What's Happening in the IMC

WE'RE BUSY AGAIN!

2012-01-27T14:20:00.000-08:00

Be careful what you wish for!!! Now that we're back to library business, we are also back to a busy schedule. On Monday 8th grade Language Arts classes begin their Sixties Debates Project with an Introduction to Research and then spend the rest of the week in research mode using print and online resources. Also on Monday 7th grade music classes are using the IMC computers. Monday and Tuesday 8th grade Science has the laptop computers and on Friday 7th grade Social Studies is using the laptops. Meanwhile 7th grade Reading classes have split their book check-out over Monday and Friday. Like I said -- it's busy again!

WE'RE A LIBRARY AGAIN!

2012-01-20T13:07:00.000-08:00

After several busy weeks with MAP testing and other special projects, next week the IMC gets back to library business again. Computers are reserved for 6th grade Science on Wednesday and 7th grade Social Studies on Friday. The laptops are reserved on Tuesday for 7th grade Social Studies. On Thursday, 6th grade Reading classes will come to select and checkout their third Caudill nominated book. When finished reading that book, 6th graders will be eligible to vote for the 2012 Caudill Award. The IMC will host online voting in late February using the I.P.A.C. system. The tally from that voting will be sent to the state committee and the winner will be announced in early March.

WHAT A WEEK!!

2012-01-13T12:42:00.000-08:00

MAP testing has occupied the IMC and the IMC staff all week. With 42 questions in the Reading test and 52 questions in the Math test, it takes many students more than the 40 minutes of a regular class. Also a number of absences delayed some students from finishing their tests. So makeups and students needing more time extended the testing beyond the scheduled 3 days. Checking students schedules and coordinating testing periods took time. Now there are only a very few students who still need to finish and they should be done on Tuesday. That means that next week the IMC gets back to regular business. The computers will be used next week by 8th grade Science, 7th grade Advanced LA/Reading, and 7th grade Social Studies. Yep, it sounds like we're back to normal.

MAP TESTING AHEAD

2012-01-06T13:34:00.000-08:00

This week I had the privilege of presenting an introduction to research to the 7th grade social studies classes. They are beginning research for a Chicago Project that will be entered in the History Fair. These students now have a road map to research which covers the variety of materials Lakeview has that can help with their Chicago project. Starting with a general encyclopedia like World Book Online, students follow that with an I.P.A.C. search for library books, use of the database Gale Virtual Reference Library for reference materials, and then to our two magazine/newspaper databases, EBSCOhost and eLibrary. These various databases are used to stress the importance of accurate information to build a research foundation. Based on some of the sample topics we explored in the presentation, 7th graders have an interesting project to prepare.
The winter round of MAP testing begins on Monday, January 9th. This computerized test will be conducted during social studies classes in 3 locations - 6th grade in Mrs. Foellmer's room, 7th grade in Mr. Rodda's room, and 8th grade in the IMC. The tests will cover math and reading. During the MAP testing period (Monday - Wednesday) the IMC will be closed. But while the students are testing, the IMC staff will take advantage of this quiet time to work on new books. Mrs. Wilson and I have both started gathering new books to read. And there are some many wonderful choices!!! Keep checking my other blog - What's New on the Book Shelves - for reviews of these great new books.

THANK YOU P.T.O.

2011-12-09T13:09:00.000-08:00

The Fall Book Fair was this past Tuesday and Wednesday. While there weren't enough sales to give the P.T.O. a cash profit, the IMC staff was able to pick out books for the IMC based on a percentage of the sales. Choosing carefully, the IMC staff picked 19 books. These books will be cataloged, processed, and ready for student checkout after winter break. Thank you very much P.T.O.
Last week the IMC was is great demand. 8th grade social studies and health classes were using the computers for projects. Also the 6th grade social studies used the IMC computers and 7th grade social studies and 8th grade Language Arts had laptops in their classrooms. Next week the computers continue to be heavily used by 6th grade social studies and language arts, health, and 8th grade language arts and social studies. There will also be book checkout by6th & 7th grade. After that we can all rest up over winter break -- computers included!

P.T.O. BOOK FAIR COMING

2011-12-01T16:43:00.000-08:00

The Fall Book Fair is Tuesday, December 6th, and Wednesday, December 7th. Sales will be conducted from 8:30 AM to 3 PM and again before and after the Winter Concert each night. This is a great place to pick up a couple holiday gifts OR purchase the 2012 Rebecca Caudill nominee you are dying to read. The selection will include everything from books for preschoolers to some selected adult literature highlighting books for the junior high aged reader. And by the way, there are Quick Sales before school on Thursday for any last last-minute purchases. Proceeds from the Book Fair help to support P.T.O. activities at Lakeview.

FROM RESEARCH TO BOOK CHECKOUT

2011-11-22T13:07:00.000-08:00

On Monday, I will prepare the 8th grade social studies classes for a research project called Political Spectrum. Students will be researching various political viewpoints and the people who supported those viewpoints. As an introduction students will receive a "road map" outlining what resources are available at Lakeview that will help them with this project. We will also take a look at several online resources -- subscription database for reference books and magazines/newspapers. If students follow my road map their research will be smooth and easy.
Also on Monday several 7th grade Reading classes will come to checkout books for their next book report. Since they have free choice of any grade appropriate fiction, there are hundreds of possibilities. I will st up several table displays for some of my favorite choices.
And following up on the Rebecca Caudill presentation this week, there are an eager bunch of 6th graders digging into the 2012 Caudill nominees. Mrs. Wilson, our library aide, reported seeing many students avidly reading their books this morning before school.

IT'S CAUDILL TIME AGAIN

2011-11-18T13:35:00.000-08:00

Next Monday I will introduce the 6th grade students to the nominees for the 2012 Rebecca Caudill Young Readers Book Award. Across Illinois students in grades 4-8 will chose which of the nominees is to receive this award. At Lakeview all 6th graders participate so their next three book reports will be from these nominees. Then in February, 2012 they will vote through our online library catalog for their choice. All of our results are sent to the state committee. Then in March, 2012 the state winner is announced. Both Mrs. Wilson and I have read all 20 nominees and we agreed that there is no clear cut winner like The Hunger Games of last year. However, all 20 books are great! There is something for everyone -- from fantasy and scifi to historical and adventure to sports and animals. We can also boast this year that we have 12 of the nominees in audiobook format, mostly as Playaways, self-contained, electronic devices. On Monday the 6th graders will listen as I booktalk all 20 nominees and then make their choice for their first book report. I will also show students how they can place their own reserves online for other nominees they want. To see the list of the 2012 nominees, check out the link on our webpage.

LOTS OF COMPUTER USE AGAIN

2011-11-10T13:04:00.000-08:00

There are some amazing computer projects going on -- which is why the IMC computers are getting such heavy use. The projects that I know about include 8th grade Advanced LA/Reading using Photo Shop to present information about the Greek gods, goddesses, heroes, and monsters; 6th grade social students using Comic Life to create movie ads for the Greek myths; 8th grade Reading writing up biography book reports as though they were interviewing the person in the book. Next week 8th grade Science has reserved computers for a day. I wonder what they will be doing!

LOTS OF COMPUTER USE

2011-11-04T13:44:00.001-07:00

The IMC computers were in heavy use this week, and next week looks even more busy. This week computers were used by 6th & 8th grade music, 7th & 8th grade social studies, and 6th, 7th, & 8th grade language arts. Next week 8th grade language arts/reading classes dominate the computers. Nothing else is scheduled in the IMC next week, so Mrs. Wilson and I can return to preparing new books for checkout. Our production rate has tapered off the last few weeks as other activities such as the Halloween Trivia Contest and various book checkouts were scheduled.

HAPPY HALLOWEEN

2011-10-28T13:32:00.000-07:00

The Halloween Trivia Contest is a big success this year. There is only 1 more day left. All answers must be submitted by 3 PM on Monday, October 31st. Then names will be drawn to award Grand Prizes of Computer Games Day passes. Thank you to all who have and will participate. I hope this contest has honed your research skills. Be ready -- there may be similar contests later in the school year.

I have a special treat for 6th graders on Monday. I will visit the language arts/reading classes for a spooky story from Patrick Carman's new book, 3:15. Mr. Carman, who I met at the Anderson's Young Adult Literature Conference, combines Internet audio/visual components with his short stories. We will listen to a short audio introduction, then I will read the story, and finally we will watch the video ending online -- ALL IN 15 MINUTES! Mr. Carman combines Internet activities with most of his books to attract reluctant readers. It was fascinating to hear him talk about how he prepares both the written and Internet parts of his books. "It's like writing the book twice!"

COMPUTER GAMES DAYS START

2011-10-21T13:12:00.000-07:00

Today was our first Friday Computer Games Day at Study. Study teachers could send students, individually or with a partner, to play CD-ROM games in the IMC. The IMC has a large variety of game CDs in its collection. All CD-ROM games are loaded on specific computers so students can sit down, double click the icon, and start playing. Partners are allowed to unplug the headphones so both gamers had listen to the soundtrack. The first Games Day is a little slow, but all attending students had a good time. Word will spread. While sports games like Madden Football and NHL hockey are always popular, other favorites include SIM City, RollerCoaster Tycoon, Battleship, and the Zoombinis. Visitors are always welcome to watch the flurry of activity. It can be crazy at the beginning of each study period, but once everyone is settled the gamers are very into their game.

HALLOWEEN TRIVIA CONTEST

2011-10-14T14:36:00.001-07:00

The IMC announces a Halloween Trivia Contest! Answer a question -- Win a prize. There is a large can on the Fiction bookcase next to the IPAC computer that contains multiple copies of 50 questions about Halloween. All questions (and answers) were found in World Book Online. When you have the answer written on the Trivia Card, give it to Miss Hagensee. If your answer is correct, you get to pick a prize from the Witch's Cauldron. All correct answers are kept for the Grand Prize Drawing on Halloween. Grand Prize winners will receive a special pass for the IMC Computer Games Days which begin Friday, October 21st. On Games Days you and a partner at study can play one of the exciting CD-ROM computer games in the IMC collection. New games have been added. Joining old favorites like NBA Live and other sports games, The Sims, Who Wants to Be a Millionaire, Battleship, many Tycoon games, and I Spy games, the IMC has added Mall of America Tycoon, Sims Carnival Bumper Blast, and Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader? So flex up those fingers, log on to World Book Online, and answer as many different Halloween trivia questions as you want between now and Halloween Day. For more information, ask a librarian.

SHORT WEEK AHEAD

2011-10-07T13:41:00.000-07:00

Computers were again in use all week. I had the opportunity to meet with the 6th grade language arts/reading classes to begin our introduction to Accelerated Reader, the computerized book report program we use at Lakeview. This first session concentrated on how to choose a book for an Accelerated Reader book report. Then on Friday I meet with half of the 6th grade LA/Reading classes for part 2 of the introduction. In Part 2 students learned how to log in to Accelerated Reader and how to take a quiz. Together we took the quiz for Babe, the Gallant Pig (the basis of the movie Babe about the pig which herded sheep). Students learned that at the end of the quiz the program automatically prints a TOPS Report which is given to the teacher for a grade. After the demonstration students, on their own, took the quiz for Taking Sides, a novel they just finished reading in class. If there was time students could take additional quizzes with the warning that once you take an AR quiz you cannot take that quiz again while you are Lakeview. 6th graders should be well prepared to take AR quizzes on their own. The other half of the 6th grade are coming next week Thursday for their AR introduction part 2.

