tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35755748384560661692024-02-07T05:48:28.890-08:00 Learning in the Living LibraryMs. Smith's Living Libraryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10118282673004722364noreply@blogger.comBlogger17125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3575574838456066169.post-70102469001791298632014-03-21T09:23:00.004-07:002014-03-21T09:24:47.534-07:00My Top 5 ListSo my colleagues and I were asked to read a <a href="http://www.justintarte.com/2014/01/do-your-actions-align-with-your-beliefs.html">blog post</a> by Justin Tarte, Do your actions align with your beliefs? We were challenged to reflect upon our top 5 beliefs about education and how we follow those in our classroom. This task was like having to chose from a list of great actors all competing for the elusive Oscar trophy. After much contemplation I finally narrowed it down.<br />
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And the winners are.....(in no particular order)<br />
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1. Encourage Independent Thinking<br />
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Too often students want to be spoon fed. That is, even when the directions are right in front of them they would rather you tell them exactly what to do. Everyday I try to encourage students to think independently and only seek help once they have exhausted all resources.<br />
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2. Staying Positive<br />
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Staying positive in the midst of life is often times a difficult thing to do. Teachers give off a certain kind of vibe that students feed off of. If I'm constantly giving off a positive vibe how great would people around me feel? Maybe not all the time, but most of the time. Okay, I'll admit it, I'm not always a positive person. Surprised? Most of us aren't positive 100% of the time and that is one belief I can easily improve.<br />
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3. Encourage Critical Thinking<br />
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Problem-solving skills!!! Come out, come out, wherever you are!!!<br />
These skills are most definitely on the decline. Why is that? I can't seem to pinpoint it. Could it be the age of technology? Why should I solve my own problems when my iPhone can do it? Or could it be the parents? Why should I solve my own problems when mamma will do it for me? Ouch! Right? No matter the cause, there's definitely a chasm. Everyday I encourage students to figure things out on their own. If they ask me where a book is I answer with a question. "How could you find that book on your own?" If they know, I expect them to at least try and then we'll go from there.<br />
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4. Be Compassionate<br />
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Students come from different homes. As teachers, we sometimes forget that some students have more advantages than other. I try to be compassionate in the aspect and see each student as having individual needs.<br />
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5. Encourage Student Collaboration<br />
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Can't we all just get along? As adults we see how necessary collaboration is in our world. The earlier students begin practicing this skill the better. I try to encourage student collaboration as much as possible in the library.<br />
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My beliefs may change with time but one thing remains certain...education has many different components. It is a machine that runs the course of our life. This machine drives our world. I am just a part of that machine but aren't we all? <br />
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<br />Ms. Smith's Living Libraryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10118282673004722364noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3575574838456066169.post-53429261972417561272014-01-07T07:55:00.000-08:002014-01-07T07:57:02.536-08:00Love, love, love teaching with these books!!!As educators, we all know how difficult it can be to find great resources that help infuse language arts with science and social studies. That's why I LOVE the True Book series by Scholastic. This book series has sets of books that focus on Social Studies and Science topics. The example below are the books included in the ecosystems set.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGRrt1rqC-bPWZptYYkiUgZRE_NrodsHp2HsPFvzDgmi_e7JrsTWXLA-DslLFx63VJaxeTAEVEp7_lsfg3nr0tURPeyLTQJoQf2Zc8PCQTJhhCqz84waX9la7GGO63xxBGDe9AVezrUZSW/s1600/true_books.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGRrt1rqC-bPWZptYYkiUgZRE_NrodsHp2HsPFvzDgmi_e7JrsTWXLA-DslLFx63VJaxeTAEVEp7_lsfg3nr0tURPeyLTQJoQf2Zc8PCQTJhhCqz84waX9la7GGO63xxBGDe9AVezrUZSW/s1600/true_books.png" height="217" width="320" /></a></div>
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The best thing about this book series is that they all come in e-book format and are available on the True Flix site. Yes, it does require a subscription, but DEFINITELY worth the money. Take a look below at the home screen of True Flix.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRHQom_-BW2v9vl8EGAZu7kvgkA48XmREB3adzU5m0SUv3bb6Ps_zjBnvrtbwIsYSrO05s8NmCosw7h1S-teGOGJ2H2eOGLwnyV7RZSfjZoDKwIIKUJnEH-9KNIWTEn8CFlGbvCv4CoyXD/s1600/true_flix.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRHQom_-BW2v9vl8EGAZu7kvgkA48XmREB3adzU5m0SUv3bb6Ps_zjBnvrtbwIsYSrO05s8NmCosw7h1S-teGOGJ2H2eOGLwnyV7RZSfjZoDKwIIKUJnEH-9KNIWTEn8CFlGbvCv4CoyXD/s1600/true_flix.png" height="320" width="299" /></a></div>
