If you're curious about how the universe works, physics is a great place to start. Physics allows us to understand the complex world around us by breaking things down to basic building blocks and simple rules; then, we can use these basics to explain what makes the rest of the world and the cosmos tick. It's an exciting subject going from the subatomic scale to the galactic, and used in fields ranging from medicine to energy.
Information about the topics of physics can be found in the nonfiction section under the Dewey Class number 530. Some subheadings for information found in this area are matter and antimatter; mechanics of solids, fluids, and gases; sound and related vibrations; visible light (optics); heat, electricity and electronics; magnetism; and molecular, atomic, and nuclear sciences. Although it is one of the oldest academic disciplines, it's a field that is only becoming for fertile for discovery! Explore a few of the ways this ancient discipline is taking us into the future. Check out the 530's in the nonfiction section!
Enjoy a good read!
Mrs. Theresa Reiter, K-12 Teacher Librarian
Tuesday, November 29, 2011
Wednesday, November 16, 2011
Party Time
Today Mrs. Markwardt's Kindergarten class enjoyed watching the movie, Judy Moody and the NOT Bummer Summer as part of their reward for everyone returning their books and getting 5 stickers. They also enjoyed juice, popcorn, and fruit snacks courtesy of Mrs. Reiter, K-12 Teacher Librarian and Diana Rodriguez, Elem. Library Aide.
K-M already has 2 stickers toward filling their next 5 sticker quota. Mrs. Tenold's K-Prep has 3 stickers on their chart. So, far these are the only 2 classes to have celebrated with a library party. Mrs. Jenison's class has earned 1 sticker, Ms Bram's class has earned 2 stickers, Mrs. Kuhlers' class has earned 3 stickers, Mrs. Torkelson's class has earned 1 sticker, and Mrs. Mick's class has earned 1 sticker.
Kindergarten through 3rd grade students can participate in the library party reward program. When everyone in the class returns their book(s) on library day, the class gets a sticker for their chart. When 5 stickers have been earned, we plan a library reward party!
LIBRARY DAY
Monday: K-Jenison, 2-Kuhlers, & 3-Smith
Tuesday: 1-Tanner, 2-Torkelson, & 3-Bell
Wednesday: K-Prep-Tenold
Thursday: 1-Wagner, & 3-Mick
Friday: K-Markwardt, & 2-Bram
Please help your child remember to return their books to the ROJ LMC! THANKS! (We want more parties!)
Mrs. T. Reiter, B-K's K-12 Teacher Librarian
K-M already has 2 stickers toward filling their next 5 sticker quota. Mrs. Tenold's K-Prep has 3 stickers on their chart. So, far these are the only 2 classes to have celebrated with a library party. Mrs. Jenison's class has earned 1 sticker, Ms Bram's class has earned 2 stickers, Mrs. Kuhlers' class has earned 3 stickers, Mrs. Torkelson's class has earned 1 sticker, and Mrs. Mick's class has earned 1 sticker.
Kindergarten through 3rd grade students can participate in the library party reward program. When everyone in the class returns their book(s) on library day, the class gets a sticker for their chart. When 5 stickers have been earned, we plan a library reward party!
LIBRARY DAY
Monday: K-Jenison, 2-Kuhlers, & 3-Smith
Tuesday: 1-Tanner, 2-Torkelson, & 3-Bell
Wednesday: K-Prep-Tenold
Thursday: 1-Wagner, & 3-Mick
Friday: K-Markwardt, & 2-Bram
Please help your child remember to return their books to the ROJ LMC! THANKS! (We want more parties!)
Mrs. T. Reiter, B-K's K-12 Teacher Librarian
Wednesday, August 31, 2011
WELCOME BACK TO SCHOOL!
Welcome back to school, everyone! We are soon to be finishing up our 2nd week of school. It seems like the summer just flew by!
This year, I am again, only in the district 1 day a week - Wednesday. It's been a treat for me to meet the new students who have library book check out on Wednesdays. Since I am at B-K only one day, I don't instruct library skills classes. However, I get to give mini-lessons to the groups that come that day.
We are having a special incentive for grades K-Prep through 3rd grade. When everyone in the class returns their book(s) on their library check out day, the class earns a sticker for their chart. When a class has earned 5 stickers on the chart then we get to do something special in the library. Last year, a class earned 3 special library parties! Already Mrs. Tenold's K-Prep Class has earned their 1st sticker! Only 4 stickers to go, K-P readers!