Next week is a very short week with Columbus Day on Monday and a teachers' institute on Tuesday as days off school for students. But during that short week ahead computers will again be in use on Wednesday for 8th grade LA and on Thursday for a variety of classes including 6th grade LA/Reading, a music class, and an 8th grade LA class. The laptops will be in 7th grade science on Wednesday and Thursday also.

LOTS OF ACTIVITY

2011-09-30T13:20:00.000-07:00

This past week the IMC have been a beehive of activity. The computers were in use every day. 8th grade Social Studies spent the week working on a group project. And 7th & 8th graders checked out books for their next book report.

In the week ahead IMC computers continue to be in use - Monday-Wednesday for 8th grade Science, Wednesday and Thursday for 7th grade Advanced LA/Reading, and Friday for 8th grade LA/Reading. Also the laptop computers will be utilized by the 6th grade Health classes. AND the 6th graders will be introduced to the Accelerated Reader program (a computerized, multiple choice book report) and select a book for their first AR book report.

MORE ACTION

2011-09-23T13:41:00.000-07:00

I thought that this week would be quiet but it ended in organized chaos with Mr. Safranski's 8th grade social studies classes and Miss Cerney's advanced language arts classes co-existing in the IMC working on projects. Still there were enough quiet times for Mrs. Wilson and I to get 39 more new books ready for checkout.

Next week the IMC computers are booked all week -- Monday and Tuesday for 8th grade social studies, Wednesday for 8th grade reading classes, Thursday for 7th grade language arts, and Friday for 8th grade science. In addition 7th and 8th grade reading classes will have book checkout for their next book report. It's shaping up to be a busy week ahead.

QUIET WEEKS

2011-09-16T13:56:00.000-07:00

This past week and next week are quiet weeks for the IMC in terms of class usage. The health classes have been using the IMC computers and that's about it except for walk-ins. However it really picks up the week after next! The low usage has allowed Mrs. Wilson and myself time to dig into the pile of new book processing. It feels good to be working on new books again. Both of us are tempted -- there are soooo many books we want to read. The good news for students is that there are 31 new books in the New Book Display area by the windows this week. If you can't decide what to read, take a look at the new books. There's something for everyone!

BACK TO LIBRARY BUSINESS

2011-09-09T14:01:00.000-07:00

It felt good to get back to library business this week. There was some computer use and some book checkout. The IMC was open before school and during study so we are back to a regular schedule.

Next week the only reservations are for computers on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday for some of the Health classes which means that Mrs. Wilson and I will have time to work on new books. Keep watching the new book display shelves by the windows because there are some really great books just about ready for checkout.

CRAZY WEEK

2011-09-02T14:04:00.001-07:00

Well, the MAP testing is finished (at least we hope it is!), so maybe the IMC can get back to being a library again. Library Orientation did take place for each grade with only a few strange quirks. Because the IMC computers were needed a third day for MAP testing, the 8th grade orientation and book checkout took place in the classroom with the library on a cart. I wheeled a selection of books to the classroom on a cart and proceeded as though we were in the IMC. 7th and 6th grade classes were able to meet for orientation in the IMC, but it was a bit chaotic as Mrs. Wilson was trying round up students who still needed to finish their MAP tests. The usual smooth operation wasn't with us this year.

No matter what has happened -- it is past. On Tuesday the IMC opens for full service. Just to review: the IMC is open during the regular school day including study. Students coming to the IMC during study need a pass. Written passes are 10 minute browsing passes. Laminated Research and Computer passes (2 of each per study classroom) are for the full study period. In addition the IMC is open before school at 7:35 AM Tuesdays through Fridays. Before school use also requires a pass. Forty laminated Before School passes are given to morning gym monitors for distribution to students.

After the dizzying speed of this first week, it will feel very nice to get back to library business next week.

WELCOME BACK

2011-08-26T13:54:00.001-07:00

It's nice to see everyone back at school and to meet the new 6th graders. Next week is a busy time for the IMC. On Monday and Tuesday the IMC will conduct MAP testing. Wednesday through Friday will be library orientation for each grade and the first book checkout of the year. Here at Lakeview students check out IMC materials with a library card. Next week all students will get a temporary card to use until the picture IDs come in. Then the IMC staff adds the library barcode to the back of the ID card making it a library card too. Either the temporary card or the ID card can be used for book checkout. Each student is also allowed one free checkout (without their library card) each trimester in case they forgot their card. If a student loses their card , they should report the loss to a librarian. We often have a collection of cards that were left in the IMC or were turned in at the IMC. See you all next week!

W.O.W. Day

2011-06-03T13:32:00.000-07:00

W.O.W. (Widen Our World) Day was a 6th & 7th grade project where students could investigate anything they wanted and then report to their Homebase with a presentation. Based on my Homebase, there was a wide variety of ideas. Some students made posters, some create computer presentations and programs, some demonstrated sports techniques, and some even made food. The IMC was used by a group of students who were preparing posters (table usage) and/or researching (computer use). It was a nice way to round out the week and the school year.
The 8th grade graduated last night. There was an Award Assembly yesterday. And the school year is very nearly over. I hope many students will consider participating in our Summer Reading Program -- Read S'More -- and follow my reading adventures in my Summer Reading blog. No matter what you do, have a great summer and see you in August!

IT'S HARD TO BELIEVE...

2011-05-27T13:30:00.000-07:00

But the school year is almost over. Today was the last Computer Games Day at study. We have passed the last due date for IMC materials and started summer paperback checkout for grades 5, 6, & 7. I am almost finished telling those same students about our Lakeview Summer Reading Program. On June 1st information on our program will be linked to the Lakeview Library webpage. Indian Prairie and Woodridge Public Libraries have visited and told 6th & 7th graders about their summer reading programs. Information flyers for Indian Prairie summer reading program and events are available at the main IMC desk. (Any Lakeview student may register, even if they don't have an Indian Prairie library card.) Woodridge has "gone green" this year and put all their information on their website. Links to Indian Prairie and Woodridge summer reading programs are on the Lakeview Library webpage.
Next week the IMC Club members will be helping put things away for the summer, take down all the posters and bulletin boards, and make sure all books are back on the shelves ready for us to begin again in August.
It has been an incredible year and now it's nearly over. I hope everyone has a wonderful summer. Please follow my summer reading blog (it activates June 1st) and follow my reading adventures over the summer. Feel free to use the blog to tell me what you are reading, comment on my choice of books, or suggest titles for me to read.

WINDING DOWN

2011-05-20T13:41:00.000-07:00

While the IMC computer lab is still busy, the rest of the IMC services are coming to an end for this school year. Today marks the end of check-out for this year. ALL IMC MATERIALS ARE DUE WEDNESDAY, MAY 25TH. A list of items not returned has to be turned over to the school office at the end of Wednesday. Please check everywhere carefully and find those items you thought you returned or have forgotten about. Remember you can log into the Lakeview I.P.A.C. online to find out what is still on your account. Use your last name and network password. If you discover a problem, let a librarian know on Monday so we have time to investigate.
On Monday, May 23rd during the lunch/study periods, representatives from the public libraries will speak to 6th and 7th graders about their Summer Reading Programs. Then beginning Wednesday, I will meet with classes of 5th, 6th, and 7th graders to present the Lakeview Summer Reading Program. Prizes can be won just by reading over the summer. I'm thinking about sitting on the patio or by the pool with a good book and a tall ice tea. I hope many of you Lakeview students will join me in this activity.

6th GRADE RESEARCH PROJECT CONTINUES

2011-05-13T13:27:00.000-07:00

6th grade LA students have finished their research for their sports/hobby demonstration speech this week. Next week those students will return to the IMC beginning Tuesday to start work on their bibliography. I will take them through the steps to create an account in NoodleBib (our online bibliography maker), to open a a project folder, and begin working on citations. Thanks to NoodleBib, the long, laborious process of creating a bibliography is reduced to a few simple questions and a fill-in-the-blanks data entry. If students come with their Bibliography Worksheets (filled in, of course), they will have very little trouble with their bibliography. Also next week 8th grade music classes will continue working on their world music projects.

As the end of the school year rapidly approaches, the IMC wants to remind all students that all IMC books currently checked out are due Wednesday, May 25th. Any book not returned will require a replacement fee equal to the cost of the book. Please check lockers, classrooms, and homes carefully so all books can be returned for next year's students to enjoy.

6th GRADE RESEARCH PROJECT

2011-05-06T13:28:00.000-07:00

Now that MAP testing is completed for this year, the IMC is back is usual role at research center, This past Friday I presented the 6th grade Language Arts classes with a road map for research on their Sports and Hobbies Project. The road map outlines a research progression that covers the variety of resources available through the IMC in both print and online formats. If students follow the road map they will have plenty of reliable information for their speech. Actual research for 6th grade begins next week.

Also next week several music classes will be using the IMC to work on projects. And on Monday 8th grade Language Arts classes will be checking out books for their next book report (probably the last one of the year). With library business returning to normal, we librarians look forward to getting the last group of new books (for this year) shelf-ready.

MAP TESTING ALMOST OVER

2011-04-29T13:49:00.000-07:00

Monday and Tuesday were MAP testing days during the social studies classes. Thanks to the generosity of 7th & 8th grade social studies (unfortunately 6th grade social studies had plans that couldn't be changed), many of the more timers were able to finish their tests on Wednesday. Due to the music trip on Thursday and Friday additional make-up tests and more timers have been postponed to the coming week. Fortunately there is only a small number of students left to finish the final MAP testing round of this year. I believe the special conferencing and goal setting done with all students in Homebase made a great impression on the students. They took their time with the MAP tests and really worked hard. Teachers in Reading and Math will have a very good look at student abilities based on this round of testing.
Coming up next week, some Health and Music classes will be using the IMC computers Monday through Wednesday. Thursday is reserved for 8th grade Language Arts. On Friday the computers are open and I will be preparing 6th graders for their Sports and Hobbies research project with an introduction to the resources available for this project both print and online

MAP TESTING RETURNS

2011-04-21T13:17:00.001-07:00

The past week, for a short week, was very busy as 7th grade was wrapping up their career research, typing their bibliographies in NoodleBib, and preparing and typing their outlines. Career speeches begin next week in the classroom.