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Each topic includes several books! The books will do read aloud and each book comes with a short video on the topic and extra activities and links! </div>
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These books are a no-brainer when it comes to teaching science and social studies! The students love the layout of the books and the teachers love how easy they are to incorporate across various subjects!</div>
Ms. Smith's Living Libraryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10118282673004722364noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3575574838456066169.post-82931943802436561772013-11-22T09:03:00.001-08:002014-01-07T07:57:51.977-08:00Fun in the Library with Centers!How was I going to survive this year with 25+ kindergartners in a class? That's what I was asking myself the first week of school. I learned quickly that whole group activities were not an option. Believe me, I tried and failed miserably! Then the clouds surrounding me cleared and I had it - CENTERS!!!! I know, I know, centers are a lot of work, but that's just leg work. Once they get use to the management it's pretty smooth and I figured it had to be better than trying to instruct 25 kindergartners at once.<br />
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To implement the centers I decided to go with what I already had set up in the library:<br />
Center 1: Smart Board (e-book/ fiction or nonfiction)<br />
Center 2: Book Check-out<br />
Center 3: iPad activities<br />
Center 4: Listening (book on cd)<br />
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Once I decided on my centers I began to implement them immediately. I even tried it with first grade too! I was AMAZED! The group size was manageable (about 5-6 per group) and the students LOVED it! Don't get me wrong, it took several weeks for the students to learn the rotation and we still work on that. At this point, I'm still mainly staying in the book check-out center until each transition time; however, after the holidays I plan to lead the ipad center.<br />
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So, centers saved me from insanity this year! The cool thing is they can be customized to specific lessons or needs as long as the format stays the same.<br />
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By the way, I made paths and waiting areas for transition time by using colorful book tape and attaching it to the carpet!<br />
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This is my listening center....<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh82CQfc0fT7y5BQcEefb0grtNJ4C95Tv8KqXrB6Rfa8KBJEoaP7A1K30poBvBf1FgzlZAm398p1ekmaaj0ncGyUkCRWFpUbfAkrb0enR6Tc9MmvUeGyMguo1UYXTvf0Y4usev2zQ4rzDvi/s1600/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh82CQfc0fT7y5BQcEefb0grtNJ4C95Tv8KqXrB6Rfa8KBJEoaP7A1K30poBvBf1FgzlZAm398p1ekmaaj0ncGyUkCRWFpUbfAkrb0enR6Tc9MmvUeGyMguo1UYXTvf0Y4usev2zQ4rzDvi/s1600/photo.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />Ms. Smith's Living Libraryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10118282673004722364noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3575574838456066169.post-25328595991584349972013-07-23T13:30:00.001-07:002013-07-23T13:30:20.010-07:00TPACK and Apptivities: It's all about integration!Finding new technology is like unwrapping a Christmas gift! However, finding a way to use that technology in a meaningful way is not always so easy. TPACK, which stands for Technology, Pedagogy and Content Knowledge, is a way of thinking which incorporates all essential aspects of 21st century learning. Today, I was able to unpack this a bit and develop some lessons using this model. We first focused on the content, then the pedagogy, and then incorporating technology into the lesson- not building the lesson around technology. TPACK is essential in helping teachers use a higher level of technology in their classrooms.<br />
One way to effectively use technology in the classroom is through apptivities. No, I didn't create a new word. Apptivities are lessons designed for students to be guided through the use of apps. I am truly excited to implement this with my lessons. Not only does it utilize technology but it encourages collaboration and teamwork!Ms. Smith's Living Libraryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10118282673004722364noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3575574838456066169.post-70425533355548388992013-03-26T10:23:00.003-07:002013-03-31T14:01:36.892-07:00Battle of the BooksTomorrow is Gaston County's Battle of the Books Competition!<br />
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I just wanted to take this short blog to say how very proud I am of my team ! Fifth graders were able to sign up for Battle of the Books the first week of school. There were specific criteria they had to meet, including reading 18 books. I have six students who have persevered since we began training on September 4th. They have read and reread their books and have practiced every school day! I know they will do their best and have fun! I will update tomorrow with the results!<br />
