2020-2021 Library Corner
Library Corner Theme Halloween-10/20/20
Help your kids get excited about Halloween with a good book! Check out our Swigert library book Halloween collections:
Halloween Picture Books for ECE-2nd graders:
https://collections.follettsoftware.com/collection/5f7e007b49f8a40012601808
Halloween chapter books for 3-5 graders.
https://collections.follettsoftware.com/collection/5f7e0116514f8f00125ee49d
Halloween Nonfiction books for 3-5 graders
https://collections.follettsoftware.com/collection/5f7dff8d3dab980012e4f9ae
Check out these spooky ebooks/audiobooks on Sora!
https://soraapp.com/library/dpsk12/curated-135999/subject-43/page-1
Library Corner Theme Sora Collections 11/2/2020:
Check out these amazing ebook/audiobook collections that our very own DPS Library Services have come up with:
Top 100 books:
https://soraapp.com/library/dpsk12/curated-1100899/seed-311147317/page-1
Anti-Racist books:
https://soraapp.com/library/dpsk12/curated-1086139/seed-62369369/page-1
Denver Public Library Best & Brightest:
https://soraapp.com/library/dpsk12/curated-1041625/page-1
And so much more!!
Library Corner 11/10/2020 Theme CCBA 2021:
Did you know that last Spring Swigert and other Colorado schools had an opportunity to vote for their favorite Colorado Children’s Book Award nominees? Some Colorado students even had a chance to nominate new books for the 2021 Colorado Children’s Book Award!
There are two ways to read these amazing books that children in Colorado loved and wanted to see win this award!
1) Check the books out at the Swigert Library:
https://collections.follettsoftware.com/collection/5e879261156a8600129c093b
2) Read the ebooks/audiobooks on Sora:
https://soraapp.com/library/dpsk12/curated-1041618/page-1
Library Corner 11/17/2020 Theme Thanksgiving:
This is the time of year for giving and receiving, being thankful, and celebrating with family. What better way to get into the Thanksgiving spirit then reading a book!
Swigert has many fiction and nonfiction books about Thanksgiving, and how it is still honored and celebrated today.
In the collection of books below you will not only find books about Thanksgiving, but also find books about different kinds of families, their traditions, and sometimes their struggles. Some books may even inspire your child to think about ways they would like to give back to our community.
Take a look our November Swigert collection of books:
K-2 books:
https://collections.follettsoftware.com/collection/5fa1c8dabf206000124a8883
3-5 books:
https://collections.follettsoftware.com/collection/5fa1b15d7d624c0012de5af3
Nonfiction books for all:
https://collections.follettsoftware.com/collection/5fa1c931eea51c00129423b9
Library Corner 12/1/2020 Theme Reluctant Reader challenge:
Do you have a reluctant reader at home? Do you have a child that no matter what book you recommend, they don’t want to read it? I was exactly like that in my youth. That all changed when I finally discovered the genre I enjoyed. Once that happened, I became an avid reader.
A favorite part of my job is trying to help students find their preferred genre. When I come across a student that has never really enjoyed reading and can’t find a book, I begin with asking them about themselves. I might ask about what activities the enjoy outside of school, if they like a particular sport, do they have favorite animal or pet, or even what movies they have seen and loved in the past.
From there, I can get a sense of which direction to go in. Sometimes this works and other times it doesn’t, but I will never give up trying. For me, I can’t imagine life without books.
Library Services have come up with an ebook/audiobook list on Sora titled “Books to Hook Any Reader.” Are you up for the challenge in proving them right (or wrong) in attempting to hook your reluctant reader at home? If you take on the challenge and it works (or doesn't) please email me! I would love to hear about it!
Sora ebooks/audiobooks to 'Hook Any Reader':
https://soraapp.com/library/dpsk12/curated-136006/page-1
Swigert Library Corner 12/8/2020 Theme Winterfest
Congratulations, Swigert Eagles! If you haven't already heard the amazing news... Swigert had the MOST books checked out in the month of November. Wahoo!!! Keep reading Eagles!
Speaking of reading.....the Winterfest is fast approaching (December 17th 6-8pm to be exact). What better way to get excited for this epic event?? You got it....reading books about Wintertime holidays/celebrations around the globe! You can find many books at our Swigert library! Check out this list of books:
Diwali:
https://soraapp.com/library/dpsk12/search/query-diwali/libraries-202341,29/page-1
Hanukkah:
https://soraapp.com/library/dpsk12/search/query-Hanukkah/libraries-202341,29/page-1
Christmas:
https://soraapp.com/library/dpsk12/search/query-Christmas/sort-relevance/libraries-202341,29/page-1
Kwanzaa
https://soraapp.com/library/dpsk12/search/query-kwanzaa/libraries-202341,29/page-1
Chinese New Year:
https://soraapp.com/library/dpsk12/search/query-Chinese%20New%20year/libraries-202341,29/page-1
Library Corner 1/5/2021 Theme Winter reads
Happy 2021, Swigert Eagles! I hope you had a wonderful break and READ A LOT OF BOOKS!
