Library Check In

It has been a busy winter and spring in the Lower School library. Here is a quick glimpse of what is happening in first through fourth grades.

First graders recently discussed how to be an upstander. After reading Say Something by Peggy Moss, a story of how a young girl never teases or bullies other children but never steps in either. It is only after she is made fun and no one comes to her rescue that she starts to understand the power of her own voice. The first graders brainstormed some ways they might be able to help, depending on the situation. Sometimes it could mean telling the teacher or another trusted adult, other times it might mean letting the person know they are not alone. We explored safe options and then the students traced their feet and and wrote in the one that resonated most with them. The feet will be up around the library reminding us of our own power.

Second Grade Quilt Square

Second graders were able to finish sewing their teddy bear quilts. After listening to several Patricia Polacco stories, the student created quilt squares, each inspired by a different Patricia Polacco book, such as Some Birthday! It took three classes, but the students were able finish sewing their squares together and take the quilts home for their teddy bears.

Third graders are listening to the Rita Williams-Garcia story, Clayton Bird Goes Underground. This is the story of a boy who runs away after losing his grandfather. Clayton's plan is to join up

with his late grandfather's band, The Bluesmen, and go on tour with them. This story of love, loss, music and family challenge has captured the attention of our third graders. Additionally, students are gearing up for one of the final third grade projects. Students have looked back on their third grade year and chosen one topic they really want to share. The third graders, working in groups of three, are reflecting on what they learned, how they came to learn the information and what they still would like to know. As they work through the questions, students will discuss the best way to share the information. Stay tuned as this project develops.

Fourth graders continue to listen to Lucky Broken Girl 
by Ruth Behar. This is a true story of a young Jewish, Cuban immigrant who is stuck in bed for almost a year due to a severely broken leg. The story has given us the opportunity to unpack the layers of identity, both the main character's and our own. We've talked about cultural norms, and how they change over time. We've discussed how in the beginning of the
book Ruthie is expected to help with all of the housework because she is a girl, while her brother does not have similar responsibilities because he is a boy. We've also talked about the power of story and how families share information through their own stories. Our fourth graders are now looking for the stories in their own families or in their own lives. Students are going to question their families about family stories, and then craft and share the story in a way that is comfortable for them. For some this may mean creating a movie, for others it may be a simple poem.

We have been very busy in the library. One thing is certain, the year is winding down fast and there is still so much we want to do!