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*UPDATE*<br />
We won 2nd place! It was a fierce competition. All of the schools were so good and knew their books so well! My team definitely earned their place!! Congratulations! </div>
Ms. Smith's Living Libraryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10118282673004722364noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3575574838456066169.post-63688203063100803822013-03-04T08:29:00.000-08:002013-03-26T09:52:50.047-07:00Wow! Where did February Go?The month of February was very exciting in the North Belmont Library! All month long we celebrated Black History Month.<br />
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Research, Research, Research<br />
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My 3-5 grades worked with a partner to choose one event leading to the end of segregation to research. I introduced this unit using a video from Discovery Education, Standing Up for Freedom: The Story of Rosa Parks <a href="http://app.discoveryeducation.com/player/view/assetGuid/75281F64-0734-435D-8FE1-C5A003945FBE">http://app.discoveryeducation.com/player/view/assetGuid/75281F64-0734-435D-8FE1-C5A003945FBE</a>. This gave the students some background knowledge of segregation. Next, the students choose one event to research from the following list:<br />
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<ul>
<li>Voting Rights Act of 1965 </li>
<li>Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka, Kansas (De-Segregation in Education)</li>
<li>Montgomery Bus Boycotts </li>
<li>Greensboro, NC Lunch Counter Sit-Ins </li>
<li>Bailey v. Patterson (De-Segregation in Transportation) </li>
<li>Martin Luther King, Jr.: "I Have a Dream" </li>
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With a partner and a graphic organizer, the students began their research either on a desktop, laptop, or iPad. The students had a total of 45 minutes stretched between a few weeks to complete their research. I found that most students expected to find the information without having to read. That was very frustrating for me! This week students will begin using their research to create a voicethread about their event. I will be posting that link when it's complete.</div>
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<a href="https://voicethread.com/share/4202074/" target="_blank">VoiceThread Link</a></div>
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Now for the younger ones....</div>
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I had a lot of good conversation with my kindergarten through second grades. I focused on books with segregation as the main theme and how the characters overcame inequality. We read the following books:</div>
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<i>The Story of Ruby Bridges</i> by Toni Ann Johnson</div>
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<i>Back of the Bus</i> by Aaron Reynolds</div>
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<i>Martin's Big Words </i>by Doreen Rapaport</div>
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<i>Ruth and the Green Book</i> by Calvin Alexander Ramsey and Gwen Strauss</div>
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It amazed me at how involved the students were in the books. They had several questions which led to some awesome conversation! After our conversations we didn't have time for anything additional which proves that you don't always need technology or projects to make a lesson great!</div>
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Ms. Smith's Living Libraryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10118282673004722364noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3575574838456066169.post-51005297681440740202013-01-15T07:44:00.000-08:002013-01-15T07:44:00.080-08:00Here we go! Perseverance through the 2nd semester<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Well as Christmas break approached I likened my Ipad experience up until that point to Clark Griswold trying to make his lights illuminate the neighborhood. I felt that sometimes I was trying to make the technical side of Ipad use too difficult when all the while it may have been one small click to solve the problem. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Now that we are back into the school groove and second semester is approaching I have determined to NOT STRESS! How you may ask will I accomplish this? Well, below you will find my "I will" statements that are intended to keep me sane, and my Ipads safe, for the remainder of the year.</span><br />
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<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I will calmly approach every situation and remedy the problem.... I wouldn't want to frighten the Ipads.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I will use logic in problem solving.... The Ipads deserve my very best.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I will not destroy any property when I can't fix the problem.... People may call DSS if I abuse the Ipads.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I will seek help when needed.... If I love the Ipads enough I will help them no matter what.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I will always have a back up plan... It isn't the Ipads fault if it isn't functioning properly.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Most importantly, I will have a positive attitude...... as to never offend the Ipads in any way.</span></li>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">On a more serious note, I am excited to utilize the Ipads in the library even more during the second semester. I am more comfortable with them now, students too. I know what too expect and not expect. Although I'm always eager to learn, try, explore, etc. new things and ways to implement them!</span><br />
