Seven Scary Monsters 

There Was An Old Lady Who Wasn't Afraid of Anything

Getting in the Spirit of Halloween with Great Books for kids.

Let's get in the spirit first with some singing Jack-O-Lanterns

Seven Scary Monsters by Mary Beth Lundgren

Get a sneak preview of many pages.

A young boy discovers seven scary monsters hiding in his room so he goes on the attack to be rid of them using purple felines, monster blasters, vacuums, boxes, and other clever devices. He uses a fun rhyming chant to scare the monsters away "Rick Rack Wrinkleshack, don't you dare come back!"

Seven Scary Monsters is a fun themed story-time read aloud.

Math concept: simple subtraction

Language concepts: onomatopoeia words

Halloween themed math lesson

Materials: 

Large number 7

·       Seven scary yet goofy colorful monsters-individually cut out and affixed with Velcro or strong tape on back.

·        Two-sided sign attached to a flat paint stick

      1^st sign: “Rick! Rack! Wrinkleshack! Don’t You Dare Come Back”

·          2^nd sign: “Rick! /Rack! Wrinkleshack! Monsters, please come back!”

      Onomatopoeia words: Eeeek! Boom! Rip! Thwomp! Splat! Zap! Yow! Plop! Ouch! Wow!
     
      Pre-book talk 

     One at a time hold up and sound out the onomatopoeia words. Onomatopoeia are words that sound like the objects they name or the sounds those objects make.

      Sound and acting them out each word. Read the word "rip" and then tell students to please listen for a sound you will make. Take a piece of long paper and slowly rip it. Ask "What sound did you hear?" Rip. So the word "rip" sounds just like the action of ripping a paper." Next say "boom" and follow up by dropping a book or flat object from a height. The word boom sounds like the sound made when you drop a book or heavy object from a height. Continue with other words on list.

Do you ever worry about monsters? This time of year we see commercials for monster costumes or maybe your friends are talking about dressing up as a scary monster for Halloween. Today, I will tell you how to get rid of any monsters that might be hiding in your room. First of all, monsters are just pretend. They are not real, but people have fun scaring themselves by pretending a monster is out to get them.

Question: Are monsters real or pretend? Pretend.

Question: Do monsters live in your closet or under your bed? No. They are not real.

Instructions:

Count the number of monsters on the display board. (7) Begin story.

As story is read, pause and have a student come up and select a monster to pull off the display board.

Say seven monsters take away one monster leaves how many monsters? Count the remaining monsters.

Six monsters take away one monster leaves how many monsters? Etc.-Five, four, three, two, one, zero.

Now to the part-Monsters please come back! Zero monsters plus seven monsters equals seven monsters.

Last page. Who do you think the monsters really were? His toys.

Pair up with: Skeleton hiccups by Margery Cuyler

The Bumpy Little Pumpkin by Margery Cuyler

Scarey-Cat , Splat by Rob Scotton

The Little Old Lady Who Wasn’t Afraid of Anything by Linda Williams

There Was An Old Lady Who Wasn't Afraid of Anything

by Linda Williams

Illustrated by Megan Lloyd

First read the story or show this video read aloud.

Now try it again as an interactive experience. This song more fun the longer you sing it.

Meeting Hedgie Hedgehog and a Great Big Check

The Joys of being a Librarian.

I have had so much excitement in my life as of late. The ECDC wrapped up another successful book fair thanks to our great volunteers from TAMU-CC and Coastal Community and Teachers Credit Union. We cashed in our profits for books, books, and MORE BOOKS! I ordered many special request titles for my Scholastic Book Fair and they sold like hot cakes! In fact, I had to make sure I was able to secure some for my library too. Of the new books I added to our library collection, the Texas Lone Star Reading List titles were quickly snatched up by fifth and sixth graders. It will take me a few more days to catalog the boxes of books we chose to purchase but that's okay-we will spread the joy out over time.

The highlight of the week was being awarded a Focus Grant from Coastal Community and Teachers Credit Union. The funds will be used to run our Bluebonnet Book Club, Guys Read Book Club, and pre-school early reading activities. I really love my big check!

The Mossy Tour brought the amazing author/illustrator Jan Brett to the Sparkling City by the Sea. I learned so much about turtles from her talk. She was a charming and entertaining speaker. Did you know she has a hidden name written on Mossy's shell which is shown on the back cover?

The wonderful thing about this Barnes and Noble author event was that I was reunited with many local librarian pals and we had a fun time chatting each other up.

