Unwrapping Secret Santa's Library Books

Our students have had such fun both wrapping and unwrapping books from Secret Santa! Thank you to everyone who participated in the festive fun. At one point this week, we had around 300 wrapped books on display ranging from picture books to chapter books, from information books to comic books. Students enjoyed selecting books recommended by their fellow ASD readers. The anticipation of opening a surprise was infectious. Many students left the library with the gift of a great reading recommendation.

The ES Library team wishes our ASD community of readers a wonderful Winter Break. 

Happy holidays and happy reading!

InFlow: Building Research Skills

This year, elementary students are reflecting on their research process by using a new model called InFlow. ASD has adopted InFlow as an integrated model for K-12 information literacy. The eight elements of InFlow are ask, map, explore, make, show, imagine, collaborate and reflect. 

Some of the basic concepts around the InFlow model are:

• K-12 common language and cohesive model for the research process. 
• Designed to be engaging for learners and to support learner-centered and individualized learning. 
• Focussed on authentic learning experiences and the production of creative, tangible outputs. 
• Process which flows naturally from one element to the next, rather than a set of isolated tasks. 
• Elements can be undertaken in any order. It is likely that some elements will be repeated several times, but equally, it is not essential to use every element during an activity. 
• Learners engage with information in a variety of ways as they map, explore, ask, reflect, collaborate, imagine, show and make. 
• Collaboration is an important component of and group projects and team work are supported. However, each of the elements can also be carried out as an individual task as appropriate. 
• The model is designed to adaptable for different age ranges. 
• It is intended to be refined and adapted by each individual to suit their own situation and the needs of their learners.

InFlow in Action:

Grade Four students are working collaboratively to research life on the Oregon Trail. In small groups, they have developed a series of questions. Using a Google Doc to organize their note taking, each group member is responsible for a specific focus area. As a team, the students work together to learn about this period in American history. All of the questions are self-selected making the process entirely inquiry driven by the students. A variety of books and electronic resources are used to answer their questions.

Bookworm Book Fair: December 15-18

Bookworm Book Shop will host its annual book fair in the ASD main reception from December 15-18. Students will visit the fair with their classroom teachers at a convenient time. Families are welcome to browse throughout the day. 

The ASD Elementary Library benefits by receiving 10 percent of total purchases in store credit at Bookworm Book Shop. 

Timings for the fair are:

• Monday, Dec. 15 from 10:30am - 4:00pm
• Tuesday, Dec. 16 from 8:00am - 4:00pm
• Wednesday, Dec. 17 from 8:00am - 4:00pm
• Thursday, Dec. 18 from 8:30am - 12:00pm

Look out for our posters around campus for information!

Secret Santa's Library Books: Share the Gift of a Reading Recommendation

We all know that a story can be a magical gift. In our ES Library, students have been secretly wrapping their favorite library books and writing enticing gift cards with book recommendations.

On Sunday, December 14, we will open up the display of wrapped books for students to choose from and check out! There will be no judging a book by it's cover here. No, all books will be selected based on the gift card's message.

It's all meant to be fun and festive and encourage our readers to try a new book recommended by a fellow ASD reader. What could be better than a gift of a great read over the holidays?

Stop by the library to enjoy the surprise of opening up a "gift" of a wonderful book! Merry Christmas and happy reading from the ES Library!

One School, One Book: Grades 4 and 5 Read A Long Walk to Water

Our One School, One Book initiative is in full swing. ASD Libraries are encouraging students in Grades 3 through 12, staff and parents to join our shared reading experience of a A Long Walk to Water in anticipation of Linda Sue Park’s visit to ASD in March. The goals for ASD's One School, One Book event are to celebrate literacy, build community, promote our Visiting Author Program, and foster global awareness.

All Grade 5 students just finished A Long Walk to Water in their homeroom classes. And, Grade 4 students are currently reading and buzzing about the the book. Grade 4 student, Naina, said "I can't believe that it is a true story. It is unbelievable that the main characters survived." The students were surprised by the twist at the end of the book when two seemingly separate stories are beautifully woven together. Several students commented on how much they were inspired by the determination of the main character, Salva, and his ability lead others to safety day after day over such a long period of time. Many students asked themselves if they would be able to walk such a distance and face such danger. Our students are asking important questions and experiencing an important story of perseverance and desire to change the world for the better.

Don't forget that the libraries have multiple copies of A Long Walk to Water for check out and for sale for AED 25 at our circulation desks. We plan to offer a range of opportunities to allow our community members to engage in discussion about this powerful story. Stayed tuned for more information on how to participate in our One Book, One School event.

Click here to watch Linda Sue Park’s book trailer about A Long Walk to Water.