The book fair books have arrived!

I walked in this morning and found this waiting for me!  

I definitely felt heart palpitations.  Not sure if they were from excitement or pure terror at the amount of work ahead!  Let's say excitement. :)  Later this week I'll be setting up the book fair in the library and next week it will be open for business!  

Would you like to come check it out?  Maybe shop with your student?  Maybe help their friends find good books to read?  I'm looking for a few volunteers to just be available during student shopping times to help the kids shop.  There's no training or experience required, just come and experience the thrill with the kids.  Plus, you get an invite to the sneak peek book fair preview!  

Let me know if you're interested in helping out.  More information about the book fair will be coming home with your child on Friday.  

"Unplugged" Programming

This week we are working on programming in library.  We are defining the word algorithm (a set of instructions to solve a problem or complete a task) and program (an algorithm written/coded so a computer can read it).  

Second and third graders are playing a game where one person is the programmer/controller and uses a "program" (series of hand signals) to guide their "computer" (the other player) to the finish.  

Four and fifth graders are writing their own "unplugged" programs to guide their partners Automatic Realization Machine (A.R.M.) to complete the pattern.   

We will continue these activities this month, eventually moving to online programming using Code.org and/or Scratch programming.   

Art / Library Collaboration: Shelf Markers

All grades are working diligently in art class, creating shelf markers to be used in library.  They are learning about patterns and design in art, while also creating a tool that (hopefully) they will be able to use for many years in the library.