Looking to next week, MAP testing returns for the third and final time this year. In order to reduce the number of days for testing and the restrictions on IMC use during that time, three locations will be used. 8th graders will test in the IMC. 7th graders will test in Mr. Rodda's Applied Technology room. And 6th graders will test in Mrs. Foellmer's computer classroom. All students will test during their social studies classes on Monday and Tuesday for the Math and Reading tests. Make-up testing for absent students and extended time for students who need it will take place in the IMC on Wednesday. With luck this last round of MAP testing will be completed by mid-week. The MAP testing results will be reviewed by math and reading teachers to prepare class placements for the next school year.

Lots of Computer Activity

2011-04-15T14:07:00.000-07:00

This week the 7th grade Language Arts classes continued their research for their career project. Students were taking notes from books, reference materials, online databases and web sites. This year the teachers had the students entering their bibliography information into NoodleBib (an free online bibliography maker) as they went along so some students were ready to print their bibliographies today. NoodleBib is a junior version of the NoodleTools program used at Downers Grove South High School and is basically a fill-in-the-blank setup where students enter the bibliographical information with correct spelling and capitalization and the computer generates each citation with the correct punctuation and in alphabetical order. Next week there are a number of different classes using the IMC computers -- 7th grade math, health, music, 8th grade language arts, and 7th grade language arts returning to type their speech outlines. Also the laptop computers are signed out for the entire week.

Career Research

2011-04-08T14:11:00.000-07:00

This week the 7th grade Language Arts classes began their research for their career project. On Monday students took a career assessment survey using a website called Career Cruising which we have on a 30-day free trial. On Wednesday I gave them a Research Road Map and showed them the various types of resources available in the IMC. Thursday students found a book with information on their career and started taking notes. Today most students were ready to start their bibliographies using an online bibliography maker called NoodleBib (a junior version of the one used at Downers Grove South) with the library staff's assistance. Research will continue through next week. Speeches will start April 27th. In addition to the 7th grade research next week, 6th grade Social Studies and some music classes will be working in the IMC. It looks like the library staff is in for another busy week!

I'm Ready...for Spring Break

2011-03-25T13:26:00.000-07:00

What a week! 8th graders have been researching for their persuasive speeches --- the P.T.O. Book Fair was Wednesday and Thursday --- 7th graders took their Constitution Test online AND selected book report books based on themes from Drums, Girls, and Dangerous Pie. Now we have spring break to recuperate.
When we return on April 4th, there will be book check-out for the 8th grade LA classes and 7th grade will begin their Careers Unit. That's Monday and I haven't looked any farther yet.
I hope everyone has an enjoyable, relaxing, and safe spring break.

Another Busy Week

2011-03-18T12:48:00.000-07:00

The IMC had another busy week and next week is more of the same. This past Thursday I gave an introduction to research for the 8th grade Language Arts classes as they prepare to begin research for their persuasive speeches. Students took notes as I described a road map for research which begins with an encyclopedia, follows through an IPAC keyword search for books in the IMC, then a reference search using the Gale Virtual Reference Library (an online database shared with us from Downers South High School), on to magazine and newspaper online database, and a folder of links to websites that I think are most helpful. Students were given all the necessary login and password information so they can work from school or from home and where all the links are located (most on the Lakeview Library webpage). I also reviewed how to collect bibliographic information from the various media to use in our free online bibliography maker, NoodleBib.
Next week the 8th graders will research in the IMC Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday. On Thursday 7th grade Social Studies classes will be using the IMC computers for their Constitution test. And on Friday 7th grade Language Arts classes will be checking out books for a new book report.

Busy Week

2011-03-11T13:44:00.000-08:00

The IMC was busy this week with various classes using computers and laptops. There was also book check-out for Miss Coppoletta's classes. They selected from the genres of mystery or horror.
Next week looks to be equally busy. 6th grade science is signed up for computers on Monday. Then later in the week we will see the health classes on computers.
On Thursday I will give an introduction to research for the 8th grade Language Arts classes as they begin their persuasive speech unit. I have a lot of new books on controversial topics to show them as well as such online sources as Gale Virtual Reference Library, Middle Online Package, eLibrary, and a couple of websites that are very useful for debates. All of these online sources are linked to the Lakeview library webpage for easy access. Students will receive all the necessary login information so they can continue their research from any Internet computer. Also included in the research introduction is a review of how to collect bibliographic information from the various media to use in our online bibliography maker, NoodleBib.

Lots of Computer Use

2011-03-04T11:23:00.000-08:00

Even with ISAT testing last week, the IMC computers have been busy. The 6th grade Language Arts were in the IMC almost every day. One of their big projects is to create book trailers - same idea as movie trailers. Some students are using Movie Maker and some are using Google Sketchup. I can't wait to see the finished projects later next week.

Consumer Ed will also been using the IMC computers next week, along with 8th grade science on the laptops in the IMC. Ending the week. Miss Coppoletta's Reading classes ar coming for book check-out.

Even with all this activity in the IMC Mrs. Wilson and I are proud of the number of new books we have been able to catalog and process so they are ready for check-out. Keep your eyes on the New Book display shelves by the windows. You will have lots of new choices!

Voting Results

2011-02-25T13:19:00.000-08:00

Voting for the 2011 Rebecca Caudill Young Readers Book Award is now completed at Lakeview. I will send the results listed here to the state committee to be tabulated. In a few weeks we should know the official 2011 winner.
17 - 11 Birthdays -- LOCAL 1st RUNNER-UP
6 - The Alchemyst
3 - All Shook Up
3 - The Boy Who Dared
0 - Chains
3 - Diamond Willow
4 - Fablehaven
10 - Found -- LOCAL 2nd RUNNER-UP
0 - A Friendship for Today
5 - The Great Wide Sea
44 - The Hunger Games -- LOCAL WINNER
6 - The Mailbox
8 - Notes from the Midnight Driver
2 - Savvy
4 - Scarlett
4 - Scat
7 - Schooled
1 - Trouble
3 - Waiting for Normal
3 - Yellow Star

Two additional questions were voted online by the 6th graders. Those results are:
Which form of audio book do you prefer? Total votes = 72
3 - Cassettes
15 - CDs
54 - Playaways
Should the IMC purchase eBooks? Total votes = 76
49 - Yes
27 - No
Thank you to everyone who voted. The IMC appreciates your help in making decisions for the future.

2011 Caudill Voting

2011-02-18T11:53:00.000-08:00

Voting for the 2011 Rebecca Caudill Young Readers Book Award begins next Tuesday and continues throughout the week. 6th graders will be voting online through the IMC automation system as we have done the past few years. 6th grade students will vote during their LA classes since they have been reading the Caudill nominees since November for book reports. 7th and 8th grade students who have read or listened to at least 3 of the nominated books will be eligible to vote as well. They will need to contact a librarian for a ballot.
From a librarian's point of view, I'm glad I am not eligible to vote. (The award is selected only by students in grades 4-8.) I found all 20 nominees to be excellent reading. I would have a very hard time choosing just one book to vote for. If you have not seen the nominee list, here is the link. The list of nominees for 2012 is also available at this website, as well as past winners and nominees.

A Good Week

2011-02-11T13:46:00.001-08:00

The week has gone smoothly. Since the computers were occupied with class projects most of the week, Mrs. Wilson and I were able to spend some time working on new books. The workshop, "What's New in Young Adult Literature.," that I attended was excellent. In addition to gathering a great number of book ideas to purchase for the IMC, I picked up some wonderful book project ideas which I am sharing with the Language Arts teachers. So far they have been very enthusiastic about the projects.
Next week looks to be a similar week with computer use by Spanish and some Health classes. Maybe Mrs. Wilson and I can get more new books ready for checkout.
Coming in two weeks -- Voting for the 2011 Rebecca Caudill Young Readers Book Award. Voting will be done online through the IMC automation system as we have done the past few years. 6th grade students will vote during their LA classes since they have been reading the Caudill nominees since November. 7th and 8th grade students who have read or listened to at least 3 of the nominated books will be eligible to vote as well.

Snow Days

2011-02-04T13:43:00.001-08:00

The snow days this week have left teachers scrambling to rethink and reschedule their lesson plans. Next Monday and Tuesday 6th grade social studies will finish working on their class newspaper based on Roman history that was scheduled for this week. 6th & 8th grade science will use the IMC computers next week also.
I will be attending a workshop on Monday entitled "What's New in Young Adult Literature." I am looking forward to coming back week with lots of great ideas for new books for Lakeview.

Active IMC

2011-01-28T13:22:00.000-08:00

It was a pleasure this week to observe the 7th grade science classes as they continued to work on their genetic disorders project. Students could choose to make a PowerPoint presentation or a poster to present to the class. A couple of students even presented in the IMC and did an excellent job. On Tuesday 8th grade LA/Reading classes come to the IMC to select books related to Romeo and Juliet for their next book report. The suggested books will covered themes like romance, parent/child conflicts, suicide, and violence. Of course, most of the girls went for the romance books and most of the boys went after the suicide/violence books.
Coming up next week we have a quiet start (more time to work on new books), then the 6th grade social studies classes will be using computers for a project.

Back to Business as Usual

2011-01-21T12:58:00.000-08:00

MAP testing is over for now and the library is returning to normal. Next week will see the 7th grade science classes using the IMC computers for a genetic disorders project. On Friday 7th grade Health will be using the computers. Next Tuesday 8th grade LA/Reading classes come to the IMC to select books related to Romeo and Juliet for their next book report. These books will cover themes like romance, parent/child conflicts, suicide, and violence.

MAP Testing

2011-01-14T13:39:00.000-08:00

I know librarians are pictured as always shushing people to be quiet in the library, but Mrs. Wilson and I admit that the quiet of MAP testing is too much for the modern school library. We are used to a busy, active library with students working on a variety of projects. The quiet of testing seems very unusual. Being open before school and at study helped us feel more like a library. Fortunately MAP testing should finish next Wednesday. Then the IMC can get back to "normal" library business -- book check-out, research, group projects, Brain Pop, etc.

Back from Winter Break

2011-01-07T13:47:00.000-08:00

We are back from winter break and the IMC has been busy. Music classes have been researching world country music and culture (8th grade) and musical eras (6th grade). 7th graders selected and checked out books for their next book report. Health classes, 7th grade science, and 7th grade Advance LA classes have also been in to work on projects.
Next week things quiet down because the second round of MAP testing will take place in the IMC. From January 10-19 all students will test in math and reading. This time with the MAP testing the IMC will be open before school Tuesday through Friday and all week at study. There are a number of ongoing projects so the before school or study time will give many students an opportunity to get some extra work time on those projects.

Friday Games Days Return

2010-12-17T14:16:00.001-08:00

After several false starts the IMC has resumed its Computer Games Days on Fridays during study. On Fridays students, individually or with a partner, are invited to play CD-ROM games provided by the IMC. This year we have expanded to all 30 computers in the IMC computer lab with new games like FIFA Soccer, NHL Hockey, Top Spin 2 (tennis), Wheel of Fortune, Jewel Labyrinth, 3 - I Spy games, and Mysteryville 2. We look forward to see lots of gamers in the IMC on Friday trying out these new games in 2011.

What a Week!