<br />Ms. Smith's Living Libraryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10118282673004722364noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3575574838456066169.post-64131603676030838212012-10-31T18:51:00.002-07:002012-10-31T18:51:24.789-07:00The Abraham Lincoln Memoirs<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">In my never ending quest of trying to integrate the iPads with library instruction I developed an interactive memoir lesson centering around the life of Abraham Lincoln. This lesson was designed to be implemented in centers with fifth grade students . Three centers were going on at the same time. I will describe the centers below just as the students used:</span><br />
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<b id="internal-source-marker_0.5813704256433994" style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Center 1: Video Memoirs (Partner Center)</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">At this station you will be creating a video memoir. One of you will become Abraham Lincoln and one will become Ulysses S. Grant.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">During his tenure as President, Abraham Lincoln hosted many important people at the White House. Two of these people were Ulysses S Grant and General Meade. Follow the steps below to complete your memoir of this dinner.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">1. Click on the Abraham Lincoln Telegram app on your ipad.</span></b><br />
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">2. Click on March 12, 1864 and read the telegram.</span></b><br />
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;">3. Now click on transcript to read what the actual telegram said.</span></span></b><br />
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;">4. Click on summary to read what was going on at the time of the telegram.</span></span></b><br />
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;">5. Next, click over to see what is thought as the reasoning behind the transcript.</span></span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">6. Now go back to your home screen and open the imovie app</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">7. Click on the + at the bottom of the screen and begin a new project.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">8. Click on the video icon on the middle right screen.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">9. You will take turns recording each other. </span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">10. Decide who will be Lincoln and who will be Grant.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">11. Now using all of the information you read about Abraham Lincoln’s invitation to General Grant you will become either Abraham Lincoln or Ulysses S. Grant and tell what dinner at the White House was like that night. Write down your memoir before you video it. Remember it doesn’t have to be long, but it needs to be long enough for your audience to understand your thoughts.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Some questions to get you started...</span></b><br />
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<li style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; list-style-type: disc; vertical-align: baseline;"><b style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Why would Grant turn down Lincoln’s invitation?</span></b></li>
<li style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; list-style-type: disc; vertical-align: baseline;"><b style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Were they angry towards each other?</span></b></li>
<li style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; list-style-type: disc; vertical-align: baseline;"><b style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Were they just busy?</span></b></li>
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<b style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">***Remember these are just questions to get you started. This is your memoir from that night. You may add as much as you want.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">12. After the first partner finishes, pause the video and switch roles.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">13. After you finish your memoir save it by clicking the star on paper icon at the top middle of the screen. Now click on the arrow out of the box icon in the bottom middle of the screen and select “camera roll”. </span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">14. Upload your video to edmodo.</span></b><br />
