Bookflix is the Best!

Over the last few years we have enjoyed many fantastic stories online through Bookflix.  With the advent of winter, two stories that stand out are:  Snowflake Bentley by Jacqueline Briggs Martin and The Snowy Day by Ezra Jack Keats. Snowflake Bentley is the amazing story of a man who becomes a self taught snowflake expert and learns how to photograph individual snowflakes to share with the world.  Narrator Sean Astin, the actor who plays Samwise from Lord of the Rings, does a fantastic job of bringing the story to life.  Do you want to know the best part of Bookflix?  Bookflix is free for all HDSB Students to use.  To find these great titles click on Elementary Internet Tools and click on the Bookflix icon at the bottom left. Use your HDSB student login and you are good to go. Want to search for a great title like Snowflake Bentley? Click on the apple on the top right and you will now have access to search.  So cuddle up with your tablet or phone this winter and enjoy a fantastic story thanks to Bookflix.

The Snow Day

There really is nothing better than a good winter storm.  If we are lucky enough, here in Burlington, once a winter something magical happens. So much snow falls that buses stop running and schools are closed.  Our Kindergarten and Grade One students had fun last week discussing the fun of snowstorms and Snow Days. We read "The Snow Day" by Komako Sakai. In this story a young bunny discovers school buses are not running and schools are closed.  Bunny is so excited to play in the snow but must wait until the snow stops falling. Paired with beautiful illustrations, this story captures the magic of winter and the wonder of youth.  Don’t forget, when a snowstorm approaches, to wear your PJs inside out, place a spoon under your pillow and put an ice cube in your toilet (check with your parents first). If we try hard enough we might get a Snow Day this year :)

FM SUMMER READING TOP TEN 2015

We have had a fantastic school year in the FMLibrary this year.

It is always so exciting to see student's enthusiasm for visiting the Library and for reading.  One of the highlights for me this year was our Junior and Senior Battle of the Books teams.  Our Junior team, led by Mrs. Withers, Mrs. Wheaton and Mrs. Sabourin, placed 2nd out of 18 schools in Burlington this year.  Our Senior team led by Mrs. Homewood and myself performed admirably and did a wonderful job of representing our school.  Way to go teams!!

I would like to thank our many Library volunteers who showed up week after week:  Mrs. Solomon, Mrs. Sohail, Mrs. Jarvis, Mrs. Varrasso, Mrs. Chorpitta, Mrs. Heimpel, and Mrs. Mowder.  A big thank you also goes out Ms. Mills, our Library-Technician.  Your help is greatly appreciated and you all make the FMLibrary the special place that it is.

Here's the FM Summer Reading Top Ten for 2015:

10. Listen to or read a book online this summer.  Check out the HDSB and BPL's Overdrive catalogues.
 There are also some great online resources in the "Find A Book" section of the FMLibrary website.

9. Sign out a video game or movie from your local Library.  Did you know that the Burlington Public Library has many of the latest video games and movies available to borrow and stream?  

8. Join the TD Summer Reading Club. 

7. Pick a book from Ms. Fink's Hot Reads.

6. Visit a Library while you are on vacation this summer.  Did you know that many small communities have their own Libraries like Bayfield, Ontario, Canada?

5. Buy a used book.  Garage sales and flea markets are a great sources for inexpensive, high quality books.

4. Get together with 3 or 4 friends and trade some of your favourite books (thanks Mrs. Varrasso).

3. Gather books for an upcoming Book Swap. Did you know that the Telling Tales Festival has an amazing Book Swap? Plan to attend the Telling Tales Festival on Sunday, September 20th.

2. Attend one of the Burlington Public Library's Summer Programs.

1. Learn something new this summer. Get some books out about a new insect or animal that your didn't know about.  Get some books out about a new hobby this summer.

Don't forget to read over the summer FM!  The FMLibrary wishes everyone a safe, fun and restful summer and we'll see everyone in September :)

Amanda & Her Alligator

Mo Williems is a favourite author here in the FM Library.  From Elephant and Piggie to Pigeon to Knuffle Bunny, FM Students can't get enough of Mo's books.  That's why I was so excited to read "Amanda & Her Alligator" to our Kindergarten students.  Comprised of six and a half stories, our Kindergarteners were thrilled to read our very first "chapter" book in the Library.  Rescued from the sale bucket by Amanda, Alligator develops a special friendship with his new owner.  Alligator feels that friendship threatened when Amanda brings home Panda from the zoo. How does Alligator deal with his new rival?  You'll have to read the book to find out.  Amanda & Her Alligator is about friendship, fun and facing new challenges.  Be sure to check it out.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS FROM THE FMLIBRARY

I would like to wish everyone a fun, safe and relaxing holiday season with your friends and family.

