I told Ms. Gershater’s grade one students that I had met George Elliot. They loved the book so much they decided to make him a large card out of bristol board. They made a big pop-up mouth in the centre inside and surrounded it with bananas, each with a personal message from a student. I knew I had to find George so I googled and –—eureka! — three days later he was at West Prep to pick up his card and chat with the kids! They were thrilled. They had a million questions and he patiently answered as many as he could. He also brought us his first published book for us to have in our library. He actually began writing it when he was only 12 years old! As an adult he eventually wrote it and illustrated it under a very interesting pen name. What a super visit from an author who truly loves writing for kids.
The Boy Who Loved Bananas
July 20th, 2006 by kimworobec · No Comments · Books in the Library
The students at West Prep loved the Blue Spruce Program this year. The Boy Who Loved Bananas by George Elliot was a favourite not only because of its funny storyline but the students loved the drama activity that we did after reading it. We all got to stand up and act out Matthew’s transformation into a monkey. We carefully peel and eat some bananas. Then we follow Matthew’s itch and scratch the various body parts of our bodies as he does. Finally we go crazy with the itching and — “KABLOOEY” — we turn into monkeys. Now who wouldn’t like reading this story and then ‘monkeying’ it up and jumping around the room! Eventually I have to feed them some pizza, hamburgers and spaghetti and turn them back into children or what would their teacher think?!
We love to read!
July 20th, 2006 by kimworobec · No Comments · Books in the Library
Librarians love to read books! So here’s a space to post great books to share with kids from K – 6. And if any creative activities have grown from sharing it why not post them as well!
vlogs perhaps?
July 20th, 2006 by kimworobec · 1 Comment · Uncategorized
I am an oral communicator. So I’m thinking that I’d like to start posting some vlogs here. Wouldn’t it be nice to just click and then sit back and watch and listen to me do a short book talk, read a portion of the book and then demonstrate a drama activity. I think I’ll dust off the video camera and see what I can do. Stay tuned!
A first reflection
July 19th, 2006 by kimworobec · No Comments · Uncategorized
Reflection is what allows us to learn from our experiences: it is an assessment of where we have been and where we want to go next.
Kenneth Wolf
This quote seemed very appropriate today. When I look at where I have been I see I am exactly where I want to be. To explain, since I already had qualifications in music and drama, I decided to focus my professional development over the last few years on reading, library, computers and ESL, with the plan to eventually become a teacher librarian. This has come to fruition — I have my dream job — and I am thrilled! Participating in discussions and activities these last few weeks has been a wonderful experience and I am excited to follow through this school year with the work I have started this summer.