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<b id="internal-source-marker_0.5813704256433994" style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Center 2: Memoir Blogging (Partner Center)</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">At this station you will be creating a blogging memoir. You will become Abraham Lincoln or his father, Thomas Lincoln.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">What was Abraham Lincoln’s life like as a child? We do know that when Abraham was 9 years old his mother died. Follow the steps below to complete a memoir of this event.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">1. Click on the audio Lincoln boyhood app on your ipad. </span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">2. Listen to the audio file about Thomas Lincoln and Nancy Hanks Lincoln, Abraham’s parents.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">3. Now decide which partner will be Abraham Lincoln and which partner will be Thomas Lincoln.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">4. Each partner will open safari on the iPad.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">5. Type in kidblog at the top and hit enter.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">6. Click on the kidblog link to open kidblog.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">7. Click the red secret code button and enter **** and click join class.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">8. Now type in your computer login information to set up your kidblog account and click the orange create my account button.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">9. Click the pushpin icon at the top of the page. Enter a title for your blog.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">10. Now write a blog memoir about the death of Nancy Lincoln and the effect it had on you.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Think about these questions as you write:</span></b><br />
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<li style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; list-style-type: disc; vertical-align: baseline;"><b id="internal-source-marker_0.5813704256433994" style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">How did you feel when she went to help your sick neighbors?</span></b></li>
<li style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; list-style-type: disc; vertical-align: baseline;"><b id="internal-source-marker_0.5813704256433994" style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Were you worried for her?</span></b></li>
<li style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; list-style-type: disc; vertical-align: baseline;"><b id="internal-source-marker_0.5813704256433994" style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Could you have done anything to help her?</span></b></li>
<li style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; list-style-type: disc; vertical-align: baseline;"><b id="internal-source-marker_0.5813704256433994" style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">How will life be different now?</span></b></li>
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<b id="internal-source-marker_0.5813704256433994" style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">***Remember these are just questions to get you started. This is your memoir from that event. You may add as much as you want.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">11. At the end of your blog make sure to write your name. (example- by Ms. Anderson)</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">12. After you write your blog click publish to save it.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">13. Now, switch partners and repeat steps 5-8.</span></b><br />
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<b id="internal-source-marker_0.5813704256433994" style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Center 3: Voice Memoir (Partner Center)</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">At this station you will be creating a memoir using voicethread. You will become John Wilkes Booth or the Doctor who tried to save Lincoln’s life.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">We know that on April 14, 1865 President Abraham Lincoln was assassinated. But what was going through the mind of John Wilkes Booth or the Doctor at the theater who tried to save Lincoln’s life? Follow the steps below to create a voice memoir of this fateful night.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">1. On the iPad click on the Ford theater app and take a video tour of the theater.</span></b><br />
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">2. Next, click on the Lincoln's Death Reenactment app and watch the reenactment of Lincoln's assassination. </span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">3. Decide which partner will be John Wilkes Booth and which partner will be the Doctor who tried to save Lincoln’s life and write a draft of your memoir before you record it.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Keep these questions in mind for your memoir..</span></b><br />
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<li style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; list-style-type: disc; vertical-align: baseline;"><b style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Why did John Wilkes Booth want President Lincoln dead?</span></b></li>
<li style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; list-style-type: disc; vertical-align: baseline;"><b style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Was Booth working alone or did he have help?</span></b></li>