2010-12-10T13:24:00.000-08:00

The P.T.O. Book Fair has come and gone in a flurry of purchases, many as holiday gifts. In my rough estimate of sales we double the amount of sales from last spring's Book Fair. Thank you to all who helped with the selling and setup and purchasing. The P.T.O. will the profits to enhance the student experience here at Lakeview.
Next week appears to be calmer. Mrs. Maass's 6th grade social studies classes will continue to work on their Greek mythology projects. Since some groups may need more time and other groups will be finishing up, Mrs. Maass reminded me that I had gathered a list of Ancient Greece websites and linked them to the Lakeview Library webpage. This sites have many interactive activities as well as information about Greek history and culture. To find this list students go to the Lakeview Library webpage and scroll down until they find the table for IMC Links. In the lower right corner is a link called Student Links. Double check to connect to the website where I keep folders of links for school projects. Open the Ancient Greece folder and have fun!

Business As Usual

2010-11-19T13:45:00.000-08:00

The IMC is definitely back to business as usual. The computers have been in used by 8th grade science and social studies. There has been 7th grade book checkout. And the librarians are franticly preparing the 2011 Rebecca Caudill nominated books for checkout.

Even though next week is very short the IMC will be busy. The 8th grade social studies classes will continue their research on various political systems and philosophies. 6th grade Reading classes will be introduced to the new Caudill nominees through a booktalk of all twenty books and make their first selection for their next book report. All 6th graders will participate in the Rebecca Caudill Young Readers Book Award, a statewide program where students in grades 4-8 vote for the winner. To be eligible to vote in February each 6th grader will read at least 3 of the nominated books. The IMC has multiple copies of each title so that there are enough books for every student to have one at a time. I have read all twenty and predict that voting this time will center around two fantastic nominees -- Found by Margaret Peterson Haddix and The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins. While all 20 books are great stories, these two have already captured the interest of most of our students in any grade.

Open for Business

2010-11-05T13:48:00.000-07:00

It felt good to be open for library business this week. Students were able to checkout and return books again. The IMC was open before school (Tuesdays - Fridays) and at study for students to read or work on school projects. And now for the best news --
In celebration of National Gaming Day, November 13th, the IMC will launch its Computer Games Day on Friday, November 12th. Starting that Friday and continuing on school Fridays through the rest of the school year, the IMC will open its CD-ROM game library for students during study. Students can individually or with a partner enjoy games like Jeopardy, Who Wants to Be a Millionaire, Wheel of Fortune, The Sims, SIM City, Clue, and Battleship. We also have many CD-ROMs from the Tycoon series (Rollercoaster, Monopoly, School, Zoo, etc.), the Zoombini series, and sports like NBA Live, Madden Football, and more. A complete list of possibilities will be posted in the IMC by next Thursday. Study teachers will be provided with special passes for Computer Game Days. While the beginning of each study period is a bit wild as the students select their game and get their computers going, it is amazing how focused everyone becomes once the gaming starts. Visitors are always welcome to observe our gamers at work!

Nearly Done

2010-10-29T13:23:00.000-07:00

MAP testing in the IMC is nearly over. There are only a few students who were absent who need to take one or two of the tests. As soon as these students return to school, their tests will be scheduled. For the IMC (and its staff), next week we go back to library business. The 8th grade LA/Reading classes are already signed up for book checkout with a booktalk. And Health and Spanish are using the computers. For Mrs. Wilson and myself it will be nice to get back to business as usual -- library business!

Strange Week

2010-10-22T12:10:00.000-07:00

Since last Friday students have been taking their Measure of Academic Progress (MAP) tests for math, language usage, and reading in the IMC. Mrs. Wilson and I set up each computer with the proper test and student login. Students come with their math or LA/reading classes for the tests. Mrs. Wilson and I keep track of students who do not complete a test within their class period and Mrs. Liles arranges for more time. The MAP tests are not timed so students may have as much time as they need. Many of our students finish their tests within the class period or with one extra session. During this testing time the IMC is closed to all other business, so it has felt very strange for us librarians. This past Wednesday was an early dismissal day so the IMC was open for regular business as no testing was scheduled. We librarians really enjoyed a return to normal.

Next week is also a MAP testing so the IMC is closed except for Monday when no testing is scheduled due to the Red Ribbon Week assembly. MAP testing is scheduled to end on October 29th. The IMC will resume its regular schedule in November. The nice feature of this testing week for us is that while the students are testing, we have the opportunity to work on new books. Please check my other blog, What's New on the Book Shelves," to see what new books are now ready for checkout.

Timelines in World Book Online

2010-10-08T13:58:00.000-07:00

This week 6th grade Social Studies classes have been working on a timeline project using World Book Online. Mrs. Maass and I collaborated in utilizing this special feature of our online encyclopedia. Students researched 5 events from specific years of the 21st century (2000-2010). World Book Online allowed them to search by year. Most of the encyclopedia articles were about people, so we also encouraged students to try the Back in Time Articles listed in the Results List. The Back in Time Articles gave an overview of events in certain categories like Literature, Sports, Television, Automobile, and Education, or in certain countries or continents. Using these articles it was easy for students to pick an event and get enough information to note the Who, What , Where, and Why. Then all they had to do was type a one sentence description and use pull-down menus to specify the date. World Book Online put their events in chronological order and made the timeline. Students printed their timeline in color for the final product.
Since this was the first time anyone used the timeline feature, Mrs. Maass and I learned a lot as the students worked through their project. I thank Mrs. Maass for being flexible when we ran into problems along the way that we did not anticipate. I am happy to report that the timeline feature was successful enough for Mrs. Maass to agree to use it again later this year.
World Book Online is a District 66 subscription and is linked to the district webpage.

Are There Any Books Left?

2010-10-01T14:10:00.000-07:00

For the first time ever, all three grade levels checked out books this week and all classes were selecting free choice Accelerated Reader titles. Many of the IMC fiction bookshelves are very empty. Fortunately, with over 1200 AR quizzes there were plenty of choices for the students. And some great books were checked out!

Next week the computers take over. Classes using the IMC computer lab include 8th grade accelerated LA and music. The laptops will be in use in 6th grade accelerated LA and 6th grade Social Studies. Mrs. Maass and I have been exploring the timeline feature in World Book Online. 6th grade students will be using that feature for a social studies project.

Busy Computers

2010-09-24T10:55:00.000-07:00

This week the IMC computers and laptops have been shared between classes and Mrs. Kucera, our technology coordinator, as she sets up our computers to handle the new MAPS testing program. Though somewhat confusing for us at times, the process is nearly completed and IMC computer use can go back to normal next week. In addition next week will see book check-out in both 7th and 8th grade -- the second round of book reports is starting.

Business as Usual

2010-09-17T13:16:00.000-07:00

The first part of the week was busy with 7th grade social studies researching and working on projects about native Americans. Then the rest of the week was quiet enough for the librarians to get some behind-the-scenes work done. While Miss Hagensee worked on new books and sorted through the returned summer paperbacks, Mrs. Wilson has been getting ID cards changed into library cards by adding the client barcodes to the back of each ID card. ID cards will be ready next week to distribute to students. Then every student will have received 2 library cards - a temporary one on a white card and their student ID card. Students are welcome to use either card, but a library card is necessary to check out books from the IMC.

Next week computers will be busy with Health and 6th grade science classes. Also the laptops will be in use for 7th grade science and Mrs. Mixon's classes.

Back to Business as Usual

2010-09-10T13:58:00.000-07:00

After completing a computer review with 7th and 8th grade last week that covered network logins, searching the I.P.A.C. using MultiSeek to combine terms, logging in the I.P.A.C. to place reserves, and printing out student lists of the Accelerated Reader quizzes they have taken, the IMC has returned to normal business. This week the IMC computers have been in use by Health classes, 6th grade advanced LA/Reading , and 7th grade Social Studies. AND the new laptop computers had their first use with students. The IMC now has 56 brand-new HP laptops, enough for 2 classes to be using laptops at the same time with the district wireless system. There were a few bumps in the road with the new computers, but the new login procedures are just fine. All IMC computers are in demand for next week, too.

Welcome Back!

2010-08-27T13:07:00.001-07:00

I hope everyone had a great summer. For me, it was too hot but I was still able to read a lot of great books, even I didn't sit on my patio as I planned. The IMC is back in full swing. This week 7th and 8th grade language arts classes came to the IMC for their first book checkout. Next Monday 6th grade comes for their first checkout. For each class I present a book talk of new or interesting, grade-appropriate books from the wide range of materials we have in the IMC. Then students have an opportunity to find and check out a book for their first book report.

Next week Monday, the IMC will also be open at study for student use. Starting next week Tuesday, the IMC will be open before school Tuesdays through Fridays for student use. Also next week 7th and 8th graders will come to the IMC computer lab for a review of using the I.P.A.C. (IMC online catalog) and using the Accelerated Reader software program.

The IMC is back in business!

Tournament Results

2010-05-28T14:05:00.000-07:00

The Zoombini Tournament has turned out to be one of the most difficult and challenging ever. For students who continued to try the puzzles, it became easier and many prizes were awarded. Here are the final results:

Total number of students participating = 47 (21 from 8th grade; 1 from 7th; 25 from 6th)

Total number of students who won all 8 prizes = 10 (5 from 8th; 1 from 7th; 4 from 6th)

Total number of students who won bonus prizes = 8 (4 from 8th; 1 from 7th; 3 from 6th)

The Zoombini's Mountain Rescue was the most popular choice. Congratulations to all participants. Next May a new tournament with a new challenge.

Do You Believe It?

2010-05-21T14:10:00.000-07:00

There is only one more full week of school left and the IMC is still going strong. Computers are signed up through Wednesday of next week. Half of the 7th grade and all of the 6th grade are coming next week for Summer Paperback Checkout. The Zoombini Tournament continues through Friday. There is one more Accelerated Reader point total check on May 25th. AND we are still trying to get back overdue library books!

Thank you to the 5th grade teachers for bringing your classes across the driveway so your students can participate in our summer programs. It was wonderful to see the excitement as the 5th graders went to pick out five Lakeview paperbacks for summer loan. I look forward to seeing them again in August as ourt new 6th graders.

Summer Check-out

2010-05-14T13:03:00.000-07:00

Over the next two weeks all 6th and 7th grade Language Arts classes are coming to the IMC for the summer check-out of paperback books. The current 5th grade classes are also invited to participate. Each student is encouraged to check-out up to 5 paperbacks for the entire summer so everyone can keep reading. Thanks to over ten years of participation in the Rebecca Caudill Young Readers Book Award Program, the IMC has a large paperback collection with many multiple copies of Caudill titles so the selection should have something for everyone. Paperbacks checked out in the next two weeks will not be due until August 27, 2010, the Friday before Labor Day weekend. Books may be returned earlier to a box between the main doors of Lakeview, but no additional check-out will be possible. Students who check-out paperbacks are also encouraged to participate in the Lakeview Summer Reading Program. Information about the Summer Reading Program is available in the What's New on the Book Shelves blog. Also these summer check-outs can be used in the public libraries' summer reading programs. The Lakeview IMC will have flyers for both Indian Prairie and Woodridge public libraries' programs. Enjoy those hot, lazy summer days with a great book!