Look at the new friend I made. It's Hedgie, the Hedgehog. Who could ask for a better week.











But---it got even better because I also received my yearly school book order. It was like Christmas in October! I laughed and keep yelling out-"Wow! I really love this book!" I immediately got down to creating book talks and promotions. I went on our morning announcements and shared the great news. A line of kids were waiting for me by the time I got back to the library clamoring for the books I had presented just five minutes before. This is a librarian's joy.

Looking for an electrifying thriller!

Getting in the spirit of Halloween with Great Books for Kids

Victor Godwin's orderly life is upended when he discovers that Benjamin Franklin never actually died–he was put in suspended animation and hidden away for more than 200 years in Victor's basement!

After an accident awakens Ben, Victor must not only help him adjust to the modern world but also help him overcome a slight flaw–when Ben runs low on energy, he turns into a rampaging monster desperately hungry for electricity. All this, while Victor tries to take first place in the school science fair. With one of history's preeminent scientists helping out, what could possibly go wrong? (source: Matthew McElligott)

Read Chapter 1 and 2: Benjamin Franklinstein Lives!

There are three titles in this series. I wonder if there will be any more?

The REAL Benjamin Franklin


Ben Franklin Fun Facts:
Benjamin Franklin is the only founding father in the Swimming Hall of Fame. 
as a youth, he didn't have much extra money. Franklin decided to become a vegetarian. He believed that eating a vegetarian diet was healthier than a diet filled with meat. In addition, meat was much more expensive, so by becoming a vegetarian, Franklin could save money to spend on books.

Benjamin Franklin loved to read, but he when he was young, he was very poor and could not afford books. What did he do? He gave up meat which was expensive and became a vegetarian. By saving money, Ben was able to save money to purchase books. He also felt it was a much healthier lifestyle.

The Quotable Ben Franklin

Benjamin Franklin was a gifted speaker. In fact, he LOVED to talk and talk and talk. He was so good saying things that people began to "quote" him. This means they repeated what he said because they felt his words were important and had meaning for their lives. Plus, B.F, was a pretty funny guy.
Here are websites with some of Benjamin Franklin's best quotes:

The Electric Ben Franklin 

Notable Quotes

Brainy Quotes-Benjamin Franklin

The Quotations Page-Benjamin Franklin

Social Studies for Kids-Franklin Quotes



What is a Pen Name?

Create a Pen Name.pdf

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A pen name is a fictitious, or made up name, that an author uses when writing. Many authors use pen names for many different reasons.

Ben Franklin was a writer. In fact, he wrote several articles and letter to the editor of his newspaper using made up names, or a pen name. Why? He knew the importance of getting people to talk about important topics just like people use Twitter today. In fact, Ben would have made a great Tweeter.

He also drew cartoons like the snake cut into pieces that represent the American Colonies. He encouraged them to join together to become an independent country away from English rule.

Other words that have the same meaning as the term "pen name "are: Nom de plume, Nom de guerre, alias, moniker or pseudonym.

Set up a science demonstration in the Library Science Center. This will count for a Bluebonnet Project.

1. Your project must include the following:
2. A title name for your science demo. Ex: Crack the Code (a demonstration using invisible ink to send spy messages).
3. Your name and grade level (Be proud, shout it out)
4. Clearly explain what you are demonstrating. Make sure to clearly label the parts used in the demonstration.
5. Your observations and comments.
6. Sources: Where did you get your idea from and how did you research the information.

Ms. Murphy will help you with all these details.

Create a Jux book, video, or Wordle based on an inventor that interests you. This will count for a Bluebonnet Project.


Experimental Fun with Franklin

• The Bottle Pipes
• The Lemon Battery
• Letterpress Stamps
• The Thermometer
• 
  

Games

• Play Checkers with Ben Franklin
• Ben Franklin slider game
• Word Search: Ben Franklin the printer
• Word Search: Ben Franklin the Public Servant
• Word Search: Ben Franklin the Scientist / Inventor
• Word Search: Friends of Franklin

Getting in the Spirit of Halloween with Great Books For Kids

Come to the Graveyard for a Thrilling Read

It takes a graveyard to raise a child

Bod is an unusual boy who inhabits an unusual place-he's the only living resident of a graveyard. Raised from infancy by the ghosts, werewolves, and other cemetery denizens, Bod has learned the antiquated customs of his guardians' time as well as their timely ghostly teachings-like the ability to Fade. Can a boy raised by ghosts face the wonders and terrors of the worlds of both the living and the dead? And then there are things like ghouls that aren't really one thing or the other. (source: publisher)

Watch The Graveyard Book book trailer



Hear Neil Gaiman read from The Graveyard Book
Be warned-it may scare you!

