FINALLY! Good Bye, Oak Cabinets

Ok, I know this blog is about how STEM fits into Media and the state of school Libraries today. This post today is about the state of this Librarian this summer. And today I am MUCH more calm and pleased with life than even three days ago.

Three days ago, my kitchen looked like this:

 

We bought this house ten years ago and had a rate locked in that was fantastic. We needed a house that was almost ready to go and this one was - complete with the horrible oak cabinets.  I have hated them for years and years! Fortunately, life is so crazy fast that this detail was on the back burner. But Pinterest has changed that. Blog after Blog shows us how easy this is. This summer painting our cabinets was my number one goal.

In the spring I grabbed a few of the free Valspar paint samples from Lowes and painted the back of some cabinets so we could all choose a color. Hands down, English Tea Party from Valspar won.

When it came time to get going I checked out more blogs and decided to go with Denatured Alcohol for stripping/ cleaning/ degreasing. I had used Binz Primer before and knew what a great product this is, so I did not have many decisions to make.

This is the part where I start to think I am crazy - and my husband is already done with this project!! It was a great chance to finally go through drawers and clean them out, so no one complained when that was done.

My 17 year old daughter was my partner in this and she killed it! Were it not for her I would still be in the garage covered in paint and primer. 

We removed all doors and drawers, degreased, and applied one coat of primer. We just used foam brushes for the primer and it was great for the thick primer. It doesn't sound like a lot, but that was all we got done in day one. People like to eat and do other stuff around my house, unfortunately.

Day two was the day for paint. I hit the corners and details with a nylon brush and my daughter came behind and used a foam roller for cabinets. We tested and the roller was by far the best finish.

In our CO air our doors dried within 90 minutes and were ready to be flipped. By 3:30 our last coat was almost dry and it was time to think about re-assembly.

Honestly, this was the hardest part. We were totally "done" with being together for so long and ready to have the kitchen back (I know, after two days!!) The doors were tricky and took some time to adjust so everything was level and flush.

*I purchased some Minwax Finishing Paste that I intended to use after the semi-gloss paint but I did not like it. I felt like it clouded the surface and got "gunked up" in the details of the cabinets. I am thrilled with the finish right now so I am going with nothing on top.*

  

Primer 1 quart Binz 9.98

Paint 1 gallon Valspar Semi Gloss 32.99

Brushes 22.00

Denatured Alcohol 9.98

Pizza for my Partner 5.50

Total Cost 80.45

READING AFTER WIMPY KID (it DOES exist!!)

I finally snapped the other day. For about the 800th time I listened while a third grader explained to me that yes, his AR zone is 3.1 and yes, The Third Wheel is a 5.6 but HE UNDERSTANDS ALL OF IT. Forget that the he nailed a 40% on the AR Quiz. HE SHOULD BE READING WIMPY KID.

This time I was not patient. This little guy did not even get to finish before I was tearing through the chapter shelves, practically throwing books on a table. This, and This. HAVE YOU READ THIS? THIS is your zone and this is HILARIOUS! This may be TOO GROSS for you, but whatever. This, I KNOW you have not read this.

He was late for Computer Lab and I may have startled him a little but when my tornado settled I had a large-ish pile of Wimpy Kid type books staring at me.

There is NO WAY I am the only Librarian/ Teacher/ Parent who faces kids who a. insist on "reading" WK when it is simply out of a reader's reach. The style, humor and reputation prove irresistible for young chapter book readers, especially those who struggle. b. refuse to consider other titles after completing the series - after all, Jeff Kinney's last joke was the last one the world heard. Right?

I love the following list of titles I gathered in my craze - it spans 2nd through 7th grade and accommodates readers of all levels in between. This list goes from easy for those  aspiring to WK and grows beyond for the WK Graduates.

STINK Series, Megan McDonald. These gross/ funny/ comic like books feature 2nd grade Stink and all of his friends who love trouble as much as he does. These begin at a 3.0 AR and only go to the mid 3's. The money I spent on this entire series is some of the best spent this year in the Library. This is my go-to Character for my younger kids who really are not ready for WK.

The Notebook of Doom Series, Troy Cummings. This four book series ranges from 3.2 to 3.4 which makes it another perfect choice for my kids bummed that WK is ALL checked out.  This was a featured title in the Scholastic Book Fair Video this fall - it sold out at the Fair and I can't keep them on the shelves now.