Most Challenging Tournament Ever!

2010-05-07T13:11:00.000-07:00

The Zoombini programs have turned out to be extremely challenging. As I observed students this week, I saw great improvement in working out the puzzles but no one has met my challenge of 8 Zoombinis to the final goal. Over the weekend I will review each program so I can reset the goal next week to better fit the time frame of study period. I want to give out prizes! To those of you who have been participating in the Tournament this week, consider this a practice week. Next week with a new goal, I guarentee you will win prizes. The picture is the first puzzle in Island Odyssey.)

Also next week 6th grade Language Arts classes will be researching for their Sports and Hobbies Project. Today I gave 6th graders an overview of the Research Road Map for this project. Next week they will follow that road map through various resources to gather information about their sport or hobby.

It's Starting! Help the Zoombinis Computer Tournament

2010-04-30T14:44:00.000-07:00

The IMC Computer Tournament begins Monday, May 3rd. I have chosen the Zoombini software programs for this year's tournament. The challenge is to get 8 Zoombinis to their goal in any of the three Zoombini programs in the IMC - Logical Journey, Island Odyssey, or Mountain Rescue. For each successful mission verified by an adult, you (and a partner, if you want) will receive a prize up to 8 different prizes during the month of May. Passes to try a Zoombini program are available from any teacher or aide. (Sorry, the IMC librarians cannot give passes, so don't ask us.) For more details, read the descriptions posted in the IMC windows.

Please note: Due the challenges of some of the Zoombini puzzles, we are allowing you to ask adults for help this year. This is a real testing of your problem solving skills.

GOOD LUCK AND PLEASE HELP THE ZOOMBINIS!

I Need Your Help!

2010-04-23T11:15:00.000-07:00

Starting April 26th there will be petitions in the IMC for all of the series that have been started. I need your help to know which series to focus on and which series to maintain and which series to ignore. Please take a few minutes and sign petitions for the series you want the IMC to have. Petitions are organized in folders by genre. You may notice that the folders for fantasy, mystery, adventure, and realistic are the fullest. Next year I will concentrate my purchases to continue or fill those series that you want most.

COMING IN MAY: My computer game challenge for the month of May this year is to solve the puzzles of the Zoombinis. The IMC has 3 different Zoombini adventures. Your job will be to successfully get 8 Zoombinis to their goal in any one of the 3 adventures in order to win a prize. More details coming next week.

What's Next?

2010-04-09T13:50:00.000-07:00

This week has been very busy in the IMC. It started out quiet, but picked up speed. On Wednesday I assisted the 7th graders as they took an online career survey at a state of Illinois website (the link is at the bottom of the IMC webpage) in preparation for their career project which starts research next week. On Thursday I met with Mrs. Crews's 6th grade classes for a book talk on fantasy before they checked out a fantasy book for their next book report. On Friday I met with all the 7th grade LA classes for a book talk and book check-out. The majority of the 7th grade has read Sharon Creech's The Wanderer and I was asked to suggest books that related to her themes. So in addtion to recommending some of her other books, I suggested books about family interactions or problems and books about life-changing journeys. It was a lot of fun creating a new bibliography for this which I call By Air, By Land, By Sea, It's the Journey That Counts.

Next week the 7th grade LA classes come to the IMC to research a career as part of their career unit. On Monday I will review with them the resources in the IMC which will be most helpful for this project. I call it my Research Road Map. If students follow the resources I outline, they will find their research will go very smoothly.

Have a Great Spring Break!

2010-03-26T15:26:00.000-07:00

After a busy week with the Book Fair and computers in use every day, spring break will give the library and its staff a wonderful rest. After spring break the IMC is booked solid for several weeks as the final research projects get underway. There are book talks and book check-out coming for 6th and 7th grades as well.

Thank you to the P.T.O. for sponsoring the Book Fair. Although we did not sell enough to reach the cut-off for a cash profit, the IMC was able to choose 11 books (9 hardcover and 2 paperbacks) from the Book Fair to add to the library collection. The biggest selling item at the Book Fair was the scented pencils. Students came Friday morning with their dollars to buy just one more scented pencil!

See you all after spring break.

BOOK FAIR COMING

2010-03-19T13:20:00.000-07:00

The last P.T.O. Book Fair of this school year comes to Lakeview next week. The Book Fair will run on Wednesday, March 24th, and Thursday, March 25th, from 8:30 AM to 3:00 PM. It will continue Thursday night before and after the Sports Banquet. For those students who don't remeber to bring their money until Friday, March 26th, I will conduct Quick Sales Friday morning before school. Quick Sales mean that you know what you want and have your money ready. With Spring Break rapidly approaching, the Book Fair is a great place to pick up books for reading and activities to take traveling over the break. See you at the Fair!

Persuasive Speeches

2010-03-11T16:57:00.000-08:00

Next Monday 8th graders begin researching for their persuasive speeches. The IMC will be focused on assisting them with this important project. We began today as I introduced students to a research road map that lays out a research plan for this project. Beginning with a general encyclopedia, then moving on to IMC books and online reference books, they research the background of their topic looking for facts, people and organizations, dates and events, and alternate terms to use in their further research. Next they move on to links on the IMC webpage such as DebataBase, a pro/con database and magazine and newspaper articles supporting their viewpoint. The last step is Internet searching for any remaining information they think they need. The IMC staff is available to support their research efforts all along the way. We will also assist with the sometimes difficult task of collecting information for their bibliography. With the wealth of online information, the current rule is to report in a bibliography the original source - a magazine, reference book, web site, etc. It will be a very intense week for all of us.

Glad That's Over...

2010-03-05T09:18:00.000-08:00

...is the sentiment of all of us. This has been the week of ISAT testing and students and teachers are tired. After testing the IMC was busy with several computer projects this week ranging from 8th grade health classes learning how to budget for housing, transportation, and child care - something in all of their futures to 6th grade consumer education classes learning about advertising techniques and designing their own cereal box. Mrs. Crews's LA classes have been using the IMC digital projection system to look at group literature graffiti projects

created for the novel by Jerry Spinelli, Maniac Magee.

Next week things seem a lot quieter, but, of course, that could change at any time. Computers are actually open Tuesday and Wednesday while 6th grade science has them Monday and I will be reviewing resources with the 8th grade LA classes on Thursday before they begin research for their persuasive speeches the following week.

I am proud to announce that the IMC jigsaw puzzle for February, a 750 piece heart-shaped puzzle, was completed today with the help of the students who were ISAT testing in the IMC area. Students who finished testing were working on the puzzle while waiting for all the classes to check in and the bell to ring for the next period. Thank you to all who helped complete this rather difficult puzzle. (Picture courtesy of Bits & Pieces.) Next puzzle up is a picture in the shape of the continental United States!

Local Voting Results!

2010-02-26T13:09:00.000-08:00

The voting results at Lakeview for the 2010 Rebecca Caudill Young Readers Book Award are in! In third place -- Someone Named Eva, by Joan M. Wolf. In second place -- All the Lovely Bad Ones, by Mary Downing Hahn. And in first place -- Shark Girl, by Kelly L. Bingham. The full results list is posted in the IMC windows. All Lakeview votes for every nominated book have been posted with the state Caudill committee. We should hear the results on the state level in about 2 weeks. Thank you to everyone who read these books and participate in the voting.

Both 7th and 8th Language Arts classes visited the IMC today to check out books so that each student will have a free reading book during the ISAT testing next week. (6th grade checked out books last week.) During these check-out classes I was able to introduce a new feature in the IMC - permeanent book displays. The first permanent display is for the Caudill nominees. As the 2010 Caudill voting is over, we will be moving the 2010 nominees out of the window bookcases and will set them on top of the bookcase closest to my desk. We did this with the 2009 nominees because we thought those were such great books they deserved a special place. Now those 2009 books will go on the regular shelves and 2010 nominees will have the special display for the next calendar year. In the weeks ahead I will describe the other 3 permenent displays that are available in the IMC. I hope many of you will have an opportunity to select books from these displays.

It's Caudill Voting Time

2010-02-19T13:24:00.000-08:00

The Week of Februsry 22-25 is voting time for the Rebecca Caudill Young Readers Book Award 2010. Sixth grade will vote online on Wednesday, February 24th, in their Language Arts/Reading classes. Our automation system, L4U, allows us to set up online elections. Sixth graders have been selecting their book report books from the Caudill nominees since November.

Seventh and eighth grade students who have read at least 3 of the 20 nominated books are eligible to vote. Those students will need to see me for a paper ballot. The Lakeview totals for each nominee must be sent to the state committee on Friday, February 26th. We should find out who won this year's award in about two weeks.

May the best book win!

Busy and Rewarding Week

2010-02-12T12:22:00.000-08:00

The IMC computers were in use most of this week, especially with music projects and the beginning of the 8th grade science lab report PowerPoints. Next week the 8th grade science classes have claimed the computers for Tuesday and Wednesday and will use the IMC mimio set-up on Thursday for presentations. IMC computers are open on next Thursday, but some teacher will probably grab those early next week. On Friday the Consumer Ed. classes will use the computers.

The rewarding part of this week was preparing and presenting book talks to the 6th grade Language arts classes. This is their first book selection after the required Rebecca Caudill nominees so I had the whole range of the IMC collection to choose from. I decided to highlight new additions to our collection and found that there are many new mystery series now available. That lead me to remind students that in April during National Library Week I will ask their help in choosing what series to follow and complete. Take a look at What's New on the Book Shelves for a review of these new mysteries series.

The week of February 22-26 is our online voting for the 2010 Rebecca Caudill Young Readers Book Award. 6th grade has chosen Wednesday, February 24th for their day to vote, but other grade students who are eligible may vote any time during that week. To be eligible students must have read or listened to 3 of the 20 nominated titles. 6th graders will use the online voting component of the library automation system. 7th and 8th graders will need to contact me for a ballot. May the best book win!

Short Weeks Are Never Short

2010-02-05T13:38:00.000-08:00

Although Tuesday was a Teachers' Institute day, this short week has seen the usual busy IMC. Computers were in use most of the week. I was involved in bringing the Lakeview Spelling Bee finalists to the district bee on Thursday. And through it all the IMC staff continues to work on new books.

The 7th grade book check-out of fiction related to Drums, Girls, and Dangerous Pie, by Jordan Sonnenblick, turned out to be quite a challenge. The teachers had suggested four topics - Adolescence, Family Problems, Illness/Death, and Siblings. Since the students would have to show a relationship between their book and Sonnenblick's book in their book report, I had to choose suggested books carefully. Not every book in Lakeview's collection in the four topic areas easily relates. I was pleased that students made good choices based on my suggestions. I will store and update the bibliiography for this project to be ready for another go-around next year.

