Merry Christmas

Last post for the year, thanks for all your support and company here in the Library.  We wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy Safe New Year.  See you all in 2012.

Christmas Crafts

 

Come on, get creative! 

No excuses, there is no need for a sewing machine in this book.  All hand sewn and  easily made  by yourself and the kids.

Great ideas, all made with fabric and card, little bags, fabric angels, and great goodies for your tree.  Great ideas to fill in the hours once the kids finish school and to keep yourself busy over the holidays.

 

 

 

Another great book to keep you busy over the holidays.

A range of ideas for Christmas, from cooking  sweet goodies to making decorations and decorating your parcels….

Have Fun!

Homemade Crafts for the Holidays

Click here to visit Etsy, an awesome craft site

With the holidays approaching, how about challenging yourself to get crafty.  As you know in the library, craft and homemade are our middle names, so we are hoping it may rub off…..

How about jazzing up old t-shirts with the kids (no sewing machine needed) , homemade felt cupcakes, dolls, bags and can you remember making rats tails with leftover balls of wool from mums cupboard, 4 nails and a wooden cotton reel?

Your kids will love you for it.  Give it a go!

 

Check out how to knit on this you tube tutorial

A simple step-by-step introduction to knitting, with over 25 easy ideas and instructions. 

A modern twist on knitting, there is even knitted mobile phone and iPod covers!  I loved the awesome instructions for the felted bag, and I am going to give the good ole never fail scarf a go, ready for next winter.

Get stitched up, by knitting over the holidays!

Great Books for Girls

Click here to be taken to the super cool Jacqueline Wilson site

 

When I was a young girl, my favourite thing to do was to read, which I am proud to say has  rubbed off onto my two boys.  I loved Judy Blume, and Jacqueline Wilsons books are a modern day equivalent.  ‘

Kiss” is aimed at 12+.  It is a story about friendship and the reality of growing up and the challenges of sexuality, first love and heartbreak.  Sylvie and Carl have been best friends since they were small, and have done everything together, Sylvie always believed they would get married but…Carl has a new special friend called Paul. 

Things in Sylvie's life are about to change.

 

Visit Lauren Childs awesome website here

Being a worrier when I was young (and not so young)  I wish I had found a friend like Clarice Bean to help me through my worries when I was a kid!   What a delightful book.

‘Always remember: its the worry you haven't even thought to worry about that should worry you the most!  That's what Ruby Redfort would say.  I have got her SURVIVAL HANDBOOK’…. says Clarice Bean. 

Clarice writes all her worries down in her notebook but one of her biggest worries is about to become reality, change.

GREAT BOOKS FOR BOYS

Click here to visit ultimate survivor - Bear Grylls

Hatchet – Gary Paulsen

The best selling classic survival story

Thirteen year old Brian Robeson is on his way to visit his father when the plane he is in crashes.  Suddenly Brian finds himself alone in the Canadian wilderness with nothing but a tattered jacket and a hatchet…and a dreadful secret he has kept to himself since his parents divorce.  It will take all Brians know-how and determination, and more courage than he knew possessed, to survive.

There are five books in this series, and will surely get boys hooked into reading over the holidays.

 

 

 

Just Stupid – Andy Griffiths

Visit Andy Griffiths awesome site here

What boy wouldn't love a book that starts with you having to fill out a ‘stupid test’ on the back cover?

Andy Griffiths appeals to boys humour and imagination.  It is written as though a 10 year old boy is talking himself and the scribble illustrations around the pages will make you laugh out loud!

Andy Griffiths collections of books including, ‘The day my bum went psycho’, ‘Just disgusting’ and ‘The Bad Book’ all belong on a boys bedside table and in their school backpack. 

Great reading for the holidays.

The Kiwi Kids – ABC

Great news site especially designed for kiwi kids

A great little book for kiwi kids, specifically kiwiana….G for Gumboots, P for Pohutakawa, W for Waka, J for Jandals – A cool book to have in any classroom or a kiwi kids bookshelf

 

 

 

 

In my Fathers House – A memoir of Polygamy

By Dorothy Allred Solomon

This book is a groundbreaking memoir exploring polygamy, not with outrage but with honesty and grace.  Dorothy Allred Solomon is the 28th of 48 children, descended from five generations of Mormon polygamy, Solomon evokes the intensity and dedication that bound her family ‘living the principle’.  She also traces the events that led up to her fathers assassination in 1977, that rocked Utah.  An interesting book to open our eyes to people who are often looked upon as outlaws and struggle for our understanding.

