Wacky Readers

NCA celebrated World Book Day this week. To prepare, students were encouraged to submit "Wacky Reader" pictures. Here are some of the submissions:

The teachers also got a little wacky:

To celebrate World Book Day, we decorated the library and got a popcorn machine.

All the students came to the library to watch a video presentation of the Wacky Reader photos.

It's 10 minute long, but if you want to see the video, here it is:

Then we participated in Drop Everything And Read. All the elementary students and teachers grabbed juice boxes and popcorn and found a shady place to read in the school court yard.

Finally, the teachers presented two book plays for the students: Scaredy Squirrel and Green Eggs and Ham.

That Wonderful Tile Floor

During my first year of teaching I had a lively group of students. I was in the middle of what I'm sure was a brilliantly delivered math lesson when I realized one of my students was not in their seat like they were five seconds before. A quick search found the student lying on the floor next to their desk, cheek pressed to the tile floor. 

Me: Is there a reason you are on the floor and not in your desk?

Student: I'm hot. 

Me: That didn't answer the question.

Student: It's REALLY hot in here, and the floor is cold on my face. I think I'll stay on the floor. 

I wasn't jiving with the student's story. School floors are nasty. Dirty shoes, cockroaches, and who knows what have been all over it. As a general rule, I don't go barefoot and I avoid sitting on the floor here.

Well. 

It's good and hot here right now. The heat index has reached the 100's, and I've officially changed my mind about the tile floors. Turns out they are nice and cool, just like my student said. I find my self choosing the floor over our comfy couches, which are actually ovens in disguise. This past week I caught myself watching figure skating on the floor, doing homework on the floor, and lying on the floor post-workout. 

This happened after school yesterday. 

After school I had a great plan to take a nap followed immediately by a freezing cold shower. As soon as I got home we realized there was no running water, so I cancelled my glorious plans. My floor isn't big enough to spread out on, so I booked it over to Emily's room. Sara came over soon after and joined us. When Amy came over a half hour later, she immediately plopped down and borrowed one of the coveted ice packs. I admit that we were still hot and sweaty and uncomfortable, but it was an improvement. 

I have a new appreciation for these floors. 

I should have gotten the hint two weeks ago. There is a rug in the library that the students always sit on during library time. It is big enough for a whole class of preschoolers or kindergartners to sit on. After they hit first grade some have to sit on the floor next to the rug because they don't all fit anymore. Usually the students rush to sit on the rug because it is way more comfortable than the floor. 

So two weeks ago a class came in after recess (where they had been running around and playing in the sun) and sat down on the rug in the library (which is without open windows, AC, and fans). Almost immediately after sitting down, students left their prized spots on the rug and went to sit on the hard tile. Soon the rug was empty and all the students were seated around the perimeter. I asked, they told me it was too hot for the rug, I didn't understand. Now I get it. I'd choose the floor too. 

The good news is that we should have AC in the library in the next couple of weeks! 

And all this heat isn't ruining the beautiful new library. This upcoming week we will celebrate World Book Day with activities and books, books, books. Update to follow soon! 

Reading is My Superpower!

I've been waiting to write these words on my blog for a long time: 

The new library is open! 

Here is your tour:

The Book Zone

The Learning Zone

Next year the upstairs loft will become a study zone with couches, tables, and chairs.

Obligatory picture of Scaredy Squirrel 

The library friends

This beautiful tree represents the huge chilamate tree that used to be at our school before it fell down in a huge storm earlier this year.  

And now let me take you back a week to the opening day of the new library.

Event: Super Library Day

Theme: Reading is my Superpower!

Attire: Superhero capes

During the day different groups of students came in for some reading activities. The youngest group made a superhero book and we read about all of their superpowers together. Leading up to the grand opening, many of the older students participated in a writing contest. Requirements said that the story or comic must include a superhero and a library. The winners were announced during Super Library Day and their stories were compiled into a book that we read together as a group. 

The preschoolers and kindergartners listening to their superhero stories

The winners from upper elementary

We spent some time touring the new library, browsing the books, making superhero masks, creating superhero identities, and becoming reading superheroes.

Checking out the new books 

Thanks to MANY donors from my home church, there are many new books in the library

Super Library Day was a success! There was such an excitement around school, and seeing the students' faces as they saw the new library for the first time was priceless. 

I am beyond happy. 

We closed the old library in mid-December. While I was super busy re-cataloging our books and getting everything ready for the new library, I REALLY missed teaching and having the students in the library. Now classes are in full swing, and more students are using the library than ever before.

Our new library isn't completely finished, but we decided to open it anyway. We are currently without air conditioning. This wouldn't be a big deal except that none of our windows open! The building was designed for AC, and it is a little stuffy and toasty without it. Many items, like new furniture, rugs, and a projector will have to wait until next year when our funds are replenished. For now, I am happy that the students can check out books and the library can be used again. As long as we have the books, we can wait patiently for the rest. 

I want to send a HUGE thank you to the many people from my home church, Emmanuel Fellowship, who donated money so that I could purchase new books for the new library. The students were so, so excited when they saw the new books. I also want to send a HUGE thank you to my two superheroes who purchased chairs for our new space so that we don't have to stand around the tables. 

When I was in Omaha over Christmas I shared at my church how this last year has been a story of God's provision in my life and with this library. Now that the new library is opened and filled with students, I can continue to look back and say that God's hand was all over this. He has big things planned for us here, and I can't even put into words the joy that I feel being able to take part in it.