The Graveyard book is a wonderfully scary book that kids and grownups will both enjoy. Try checking out the audio version from your library for some extra fun bits like dancing to the Macabre "la la la boom!"

This tale begins with a grisly murder of an entire family-save one. A little toddler steps out of his diaper and wonders from the scene of the crime and into a graveyard before the killer has the opportunity to finish his job. The inhabitants of the graveyard are faced with a difficult decision as to what will become of the young child and they decide to raise him as one of their own. But Nobody Owens, known affectionately as Bod, is still not safe with a killer still out to find and kill Bod.

Getting in the Spirit of Halloween with Great Books for Kids

Jitterbug Jam

A Monster Tale

by Barbara Jean Hicks

Illustrated by Alexis Deacon

Listen to Jitterbug Jam read aloud by author, Barbara Jean Hicks.

Author's website: Barbara Jean Hicks

Literacy themes: Friendship, Overcoming fears, Courage, Family Relationships

Have you ever been afraid of what lurks beneath your bed? Bobo is a little monster who is convinced a boy is hiding under his bed- a boy with “pink skin and orange fur on his head where his horns should be.” Bobo doesn’t want to be a “fraidy-cat” but nobody will believe him until his loving, yet scary looking grandpa big Boo-Dad comes for a visit. Boo-Dad listens to Bobo and shares a story explaining what to do to scare a boy away. Does Bobo have the courage to face his fear? Read this monstrous tale for a fun bed-time thriller.

Liar and Spy by Rebecca Stead

Random House Children’s Books

Imprint: Wendy Lamb Books

Release date: August 7, 2012

Digital ARC: NetGalley

If I could make the words fit, I would be writing this on a gum wrapper because the gum wrapper in this story signifies just how author Rebecca Stead has never forgotten the magic of everyday life in childhood. She beautifully blends a story of family, friendship, courage, and creativity into a perfect work of fiction. Her characters are fascinatingly flawed and relatable. Stead builds Georges’ story so smoothly that at first you don’t realize that your subconscious is tapping on your brain saying “there is more to this story than we are seeing on the surface.”

Liar and Spy is a short, yet satisfying mystery (of more than one variety).

Summary: Georges (named after French artist, Georges Seurat) and his family are downsizing to an apartment after his father was laid off from his job and the family is trying to squeak by on his mom’s salary as a nurse pulling double shifts. Here Georges meets Safer, a self-proclaimed spy and dog walker, who has his eye on the mysterious and evil Mr. X.  Not only does Georges team up with Safer but he also discovers a creative way to handle the bullies in his middle school. This is a story about learning to cope with life in creative ways. 

Themes: Families, Friendship, Fear, Bullies, Humor, Character Development, Coping

Library Decor Tip: Shelf Markers

"Miss, where are the folk-tale books? I can't find them,"

For students trying to figure out the Dewey Decimal system, trying to figure out the right location for a book can be a frustrating experience. After seeing a similar idea on Pinterest, I decided to create a set of colorful, easy to spot shelf markers to assist students in finding sections of our library. It all began after I rescued and re-purposed some old magazine holders someone had thrown in the recycling bin.

Easy to Make Shelf Markers

Materials:
cardboard magazine holders
colored craft/butcher paper or wrapping paper
scissors
pencil
contact paper or laminating film
tape-I prefer storage tape (its super strong and I use it for all my displays)
title of section boldly printed on computer paper

Step 1 Measure your paper and cut it. 

Step 2 Attach label and laminate the paper or cover with contact paper.

Step 3 Cover and secure tightly with storage tape.

Step 4 Display and enjoy!
Graphic Novel section

Biography section

25 Best Websites for Teaching & Learning- 2012

The American Association of School Librarians has released the new listing of 25 Best Websites for Teaching & Learning. The resources are free and user friendly sites which are grouped by the correlating Standards for the 21 Century Learners.

Students participating in my Bluebonnet Book Clubs have been using Comic Master for the past couple of years to show off their writing skills.   I will also be introducing Animate Alice to students this coming school year. I would like to hear their opinion on this digital novel. What ideas do they have for creating their own interactive novel?

 Today, I will be working with the media sharing site called Jux. I encourage you to explore these 25 websites and see if they are a good fit for your educational plan.