Get some Headspace – 10 minutes can make all the difference?

Click here to go to the awesome 'headspace' site

I hear you all saying, Yeah Right, busy, busy, busy!  But what if 10 minutes was all it took to make a difference, in helping us think clearer, focus more and enjoy our day & be happier!  Maybe it is worth a shot….10 minutes, hmmm definitely worth a shot,I think!

With the huge year you have had at college, a great way to clear your heads for 2012.

 

The Larnachs By Owen Marshall

Click here to visit Larnachs Castle 

The Larnach family have an interesting history, involving death, murder, love and tragedy.  This compelling novel is based on a true story.  William Larnach was a politician and self made man who built the famous ‘castle’ on Otago Peninsula.  In 1891 after the death of his first two wives, he married the much younger Constance de Bathe Brandon.  But the marriage that begun with such happiness was to end in tragedy.  The story of the growing relationship between William Larnachs third wife and son lies at the heart of Owen Marshall’s novel.

A compelling and interesting read.

Bear Grylls – Mud, Sweat & Tears

Click here to go to awesome Bear Grylls website!

If you are anything like our family, your kids will also live, breathe and idolise Bear Grylls.  Bear can be often seen in our back yard, swinging from trees, jumping off woolsheds and hiding from beasts (or sheep)!

This autobiography is a tribute to Bear Grylls, you get to have a look into his amazing adventurous life, accompanied by personal family photos……and really he is the ultimate of cool, who else would name their kids Jesse, Marmaduke and Huckleberry and live on a Dutch barge on a tiny remote island off the coast of Wales, really? AWESOME!

 

Some Dads…By Nick Bland

See Nick Blands other great books here

Terrific Book for any Dads (any age) bookshelf!  Everyone will recognise their Dad or pieces of him through out this book…..

‘There are some Dads who worry.  And some Dads who hurry.  And some Dads who get lost on the way…….’

Great Fun Book!!!

Waitangi Tribunal

The Waitangi Tribunal

Edited by Janine Hayward & Nicola R. Wheen

Click here to visit The Waitangi Tribunal site

The Waitangi Tribunal was established in 1975 to hear claims by Maori against the Crown arising under the treaty of Waitangi.  Today it sits at the heart of the Treaty settlement process, with a unique jurisdiction to investigate claims and make recommendations for settlement.

This book reviews the Tribunal’s place in contemporary New Zealand, and takes a critical look at its role in reshaping Maori society and identity.  The Waitangi Tribunal concludes by reflecting on the future of the Waitangi tribunal, and its contribution to developing notions of reparatory and distributive justice in New Zealand.

 

Coming to Grief – Pam Heaney

 We experience grief and loss for many reasons: death, separation, divorce, redundancy, illness and through many other major life changes.  Pam Heaney’s thorough and perceptive exploration of grief is a book that will truly help us help ourselves and others

Coming to grief has a legitimacy and wisdom  based on experience the author has over 20 years background as a funeral director and grief councillor.  This book looks at why we grieve, what grief is and how it affects us. A great little book to keep in the back of your mind or on your bookshelf ready for when someone close to you needs it.

First Year Primary–Visual Arts Display

Important Changes to Overdue Books

New Systems in place for overdues. IMPORTANT!!!
As some of you are aware, we have visited class and talked about renewing items by phone, email, my account while on posting. Please remember to renew your items as any outstanding overdues will be deducted from your student ID card. 20 books allowed on posting. And remember at the end of posting, bring your items to desk so we can clear your record for your own records. If you missed our visit to class please check library staff.

New Zealand Rock Music

 

Ready to Fly – David Eggleton

Click here to take you to Rock FM

Ready to Fly is a celebration of 50 years of New Zealand Rock Music.  Rock ‘n’ Roll, pop, mod, rhythm & blues, psychedelic, country rock, heavy metal, soul, punk, new wave, garage, funk, reggae, hip hop, dub and dance music – it’s all covered in this highly readable and accessible overview of our popular musical heritage.  Ready to Fly is required reading for anyone with an interest in New Zealand music and wants to catch a glimpse of where we have come from and where we are heading.

 

High Performers, The Secrets of Successful Schools – Alistair Smith

Click here to visit information at NZSTA

High Performers is a practical ‘how to’ guide, packed with tips and drawing on original research.  For school leaders and classroom practitioners, it gives sound evidence-based guidance on what some of the best schools have done to succeed on the learning journey. A must for any school team.

