October is E-wareness month @ the FM Library

FM SUMMER READING TOP 10

FM SUMMER READING TOP 10

With summer just around the corner, we hope you take the opportunity to enjoy many great books and reading opportunities.

10. Visit your local Library.  
The Burlington Public Library has 7 Branches spread throughout Burlington:
Central, Aldershot, Alton, Brant Hills, Kilbride, New Appleby and our local branch Tansley Woods.

9. Visit a Library where you are vacationing.  

8. Download a book from the HDSB Overdrive catalogue.  
Did you know that the Overdrive Summer Reads collection offers unlimited access?  
All you need is your Library card.
https://haltondsbca.libraryreserve.com/10/45/en/Default.htm

7. Download the Hoopla app through the Burlington Public Library.  
Did you know you can access movies, music and books 24/7?
Check out Hoopla and many more resources here:
https://www.bpl.on.ca/resources/eContent/#econtent

6. Check out the “Find a Book” section in the “Library Links” of the FM Library website:
http://florencemeareslibrary.blogspot.com/p/library-link-web-copy.html

5. Pick a new series to read.

4. Join the Burlington Public Library Summer Reading Program.  
Find out more infomation here:
https://www.bpl.on.ca/explore/for-kids/summer-reading-club#2018

3.  Try some of the awesome websites in HDSB’s Elementary Internet Tools page.  
Some of our favourite include BookFlix, Power Knowledge and PebbleGo.
You can access these quality sites here:  https://eit.hdsb.ca/EIT-english.html

2.  Read a comic or Graphic Novel.

1. Read to someone:  a friend, Grandma, Grandpa. brother, sister, pet.

On behalf of the FM Library I want to wish everyone a fantastic summer full of fun and relaxation.  
By reading lots of great books over the summer you’ll be off to a great start in September.

What can I do with my Library Barcode?

This week our Grade 4 - 8 students are receiving a sticker with their Library barcode information and their Halton District School Board login printed on it.  They are encouraged to put it in a safe spot.    Student's HDSB logins can be used to access a plethora of resources from the HDSB Elementary Internet Tools website.  Some of the highlights include the following:

-Google Apps for Education
-Britannica School
-Canadian Points of View
-Gale Power Search
-Jobs People Do
-PebbleGo Animals
-PebbleGo Social Studies
-Power Knowledge Earth & Space
-Power Knowledge Physical Science
-Power Knowledge Life Science
-Access Learning
-BookFlix
-Learn360
-Naxos Music Library

Students can also use their HDSB Library barcode to access the HDSB Digital Library.  To learn more visit the Audiobooks/Ebooks section of our Library website.

If you have any questions, don't hesitate to contact Mr. Cann.

FM Library Fall Update 2017

The FM Library is in full swing for the 2017-2018 school year. We have been learning how to take care of our books and how to keep our books organized in the Library by using our Magic Shelf Markers. Our Kindergarten to Grade 5 students have been enjoying their weekly scheduled Library visits and our Grade 6 - 8 students have completed their Library Orientation. Please encourage your child to return their Library materials in a timely manner. Here is our weekly Book Exchange schedule for your reference:

A huge thank you to our Library Volunteers this year: Mrs. Knight (Monday), Mrs. Chorpitta & Mrs. Baldock (Tuesday), Mrs. Hart (Wednesday), Mrs. Ang (Thursday), and Mrs. Lulich (Friday). We couldn't do all the great things we do without our wonderful parent volunteers. A huge thanks also goes out to all of our Birthday Books Club supporters. Thanks to your generosity, the FM Library has hundreds of additional books for FM students to enjoy.

The Library is open Monday to Friday during periods 1 and 2 for all students. The books have been flying of the shelves and we are excited to see everyone reading and enjoying our Library space. If you have any questions please send me a quick email (cannm@hdsb.ca) or feel free to call the school. Thank you for your continued support as we encourage our students on their journey of learning.

Junior/Intermediate Summer Slammin’ Literacy Resources

Junior/Intermediate Summer Slammin’ Literacy Resources

Welcome to FM’s Summer Slammin’ List for suggested literacy resources.  Please set a literacy goal for yourself this summer and go for it!  All the following resources are available, for free, through the Halton District School Board and the Burlington Public Library.  Be sure to visit any Burlington Public Library branch to get a free BPL Library card before the summer starts.

