Grade 3 FICtion

Third graders now get to take out books from anywhere in the library ... but they're not sure how to find what they want. So we'll be learning how to use the online catalog and convert call number listings into shelf locations.

We started simple, with the fiction section. Every fiction call number has "FIC" as the first line, and then the first three letters of the author's last name as the second line.

For example, if I wrote a book, the call number would be

FIC
MOO

What would YOUR call number be?

Students figured out the call numbers for a list of books and and then created their very own for a fiction book they "wrote." Here are some of their book covers:

Why 3rd Graders Love World Book Web

Thanks to the Rhode Island Office of Library & Information Services (OLIS), all RI residents have access to the World Book Web online encyclopedia through this link:

World Book Web

When polled, most third graders agreed that it's easier to use than the print version. Here are some of their reasons why:

• it shows more pictures
• in a book, you have to flip the pages; online just just type
• it tells you more facts than you can get on a piece of paper
• online is more entertaining

I have to say, though, that part of why I am so good at trivia is because of flipping through those pages back in the pre-Internet days! However, the online encyclopedia does have the huge advantage of being updated constantly, as well as allowing multiple users access to the same information.

To buy a new print set or not to buy a new print set? That is the question ...


Common Core standards addressed: RI.3.5 - Use text features and search tools (e.g., key words, sidebars, hyperlinks) to locate information relevant to a given topic efficiently. / RI.3.7 - Use information gained from illustrations (e.g., maps, photographs) and the words in a text to demonstrate understanding of the text. / W.3.1 - Write opinion pieces on topics or texts, supporting a point of view with reasons.

Elephant & Piggie Are Here!

I have started posting projects on DonorsChoose, which is a site that allows teachers to ask the world in general to support their classrooms. I am so happy that we've gotten THREE projects funded already!

The first was to bring the 20-volume Elephant & Piggie collection to Stadium. These books are by Mo Willems, creator of the Pigeon and a student favorite.

Room 5 students were the first to dive into the box of new books. Here they are:

Yesterday, I introduced first graders to the series. Here is Room 1 ...

They are trying out Elephant & Piggie's dance moves, which are found at this link. Have your own dance party at home!

Room 8 Presidential Fans

Mrs. Perry's students LOVE learning about the presidents! I found a deck of president cards in the $1 bin at Target, and they have created a game with them. I have no idea how it works, but I love that they play it on checkout days.

How to Log in to Your Library Account

Third graders are now experts in logging into their library accounts and ordering books. Follow the instructions below the photos to check what you have out and look for new items to bring home.

 

Log in

1. Go to http://ricat.net.
   
   
2. Under “Elementary Schools,” scroll down to the Stadium link. The school library page will open.
   
   
3. Click the “Login” button in the top right.


4. 
   Enter your User Name: CDS#####
   (fill in your lunch/shelf card number)
   
   
5. Enter your Password: MMDDYY
   (fill in your six-digit birthdate; for example, May 5, 2003 would be typed in as 050503)
   
   
6. You should now see your name in the top right corner of the screen.

Check your account

Click on the “My Info” tab to see what books you have checked out.

Place a Hold

1. Click the "Catalog" tab.
   
   
2. Before searching for your title or subject, choose “RICAT (all members)” from the Location drop-down. This will search all schools, so if Stadium doesn’t have what you’re looking for, you can still request your item. 
   
   
   
3. When find the item you want, click on the book’s title to go to the Details page.
   
   
4. Then click the “Hold It!” button on the right

Grade 3 FICtion

Third graders now get to take out books from anywhere in the library ... but they're not sure how to find what they want. So we'll be learning how to use the online catalog and convert call number listings into shelf locations.

We started simple, with the fiction section. Every fiction call number has "FIC" as the first line, and then the first three letters of the author's last name as the second line.

For example, if I wrote a book, the call number would be

FIC
MOO

What would YOUR call number be?

Students figured out the call numbers for a list of books and and then created their very own for a fiction book they "wrote." Here are some of their book covers:

Microsoft Word - Thesaurus

When it turned out that our print thesaurus didn't include some of the words for which the third graders wanted synonyms, I decided to eschew it in favor of an online resource: Microsoft Word. Did you know that it can help you find better, more interesting words when you are writing a report or a story?

Depending on the version on your computer, the way to access the thesaurus varies slightly. But it's generally under "Tools" on the standard toolbar.

Students practiced opening Word on the laptops, then typed a word and chose a new one from the thesaurus. Here are some of their synonym pairs:

smart	brainy
money	cash currency
crazy	fanciful
annoying	bothersome
awesome	breathtaking astonishing
break	snap in two
sassy	impudent