<li style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; list-style-type: disc; vertical-align: baseline;"><b style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">How many years had the doctor been practicing?</span></b></li>
<li style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; list-style-type: disc; vertical-align: baseline;"><b style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">What was the doctor’s specialty? </span></b></li>
</ul>
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">***Remember these are just questions to get you started. This is your memoir from that event. You may add as much as you want.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">4. At the end of your memoir make sure to tell me your name (ex. by Ms. Anderson)</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">5. Now open the Voicethread app</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">6. Select the bubble with the + sign </span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">7. Select the bubble with the microphone</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">8. Record your memoir by speaking close to the ipad</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">9. Now switch roles and record the other partner</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></b><br />
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<b style="font-weight: normal;">These centers were very successful but did take longer that I anticipated with about 1 hour per center. After completion the student were more comfortable with the iPads and memoirs.</b></div>
Ms. Smith's Living Libraryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10118282673004722364noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3575574838456066169.post-12294088176995633262012-09-05T10:09:00.003-07:002012-09-05T10:11:04.746-07:00Exploring the Library- QR Code Scavenger HuntWell, school is up and off to a running start! The media center is no different. We have been busy preparing for students to take full advantage of all our services! In doing so I decided to try something completely different from what our students are used to and at the same time use our magnificent new ipads to acquaint them with the library. I began to read all the school library blogs I could find trying to get some fresh ideas. Did I mention how much I love library blogs? So, I came across the blog belonging to the Daring Librarian (quick shout out because she's awesome!) She had done a QR Code Scavenger Hunt with some of her middle school students. She even had the resources she used linked for download! Doesn't get much better than that! I used the same format she had developed but adjusted most of the questions to work with my library. This would definitely be a lesson for my 3rd-5th grades. After that I began working on my QR Code clues. That part was the most time consuming but it was also the most fun! I had a mixture of picture, video, and voice clues. I posted the clues around the library near the section that the clue referenced.<br />
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Once I had the lesson set up I decided to divide the questions into five different groups. I have the links posted below. This would allow collaboration and prevent all groups being at the same clue at the same time. Now it was time to roll out the lesson!<br />
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I spent a good amount of time explaining and modeling the details of the lesson and showing the students which app to use (I really like the red laser app for scanning but anyone would work) and expectations of working in a team. I then divided them into teams according to the different color Popsicle sticks on their tables. I assigned one student to be the "leader" (the leader was in charge of reading each clue and recording the answers). The ipad was rotated around the group so each student could have a turn scanning because of course that's what's most important to 3rd, 4th, and 5th graders. So how did they do?<br />
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Well, my fifth graders did the best. They worked well together and fully understood the assignment. Fourth grade was okay but did require a good amount of assistance. When it came to third grade, I had to do whole group modeling for the first two questions, but after that they went off in their own groups. With every grade, I traveled from group to group checking for understanding and offering assistance.<br />
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The activity did take two sessions to finish but was a big hit with all the students. Not only were they able to use awesome technology, but they learned a lot about the library in the process. I will certainly use QR codes throughout the year given the success of this lesson!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFNXDuLwmXREf7eaS5DX5PesyW9L2z2fan1mlMTnoK452n8y_WNoEej2jsZdksn4d6dZcE7yxvUOkz_DeXUs_pVn9j5C9oXJlbQz8Me8EzmMZShGPjPCP162mCILeCsKzuCBGyKpnCiCK1/s1600/photo+(2).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFNXDuLwmXREf7eaS5DX5PesyW9L2z2fan1mlMTnoK452n8y_WNoEej2jsZdksn4d6dZcE7yxvUOkz_DeXUs_pVn9j5C9oXJlbQz8Me8EzmMZShGPjPCP162mCILeCsKzuCBGyKpnCiCK1/s200/photo+(2).JPG" width="149" /></a></div>