How to choose good books for children

 

Good Books Matter – Shelley Stagg Peterson & Larry Swartz

Click here to go to the Whitcoulls Top 50 Books for children

What a great addition to have in the bookshelves of any  librarian, teacher or a parent who has a love of books and wants to encourage children to read.  Good books matter has a wealth of suggestions for selecting and using good books to help broaden and enrich children’s lives and learning. You will find suggestions for using literature to implement shared reading, reading aloud, and strategies to help emergent, developing and independent readers.

 

Ruby – Colin Thompson

Click here to go to Colin Thompsons funky website

If Colin Thompson is one of your favourite authors & illustrators, then you will love to add this book to your collection.  Originally published in 1994, Ruby has just been re-released.

Look carefully….Hidden in the wonderful illustrations are six letters and numbers from Ruby’s numberplate.

Have Fun!

 

Library Displays this week…..

Come in and see our amazing  new displays

• Planting the Seed – We are growing Cress, Radishes, Beans…Easy to   teach your children in class or have fun at home.  Come in and check it out.  Remember summer is coming…
• Book Menu – Come in and sit and enjoy our dinner menu.  Fill in what books you would like to see on our menu…
• Ghosts, Goblins' & Witches -  Halloween is coming…     

New Resources

 

New Zealand Curriculum Mathematics

Stage 5   Early Additive    Number and Algebra

Click here to go to New Zealand Maths

If you are like me, you will remember these books as black & white text books from our school days…..now they are bright, interesting and full of exciting ways for kids to learn and be taught Maths in the New Zealand Curriculum

We also have available -

Stage 6 – Advanced Additive

Stage 7 – Advanced multiplication Books 1 and 2

 

The Call of the Kokako – Maria Gill & Heather Arnold

Department of Conservation – Kokako

The Kokako is New Zealand's biggest and most beautiful songbird, and this lovely book and its beautiful illustrations will be a treasure in any child's library.

It tells the story of the kokako and it’s fight for survival with the help of conservationists and community helpers.  It is a beautiful book full of extensive information on what is being done and how we can help, with illustrations that are a joy to look at.

New School Journal Information

School Journals have had a major change.  Each issue of school journal is aligned to Level 2, 3 or 4 of the New Zealand Curriculum and will now be identified by the month and year of publication.

School Journal Part 1 and Junior Journal = Level 2

School Journal Part 2 & 3 = Level 3

School Journal Part 4 = Level 4

Teacher Support material and audio MP3 files can be accessed through TKI website.  For further information check out the pamphlet in the library, on the wall by the school journals or click the link below for curriculum update 13.

 Click here to go directly to update info

New Resources

 

The Help – Kathryn Stockett

I do declare - Minny's Sweet Chocolate Pie Recipe

I loved this book! It made me laugh out loud, it made me cry, it made me smile.  As one of the students said to me when she saw me reading this, “The Help is the kind of book you wish you could read again and still enjoy it as if you were reading it for the first time.”

I don't have enough time as I would like to sit down and read a book, but… this book came with me EVERYWHERE, just in case I got a chance to flip another page. I knew I had a problem when i tucked it under my arm to take with me checking the sheep at lambing!!!!

 

Read it before you see the movie, I promise it will make you smile too.

 

The Ghost of Miss Annabel Spoon – Aaron Blabey

If you are a big fan of Aaron Blabey’s books Pearl Barley and Charlie Parsley, Sunday Chutney and Stanley Paste you will thoroughly enjoy the delightful tale of The  Ghost of Miss Annabel Spoon. 

The poor townsfolk of the township of Twee are cursed by the ghost of Miss Annabel Spoon, her dresses were shabby and her moods always crabby! Enough was enough the people decided, she was to be removed.  But a delightful character named Herbert Kettle decided to visit Miss Annabel Spoon…But although scared to death, Herbert held tight his breath and he opened Miss Annabel's door……………

Fantastic story with beautiful illustrations.  One to definitely add to your home collection.

Editing Skills – Practical activities using text types

Follow this link to purchase from Curriculum Concepts

Great Supporting Resource for teachers to have in your  kit. Contains a wide range of reproducible activities for you to teach in your classroom.

We also have available Editing skills for ages 6-7, 10-11 and 11+.