Here is your child's scheduled library check out day by teacher:
Monday - Kuhlers, Smith, D. Jenison & P. Jenison
Tuesday - Torkelson, Bell, Tanner & Mallen
Wednesday - Tenold, Sifert & Wineinger
Thursday - Wagner, Mick, Suntken & Johnson
Friday - Bram, Markwardt, Haugen & Dickman
Please help your child to remember to return their checked out book(s).
Keep Reading!
Mrs. Reiter
K-12 Teacher Librarian
This year, I am again, only in the district 1 day a week - Wednesday. It's been a treat for me to meet the new students who have library book check out on Wednesdays. Since I am at B-K only one day, I don't instruct library skills classes. However, I get to give mini-lessons to the groups that come that day.
We are having a special incentive for grades K-Prep through 3rd grade. When everyone in the class returns their book(s) on their library check out day, the class earns a sticker for their chart. When a class has earned 5 stickers on the chart then we get to do something special in the library. Last year, a class earned 3 special library parties! Already Mrs. Tenold's K-Prep Class has earned their 1st sticker! Only 4 stickers to go, K-P readers!
Here is your child's scheduled library check out day by teacher:
Monday - Kuhlers, Smith, D. Jenison & P. Jenison
Tuesday - Torkelson, Bell, Tanner & Mallen
Wednesday - Tenold, Sifert & Wineinger
Thursday - Wagner, Mick, Suntken & Johnson
Friday - Bram, Markwardt, Haugen & Dickman
Please help your child to remember to return their checked out book(s).
Keep Reading!
Mrs. Reiter
K-12 Teacher Librarian
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
5 Ways to Make Time for Reading
Between sports, video games, and playing outside, there's lots of competition for kids' time in the summer. Here are some ideas for ways they can still sneak in their reading.
1. Read Over Breakfast. Encourage kids to take five or ten minutes at the beginning of each day to read, before doing anything else. They can even set a timer - chances are they'll want to keep going after it buzzes!
2. Match Books to Activities. Know a child going to soccer camp? Connect him with sports stories by authors like Matt Christopher. Have a student who'll be in summer school? The Summer of May by Cecilia Galente is a moving story about a girl coming to terms with her own summer school experience.
3. Always Carry a Book. Encourage children to always carry a book with them. It sounds simple, but kids may be surprised to discover all the time during the day they have for reading - on the bus to camp, in a waiting room, or during commercial breaks.
4. Have Family Reading Time. Just as you set aside time for independent reading during the school year, ask families to devote 20 minutes a day to books. Every family member should read during this time, including Mom and Dad.
5. Set Individual Goals. Some kids will have no problem reading the four-book minimum. Others may need specific strategies, such as one book a month. Meet with kids to determine their plans.
It's been a GREAT year! And don't forget, READ EVERY DAY!
Mrs. Theresa Reiter, K-12 Teacher Librarian
1. Read Over Breakfast. Encourage kids to take five or ten minutes at the beginning of each day to read, before doing anything else. They can even set a timer - chances are they'll want to keep going after it buzzes!
2. Match Books to Activities. Know a child going to soccer camp? Connect him with sports stories by authors like Matt Christopher. Have a student who'll be in summer school? The Summer of May by Cecilia Galente is a moving story about a girl coming to terms with her own summer school experience.
3. Always Carry a Book. Encourage children to always carry a book with them. It sounds simple, but kids may be surprised to discover all the time during the day they have for reading - on the bus to camp, in a waiting room, or during commercial breaks.
4. Have Family Reading Time. Just as you set aside time for independent reading during the school year, ask families to devote 20 minutes a day to books. Every family member should read during this time, including Mom and Dad.
5. Set Individual Goals. Some kids will have no problem reading the four-book minimum. Others may need specific strategies, such as one book a month. Meet with kids to determine their plans.
It's been a GREAT year! And don't forget, READ EVERY DAY!
Mrs. Theresa Reiter, K-12 Teacher Librarian
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
Children's Day/Book Day = El dia de los Ninos/El dia de los Libros
April 30, 2011 marks the nationwide Hispanic celebration Dia de los Ninos/Dia de los Libros (Children’s Day/Book Day).