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<b>Links for QR Code Scavenger Hunt Groups</b></div>
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<a href="https://docs.google.com/open?id=0B-G_0el0IkoyalRubWlUSklsVW8" target="_blank">Group 1</a></div>
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<a href="https://docs.google.com/open?id=0B-G_0el0IkoybWpuVk9udDRPblE" target="_blank">Group 2</a></div>
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<a href="https://docs.google.com/open?id=0B-G_0el0IkoySzlvQ2lCTC00dnc" target="_blank">Group 3</a></div>
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<a href="https://docs.google.com/open?id=0B-G_0el0IkoyeklwSkt4enVFVFE" target="_blank">Group 4</a></div>
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<a href="https://docs.google.com/open?id=0B-G_0el0IkoyejBXZldaSi1hOHc" target="_blank">Group 5</a></div>
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<br />Ms. Smith's Living Libraryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10118282673004722364noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3575574838456066169.post-3116704236803599942012-06-25T08:24:00.002-07:002012-06-25T08:26:48.935-07:00IPADs for the libraryThis year in the library we will be using new IPADs. I am looking forward to using these to promote project-based learning through collaboration in every grade level.I will be training on these and developing lessons over the next few days.Ms. Smith's Living Libraryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10118282673004722364noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3575574838456066169.post-43887792538900117152012-03-02T20:07:00.002-08:002012-03-02T20:07:32.571-08:00Median, Mean, Mode, and Range and Graphs<div style="text-align: center;">
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<span style="color: red;">This week my students began studying the median, mean, mode, and range of a set of data. To make data collecting a little more interesting the students developed a survey using surveymonkey.com. The questions ranged from favorite singers to favorite sports. We recruited the computer teachers help in gathering the answers. She had one class from each grade level take the survey. The next day the students logged in to get the results. They took those results and created a bar graph using the nces create-a-graph site. We used the data and the graph to explore the median, mean, mode, and range. I wanted the students to also learn how to find these using excel. To do this they made different charts in excel and found the median, mode, mean, and range using the function buttons. After that, just for practice, they used the chart to insert a bar graph into excel. Through this activity the students not only explored the median, mean, mode, and range of a set of data but they also gained experience with online survey development and Mircrosoft Excel. I have included some student samples at the bottom of the blog.</span><br />
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<br />Ms. Smith's Living Libraryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10118282673004722364noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3575574838456066169.post-42174003952647984732012-02-27T09:01:00.003-08:002012-02-27T09:02:59.447-08:00Lines Project Complete<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: magenta;">Last week students finished up the project, What do lines and angles have to do with the real world? I must say that I was a bit disappointed in their lack of critical thinking when it came to composing the paragraphs to answer the question, "What are the importance of lines and angles in the real world?" While reflecting on this project, I came to the conclusion that if we do this next year I will guide the students through the hallway on a guided tour of the lines and angles used in our school building and the purpose they serve. </span></div>
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<span style="color: magenta;">Below I have included some pictures of the students on the scavenger hunt, working at the computer, and the rubric for the project. I have also included a snapshot of the edmodo screen of a student's completed and uploaded pictures and paragraph. </span></div>
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<br />Ms. Smith's Living Libraryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10118282673004722364noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3575574838456066169.post-67369252096766027112012-02-16T12:02:00.001-08:002012-02-16T12:02:21.493-08:00Update on class projectAs stated in the previous blog my class has been busy on a digital scavenger hunt for lines, rays, etc. So far all the students have found all of their items (sample list below) and they have uploaded them to picnik. I must say that I was very impressed with the creativity of some of my students. They saw lines and angles that I didn't even see! The students have truly enjoyed editing the photos and shown their creativity even more<br />
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. I have included some sample photos of student work below. Next, the students will upload their edited photos onto edmodo and complete the assignment. When the entire assignment is complete and I receive more photo permission slips I will post more samples.<br />