New Resources

Sophie’s Legacy – Lesley Elliott

Click here to go directly to the  Sophie Elliott Foundation

In our home, Lesley and Sophie's names are spoken of often.  Our oldest son Logan was born at 24 weeks and spent 100 days in Neo Natal.  Lesley was our angel.  She left me notes when I had missed exciting milestones, she took photos of Logan during night shift and left them for me in the mornings, she made me a special corner by his incubator with the welcoming red lazy boy chair.  She is my angel.  Sophie’s Legacy is a heart-breaking story, about a beautiful, intelligent, bubbly girl who died at the hands of a monster.  Taking the courage to write  this book and the strength to start the Sophie Elliott Foundation in the hope of saving wonderful girls like Sophie in the future is important in raising awareness against violence to young women.  It is a book every mother and daughter should read and is a wonderful tribute to Sophie.

 

How people Lived – Jim Pipe

This book gives a snapshot of how people have lived through the ages – from cave dwellers right through to today’s high-tech societies.  Kids will love the illustrations, they have so much fun detail and interesting information that will capture their imagination and take them back in time.  Fantastic!

 

New Resources

Hands-on Science 36 fun science activities – Ages 9-10

Click here for fantastic science & technology site

WOW This science activity book has everything you need to get creative and curious little minds working within  the children in your class!  Fantastic ideas, experiments, step by step instructions and great resources are all packed into this amazing book. 

Also available is -

Ages 6-8 and Ages 11+

 

 

I found a dead bird – A guide to the cycle…..of life and death

A great information packed book on every child's question “Why did the animal die?”  and “What happens now?”

Included are fantastic photo illustrations and the book is written in a great text for kids to easily understand.  Lots of information to help answer difficult questions about life and death.

New Resources

Teaching Boys who Struggle in School

 Click here to go to a great Teaching Boys site with great book lists and articles.      

                                                                

 Kathleen Palmer Cleveland presents findings from four large-scale studies about how boys learn best.  Each aspect of the pathways to Re-engagement model offers educators a way to move underachieving boys from a position of weakness toward one of strength – giving them the tools to succeed in school and beyond.

 

 

My Princess Boy – A mum’s story about a young boy who likes to dress up

Find this great authors site here

This little boy loves the colour pink, and sparkly things.  Sometimes he wears dresses, an sometimes he wears jeans.  He likes to wear his princess crown, even when climbing trees.  He’s a princess boy, and his family loves him exactly the way he is.  Inspired by her son, and by her own struggles to initially understand, this is one mother’s story about unconditional love, and one remarkable family.

NEW RESOURCES

Who flung dung?  By Ben Redlich

Somebody has flung dung at Furley and he’s far from amused! 

“Who flung dung?” Furley yells accusingly.

Who flung dung

Who flung dung

Who flung dung

Little does he know that the real rascal is far closer to home than he suspected…..

 

 

The Great New Zealand Songbook

Awesome site - Click here to take you directly to The Great NZ Songbook

A fantastic collection of songs from last century and this century. The  history behind the songs, makes interesting reading and even better listening.  Includes 2 discs and lyrics to a great collection of New Zealand Songs. 

Includes Dave Dobbyn, Supergroove, Exponents, Scribe, Ladyhawke, Fat Freddy's drop, Muttonbirds…………..

Put it on, sit back with your mates,  a bottle of winning  NZ wine and good ole kiwi fish & chips. 

It will remind you just what a great little land we live in.

NEW RESOURCES

Mad or Bad? The Life & Exploits of Amy Bock

You may  have heard Marcus Lush mention Amy Bock on the TVNZ programme South last year. Amy gained notoriety in the late 1800s early 1900s by being the con-artist who impersonated a man, Percy Redwood  and married an unsuspecting woman. Sensationally reported as being ‘the queerest and most interesting character that has ever been before the New Zealand public’.  This book is such an intriguing read, especially as it unfolds right on our doorstep.

 

 

The Southland Book of Records

Lloyd Esler has put together a wonderful and interesting collection of Southland Records. Easy read  facts and fantastic images of Southland, I can guarantee there is new information for everybody in this book.  Who knew……

In Monowai Village, there are only two street names, Turbine Drive & Turbine Place..

Kennington has a first, second, third, fourth and fifth street…

New Zealand’s longest bar was at the White House at Lorneville, once housing 45 barmen… 

NEW RESOURCES

Doctor Proctor’s Fart Powder – Time Travel Bath Bomb

You know by the cover that this book is going to be tough for kids NOT to read!  Both the title and the cover are screaming “READ ME!” 

This  is a 2nd book in the Fart Powder series

A real fart-filled adventure! Written by the fantastic Jo Nesbo.

