fannie in the Kitchen

During our scheduled library class we read Fannie in the Kitchen, written by Deborah Hopkinson  and illustrated by Nancy Carpenter. This book is much fun to read aloud, both text and illustrations sing.  ( I give it a #reedaloudrating of 10). We read it as a wrap up to our biography unit during women's history month. I have also used this book to connect to the cookbooks in on our Wonder Wall (nonfiction wall). The students will perform the reader's theatre script from Library Sparks this coming Monday.

Fannie in the Kitchen by Deborah Hopkinson

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Celebration Number Two: Suzy Kline

Suzy Kline came a visiting! That same day, Suzy Kline visited our school. She is a wonderful presenter - her rapport with the students demonstrates her background as a classroom teacher. Her visit is filled with stories, strategies, and anecdotes. It is also wonderfully interactive with skits and roles for students to play.

Celebration Number Three: Hour of Code

The students participated in Hour of Code on Thursday afternoon. I saw the three classes of students, back-to-back, and it was fabulous and fun. The productive din made my heart happy. 

There were other memorable and fun moments in the library this week, but these really stood out.

Happy Saturday All!