Geronimo Stilton Series. This is the only series I have purchased in paperback SO that I can afford more. These clever books range from 3.1 to 4.2ish and involve time travel, prehistoric animals, and trouble in all situations. The full color throughout the book makes the comic style even more appealing to WK fans.

 Billy the Kid is Not Crazy, by S.F. Guerra. This is actually the only "stand alone" book on this list - wow! This book is not AR leveled but I have been happy with the reviews and interest my third graders have given me. I would happily pass this to fourth graders if it was available.

Captain Underpants Series, Dave Pilkey. For years this was the only "companion" book for WK. And I still get phone calls from parents who are less than thrilled this was sent home. So not everyone is a fan but Elementary School boys are and those are my customers!! These books are surprisingly higher level but are here because some of the Uuk and Gluuk and SuperBaby titles start even in the 2.9 area. For the most part these books are in the high 4s and low 5s.

Spaceheadz Series, John Scieszka. If you have not had a chance to read John Scieszka, why are you reading THIS? He is unique, hilarious and a smart, smart writer for all age levels. This four book series ranges from 4.2  4.6 and is a must have addition for all lK fans out there.

Origami Yoda Series, by Tom Angleberger. This series sees shelf time even less than WK. Aside from the I Survived Series OY has my longest hold lists. The comics are great fun for the readers and the stories are empowering. The AR level ranges from 4.6 to 4.9 for the entire series, a perfect suggestion for those kids almost at that WK level.

The Dork Diaries Series, by Rachel Renee Russell. I don't think I am supposed to tell anyone this but lately most of the kids checking out DD have been boys! There was a little hesitation at first but all kids love this series. My girls wait for the new copies to make their way to them and the boys grab it right off the shelf. This series ranges between 4.1 and 5.3 and engage those reluctant and struggling readers with the illustrations.

Return of the Jedi Series, by Jeffrey Brown. The first book in the series comes in at a 3.8 level and I can't find a level on The Return of the Padawan. I don't know if the title is too new or not AR leveled because of too many "cartoons". Either way, readers in this range will tear through these books. Another book that follows a kid  while he follows his personal strengths against some crazy challenges.

Big Nate Series by Lincoln Peirce. Along with Captain Underpants, BN was one of the first WK cousins. This is another series that makes me grit my teeth only because the level is actually solidly high (5.1 and up) but the comic styling and illustrations lure the younger readers. This book is more for the kids who have read WK and want more of the same-ish.

Totally Lame Vampire Series, by Tim Collins. I really am happy to have this three book series in our Library. Each book comes in at 6.7 and has been wonderful to offer my higher level readers who are still KIDS and enjoy the goofiness these books offer. Kids love werewolves, vampires and zombies - this series is proof that there ARE kid appropriate higher level books.

STANZA - Fun Intro to Poetry Month in the Library

The ideas out there for Poetry Month amaze me every time I search! I have compiled a group of activities that I am enjoying greatly with every grade. I plan on posting those soon, but for now I wanted to share one of my favorite books - and it is a bonus that it is a perfect intro to Poetry Month!

STANZA, written by Jill Esbaum and illustrated by Jack E. Davis is the engaging story of a dog who learns to follow his true self. Who can not relate to listening to others' voices before their own? The actual poetic devices used in the book are a bonus when discussing poetry.

I am also pulling out Science Verse by John Scieszka to use in our STEM school - click here for the post from last year - I still love it as much!!

3-D Printing in the Library, STEM Media Center

We see them everywhere, especially in Media and STEM conferences: 3-D Printers are the new "must have" accessory for your Maker Space, Media Center, or STEM School. To be clearly honest, part of my thought process regarding this was "Ain't nobody go time for that!" combined with "Trendy!!"

That is, until my 7th grade daughter had one in her Industrial Tech Class - when she brought home a shelf she designed and created, the possibilities opened for me. This is technology that actually empowers people and erases limits!

Our District awards Great Grants each year, (thank you, www.tef.org) and we can apply to receive up to 2,000.00 for a project.