Finding a great book to read can be a challenge.  Luckily, we can access Novelist through the Burlington Public Library.  Click the following link and enjoy the adventure of finding a great books:

Burlington Public LIbrary eContent

BOOKS
Orca Book Publishers have a number of high interest, low-vocabulary titles that students of varying reading levels can enjoy.  Check out their website below:

http://www.orcabook.com/assets/clientpages/home.aspx

Be sure to check out popular Orca Books by Eric Walters, Sigmund Brouwer and Ted Staunton.

GRAPHIC NOVELS
Have a look at some of these popular Graphic novels:

Naruto Series

Big Nate

Stephan Pastis

Sardines

Studio Ghibli

AUDIOBOOKS
Both the Halton District School and the Burlington Public Library have extensive audiobook and ebook collections through Overdrive.  Use your Library barcode numbers to access both:

HDSB Overdrive Digital Library

BPL Overdrive Digital Library

Did you know more content can be accessed through the HDSB catalogue?  Just be sure to “Limit by” “ebook/audiobook” or “streaming video”.  Click here for more digital goodness:

Florence Meares Public School Library Catalogue

WEBSITES

Have fun accessing the HDSB’s Elementary Internet Tools all summer long.  Many great products can be accessed using your HDSB network login including:  

-Britannic School

-Trueflix

-Scienceflix

-Pebblego Animals

-Pebblego Science

-Bookflix

The Burlington Public Library also has a wide variety of online content that can be accessed using your BPL Library card through the BPL eContent page.  Some highlights include:

-Tumblebooks

-Power Knowledge

HOOPLA

Did you know that the Burlington Public Library has its very own streaming service?  Access movies, TV shows, audiobooks, and music 24/7.  Go to the BPL eContent page, scroll down to Hoopla, and sign up for your free account today using your BPL Library Card.

MAY THE BOOKS BE WITH YOU!!!!!!

By Mrs. Stafford & Mr. Cann

HAPPY SUMMER READING FM!

Freedom over me: Eleven slaves, their lives and dreams brought to life

February is Black History Month.  To commemorate the event, our Junior classes looked at "Freedom over me:  Eleven slaves, their lives and dreams brought to life" by Ashley Bryan.  "Freedom over me" is a collection of eleven different fictional stories that the author creates around the very real Fairchild's Estate Appraisement from 1828.  In the Appraisement, the prices of the estate slaves are listed alongside horses and handmills:  One Bay Mare $100, One Handmill $1, One Negro Man named Bacus $250.  In a very unique way, Ashley Bryan adds a very human face and story to the human property of the Fairchild's Estate.  Each story is divided into 2 parts: a fictional account of their life and their dreams for the future.  Vivid illustrations combine with compassionate accounts of real lives from a time when slave ownership was a reality.  "Freedom over me" is an exceptional work of children's literature and not to be missed.

Finding Winnie: the true story of the world's most famous bear

Finding Winnie by Lindsay Mattick and illustrated by Sophie Blackall is the HDSB Reads selection for 2016.  Last week, during the week of Remembrance Day, our Grade 1 to 6 students had the chance to hear this very timely story.  Finding Winnie is essentially two stories in one. The first is the story of Captain Harry Colebourn, a veterinarian from Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. Harry enlists in the army to look after horses that are fighting in World War One.  On his was to the front, Harry’s train stops in White River, Ontario where he meets and purchases an adorable bear cub whom he subsequently names Winnie.  Winnie becomes the mascot for the Second Canadian Infantry Brigade. Eventually Harry realizes that the trenches are no place for Winnie and the London Zoo becomes Winnie’s adoptive home. The second story is the story of Christopher Robin Milne.  He meets Winnie for the first time at the London Zoo.  Christopher and Winnie develop a special relationship and it’s this relationship that is the inspiration for Christopher's father (A. A. Milne) to go on and write the Winnie the Pooh books. One of the most amazing parts of Finding Winnie is the photo album at the end of the story.  Pictures include Captain Harry Colebourn and his fellow soldiers, the Winnipeg statue of Harry and Winnie and even Christopher Robin in Winnie’s enclosure at the London Zoo feeding and hanging out with Winnie. Finding Winnie is the truly amazing true story behind Winnie the Pooh and is sure to be a favourite with young and old readers alike.