Children’s Day is celebrated in many countries throughout the world at different times during the year. On the North American continent, Dia de los Ninos grew from the annual celebration started in 1925 in Mexico.
This year marks the 15th anniversary of the American Libraries Association’s annual commemoration, along with the National Association to Promote Library Information and Services to Latinos and the Spanish-speaking (REFORMA), which emphasizes advocating literacy for children of all linguistic and cultural backgrounds.
Designed for children pre-school age through fifth grade, many libraries will feature activities that include storytelling, crafts, games, music and dance, piñatas, prizes and snacks.
If you get a chance read to yourself or someone else, the book Book Fiesta!: Celebrate Children's Day/Book Day = Celebremos El dia de los Ninos/El dia de los Libros. It is a bilingual picture book written by Pat Mora and illustrated by Rafael Lopez.
Mrs. T. Reiter, K-12 Teacher Librarian
Monday, April 18, 2011
Turnoff Week/Digital Detox Week
Who would ever think that people of today would unplug their televisions and video games, turn off their computers and media players, or put their cell phones on silent for one day, let alone for an entire week! Well, believe it or not, it will happen. Families across the nation will be turning the television sets off for a week during TV Turnoff Week running April 18-24, 2011. This national event, also called Digital Detox Week, encourages people to use electronic screened media responsibly and have more time for a healthier life, personal time, socializing with friends and reading a book or reading to someone else. Can your family go seven days without watching TV or enjoying any electronic toys? According to a January 2010 study by the Kaiser Family Foundation, youth ages 8-18 spend an average of 7 1/2 hours a day with electronic entertainment (and manage 10+ hours of total media since they multi-task.) Our media savvy kids are watching TV, playing video games, posting on Facebook, surfing the net, texting, and listening to music! The maximum time recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics is just 2 hours a day! Take the Dare...Join in and unplug your life for ONE week! Thanks for joining me in celebrating National Library Week last week with "Hats on For Reading" spirit day! Mrs. T. Reiter, K-12 Teacher Librarian
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
Create Your Own Story @ Your Library
National Library Week/School Library Month
National Library Week will be observed April 10-16, 2011 with the theme, "Create your own story @ your library®."
First sponsored in 1958, National Library Week is a national observance sponsored by the American Library Association (ALA) and libraries across the country each April. It is a time to celebrate the contributions of our nation's libraries and librarians and to promote library use and support. All types of libraries - school, public, academic and special - participate.
Many school libraries also celebrate the month of April as School Library Month sponsored by the American Association of School Librarians, a division of ALA, with the same theme as National Library Week. Other celebrations during National Library Week include: National Library Workers Day, celebrated the Tuesday of National Library Week (April 12, 2011), a day for library staff, users, administrators and Friends groups to recognize the valuable contributions made by all library workers; National Bookmobile Day, celebrated the Wednesday of National Library Week (April 13, 2011), a day to recognize the contributions of our nation's bookmobiles and the dedicated professionals who make quality bookmobile outreach possible in their communities; and Support Teen Literature Day, celebrated the Thursday of National Library Week (April 14, 2011), aimed at raising awareness among the general public that young adult literature is a vibrant, growing genre with much to offer today's teens.
Enjoy your library!Mrs. T. Reiter, K-12 Teacher Librarian
Monday, April 4, 2011
10 Reads for Teens
The Alex Awards are given to 10 books written for adults that have special appeal to young adults, ages 12 through 18. The winning titles are selected from the previous year's publishing. The award is sponsored by the Margaret Alexander Edwards Trust and Booklist. Edwards was a young adult specialist for many years at the Enoch Pratt Library in Baltimore. Her work is described in her book FAIR GARDEN AND THE SWARM OF BEASTS, and over the years she has served as an inspiration to librarians who serve young adults. The Alex Awards are named after Edwards, who was called "Alex" by her friends. The 2011 award winners are as follows: 1. The Boy Who Couldn't Sleep and Never Had To - DC Pierson, 2. Breaking Night: A Memoir of Forgiveness, Survival, and My Journey from Homeless to Harvard - Liz Murray, 3. Girl in Transition - Jean Kwok, 4. The House of Tomorrow - Peter Bognanni, 5. The Lock Artisy - Steve Hamilton, 6. The Particular Sadness of Lemon Cake - Aimee Bender, 7. The Radleys - Matt Haig, 8. The Reapers Are Angels - Alden Bell, 9. Room - Emma Donoghue, and 10. The Vanishing of Katharina Linden - Helen Grant. Two elementary classes have won Library Parties so far this year: Mrs. Kuhlers and Mrs. Mikesell's classes. Mrs. Kuhlers's room has won 2 times! Please remember to bring back your books on library day! Read Every Day! Mrs. T. Reiter, K-12 Teacher Librarian
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
"A top 'o' the morning to yee!"