Next week shows the computers in use by a variety of classes again. 6th and 8th grade music classes are continuing their research for projects on music eras and world cultures. Also using computers are 8th grade science and Spanish classes. 6th graders will be coming in Friday for book check-out.

And coming the end of February is the voting for the 2010 Rebecca Caudill award. Any student at Lakeview who has read at least 3 of the nominated books is eligible to vote. More information on voting coming soon.

Busy Week, But Not Too Bad

2010-01-29T13:56:00.000-08:00

The IMC computers were in use all week. Monday through Wednesday saw the 7th grade science classes finishing their research on genetic disorders and completing their presentation projects. Many students prepared PowerPoint presentations and some made posters. A third option to make a brochure did not seem to be popular. Then Thursday and Fridaysaw the P.E. classes using computers for a state mandated unit on steroids.

Mrs Wilson and I had enough time this week to continue working on new books. Check out my other blog for some of the new items ready for check-out.

Next week is short since there is a Teachers' Institute on Tuesday. IMC computers have been reserved by a number of different teachers with only Wednesday morning still having some openings. We are also preparing special book displays for 7th grade book check-out on Monday. The classes have been reading Jordan Sonnenblick's Drums, Girls, and Dangerous Pie which deals with a high-schooler's family who has a child dying of cancer. The LA teachers have given us a list of suggested related topics and we are gathering fiction books on those topics for check-out.

Variety

2010-01-22T13:30:00.000-08:00

This week involved the IMC in many different projects. Yes, the IMC staff did prepare a lot of new books for check-out. I changed the new book display twice!

The 7th grade science classes are researching genetic disorders. I was able to show them how to access the Gale Virtual Reference Library from the library webpage. The Gale database contains hundreds of reference books and reference sets digitized and searchable. It's practically like looking at pages of the book online. Articles include subheadings, pictures, source citation, and even page numbers from the original source. Included in this database were several great resources for the genetic disorders project - Gale Encyclopedia of Genetic Disorders, Gale Encyclopedia of Neurological Disorders, and the Gale Encyclopedia of Medicine to name a few. Many students started their research with this database. Access to the Gale Virtual Reference Library was given to all feeder junior high schools by the Downers Grove South High School Library. Thank you DGS.

P.S. Sorry, there is no book review this week. I was just handed information for a Monday book check-out by 8th grade and I need to get busy preparing lists and gathering books for the table display. I'll be back next week with reviews of some of our new books.

What a Week!

2010-01-15T13:20:00.000-08:00

I feel like I have been transported back to the 1960s. The 8th grade Language Arts classes were in the IMC all week doing research for debates on 1960's topics. Images of research books, articles, and websites concerning the Vietnam War, the space race, the changing roles of women, and the hippie generation are constantly floating through my brain. Fortunately the research phase is over and debates begin next Wednesday. Looking forward to next week the computers are reserved all week for various classes except for Wednesday morning. Otherwise the library staff should be free to move forward in time and return to working on new books. And we have a lot of new books almost ready for check-out. Keep your eyes focused on the the New Book section of the Non-fiction book shelves. You should see many new titles as the week goes on.

It's a New Year!

2010-01-08T13:36:00.000-08:00

We're back from Winter Break and the IMC is buzzing with activity. 6th grade Language Arts classes were using IMC computers this week to finish their poetry packets and 6th grade science classes were working on Brain Pop. Some Spanish classes also used computers this week. But the IMC staff is gearing for next week when the 8th grade Language Arts classes start their research for debates on topics from the 1960s. Fortunately the IMC has lots of materials, both print and online, for them to use. I will be visiting their classrooms on Monday to highlight these materials and give students a step-by-step plan for research. Also a new book series on the sixties is featured in my What's New on the Bookshelves blog this week.

So next week while the 6th and 7th grades are taking IOWA tests, 8th graders will be in the IMC researching. Also next week 7th grade science has reserved computers on Monday and 8th grade science has reserved the reference tables. Next week is sure to be busy!

Home for the Holidays

2009-12-18T13:36:00.000-08:00

Today is the last school day before Winter Break. It has been a wild and exciting day with shortened periods for a holiday concert and grade level activities. The 6th grade watched the movie Up which is delightful. It has humor and danger and friendship across age groups and species. I think I will rent it over the holidays for a second watching.

May everyone have a restful, safe, and wonderful holiday season. See you in the new year!

2009-12-11T12:29:00.000-08:00

The P.T.O. Book Fair, held Tuesday and Wednesday, connected many great books with their new owners. There wasn't any one hot item, but the 2010 Rebecca Caudill nomines were popular purchases. Also popular were the smelly bookmarks with scents like bubble gum, peppermint, orange, and watermelon. Of course at $1.00 each, the price was definitely right. Proceeds from the Book Fair go to supporting various P.T.O. activities here at Lakeview.

Meanwhile back in the IMC, the computers were in use all week, mostly for the 6th grade social studies project on Ancient Greece. The students prepared some very good PowerPoints to present in the classroom. In the week ahead, computers are again in heavy use. Monday brings in 8th grade Language Arts. Tuesday and Wednesday are reserved for 6th grade Language Arts with the Health classes picking up any available computers on those days and Thursday. And Friday is reserved for 6th grade Social Studies.

The new attraction in the IMC this week and continuing throughout the trimester is an on-going jigsaw puzzle. Since my activity for the rotating 6th grade Homebases is Puzzle-Mania where we create our own jigsaw puzzles, I brought a holiday puzzle from home and set it on an IMC table. Students and teachers are invited to stop by and add a piece or two. Hopefully we can finish the holiday puzzle by winter break so I can bring a new puzzle in for the new year. For jigsaw puzzle fans like myself, there is a great online daily jigsaw at http://www.dltk-kids.com/puzzles/index.asp where you can try a fresh puzzle every day. I especially enjoy trying the different puzzle shapes available from a list of 35 choices. Some are quite a challenge.

It's P.T.O. Book Fair Time!

2009-12-03T15:32:00.001-08:00

The P.T.O. Book Fair comes to Lakeview on Deember 8th and 9th. Our Book Fair will have books for all ages from very young to adult so this can be a great place to pick up a couple of holiday gifts. The 2010 Rebecca Caudill books will also be present for those who can't wait for an IMC copy to become available.

The Book Fair will be open during the school day and Wednesday night before and after the concert. In addition I run "quick sales" Thursday morning before school. This gives the student who forgot to bring money Tuesday or Wednesday one last chance to purchase a book. Later on Thursday the unsold books will be picked up by the company.

Proceeds from the Book Fair are used by the Lakeview P.T.O. for their many benefits to our school. There will be another Book Fair in the spring before spring break. Please join me for this exciting event as students and teachers have the opportunity to see the books right here in the school lobby.

It Never Stops

2009-11-20T13:39:00.000-08:00

This past week was as busy as I anticipated, but overall things went smoothly. It turns out the 8th grade check-out is next Monday, so that took a little pressure off. But I added a short presentation to the 8th grade social studies classes about online databases that would help them with their Political Spectrum project. Many students who used the databases found lots of information on their topics.

The IMC activity for the very short week ahead is concentrated on Monday since Tuesday will be an abbreviated schedule to allow time in the afternoon for the annual Lakeview students vs. faculty volleyball game. The computers are used Monday and Tuesday by 7th grade Language Arts classes. 8th grade book check-out will take place Monday. And I will be introducing the 6th grade Language Arts classes to the 2010 nominees for the Rebecca Caudill Young Readers Book Award. This year I have prepared a mimioboard program to introduce each of the nominated books and show 6th graders how they can place reserves on the nominees they want using our online catalog called the IPAC.

Then comes Turkey Day. Mrs. Wilson and I wish everyone a happy Thanksgiving.

Another Short Week!

2009-11-13T13:42:00.000-08:00

Don't let anyone tell you that short weeks are easy. This week Monday and Tuesday were fine, but with Wednesday off for Veterans' Day, Thursday and Friday were packed. Friday alone saw three classes in the IMC duriong the same period for most of the day. 8th grade Social Studies came to use the Reference Tables so groups for the Political Spectrum project could meet together and organize their research. 7th grade Language Arts classes came for book check-out. And I was working with 6th grade Language Arts classes introducing students to Accelerated Reader and letting them take their first AR quiz on a book that was read as a class novel.

Unfortunately next week is looking to be equally busy. The computers are reserved all week - Monday through Wednesday for 8th grade Social Studies with an overview of IMC resources with me on Monday and 2 Health classes, Thursday for 7th grade Science, and Friday for 7th grade LA. In addition, 8th grade LA is coming Monday for book check-out. And 8th grade Social Studies has reserved the Reference Tables for Thursday and Friday. These 2 weeks reflect what the IMC will be like for most of the year.

Short Week, Busy Schedule

2009-11-06T13:37:00.000-08:00

Due to Veterans Day and no school next Wednesday, the school week is short. But the IMC schedule is very busy. The Reference tables are reserved for 7th grade Social Studies Monday through Thursday. 8th grade Social Studies takes those tables on Friday. The computers are in use every day - Monday for 6th grade Social Studies, Tuesday for 7th grade Social Studies, Thursday for 8th grade Science, and Friday for 6 grade Language Arts which is the introduction to Accelerated Reader. AND 7th grade Language Arts classes will be checking out books on Friday. If you happen to see 2 librarians slumped over their desks next Friday, please be kind!

The Year Is Racing By

2009-10-29T14:19:00.000-07:00

Here we are at the end of October - 2 months of school are over. This has been a week of book check-out by 8th and 6th grade, some computer use by Health classes, and field trips for 7th and 6th grade. The relatively quiet week has given the librarians a chance to prepare many new books. Keep checking our new book section because many books are added each week. Of course those that have been on display for a while are taken down and shelved to make room for the new titles. If you are interested in seeing the list of new books for the month of October, you can do an Advanced Search on the IPAC. Check the catagory called Marked and type an "O" in the blue search window. Click the Search button and in a few moments you will have a list of all the new books prepared in October. There are some really good reads in that list. (If you are interested in September titles, use a "S" instead of an "O".

There are few reservations for next week, but the teachers have spent most of this week preparing for parent conferences. I'm sure things will pick up next week.

Get in the Spirit of Halloween

2009-10-23T11:04:00.000-07:00

Where did this week go? It seems like just yesterday that I was writing about this week and now it's over. The computers were in use every day. Some of the 6th grade LA classes came to use the Mimio board for a grammar lesson. Students came in from various classes to work on and finish posters and projects. Just a normal week in the IMC!

Computer Games Day today had a one-day-only special for online Halloween games since there is no school next Friday. I have gathered 5 websites with great Hallowen games and linked them to the Lakeview library webpage. Anyone can enjoy these games by following these steps: Go to the Lakeview library webpage. Scroll down to the IMC Links section and click on Student Links. Open the folder called Halloween Games. Choose any or all of the website links to find jigsaw puzzles, hangman, mah jongg, and arcade-type games all related to Halloween themes. Have fun!