Have to share great news! ALA will  be presenting the new 25 Best Websites for Teaching and Learning on June 23, 2012. Until then, here is the current 2011 Best Websites for Teaching and Learning.

Its Book Fair TIme again!

So busy, busy, busy. We just had a super successful Bluebonnet Breakfast-our best ever! Every student from 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade met the requirements to attend. Way to go! I was so proud of the kids.

Tomorrow we kick off our spring Scholastic Book Fair and it is going to be fantastic. Mayor Joe Adame of Corpus Christi is going to be a guest reader at our first family event. 

Our theme is Book Fair Carnival and I have organized some fun carnival theme games and have borrowed a huge Spin and Win game wheel. The kids will be so thrilled when they see the Spin and Win wheel. With the help of Scholastic, we have assembled a great selection to offer to our elementary students and also for our university teacher education students. 

It all comes down to planning and I have planned for a long time. It is going to be the very best fair ever!

Texas Bluebonnet Award book activities

Texas Bluebonnet Award book activities, book trailers and lesson plans
quick link to Kids Book Club. People are always asking "What is that website you use to teach about the Bluebonnet books?" I know the url is too long, but we don't mind because it says what it is-a kids book club.

Speaking of new Bluebonnet books-view this beautifully crafted book trailer for The Fantastic Undersea Life of Jacques Cousteau authored and illustrated by Dan Yaccarino. I will introduce this book to students by showing this book trailer and tie it in with a "book pair" lesson on biographies. The second biography will be Manfish: The Story of Jacques Cousteau by Jennifer Berne.

Both books are perfect for introducing students to the amazingly serene and beautiful world that exists below the oceans of the world. In a time when our oceans are being violated and assaulted by humans, we need to remember how important Jacques Cousteau's message is "People protect what they love."

Another great pairing with The Fantastic Undersea Life of Jacques Cousteau is a second Bluebonnet Award nominated book called Down, Down, Down: A Journey to the Bottom of the Sea by Steve Jenkins. This impressive book explores the depths and layers of the ocean to places where exotic and monstrously beautiful creatures exist.

Texas Bluebonnet Award Nominees-2010-2011

I have been so wrapped up in organizing lesson plans for upcoming Texas Bluebonnet Award nominated books that I have neglected my poor ole Bookegg Blog. Each school year, Texas students in grades 3-6 read from a selection of twenty high quality children's books and vote on their favorite. Students must read a minimum of five of the nominated books to be eligible to participate in the Texas Bluebonnet Award voting process. Books are nominated by a panel of librarians, teachers, students, and parents. View the Texas Bluebonnet Award master list for 2010-2011 and learn more about the TBA program.

This upcoming school year's crop of Bluebonnet books are terrific! I was disappointed at first, classically judging a few of the books by their covers. Boy was I wrong! I have been so amazed by the beauty of 14 Cows for America and really kept hope alive in Home of the Brave. I am predicting both Mudshark and Calvin Coconut Trouble Magnet to be kid favorites. The sweet story of Sparrow Girl is one of my top contenders too. This crop is ripe for learning opportunities. Take a look at a wikispace web site that I designed to help me present Bluebonnet Books to my students. Kids Book Club Click on the 2010-2011 Bluebonnet Book Club link on the left side of the page. Lots of video clips and story connection activities. Share what you have with me and take what you need from me. Collaboration is a great tool. (bluebonnet photo: Julee Murphy/2010)

The Ocean is a Home

What a fun time we had learning about Ocean families. Today we created a colorful jelly fish and sang the Mr. Jellyfish song. I read the book "I'm the Biggest Thing in the Ocean" by Kevin Sherry.

This short, yet clever book tells the tale of a positive thinking giant squid who compares himself to other sea creatures to prove that he is bigger than they are, in fact, he believes himself to be the biggest thing in the ocean until.....well, you will need to read the rest yourself. Children smile all the way through this very sweet story which makes for a great read and take activity.

I have a growth chart poster that came with my book and I measure the children to see how tall they are and then let them compare themselves to other sea creatures that might be bigger or smaller than they are. Have each student lie down on a sheet of butcher paper and draw their outline. Cut out the outline and let them compare themselves to real size outlines of a shrimp, a crab, a jellyfish, a shark, etc.

Here is another "The Ocean is a Home" activity

Read a book about jellyfish and allow children to share what they know about jellyfish.
Sing the Mr. Jellyfish song to the tune of My Bonnie Lies Over the Ocean.