It's once again time for one of my favorite holidays... St. Patrick's Day! being a wee bit Irish meself, I always like to celebrate! Bring on the potato soup, soda bread, & corned beef!
Good reads come from other countries. And there's an award for that! The Mildred L. Batchelder Award is presented to an American publisher. It seeks to recognize translations of children's books into the English language. The award is sponsored by the Association for Library Service to Children (ALSC), a division of the American Library Association (ALA).
Mildred L. Batchelder began her career working in an Omaha, Nebraska Public Library , then as a children's librarian at St. Cloud State Teachers College, and subsequently as librarian of Haven Elementary School in Evanston, IL. She eventually joined the ranks of the ALA in 1936, spending the next 30 years at the ALA promoting the translations of children's books. [cited from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mildred_L._Batchelder_Award]
This year's award recipients are as follows:Award Winner: A Time for Miracles, published by Delacorte Press, written by Anne-Laure Bondoux and translated by Y. Maudet. Originally published in French in 2009 as "Le Temps des Miracles," the novel tells about a young refugee as he searches for identity, safe haven and truth, from war-torn Caucasus to the freedom of France, over five arduous years.Honor Books: Departure Time, published by Namelos, written by Truus Matti, translated from the Dutch by Nancy Forrest-Flier. [Originally published in 2009 as "Vertrektijd."] and Nothing, published by Atheneum Books for Young Readers, written by Janne Teller, translated by Martin Aitken. [Originally published in Danish in 2009 as "Intet."]
Erin go Braugh!
Mrs. O'Reiter
Good reads come from other countries. And there's an award for that! The Mildred L. Batchelder Award is presented to an American publisher. It seeks to recognize translations of children's books into the English language. The award is sponsored by the Association for Library Service to Children (ALSC), a division of the American Library Association (ALA).
Mildred L. Batchelder began her career working in an Omaha, Nebraska Public Library , then as a children's librarian at St. Cloud State Teachers College, and subsequently as librarian of Haven Elementary School in Evanston, IL. She eventually joined the ranks of the ALA in 1936, spending the next 30 years at the ALA promoting the translations of children's books. [cited from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mildred_L._Batchelder_Award]
This year's award recipients are as follows:Award Winner: A Time for Miracles, published by Delacorte Press, written by Anne-Laure Bondoux and translated by Y. Maudet. Originally published in French in 2009 as "Le Temps des Miracles," the novel tells about a young refugee as he searches for identity, safe haven and truth, from war-torn Caucasus to the freedom of France, over five arduous years.Honor Books: Departure Time, published by Namelos, written by Truus Matti, translated from the Dutch by Nancy Forrest-Flier. [Originally published in 2009 as "Vertrektijd."] and Nothing, published by Atheneum Books for Young Readers, written by Janne Teller, translated by Martin Aitken. [Originally published in Danish in 2009 as "Intet."]
Erin go Braugh!
Mrs. O'Reiter
Monday, March 7, 2011
Diversity in the Library Media Center
There are two book awards given annually that address diversity and the experience of diversity. They are the Schneider Family Book Awards and the Stonewall Book Award.