The skinny of my Grant Proposal is this:

3rd Graders have a fun fun fun Fractured Fairy Tales Unit each year  - students love this unit and in the past few years there has been a swarm of new Fractured Fairytales hitting the shelves!

As an extension to this unit we will create original Fractured Fairytales using the creative writing process.

Each student will design a character of choice from their FF using GoogleSketch (free, kid friendly drafting software).

We will then 3-D Print our characters using a Solidoodle 4th Generation 3-D Printer.

The longest part of this process was choosing the best Printer for our Library. I went with Solidoodle because

a. turn key operation (some printers are assemble on site - not ready for that!)
b. size (the printer looks like a new coffee maker)
c. accessible / compatible software (will use Google SketchUp)
d. availability of accessories
e. price - fully assembled, a 4th Gen printer is right under 1,000.00

Thinking about adding this capability to our Library is ultra exciting! The Grant Awards usually arrive in the Spring and I look forward to the announcement. I know other teachers in our district prepared grants for 3-D Printers so this is obviously something our students will get to experience.

Your Readers Can Vote for the Next I Survived Book!!

As a Librarian and mom, I LOVE the I Survived series by Lauren Tarshis. Cool, 4th grade(ish) level books that are based on pivotal events in history, these books are a hit with boys, girls, high readers, low readers, 2nd - 5th graders. What's not to love?

While I was checking my I Survived inventory I came across this cool opportunity for readers:

https://www.scholastic.com/isurvived/ also gives Readers a chance to take a Survival Quiz and check their skills against other Readers.

Since I know my kids don't know right away whether they would vote for Valley Forge, The Great Chicago Fire or The Hindenburg Disaster, we took a few minutes and hit YouTube for brief summaries of each disaster.

This video is from the original footage of the Hindenburg Disaster and led to lively discussions around technology, broadcasting, and what WOULD surviving this take?

In just 2 minutes this "Day in Weather" clip gives a great summary of the Great Chicago Fire and includes  photos, illustrations and statistics.

A short, comprehensive video clip about Winter at Valley Forge was more difficult to find on YouTube. This video touches on the weather and conditions but not WHY men were there dying. This topic took a little more introduction.

Voting as a class was a FUN way to introduce this series to my younger readers and a no brainer with my established readers. There is also a Survival Quiz on this page that had all of my 4/5 kids hooked!

Zombie in Love - IDEAL Elementary Valentine Book!!!

When I posted Somebody Loves You, Mr. Hatch as my FAVORITE Valentine book ever last week, I thought I didn't have enough Valentine books to create a cute collage. What was I thinking? As the week is here I am LOVING our Valentine titles.

This morning I shared Zombie in Love by Kelly DiPucchio with kinders and we all had a great time. I am sure you can not keep your Zombie books on the shelves, whether Fiction, Non Fiction, Audio - and this is one of the most popular of the popular! We almost always have a running hold list for Zombie in Love.

Mortimer's earnestness and struggle is so well illustrated that this story tells itself. A highlight is the Help Wanted ad - even though my kids have NO CLUE about my frame of reference, it is a fun sing aloud. And turns out that the Pina Colada song transitions well into the Zombie want ad - must be a solid tune!!

5th Grade Coding Club with codecademy.com

Of all the concepts I have introduced this year in the Library, none have been as popular as Coding Club. And by that I mean a day does not go that I am not asked (harassed) by a 10 year old WHEN WE WILL START.

SO here we go! Two days ago I knew NOTHING about coding. Today I know nothing about coding. The research tells me this is ok - jumping in with the kids is the way to go. Which works because that's how we roll in Elementary STEM.

The reason my NOTHING shrunk to to a nothing is www.codecademy.com. In 25 minutes I sputtered through a lesson that gave me a delightful bouncing name - I love it! I actually feel like I get the "concept" of java script and am prepared to keep going.

I really felt accomplished when my name bounced like the tutorial. I also love that the lessons are in a time frame I can actually preview and we can do in our lunch club.

We will begin this Wednesday and my biggest challenge/ heartbreak now is limiting the club to 5 kids. We will be in the Library at lunch and I only have 5 computers. My hope is to recruit some Programmers from OtterBox (via our partnership with OtterCares) to come 2 other days a week and host their branch of the club. 31 kids signed up to participate so it will be rough limiting to such a small number.