Have Fun!

 

 

 

A History of Gay New Zealand – Mates & Lovers   By Chris Brickell

WOW! What an insightful book into the past history of being gay in New Zealand.  The old photos hold a remarkable collection of images. The writer Chris Brickell is a senior lecturer in Gender Studies at University of Otago.  Mates & Lovers is his first book, and last year was performed as a play in Wellington and Auckland.

NEW RESOURCES

 

Ecology and the Environment –Step by Step

Click here for a really cool eco kids NZ website

What a cool book!

This book has fantastic illustrations and is so easy for kids to read and gain knowledge about the world around us.  It covers great topics and makes the information basic and relevant to children. A fantastic resource for classrooms and for your own child's library to help them become aware on the relationship between living things and the environment we live in-and how understanding ecology can help us save the earth.

 

Assessing Young Children in Inclusive Settings

“A comprehensive and valuable resource for early childhood practitioners….addresses both the process and purpose for assessment of all children in inclusive classroom settings” – Dathan Rush

Educators will learn how to confidently implement high-quality assessment and reap its benefits: inclusive, family-centered programming that improves outcomes for all children.

What is an annotated bibliography?

Learn more about them

Discover how to evaluate resource content for relevance, accuracy and quality of citations.

Tutorial Thursday 28th July - 2pm - Classroom 2

NEW RESOURCES

 

The Language of Art  Inquiry-Based Studio Practices in Early Childhood Settings    By Ann Pelo

“If you are an Early Childhood teacher intrigued by the Reggio approach but without expertise, support, or extra resources, this is the book for you.  Pelo shares a wealth of examples of how teachers with no art background can invent ways to deepen children’s learning with different art media to represent their ideas” -Margie Carter

* Advice on setting up a studio space for art and inquiry in your early childhood classroom or at home.

* Suggestions for documenting children's developing fluency with art media.

*Guidelines as a tool for investigation.

 

 

The Aunties Three     By Nick Bland

Don’t fart or burp or sniffle or sneeze.  Remember your ‘thank you’ and practice your ‘please’.  Speak when you’re spoken to, never before take a deep breath and open the door…… IF YOU DARE!

The illustrations in this book are gorgeous and will make you smile.  It would be a wonderful addition to your library and is brilliant to read out loud to children of all ages.

New Resources

I’m NOT Stupid, Lazy or Dumb                                                                         Aspects of Specific Learning Disabilities  By Lois Wells

Click here to visit SPELD NZ

Lois Wells has written I’m NOT stupid, lazy or dumb to make a positive difference for people with learning disabilities – young and old – and those working with them.  Lois Wells says in the preface: “Because of the devastating effect learning disabilities can have on sufferers, family and society in general, it is an exceedingly important area of need

It is essential that much more is known about this subject by teachers, parents and the general public – and this book fills in many of the gaps in understanding.

 

 

Hetty’s Day Out    By Pamela Allen

Click here to visit Pamela Allen's Website

We have another wonderful book by New Zealand author Pamela Allen.  One morning Hetty wakes up, squeezes through her cat door and goes to visit all the people in the town…They all have something special for Hetty, baked beans, pork pies, lamb chops and that's only the beginning!  How will Hetty fit through her cat door when she gets home?

Maori Language Week

Te Wiki o te Reo Maori

Manaakitanga   tia te reo 2011

 

New Resources

Stolen Girl – Trina Saffioti & Norma MacDonald

Click here for stolen generation  education kit

From the early 1900s through to the late 1960s it was Government policy in Australia to remove Aboriginal Children from their families.  These children are known today as the stolen generation.  The children were taken to government, religious or welfare institutions all over Australia – sadly many children never saw their families again. Over 100,000 aboriginal children were separated from their families.  In 2008 in the spirit of reconciliation, Australia's Prime Minister Kevin Rudd, apologised on behalf of the Australian Government to the people of the stolen generation and their families.  A beautiful and thought provoking book that has to be read.

 

Rethinking Play & Pedagogy in Early Childhood Education

 Click here for a fantastic Early Childhood Play Site

Bringing together a collection of chapters from international experts in the field of early childhood education, this book seeks to explore how play in the early years is valued as a means of learning.  With international appeal and relevance, this book will be of interest to students taking undergraduate, masters and doctoral courses in early childhood education, childhood and education studies as well as academic teachers and researchers, policy makers and international agencies working with young children.  A great resource for our Early Childhood students.