The Schneider Family Book Awards honor an author or illustrator for a book that embodies an artistic expression of the disability experience for child and adolescent audiences. The 2011 award winners are: for middle school readers - After Ever After written by Jordan Sonnenblick. (Tells the story of Jeffrey who is free of cancer, but not the fallout from the treatment. Tad, his cancer survivor buddy and he swap wisecracks as they cope with their "chemo-brain," other cancer effects and typical 8th grade angst.); for teen readers - Five Flavors of Dumb written by Antony John. (Dumb is not the name Piper, a high school senior who is Deaf, would have chosen for a heavy metal band, yet she volunteers to manage this disparate group of would-be musicians. in her attempt to make Dumb profitable, Piper learns a few things about music and business, striking a chord within herself.); and for young children - The Pirate of Kindergarten written by George Ella Lyon and illustrated by Lynne Avril. (Ginny's eyes play tricks and, in her world, there are two of everything. Reading, math, and kindergarten activities are a challenge. Wearing an eye patch turns her into the pirate of kindergarten, and glasses help bring her world into focus. Whimsical mixed media illustrations cleverly convey Ginny's experiences first hand.).
The Stonewall Book Award is presented by the GLBT Round Table of the ALA for exceptional merit to works of fiction, non-fiction, and children's & young adult literature relating to the gay/lesbian/bisexual/transgendered experience. The 2011 award winner for children's & young adult literature is Almost Perfect written by Brian Katcher. (This remarkable book takes a hard look at the difficulties and pain experienced by young male-to-female transsexuals from an easily relateable perspective. A small-town Missouri boy's world is rocked when he falls for the new girl at school who was born a male and is in transition to becoming a female.).
Keep on Reading!
Mr. T Reiter
The Schneider Family Book Awards honor an author or illustrator for a book that embodies an artistic expression of the disability experience for child and adolescent audiences. The 2011 award winners are: for middle school readers - After Ever After written by Jordan Sonnenblick. (Tells the story of Jeffrey who is free of cancer, but not the fallout from the treatment. Tad, his cancer survivor buddy and he swap wisecracks as they cope with their "chemo-brain," other cancer effects and typical 8th grade angst.); for teen readers - Five Flavors of Dumb written by Antony John. (Dumb is not the name Piper, a high school senior who is Deaf, would have chosen for a heavy metal band, yet she volunteers to manage this disparate group of would-be musicians. in her attempt to make Dumb profitable, Piper learns a few things about music and business, striking a chord within herself.); and for young children - The Pirate of Kindergarten written by George Ella Lyon and illustrated by Lynne Avril. (Ginny's eyes play tricks and, in her world, there are two of everything. Reading, math, and kindergarten activities are a challenge. Wearing an eye patch turns her into the pirate of kindergarten, and glasses help bring her world into focus. Whimsical mixed media illustrations cleverly convey Ginny's experiences first hand.).
The Stonewall Book Award is presented by the GLBT Round Table of the ALA for exceptional merit to works of fiction, non-fiction, and children's & young adult literature relating to the gay/lesbian/bisexual/transgendered experience. The 2011 award winner for children's & young adult literature is Almost Perfect written by Brian Katcher. (This remarkable book takes a hard look at the difficulties and pain experienced by young male-to-female transsexuals from an easily relateable perspective. A small-town Missouri boy's world is rocked when he falls for the new girl at school who was born a male and is in transition to becoming a female.).
Keep on Reading!
Mr. T Reiter
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
Did Phil see his shadow?
Enough snow and wind! I'm hoping that Phil doesn't see his shadow on Groundhog Day. I'm ready for spring! Are you?!? Below is information from Wikipedia, the free online encyclopedia, about Groundhog Day:
Groundhog Day is a holiday celebrated on February 2 in the United States and Canada. According to folklore, if it is cloudy when a groundhog emerges from its burrow on this day, it will leave the burrow, signifying that winter will soon end. If on the other hand, it is sunny, the groundhog will supposedly "see its shadow" and retreat back into its burrow, and winter will continue for six more weeks.
Modern customs of the holiday involve celebrations where early morning festivals are held to watch the groundhog emerging from its burrow. In southeastern Pennsylvania, Groundhog Lodges (Grundsow Lodges) celebrate the holiday with fersommlinge, social events in which food is served, speeches are made, and one or more g'spiel (plays or skits) are performed for entertainment. The Pennsylvania German dialect is the only language spoken at the event, and those who speak English pay a penalty, usually in the form of a nickel, dime or quarter, per word spoken, put into a bowl in the center of the table.
The largest Groundhog Day celebration is held in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania. Groundhog Day, already a widely recognized and popular tradition, received worldwide attention as a result of the 1993 film of the same name, Groundhog Day, which was set in Punxsutawney and featured Punxsutawney Phil.