Next week shows very little computer activity (so far). Both 8th grade and 6th grade are scheduled for book checkout. And there may be more Mimio board activity coming, too. There are several book displays around the IMC showing the Halloween-type books -- haunted houses, ghosts, witches, and the history of the holiday. Time to get let the "spirit" grab you.

The IMC IS in Full Swing!

2009-10-16T14:29:00.000-07:00

This past week has been very busy in the IMC. The computer were in use every day. Mrs. Crews brought her classes to use the mimeo equipment. 7th grade came for a book talk and book check-out of non-fiction, fiction, or biography that followed themes in their classroom novel The Cay - survival, people with disabilities, and the World War II era. Preparing for those book talks was special fun for me because of the variety of themes. It was great to give students a chance to choose non-fiction books, too. I attended a technology meeting at Downers Grove South High School.

And next week looks to be just as busy. Computers are in use every day but Wednesday (so far). Several classes will be using the presentation/research section of the IMC throughout the week. Mrs. Wilson and I wonder if we will ever have time to prepare all the new books.

Monday, October 19th is the start of the IMC Halloween Trivia Contest. Students who can answer correctly 5 trivia questions about this holiday and related topics will win a Computer Games Day Pass that can be used any time during the year. Since there are 50 different questions, students have a chance to win up to 10 Games Day Passes. In addtion if students can correctly identify the keyword or key phrase in each question, they can receive a Chance Coupon to place in the Halloween Cauldron. On Thursday, October 29th Chance Coupons will be drawn for spooky treats and surprises. Look for the holdiay decorated tin on Monday and try to answer those questions. All answers are verified in World Book Online.

Busy Again!

2009-10-09T13:25:00.000-07:00

I'm glad there is a long weekend coming up because the IMC was busy this week. Computers were in use every day. 6th grade social studies had a one-day research project on ethnic groups who immigrated to the United States using books only. The 7th grade accelerated LA class came in for book checkout with a book talk on mysteries. The IMC staff had their October meeting. And today was Games Day with more students participating than last week.

Also coupons were given out for the Accelerated Reader Points Clubs. At mid-term and report cards, I check the total points earned by each student. If a student has earned 25 points in Accelerated Reader or multiples of 25, they are eligible for a prize. The coupon sent to the student is brought to me and redeem for a prize. Prizes include Pop-a-Point pencils, variously shaped pencil sharpeners, erasers, key rings in a variety of styles, and other interesting and, hopefully, unusual items. With this motivational component, students are encouraged to read more AR books and take the AR quiz for that book than are required in the classroom. A list of the books included in Lakeview's AR program can be found by searching our I.P.A.C. online catalog for the subject "Accelerated Reader." We have over 1600 quizzes. For me the nice feature is that the program keeps track of the points earned and the points used for prizes. Students are able to accumulate points over their years at Lakeview.

The week ahead looks quieter but that could change at any time. Right now there is only one day that the computers are reserved. And we build up to Friday when the rest of the 7th grade comes in for book checkout. Since they are reading The Cay, by Theodore Taylor, their teachers have chosen these themes from the IMC bibliography list: Survivor List, Miracle Worker List, and World War II Fiction List. Students will be able to choose fiction or nonfiction from any of these lists. I am looking to introducing students to some great reads.

Did I Say This Was a Normal Week?

2009-10-02T13:10:00.000-07:00

It's amazing how quickly what looks like a quiet week in the IMC can turn into a busy week - Music classes researching and working on projects - Social Studies students researching and working on projects - Computer troubleshooting in the classrooms - Problems with the laminator - and on and on. In addition I was trying to install an update on the library automation system and ran into problems in 2 of the three IMCs. Fortunately that was solved by contacting tech support from our automation system.

Now next week looks busy on the computers with a variety of classes reserving their use, but the rest of the IMC seems quiet. That could change, but I do hope to get some time to work on more new books. There are some many great books almost ready for check-out. Take a look at my other blog "What's New on the Book Shelves" for some great reading ideas.

Now that it is October Computer Games Day on Fridays has started again. Today was our first Games Day and it went relatively smooth. On Games Day students, by themself or with a partner, get to choose from a list of CD-ROM games to play during their study period. It is always chaotic at the beginning of study as students wait in line for their turn to pick a game. But after about 5 minutes when everyone is settled, the room gets quiet as gamers get involved in their choice. Some of the most popular games are Battleship, SIM City, Rollercoaster Tycoon, and of course The Sims. But we also have a lot of new games this year like Chessmaster 9000, Tiger Woods PGA Tour, Sudoku/Kakuro Mania, and Sorry!. I sure these games will also catch on as the year goes by.

A Normal Week

2009-09-25T13:21:00.000-07:00

This past week was in the regular pattern for the IMC. Several classes came in during the week to use computers. Some small groups and individual students came to the IMC to take a test or finish homework. There were lots of students in the IMC before school and at study working on a variety of projects and assignments. And a number of students came in during the week to return or check out books. Since the librarians were not directly involved with the classes in the IMC (We're always here to assist or troubleshoot problems.), we were able to work on new books. There are about 40 new books displayed in the New Section each week now. Be sure to stop by and take a look

Next week appears to be a repeat of this week with even more computer usage. Also the 8th grade LA classes will be coming to the IMC Monday for new book report choices. There will be a table display of my recommendations for great book reports. It is often easier to choose a book if you can see its front cover.

REMINDER: IF YOU STILL HAVE BOOKS FROM THE SUMMER CHECK-OUT, THEY ARE OVERDUE. PLEASE RETURN THEM AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. I START TRACKING DOWN STUDENTS WITH SUMMER OVERDUES NEXT WEEK.

Student Assignments

2009-09-18T13:11:00.000-07:00

Sixth grade students were busy in the IMC this week finishing their Social Studies assignment using EBSCO host for magazine and newspaper articles (due Wednesday) and their LA assignment of identifying places on a map of the IMC (due Friday). Now it's my turn to score all those assignments and return them to the teachers for grades.

Seventh grade students conducted a scavenger hunt in the IMC Friday. They had to find 30 questions related to how the IMC operates and write their answers on a special answer sheet. No human help was allowed, but students had access to 2 Power Point presentations covering IMC procedures and use of the IMC computers. The team(s) in each LA class with the highest number of correct answers will win for each team member a computer games pass they can use with a partner any time this school year.

Next week the IMC appears to be quiet. This will give the librarians a chance to get more new books ready, work on preparing the student ID cards to also be library cards, and start tracking down students who still have books checked out from the summer. (Hint to students: If you still have summer check-out books, return them ASAP!)

Short Week, Busy Week

2009-09-11T11:46:00.000-07:00

It's surprising that such a short week could be so busy. First we were getting ready for the Open House. Thank you to all the parents of my Homebase students for attending the Open House. This year had the best attendance rate I ever had. If anyone didn't get an opportunity to stop by the IMC to look around or ask questions, please come any time. We may be busy, but we love to have visitors.The IMC is a very busy, active place and we have many wonderful resources for your students (and you) to use.

On Thursday, I worked with Mrs. Maass's 6th grade social studies classes introducing the students to one of our online magazine/newspaper databases - Middle Search Plus in EBSCO host. On Friday these classes came back to complete a worksheet using the database. But I wasn't working with those students. On Friday I was working with 6th grade LA classes on the third part of the IMC Orientation program. In this part students watched a PowerPoint presentation about IMC rules and procedures so they can be more independent users of the library. Then students could pair up to work on a map project identifying various areas of the IMC. The directions were to color code a map of the IMC according to a direction sheet. The map project is due to me next Friday. The directions will be posted on the Lakeview library webpage and extra copies of the map are available in the IMC.

Looking ahead to next week, things should be quieter. Friday will bring the 7th grade LA classes to the IMC for a scavenger hunt about the IMC rules and procedures. Students in groups of 4-5 will try to answer as many questions as they can in one class period. Teams with the best score in each class will receive computer games passes that can be used any time during the year.

During the rest of the week, I plan to return to my travel schedule where I visit the other IMCs in the district and Mrs. Wilson and I will be working on getting new books ready for student check-out. You can read reviews of the new books in my other blog, What's New on the Book Shelves.

What a Week!

2009-09-04T12:12:00.000-07:00

This week I have meet with all the LA classes at all grades levels to review IMC computer rules and procedures. With the 7th and 8th grade class I used a short mimioboard program asking questions about computer use to jog the students memory and toured the IMC webpage emphasizing the web links posted there. 6th grade classes viewed a PowerPoint presentation that presented the rules and procedures in more detail and received an introduction to Accelerated Reader, a computerized book report program. All grades saved a copy of Lakeview's database login information to their personal drives so we could save paper and not have to print sign, posters, and flyers reminding eveyone of the logins. This is an experiment for us. Students may print a copy to use for home access if they want, but at least we will save some paper this year.

Throughout this school year I will be meeting with various classes to explore the Lakeview databases in detail. In fact we start next week with the 6th grade social studies classes. I will be introducing the EBSCO Host system and working on the Research Databases, particularily the magazine and newspaper database called Middle Search. 6th graders will be able to use this database for the current events assignment in their social studies class. I am frequently asked why I don't post the login information on our webpage. Unfortunately that is the one restriction that is part of our subsciption. We can pass out the login information to students directly but we cannot post on the Internet.

Also next week 6th grade LA classes will return to the IMC for a formal presentation of the library rules and procedures and a map activity. As you can see the Lakeview IMC is a busy place, especially during the first few weeks of school.

Welcome Back

2009-08-28T12:40:00.000-07:00

I hope everyone had a great summer. I started too many projects so i didn't get everything done that I wanted. But there is always next summer! I did have time to read lots of books and started reading the 2010 Rebecca Caudill nominees at the beginning of August.

This week has been very busy as all the language arts classes had the opportunity to check out books. I gave a book talk to each class with the themes of new fiction for 8th grade, series for 7th grade, and the best 6th grade authors for 6th grade. Many of the books I talked about were checked out. I hope everyone enjoys the book(s) they have.

Next week language arts classes return for a review of IMC computers. In addition rules and procedures we will look at Accelerated Reader, NoveList, World Book Online, and other available databases.This should give our students a good start when classroom projects start.

Computer Tournament Coming!

2009-05-01T11:59:00.000-07:00

The IMC continues to be a busy, busy place with many class and research projects going on. But during the month of May, the IMC puts out a special challenge to all students. Miss Hagensee selects a computer program or an Internet online activity and challenges to students to solve the activity. This year the challenge is the Zoombini series of three programs. Students will solve puzzles and assist the Zoombinis in the missions. Details about the Tournament will be posted in the the IMC and students will have next week to practice the Zoombini programs. Beginning May 11th, students can compete for prizes. Every student is eligible for 8 prizes. The Tournament will end on May 29th. Put on your thinking caps and get ready for the challenge.

Where Has the Time Gone?

2009-04-17T12:27:00.000-07:00

The IMC has been very busy over the last two weeks. The 7th grade Language Arts classes have been researching possible careers for their future. And before that the 8th grade Language Arts classes were working on the persuasive speeches. A look ahead to next week shows no slowing down. 8th grade Social Studies classes are researhing and preparing projects on the development of the atomic bomb and World War II. And the 8th grade science classes will be using the IMC computer lab for most of the week.

