Function
Last week, we had an interesting time exploring the key concept “function” in the context of our read alouds. For example, in first grade we had established that the Gruffalo has a clear pattern (form: what does it look like?), now adding “function” to that (how does it work?), we were able to inquire into the function of pattern in a story. When we have discovered a pattern, we can make a prediction. Then, when the story doesn’t follow our prediction, it adds an element of surprise!
The following two picture books are also excellent resources to explore pre-existing knowledge, pattern, predictions and surprise (and its effect on the reader!):
Board Games
Playing Settlers of Catan was great fun! We are looking forward to our next Board Games afternoon on Monday, November 25th!
Perspective
This week’s key concept is “perspective”; what are the points of view?
In first grade, we will explore (one of) the following stories:
They all lend themselves perfectly for exploring perspective (gaining insight, and looking at something differently after that). The students will have a choice which story they would like to hear and discuss during read loud. In PYP 2, we will continue the read “A Boy Called Bat”. In PYP 3, “Frindle”. In PYP 4, “SWITCH” and in PYP 5 “The Bridge Home”.
World Children’s Day
On Wednesday, November 20th, it is World Children’s Day. On the Unicef website it says;
World Children’s Day is UNICEF’s annual day of action for children, by children.
This year is extra special as it marks 30 years of the Convention on the Rights of the Child – 30 years of child rights that have helped transform children’s lives around the world.
A time to celebrate and a time to demand action. Children are telling us, loud and clear: it is time for every child, to have every right.
On 20 November, kids will stand up for their rights. What will you do?
In our school library we use the power of stories to inspire us to take action! Follow this link to a website where you can read graphic novels and short chapters books, with the Sustainable Development Goals woven into the stories. We have many of these comics printed (and ready to be checked out!) in our library. We will make sure to promote these with our students next week.
Graphics Section
This leads us into our new Graphics Section. Sophie has been working really hard to catalog many, many new books for in the Graphics Section. When all the books are cataloged, we will release them all at the same time. Photos of all the books will be posted on the blog!
Ten Tales from Different Cultures
Our library now has ten picture books, purchased as a pack, with ten tales from different cultures. It is developed by the IB and it comes with story cards for the teachers to work with. The picture books are available for the students to check out as well!
Displays
This week’s displays focus on Enid Blyton and Dick King-Smith. They were both British, prolific authors. But I think the similarities end there. To find out more, read the information on their websites. There is an interesting documentary about Enid Blyton that shows a bit more about the person behind the writer. And here you will find several short videos hearing Dick King-Smith talking about how he write his books.
And of course, the new Swedish display is up as well, with a focus on Sören Olsson and Anders Jabobsson:
We hope you had a wonderful weekend (despite it being wet and grey)! We are ready for Monday (and the rest of the week), full of surprising perspectives!
Happy Reading!
ISGRGuldLibrary 