Dinosaurs!

Some of the library classes have begun learning about dinosaurs and I just found a news article about a new dinosaur discovery!  Look at the picture below.  That is the femur, or thigh bone, of the yet to be named dinosaur just discovered in Argentina.  Scientists estimate the dinosaur would have been 40 meters in length and would have weighed 73 tonnes or the equivalent of 14 African elephants!  How much do you know about dinosaurs?  Take this quiz to find out!

MUSEO PALETONTOLÓGICO EGIDIO FERUGLIO VIA ASSOCIATED PRESS

Here is a paleontologist beside the femur of the newly discovered dinosaur.  Do you know what a paleontologist does? 

The Library Learning Commons is covered with dinosaur pictures so pop in and take a look!  You'll be amazed at the creativity of Katzie students!  Here is some dinosaur art for you to enjoy.

To learn more about dinosaurs, check out http://kidsdigdinos.com
If you are on a computer (not an iPad because this site uses Flash), check out http://www.sheppardsoftware.com/scienceforkids/dinosaurs/dinosaurs.htm

Check out the "pocket museum" in the Library Learning Commons.  It has a real dinosaur bone and other fossils on it!

What is your favourite dinosaur?  Tell us in the comments below.

Voting Week!

This week all primary students at Katzie will have the opportunity to vote for their favourite picture book from our Surrey Schools' Picture Book of the Year nominees.  We have read the books over the last few months and it's tough to have to choose a favourite because they are all great books! We'll see how they stack up once all the votes are counted! We are using "Jenga" blocks to vote. Each student is given a block to stack in front of the book they like the best. Then students count up the votes and I record the numbers.  This tally is then counted along with the tallies from all the participating schools in Surrey and only then is the winner determined.  The winning book will be announced in June, so check back!

Author Visit: Karen Krossing

Author, Karen Krossing, visited the Katzie Library Learning Commons this morning and spoke to four of our intermediate classes.  She talked about how she gets ideas for her books and the writing process. She also treated us to a reading from her newest book, Bog, and left us a copy for our library collection! Students had many questions and found out that Karen Krossing likes some of the same books they do:  Silverwing by Kenneth Oppel, and The Lightening Thief by Rick Riordan.  They also liked the book Karen brought that she wrote when she was eight years old. I hope students are inspired to write their own books!

Karen Krossing speaking to Katzie students in the Library Learning Commons.

Karen Krossing's newest book, Bog, and a poster for our library!

First day!

Wow! It was opening day in our new school for the Katzie Elementary community. Parents and students enjoyed touring the building and seeing all the beautiful rooms. The Library Learning Commons was ready to be enjoyed and many students checked out books today.

Kindergarten students enjoying the new Library Learning Commons.

Moving in!

The move has begun! The boxes of books are being trucked to the new school and I've started filling the shelves. It's a beautiful, light filled space and I'm looking forward to working in our new Library Learning Commons. 

Signs of Spring!

Look closely and you will see signs of spring all around. Dandelions are popping their sunny yellow flowers up in unexpected places while trees begin flowering or sending forth new leaves.  For me, seeing students outside, enjoying a run in the sun, is a sure sign of spring! For people in central and eastern Canada, the first sign of spring may be little frogs called Spring Peepers.  Here's a great activity you can do with your family.  Become a nature detective!  Take a look around where you live and then use the comments section below to tell us about signs of spring you've noticed.

We're Packing Up!

I've started packing up the books for the move to our new school! I'm really looking forward to working in the new Katzie Library Learning Commons, and having all the books in one place! As we get closer to Spring Break, students are reminded that there are many opportunities available to read books.  The Surrey School District has a great selection of online resources (you will need to see me for the password for home use) and there are many branches of the Surrey Public Library to visit.  Or check with friends to see if they have books they've enjoyed that they would be willing to lend you! Try to make reading part of your day over the next few weeks!  I know I will.

About half done!