Mr. Jellyfish Song
Mr. Jellyfish lives in the Ocean
Mr. Jellyfish lives in the Sea
Mr. Jellyfish lives in the Ocean
Please, Mr. Jellyfish don't sting me!

Easy Jellyfish make and take:

Materials:

Cheap paper plates without coating which makes it easier to color

crepe paper (I use pink and white)

glue scissors crayons yarn if you wish to hang jellyfish

1. Take a regular size paper plate and cut it in half.

2. Have children color both sides of the half plate. I let them scribble scrabble with many blended colors.

3. Next, student puts one glue dot on straight edge of paper plate and then stick on a strip of crepe paper. (one-to-one correspondence) Repeat process.

4. Continue alternating colors to make a pattern.

5. If desired, a piece of yarn or string can be attached to hang jellyfish from classroom.

6. Sing the Mr. Jellyfish song.

Celebrate!

La Befana fingerplay and teaching book

La Befana

La Befana rides her broom
*(sweep, sweep, sweep)

flying through the starry sky
(sweep, sweep, sweep)

looking for the Baby King
(sweep, sweep, sweep)

leaving presents for the children
(sweep, sweep, sweep)

created by Julee Murphy/2009

*La Befana Fingerplay: children act out sweeping motion while saying sweep, sweep, sweep) I act out the motions using my hands to show movement across the sky, placing my hands above my eyes to simulate looking for the Baby King, and act out setting presents out for the children.

Wonderful book for teaching Holiday Traditions Around the World

The Legend of Old Befana by Tomie DePaola.

Old Befana is a cranky, old woman who sweeps her home and walkway all day. She is not not welcoming to guests, and children do not like her. One night as Old Befana tries to sleep, a bright light floods into her bedroom. The light is a bright star that has suddenly appeared in the night sky. The next morning, a glorious procession of camels, horses, elephants, and three kings stop at her door to inquire if she know the way to Bethleham. The three kings are guided by the bright star as they search for a Baby King. Cranky Old Befana is too busy sweeping and is of no help to the kings, so they travel on their way. A little boy encourages the old woman to come with the procession in search of the Baby King who has come to change the world. Old Befana decides to follow but first bakes cookies, cakes, and candies to bring as her gift to the Baby. Upon leaving, she decides to first sweep her house clean. Old Befana has to run to try to catch up to the procession and soon tires out. The night sky is suddenly filled with angels singing about a night of miracles. Old Befana rises to her feet and begins to run, crying out to the angels to help her find her way to Bethleham. Suddenly, Old Befana begins to feel lighter as she rises up and miraculously begins runing through the night sky. Old Befana never found the Baby King but every year on the Feast of the Three Kings, January the sixth, Old Befana runs through the night sky. She brings gifts to children and then sweeps their rooms clean. She does this in hopes that one of the children might be the Baby King of Bethleham.

A perfect book for Thanksgiving

One is a Feast for a Mouse

A Thanksgiving Tale by Judy Cox and illustrated by Jeffrey Ebbeler

Little mouse discovers that you should never let your eyes grow bigger than your stomach when you are hungry.
Read this charming book to find out how mouse learns a lesson about the difference between being greedy and
being thankful.

Book Trailer-Piper Reed, Navy Brat

I have decided to let my library classes (grades 3-5) decide which Piper Reed book trailer will be uploaded to Teacher Tube. Two songs both seemed to fit "Piper". One is upbeat and perky like Piper and the other has a homey and family feel about it. Hmmmm, I wonder which one will be chosen. I think I have decided on my choice.

Kids will receive a score sheet that allows them to rate the music chosen for the video.

Using a scale score from 1-3 (three being a best music-video match).

Is the music a good match for the book trailer?

Does the music fit Piper's personality?

Does the music fit the tone of the story?

Choice A-Piper Reed, Navy Brat

Choice B-Piper Reed, Navy Brat

Welcome Home

Check out this SlideShare Presentation:

Welcome Home

View more presentations from Andrew B. Watt.

Adapting to Change

The last two days, I have been attending technology training sessions. The first was for a new library circulation software program called Insignia. My main adjustment has been becoming accustom to the teeny tiny font size. The are many positives to the software already. Cataloging will certainly be much easier and I won't waste as many barcode labels as I had to with the old Athena program. I had a few minutes this morning to explore the new system and practice checking out materials.

This afternoon, I attended a Teradon system training. This is the set up our school uses to broadcast video and images to our classrooms. We can download media for future use and encode data from one medium to another. I will explore this system a little more in depth when I return to my office tomorrow.