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Go on a reading adventure!

4/24/2020

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It's not a surprise to any of you that  I believe reading is a magical experience that happens any time you get lost in a story. However, this doesn't always happen easily for every reader.. Whether you're reading all the time or not at all currently, I see each of you as a reader.  Be open to the wonderfully wide variety of stories out there. Be adventurous in your explorations of information and stories. Make a conscious effort avoid labeling yourself with any sort of negative identities (i.e. someone who hates reading or only does when forced). Even if you weren't a reader yesterday, you have a choice to change that any time you read something new whether it's a comic, article, book, audiobook, blog post, manga, etc! 

With all of this in mind, here are some suggestions that might hopefully start you off on a reading adventure! If you have anything to add to my list, please drop it in the comments section below! 
  • Webcomics:
    • "Sheldon:" funny webcomic about kid billionaire and his sassy talking animal friends.
    • "Breaking Cat News:" humorous webcomic about cat news anchors. I liked the random roll the dice button that enables you to see new comics!
    • "Ozy and Millie" snarky fox adventures by the author who wrote Phoebe and Her Unicorn! 
  • Epic! eBooks (access via this link and enter class code: kat0251 // scroll down to create a profile by entering your name)
    • `Check out the LMS collection, including Big Nate, Nathan Hale's Hazardous Tales, Loom Crafts, and more!
  • MackinVia eBooks
    • Our library now has access to 1000s of eBooks in Mackin Via.
    • Go to Mackin Via. Enter: St, Francis School / Username: stfrancisschool / password: wolfpack
    • Search by "Categories" on the left sidebar to browse books by topic and genre.

If you have suggestions for books, comics or resources your peers might enjoy drop them in the comments below!
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Earth Week: Do One thing for the Planet

4/20/2020

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April 22 is Earth Day. Marking this day will look a little different this year given that we'll be staying home and mostly indoors, but that doesn't mean we can't do at least one thing to take care of the Earth. Here are 5 easy things you can do to celebrate Earth Day from home:
  1. Consider your use of plastic. Watch the video to the left to get you started. For example, next time your family gets take out, maybe ask them to skip the plastic forks and knives, and use your own silverware. 
  2. Think about electricity. Do you forget to turn off the lights when you leave a room? Is your TV on all night? Be intentional about turning off the lights, and spend a screen-free evening reading or playing a game with your family.
  3. Try some of these plant based swaps to reduce your foodprint. 
  4. Repurpose supplies in your home into art. I recently cut up cardboard boxes, an Amazon mailer, and the pages of an old book to make some bubble print art! Here's a very simple tutorial to get started.  
  5. Research climate change. Try Britannica (username: stfrancis/password: Ktwelve), or choose a book from this list of environmentally themed fiction, or peruse the wealth of information available on the World Wildlife Organization.​
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Project: Blackout Poetry

4/9/2020

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Poetry could be existing within lines of any type of writing! Recycle an old magazine article or book that you were about to donate by turning it into blackout poetry! All you need is text (you can print it too), pencils and markers! Here are the steps for creating thoughtful Black Out Poetry (adapted from Scholastic): 
  1. Skim the page. Notice and use your pencil to mark any anchor words. Anchor words are words that you feel are packed with meaning. These words can help you start to imagine the theme of your poem. 
  2. Read the page. Use your pencil to circle or underline words that connect your anchor words. 
  3. List your circled words in order on a separate piece of paper. 
  4. Piece the words together to create your poem. You can eliminate part of words, especially endings. 
  5. Go back to the original text and cross out any words that aren't part of your poem. 
  6. Share your poems with Mrs. Echols (msechols@stfrancis-school.org).
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5 Spring Reading Ideas!

4/2/2020

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Hello Everyone! I hope you're safe and well at home. Today I'm sharing reading recommendations that I hope inspire you to dive into a good book! 
  1. ​Did you know the New York Times features a list every week of the current bestsellers for readers your age? Preview it here! I spied SFS favorite A Wolf Called Wander hanging out at #9.
  2. The 2021  Bluebonnet Reading list is live! Read it here for a description of each book, or search for them within Austin Public Library's virtual collection.
  3. Schedule a family reading and movie night! Choose a book that's been adapted into a movie, read it first then watch it together! Can't think of any book-to-movie adaptations? Try this list! 
  4. Take a break from screens, and listen to an audiobook (Epic! has audiobooks!) while you draw, paint, color, knit or simply rest. 
  5. Explore JK Rowling's new Harry Potter at Home website! Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone is now free on Audible.
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    Mrs. Echols

    Hi! I'm a school librarian who loves dachshunds, biking, and reading.

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  • Home
  • About
    • Meet Mrs. King
    • Contact Information
    • Why Read >
      • Reading Research
  • Catalog
  • Virtual Library
    • Sora
    • Epic eBooks
    • Public Libraries
    • Suggest a Purchase
    • Additional Resources
  • Summer Reading
  • Research
    • Copyright Toolkit
    • Citations
    • Databases
    • 8th Grade Autobiography Project
  • Reading Resources
    • Book Reviews
    • Reading Lists
  • Families
    • Family Resources
    • COPPA
    • Digital Citizenship
    • Cyberbullying
    • Social Media
    • Volunteering and Donations
    • Reconsideration Form