FM SUMMER READING TOP TEN 2016

The summer is just around the corner.  Keeping your brain in shape is just as important as going outside and enjoying the outdoors.  Here is our yearly roundup of reading ideas to help get you through the summer so that you are ready for a new school year in September.  Enjoy!

10. Visit your local library where you vacation this summer.  Whether it's Bayfield, Ontario or Charlottetown, PEI, be sure to visit a new library this summer.  It's a great way to spend some time especially if the weather is less than optimal.

9. Join a Summer Reading Program.  The Burlington Public Library's theme for this year's Summer Reading Club is "Go Wild" and it runs from July 2nd to August 27th.  All of the details can be found on page 19 of the BPL's Summer Guide.  Check it out!

8. Visit the Find a Book section of the FM Library website in the Library Links section.  There is lots of great online content to be found here.

7. Checkout an ebook or audiobook through Overdrive.  Overdrive is running a Summer Reading Program that will allow simultaneous checkouts!

6. Check out a garage sale, flea market, or used book store.  These places can be treasure troves for inexpensive, current books.

5. Check out Hoopla on your favourite device. Use your Burlington Library card to sign out music, books, and even movies.

4.  Get together with your BFF (Best Friend Forever) and trade a book with them.  Who knows, you might find out an author you never know before!

3.  Check out HDSB Library Services Summer Reading List.  This list is treasure trove of fantastic titles for younger students.

2.  Use the FM Library catalogue to find an award winning book.  Just click the "Search the FM Library">"Award Winners".  Forest of Reading, Newbery and the CLA Book of the Year for Children winners can be found here.

1.  Start a new book series to keep you going all summer long.  Did you know there are well over 100 Rainbow Magic Fairy books?  The "Time Warp Trio" series of book is a perennial favourite for boys.

I hope that everyone has a safe, fun, and adventure filled summer and remember KEEP READING :)

"Gon" by Masashi Tanaka

If you like adventure, if you like animals, well this book is perfect for you.  This book is about adventure and trust me you will laugh a lot.  The main character in the story is a small dinosaur named Gon.  He's pretty much indestructible and that makes it funny.  Gon meets a lot of new friends like wolfs, elephants, apes, big birds and a lot more.  He makes all his friends into the bravest, strongest, most fearless animals in the jungle.  There's 7 books of Gon in the FM Library and I think you will love them all.

By Logan H.

Fairy Idol Kanon: Volumes 1 - 4

The Fairy Idol Kanon books are great for girls who love to sing. These books are all about three girls named Marika, Kodama, and Kanon. They love to sing and dance. Then a magical fairy named Princess Alto meets Kanon and decides to help start their singing career. Personally I think these books are for girls 7 and up and girls will really love these books. I was reading these books and I could not stop reading them. They were so good!

By, Abigial

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:)

PIP AND POSY THE SNOWY DAY

We have been having an outstanding winter this year with lots cold weather and lots of snow.  This week we have been enjoying "Pip and Posy the Snowy Day" by Axel Scheffler.  Pip and Posy celebrates winter fun and getting along with others.  After a disagreement about what their snowman should look like, Pip and Posy need a reminder about how to get along with friends.  Our Kindergarten friends know exactly how to solve their problems (i.e. use your words, ask an adult for help).  In the end Pip and Posy are the best of friends.   This book is perfect for primary students and as always, Axel Scheffler's illustrations are outstanding. 

Elf on the Shelf

Our Grade 2 students here at Florence Meares have been having a ton of fun with the Elf on the Shelf just before our Winter Break next week.  He has been all over the school and today he popped up in the Library.

He decided to go for a balloon ride.

He asked Yoda about the Force.

He even escaped one of our more dangerous stuffies.  Mr. Snake!

After reading "A Very Hockey Christmas" by Gilles Tibo to Ms. Fink and Mrs. Dietrich's class, we reviewed our magazine sign out procedures (a great option for our friends who have forgotten to return their Library book).  When investigating our magazine rack's hidden compartment, we spotted something . . . 

We looked closer  . . . 

It was the Elf on the Shelf!  The kids went wild with excitement. I think the Elf was excited as well as he accidentally pooped Smarties on the shelf.

Thanks Ms. Fink for all the fun this morning.  I know our Grade 2 students will be excited to find out where the Elf on the Shelf ends up next!