There are several books about Punxsutawney Phil and Groundhog Day in your school library media center.
Looking for spring,
Mrs. T. Reiter, K-12 Teacher Librarian
Groundhog Day is a holiday celebrated on February 2 in the United States and Canada. According to folklore, if it is cloudy when a groundhog emerges from its burrow on this day, it will leave the burrow, signifying that winter will soon end. If on the other hand, it is sunny, the groundhog will supposedly "see its shadow" and retreat back into its burrow, and winter will continue for six more weeks.
Modern customs of the holiday involve celebrations where early morning festivals are held to watch the groundhog emerging from its burrow. In southeastern Pennsylvania, Groundhog Lodges (Grundsow Lodges) celebrate the holiday with fersommlinge, social events in which food is served, speeches are made, and one or more g'spiel (plays or skits) are performed for entertainment. The Pennsylvania German dialect is the only language spoken at the event, and those who speak English pay a penalty, usually in the form of a nickel, dime or quarter, per word spoken, put into a bowl in the center of the table.
The largest Groundhog Day celebration is held in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania. Groundhog Day, already a widely recognized and popular tradition, received worldwide attention as a result of the 1993 film of the same name, Groundhog Day, which was set in Punxsutawney and featured Punxsutawney Phil.
There are several books about Punxsutawney Phil and Groundhog Day in your school library media center.
Looking for spring,
Mrs. T. Reiter, K-12 Teacher Librarian
Sunday, January 23, 2011
Books about Bullying
To help kick-off No Name-Calling Week, I've included a list of suggested books on bullying, name-calling and teasing....
FICTION
Oliver Button is a Sissy - Tomie dePaola
The Berenstain Bears and the Bully - Stan Berenstain
Bootie Barker Ballerina - Barbara Bottner
Arthur's April Fool - Marc Brown
Jake Drake, Bully Buster - Andrew Clements
Pinky and Rex and the Bully - James Howe
The Rat and the Tiger - Keiko Kasza
The Field of Dogs - Katherine Peterson
Radio Fifth Grade - Gordon Korman
NON-FICTION
Nobody Knew What to Do: A Story about Bullying - Becky Ray McCain & Todd Leonardo
Stop Bullying Bobby!: Helping Children Cope with Teasing and Bullying - Dana Smith-Mansell
Hot Issues, Cool Choices - Sandra McLeod Humphrey & Brian Stassburg
The Meanest Thing to Say - Bill Cosby
Mom, They're Teasing Me - Michael Thompson
Don't Pick On Me: How to Handle Bullying - Rosemary Stones
There are many more! Contact your school librarian or counselor for suggestions. Or go online.
If you are being bullied or teased, please talk it over with your parents, a teacher, or a friend!
Until next time,
Mrs. T. Reiter, K-12 Teacher Librarian
Monday, January 10, 2011
Do you remember Viva Parker?
I have come across a lovely book edited by William L. Sherman in 1996, titled Tributes to Iowa Teachers. Inside I read a testimony to Belmond Elementary School teacher Mrs. Viva Parker written by Belmond resident Vicky Quigly. I thought you might enjoy reading it for yourself. Maybe Mrs. Parker was also your teacher.
Forty years ago, I couldn't wait to get to school each morning, mainly because of a fun and creative fourth grade teacher by the name of Viva Parker.
Mrs. Parker was small in stature, very strict, and very demanding, yet she was a grandmotherly figure, full of love and concern for all of her students. She demanded respect from each of us. Respect for our peers, respect for private and school property, and respect for her and our elders. She reminded us over and over again, "Remember the 'Golden Rule' - do unto others as you would have them do unto you."
Personal hygiene was important to her. Daily we had clean fingernail checks, clean handkerchief checks, and teeth checks. Remember the yearly dental cards that would line our classroom.
Good penmanship was a must in her room. She refused papers that were sloppy and difficult to read and papers that had been ripped or heavily erased. She taught us the Palmer Penmanship Method and expected us to do our best.
Every Friday we looked forward to spell downs. Occasionally we competed against the other fourth grade section. We always learned so much more than just spelling words. One day in particular, we were spelling so well and she was having trouble retiring us - she walked over to a large map, pointed to Mexico, and our next two words that sat down several of us were Ixtacihuatl and Popocatepetl. Believe it or not, I had a boy in my section correctly spell Popocatepetl and my section had bragging rites for the day. I have always remembered they were volcanoes in Mexico, but I do have to confess to checking the spelling before writing this paper today.