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<br /></div>Ms. Smith's Living Libraryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10118282673004722364noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3575574838456066169.post-50931172327408386252012-02-11T11:20:00.000-08:002012-02-11T11:20:59.848-08:00New Student ProjectIntegrating technology with everyday learning is essential in the 21st century classroom. My 5th grade students will be exploring angles, lines, and shapes next week. I want them to think outside the box with our geometry unit. For this study, the students will get digital cameras to go out into the school and capture real life lines, angles, and shapes. They will then upload these pictures onto the picnik site (yes it's closing in April, but head's up, everyone gets free premiere status until then) and experiment with different editing tools. The students will then upload their pictures onto edmodo and answer specific questions assigned by me. I will post blogs this week as the unit progresses. I only meet with each class 30 minutes a day so it will take us an entire week to complete the project. Stay tuned!Ms. Smith's Living Libraryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10118282673004722364noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3575574838456066169.post-15433390787795638682012-02-07T09:44:00.000-08:002012-02-07T09:44:28.866-08:00Edmodo<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Today my students began blogging using Edmodo. My son has used this all year in middle school and really seemed to enjoy it. So, I decided to check it out from a teacher's point-of-view. It was super easy to set up! When I finished setting up my teacher account I created a group titled, "5th grade" and was able to assign a project. What's really cool is the ease of differentiation. You, as a teacher, can create as many groups as needed and assign each group a different project/assignment! </span><div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">If you're looking for an easy-to-use class blog then check out Edmodo!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRzBbByIIO5yYP6QXPl_2bzT9SDFbgvMDiJCcIAmmbH6lLupHJ_E7OQs5xKRzREir4qnaS3WJt7fAknHXGe-nIKl7yfxpLeIAsuE748aRIdkhnhVJm55V7cCW3jD66h5EH5wwFk3sdfBWt/s1600/2012-02-07_1243.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="178" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRzBbByIIO5yYP6QXPl_2bzT9SDFbgvMDiJCcIAmmbH6lLupHJ_E7OQs5xKRzREir4qnaS3WJt7fAknHXGe-nIKl7yfxpLeIAsuE748aRIdkhnhVJm55V7cCW3jD66h5EH5wwFk3sdfBWt/s320/2012-02-07_1243.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>Ms. Smith's Living Libraryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10118282673004722364noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3575574838456066169.post-70419338278593130292012-02-06T09:32:00.000-08:002012-02-06T09:43:25.250-08:00<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #e69138; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>Johnnie's Math Page</b></span></div>
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This site is the one stop shop for almost any math or logic game for elementary level! I am thrilled to have this as one of my many resources. After discovering this site, I have shared it with many of my fellow teachers. It is definitely a resource I wouldn't want to do without. I love the logic games just as much as the math. These games are designed to develop critical-thinking skills, which most of our students are in need of. All of the activities are interactive and most don't require a keyboard so they can be used on your interactive board.<br />
Add this site to your favorites because I'm sure it will soon become one of them!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibTnrT_qHT-xLwaFd9ciu_nG0e3CDYnAGeg1lqRQWgLe_PGxfLOBnSgKpM-hBvoSNkDhch0Cm4dnkh59pmVu5nYJMIyy_9tEOiuYBvdWRZ7a6PXZMdu7uE27IvKZt1UT350kDvlICZRYWQ/s1600/2012-02-06_1226.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibTnrT_qHT-xLwaFd9ciu_nG0e3CDYnAGeg1lqRQWgLe_PGxfLOBnSgKpM-hBvoSNkDhch0Cm4dnkh59pmVu5nYJMIyy_9tEOiuYBvdWRZ7a6PXZMdu7uE27IvKZt1UT350kDvlICZRYWQ/s320/2012-02-06_1226.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />Ms. Smith's Living Libraryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10118282673004722364noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3575574838456066169.post-9909282270313725952012-02-03T09:27:00.000-08:002012-02-03T09:27:55.615-08:00Awesome Tech on the Web<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Recently I was directed to an awesome blog that that is constantly updated with the latest Web technology. The blog is <a href="http://www.freetech4teachers.com/">http://www.freetech4teachers.com</a> . The blog is written by Richard Byrne and filled with thousands of FREE resources for teachers. I seriously don't even know how he sleeps! He teaches on top of providing daily blogs on the coolest and newest web technology available. The best part for teachers is the work is already done for you. This is like a one stop shop for technology, ideas, and links. Don't take my word for it though, the blog has one several awards in the past two years. Go check it out today! You can follow them or subscribe to their feed to keep technology up to date in your classroom!</span><br />
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<br />Ms. Smith's Living Libraryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10118282673004722364noreply@blogger.com0