This is a great time to thank the Downers Grove South Library for sharing with the feeder middle and jr. high schools the huge subscription database known as Gale Virtual Reference Library. Imagine a public library's Reference Section. Double that image and you will be close to the size of digital materials provided. From careers to sociology, from historical reference to biographial reference, the Gale Virtual Reference Library holds a great deal of information.

A quick peek ahead shows that May is almost here and it will be time for the IMC's Computer Tournament. During the month of May, the IMC challenges students to a particular goal in a particular program. This year I have chosen the Zoombini programs, but that's enough of a teaser for now. More information coming next week.

Quiet Reigns in the IMC

2009-03-27T13:25:00.000-07:00

Almost everyone has left for Spring Break. Only a handful of teachers remain, probably clearing off their desks and packing to leave also. After the busy day today, the quiet seems nice. Seventh grade dominated the IMC today. Mrs. Benson's classes had book check-out today. I was able to use the digital camera for a book talk on the latest Accelerated Reader titles. The digital camera allows all students in the class to see the book covers clearly as they are projected on to the whiteboard in color! The better view sparked more interest in those books when it came to choose.

On the other side of the room Mrs. Wagner's class was using computers to complete an interactive worksheet involving video clips, a career survey, and the selection of 3 possible careers to research. After Spring Break the seventh grade Language Arts classes will begin their research for the career project. On Monday after break I will introduce the seventh grade to a research road map for careers. Students who follow the road map with find research much easier.

I hope every one has a peaceful and restful spring break. See you in April!

What a Week!

2009-03-20T13:10:00.000-07:00

8th graders researching all week! Book Fair Wednesday and Thursday! Accelerated Reader prizes to award! Trying to work on new books! That was this past week. I would like to compliment the 8th grade students for following the research road map I gave them for their persuasive speech topics. I always suggest that research starts with a general encyclopedia - a place to gather some basic facts, look for additional keywords, find dates and important events. Then move on to books using the I.P.A.C. online catalog. After that, try using the online database from the high school - Gale Virtual Reference Library. Move on to magazine and newspaper databases. And finally search the Internet for organizations presenting your point of view. With this plan I think the students were able to gather their information effectively. I wish them good luck on their speeches next week.

The P.T.O. Book Fair went well. The hit of the Fair were the Smencils (smelly pencils) that were on sale for the first time during this Fair. Encased in a plastic tube with a removable cap, students could enjoy the 10 different scents without driving the volunteer sales people to distration. There was a wonderful selection of books and many students took advantage of purchasing some great new books for spring break. I know I have a brand new stack of books to enjoy.

Next week the IMC computers are booked all week by a variety of teachers. At this point in time only Mrs. Benson's class is coming for book check-out. But I suspect that other classes will also come next week for a spring break book check-out.

Book Fair Comin', Book Fair Comin'!

2009-03-12T13:40:00.000-07:00

The Lakeview P.T.O. Book Fair opens on Wednesday, March 18th , at 8:30 AM. This time around the entire Book Fair will take place in the lobby by the trophy cases. Our Book Fair guy promises lots of great books to take on Spring Break vacations as well as activity books and, hopefully, Mad Libs. There should be something for everyone from preschool to adult to occupy those long travel hours. The Book Fair runs Wednesday and Thursday, March 18 & 19, from 8:30 AM to 3 PM and also before , during, and after the Sports Banquet Thursday night honoring our winter athletic teams.

Whoever said that short school weeks fly by was only partially right. The time flies but we also try to accomplish as much as in a regular school week. Looking back over this past week, the 6th grade Social Studies classes got extra practice in identifying keywords and key phrases for Internet research. In a joint lesson with Miss Casey and myself, students picked keywords out of sample social studies questions in a group and then by themselves. In the last part they actually researched 2 of the practice questions using the keywords they selected. As I walk through the IMC computer lab I noticed a lot of great-looking web sites. These sites were not in evidence just 2 weeks earlier when the 6th graders were researching occupations of the Middle Ages. The keyword searching definitely helped. This was a "green" assignment because all of the worksheets were online. Students downloaded the entire project (4 pages) from a common network drive, saved it all to their personal network, and only printed one page to hand in to Miss Casey.

Also this past week we had the 8th grade Language Arts classes getting an introduction to research from me for their persuasive speech project. The presentation was abbreviated because of shortened periods, but students were able to take notes on a variety of recommended resources both print and online. The test of whether they were paying attention will begin Monday when they actually start researching. Their research period will take all of next week. If they follow the plan I laid out for them, they will have more than enough information to present very persuasive speeches. Keywords and phrases using position qualifiers like pro/con, agree/disagree, and support/oppose, were also discussed.

ISAT Testing Is Over

2009-03-06T12:42:00.000-08:00

This week has been a little different with the ISAT testing and the adjusted schedule. But now that is over and next week returns to normal. Normal that is for a library where research is beginning to heat up. On Monday I will be working with Miss Casey's 6th grade classes trying to figure out the best keyword for various research questions. There is no way to teach keywords except by doing, so we will learn to analyze research questions and rank the keywords. Then the students will take the results of our analysis and apply it to real research questions. The more students practice using keyword the better researchers they become.

On Thursday, I will begin working with the 8th grade LA classes on researching their persuasive speeches. We will review a number of sources available in the IMC including Middle Search Online (for magazine/newpaper articles) and Gale Virtual Reference Library for a reference materials. The students will begin their research on Monday, March 16th.

HEADS UP: The P.T.O. Spring Book Fair comes to Lakeview on Wednesday, March 18th, and Thursday, March 19th. Sales run from 8:30 AM to 3 PM and Thursday night before and after the Sports Banquet. This is a great opportunity to pick up a couple books, Mad Libs, or activities for any traveling taking place over break. Our Book Fair guy will have materials suitable for pre-school to adult!

And the Winner Is...

2009-02-27T13:05:00.000-08:00

Online voting for the Rebecca Caudill Young Readers Book Award 2009 is complete. With 118 students voting at Lakeview the local winner is The Lightning Thief, by Rick Riordan, with 30 votes. Twice as many votes as runner-up Shug, by Jenny Han! So the top five books are:

The Lightning Thief

Shug

The Invention of Hugo Cabret

Rules

Life as We Knew It

All of Lakeview's votes for every nominated book has been sent to the state committee. Sometime in the next two weeks, we will learn which book won for the state. As soon as I receive that information, I will post it. Thank you to all the students who qualified to vote and voted in this program.

Wow! Cool! Can We Use It?

2009-02-20T12:57:00.000-08:00

These are the comments we have heard this week in the IMC since a new technology has been added. The IMC has a Mimioboard, a devise that connects with a computer and an LCD projector and allows students to interact with computer programs on a whiteboard. Mrs. Wilson and I spent a good part of Tuesday learning to use the Mimio Notebook software. What fun! We can bring in images from the Gallery, move them around the board, write over a worksheet or picture, drag in templates for sports fields, a music keyboard, ecosystems, and more. In addition any worksheet, PowerPoint, or Internet website can be used in the system and made interactive. Now, with Mrs. Kucera's help, we are finding ready-made lessons for use in any subject area. With all the distractions that students have during their school day, this devise is a powerful tool to focus student attention and allow learning to take place. For now there is only one unit and it is set up in the IMC so all teachers can have a chance to use it, but with the interest we have seen this week, I know the classrooms will be clammering for their own units.

Can learning really be this much fun? Where was this technology when we were in school?

What a Week!

2009-02-13T13:20:00.000-08:00

The IMC has been busy, busy, busy this week. Every day, nearly every period, there have been at least 2 classes in the IMC. Early this week, Mrs. Bretl's 6th grade classes were working with the food pyramid online. Later in the week Mrs. Ohlander's 8th grade science classes were learning about the physics of roller coasters online.eanwhile Mr. Safranski's 8th grade classes were finishing their research anad then their projects on a variety of government types from the 1930s and 40s.

Next week the IMC computer lab is busy every day but with diferent classes. Also next week the first MimeoBoard at Lakeview will be installed in the IMC. This technology, which also involves a laptop computer and LCD projector, permits students to interact with computer generated materials on a whiteboard. Prairieview has had this technology for a while now and Mrs. Wilson and I can't wait for the Lakeview unit to be set up. We anticipate a line of teachers waiting to sign up for their turn to use this engaging new techology.

Enjoy the Presidents Day extra-long weekend!

Welcome to February

2009-02-06T14:22:00.000-08:00

It looks like the IMC quiet time is over. In additon to Mrs. Berman's music classes research projects this week, all the 8th grade and half of the 7th grade checked out books. The 8th grade choose Accelerated Reader books for their next book report. I was able to put AR stickers on the books with recently purchased quizzes just in time for these classes to have the latest choices. Miss Mastny's 7th grade students selected books about Black History in homor of Black History Month. More details are available in my What's New on the Book Shelves blog. Next week the computers are in use nearly every day. And the reference tables are taken by Mr. Safranski's project.

COMING SOON: The 6th grade has not been left out because in just over a week they will be voting for the Rebecca Caudill Young Readers Book Award for 2009. After having read a minimum of 3 of the 20 nominated titles, the 6th graders will conduct this vote online using the IMC automation system. At the conclusion of the voting time, the results will be sent to the state committee for this award and in early March we will learn which book is the state winner for 2009. Good luck 6th grade students! You may have a tough time picking the one book to vote for because all the nominated books were so good this year.

Thanks for the Quiet Week

2009-01-30T12:03:00.000-08:00

Just as predicted in my last blog, this week was relatively quiet so we librarians had plenty of time to work on new books. I know that I catalogued over 50 books and sent them to Mrs. Wilson for processing. Most of those books are undergoing their final check before they move to the New Book section along the wall where they are ready for check-out. Don't forget to look in that section for these new items.

Next week may be another quiet week for the IMC staff, but Mrs. Berman's music classes will be in the IMC most of the week for a project. The IMC staff will continue to catalog and process new books. Just because we are working on new books, don't be afraid to ask us for help. Librarians are very flexible and we enjoy helping students and teachers more than anything else. So stop by and let us help you.

Accelerated Reader Point Club coupons were sent to LA teachers this week. Students who have earned 25 points or multiples of 25 points at mid-term should receive a Points Club coupon. Bring the coupon to me to claim your prize. The next Points Club check is at report card time.

Slow Week Ahead??

2009-01-23T11:58:00.000-08:00

After the flurry of book check-out over the last two weeks, next week is shaping up to be a very, very quiet week. That's good news for we librarians. We will spend the week working on new books. Spending our library budget early this year has resulted in boxes of lovely new books waiting to be catalogued and processed. Next week would give us a big boost on getting those books ready for checkout. I hope you are taking advantage of these cold winter nights to curl up with a warm book. Take a look at my other blog "What's New on the Book Shelves" for some great reading ideas.