I have so many wonderful memories of my fourth grade year and it has been fun writing this testimonial. Mrs. Parker touched the lives of hundreds of impressionable 10-year-olds as she taught for 40 years. How fortunate I feel to have had this delightful woman as a teacher and a role model. I think of her often with much admiration. I hope everyone has experienced a "Mrs. Parker" at some time in their life.
Forty years ago, I couldn't wait to get to school each morning, mainly because of a fun and creative fourth grade teacher by the name of Viva Parker.
Mrs. Parker was small in stature, very strict, and very demanding, yet she was a grandmotherly figure, full of love and concern for all of her students. She demanded respect from each of us. Respect for our peers, respect for private and school property, and respect for her and our elders. She reminded us over and over again, "Remember the 'Golden Rule' - do unto others as you would have them do unto you."
Personal hygiene was important to her. Daily we had clean fingernail checks, clean handkerchief checks, and teeth checks. Remember the yearly dental cards that would line our classroom.
Good penmanship was a must in her room. She refused papers that were sloppy and difficult to read and papers that had been ripped or heavily erased. She taught us the Palmer Penmanship Method and expected us to do our best.
Every Friday we looked forward to spell downs. Occasionally we competed against the other fourth grade section. We always learned so much more than just spelling words. One day in particular, we were spelling so well and she was having trouble retiring us - she walked over to a large map, pointed to Mexico, and our next two words that sat down several of us were Ixtacihuatl and Popocatepetl. Believe it or not, I had a boy in my section correctly spell Popocatepetl and my section had bragging rites for the day. I have always remembered they were volcanoes in Mexico, but I do have to confess to checking the spelling before writing this paper today.
I have so many wonderful memories of my fourth grade year and it has been fun writing this testimonial. Mrs. Parker touched the lives of hundreds of impressionable 10-year-olds as she taught for 40 years. How fortunate I feel to have had this delightful woman as a teacher and a role model. I think of her often with much admiration. I hope everyone has experienced a "Mrs. Parker" at some time in their life.
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
Primary vs Secondary Resources
True research being done by students is becoming a lost "art form." Gone are the days when students would do their reports by paraphrasing notes taken from an encyclopedia. Now, using a computer, a five-page research paper can be created in just as many minutes.
Technology, usually considered a secondary source, has allowed easy access to information. However, it has diminished the ability of many students to recognize and evaluate primary source material.
Primary sources are firsthand accounts communicated by someone concerning his or her experiences or observations. These methods of communication may include letters, diary entries, speeches, photographs, legal records and artistic works concerning an event.
Secondary sources are materials written after the fact. People who do not actually witness an event do this writing. These writers often gather information from a number of different primary sources. After their research, they provide analysis, explanations and reflections. Examples are encyclopedias (print and electronic), magazines, newspaper articles, web site information, textbooks, historical novels, and nonfiction media.
What type of source is used depends on the researcher. Not all sources have equal merit. In all cases, the researcher should consider whether the source is reliable, if the information is up-to-date, does the date on the material matter for the type of research being done, and is the author biased.
Happy searching!
Mrs. T. Reiter
K-12 Teacher Librarian
Technology, usually considered a secondary source, has allowed easy access to information. However, it has diminished the ability of many students to recognize and evaluate primary source material.
Primary sources are firsthand accounts communicated by someone concerning his or her experiences or observations. These methods of communication may include letters, diary entries, speeches, photographs, legal records and artistic works concerning an event.
Secondary sources are materials written after the fact. People who do not actually witness an event do this writing. These writers often gather information from a number of different primary sources. After their research, they provide analysis, explanations and reflections. Examples are encyclopedias (print and electronic), magazines, newspaper articles, web site information, textbooks, historical novels, and nonfiction media.
What type of source is used depends on the researcher. Not all sources have equal merit. In all cases, the researcher should consider whether the source is reliable, if the information is up-to-date, does the date on the material matter for the type of research being done, and is the author biased.
Happy searching!
Mrs. T. Reiter
K-12 Teacher Librarian
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