While the holidays can be very busy, it can also be a very special family time.  I know I will be taking some time to read some good books with my children. 

While the FMLibrary is closed until the New Year, have a look at some of the fantastic online resources that are available.  BookFlix is one of my favourites and it can be accessed using your HDSB username and login at home.  Just visit Elementary Internet Tools and click on the BookFlix link:

http://www.hdsb.ca/library/pages/elementaryinternettools.asp

I have also gathered a variety of websites that have many great books that you can enjoy at home.  Have  a look here:

http://chatt.hdsb.ca/~cannm/Library%20Links#FIND A BOOK

Have a wonderful holiday and we will see everyone in 2015! 

November 2014 FM Library Update

Lots has been happening in the FMLibrary so far this school year.

Grade K to 4 classes have been visiting the Library on a weekly basis and have been enjoying a variety of seasonal stories.  For a quick reminder of  FM Library Book Exchange days be sure to check out the FM Library calendar.

Our Homework Club is in full swing again for our Grade 6 to 8 students and happens on Tuesdays @ 1st Break (thanks Mrs. Klimkowski) and Wednesdays @ 1st Break (with Mr. Cann).  Come on down to the Library for a relaxed place to complete your homework in a supportive atmosphere.

We are looking forward to our annual Scholastic Book Fair this coming Monday, November 17th.  The Book Fair will be open the evening of Thursday, November 20th and the morning of Friday, November 21st for students to come down and browse/purchase with their parents.  Check the @FMLibrary Twitter feed for the latest information.

We plan on continuing many FM Library programs this year:  Read and Relax, Forest of Reading Clubs, Battle of the Books and more!

FM SUMMER READING TOP TEN 2014

FM SUMMER READING TOP TEN 2014

We have had an awesome year here in the FM Library.  Thousands of books were signed out every month and it was amazing to see all of the students here @florencemeares enjoying reading.  A HUGE thank you goes out to all of the amazing volunteers here @FMLibrary:  Mrs. Solomon, Mrs. Jarvis, Mrs. Varasso, Mrs. Bancroft, Mrs. Chorpitta, Mrs. Mowder, Mrs. Johnstone, Mrs. Hammill and all of our other volunteers.  Your hard work makes the FM Library the special place it is!

Don't forget to READ during the summer!  Whether you love picture books, manga, comics, chapter books, magazines, newspapers, or whatever, keep practising those reading skills over the summer.  Guaranteed, if you read during the summer your reading will be off to the races when you come back to school in September.

Here is the FM Library Summer Reading Top Ten for 2014!

10. Check out Britannica Online and PebbleGo for fun facts and interesting information about your favourite animals.

9. Visit the website of a favourite author.  Their websites can be filled with hidden golden nuggets of great online content (hint Robert Munsch).

8. Like to read but short on funds?  Check out Garage Sales and Thrift Stores for inexpensive books that are just like new.

7. Have no money but like to read?  Visit the BPL for free books that you can borrow.  BPL will let you borrow a stack of books for free!  Just remember to return them on time or you'll be charged $$ for overdues.

6. Participate in the BPL Summer Reading program.

5. Check out an audiobook and listen to your favourites as you enjoy the outdoors.  The Overdrive app is free and works great.

4.  Mr. Ferguson suggests reading "Oh The Places You'll Go!" for a picture book and "Hunger Games" for a chapter book.  Also, check out Ms. Fink's Hot Reads.

3. Going on vacation?  Visit the local Library.  One of my favourites is here :)

2. Have a portable device like an Android or iOS tablet?  They are perfect for online books.  Tumblebooks, Bookflix, and Mr. C's Find A Book are perfect for your portable devices and great for bedtime stories.

1. Make family time Reading Time.  Read to your brother, sister, mom, dad, grandma or grandpa.  No only will you keep your reading sharp, but you will also be working on your oral speaking and presentation skills.

Have a wonderful fun, safe, and restful summer and we'll see everyone back @FMLibrary in September:)