Speaking of reading.......what is a wonderful way to get through the after winter break slump?? You got it....read and disappear with some Winter tales!!!
Check these ECE-2nd Swigert library book collection list:
3rd-5th grade Swigert library book collection list:
Swigert Library Corner 1/12/2021-MLK's bday
Hello Swigert Eagles! If you haven’t heard the good news already, the Swigert Library recently acquired a grant that allocates funding for literature that promotes diversity. This grant is intended to ensure that DPS students have access to culturally responsive library material.
Speaking of having access to culturally responsive literature….what better way to celebrate the birthday of one of our nation’s heroes, Martin Luther King Jr, than reading books about him!
Tumble Books: Blast to the Past: King's Courage (Read-Along) by Stacia Deutsch and Rhody Cohon
https://www.tumblebooklibrary.com/Result.aspx?m=Keywords&key=Martin%20Luther%20King%20Jr.
Sora ebooks/audiobooks:
https://soraapp.com/library/dpsk12/search/query-Martin%20Luther%20King%20Jr./libraries-202341/page-1
Denver Public Library Ebooks/audiobooks:
https://soraapp.com/library/dpsk12/search/query-Martin%20Luther%20King/libraries-29/page-1
DPS Online Databases:
Pebble Go (K-2)-
https://site.pebblego.com/modules/3/categories/3721/articles/3222
(don’t forget to listen to his ‘I Have a Dream’ speech)!
Gale in Context: Elementary-Grades K-5
Britannica School: Elementary-Grades K-5
https://school.eb.com/levels/elementary/search/articles?query=martin%20luther%20king
Swigert Library Corner-1/19/2021-Theme Book Diversity
Hello Swigert Eagles! Did you know that according to 2018 publishing industry statistics, the percentage of children's books depicting characters from diverse backgrounds is ONLY 23% (1% American Indians/First Nations, 5% Latinx, 7% Asian American, and 10% African/African American)? WHAT?!
DPS Library Services is striving to disrupt the publishing status quo, increase demand for children's and young adult literature that promotes diversity, and ensure DPS students have access to culturally responsive library collections that encourage a love of reading!!! GO DPS!!
You might we wondering…what does this have to do with you and your family? Well…Library Services has spent an endless amount of time researching, purchasing, and creating AMAZING Sora ebook/audiobook collections on diverse topics, cultures, and authors! I encourage you to read some of these diverse books with your children to help expose and educate our future generation! This is how we are going to help them become future change makers!
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1kCgY8BRbyRIbYAHTFSpM6kK2_4S9VwvbOAixcgzH-xo/edit
Library Corner-2/26/2021-Theme ALA Awards
Yesterday they announced the ALA Youth Media Awards which include the prestigious Newbery, Caldecott, and Coretta Scott King Book Awards to name just a few. Each year the American Library Association (ALA), which are composed of librarians and other literature and media experts, honors books, videos, and other outstanding materials for children and teens. Recognized worldwide for the high quality they represent, the ALA Youth Media Awards’ winners and books that are honored help guide educators, librarians, and others in selecting the best materials for youth.
I can’t think of a better way to begin getting excited about celebrating Black History month in February than reading some Coretta Scott King Award winning books! The Coretta Scott King Book Awards recognizes African American authors and illustrators of outstanding books for children and young adults. Take a look at the Coretta Scott King Award winning books that we have in our Swigert library!
Here is the Sora link to access some of the other 2021 ebook/audiobook winners:
Library Corner-2/2/2021 Theme Black History Month
Greetings Swigert Eagles & Happy Black History Month!
For the month of February at Swigert, we especially honor and celebrate the many amazing accomplishments of black Americans and the positive contribution they have made to our society past and present. Have you ever wondered how and why Black History Month was created?
In the United States in 1926 historian Carter G. Woodson and the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History came up with the idea of celebrating Black history in February. Carter G Woodson was the second black American to receive a PhD in history from Harvard and was extremely passionate about history. He wanted to ensure that school children be exposed to Black history. He also hoped to use history to prove to white America that black Americans had played important roles in the creation of America and thereby deserved to be treated equally as citizens.
What better way to learn more about Black history you might be asking? You got it, by reading books!! Reading books at home about Black history, traditions, and celebrations will not only help our children understand (and hopefully appreciate) more about the culture, it will also help guide open conversations. Learning more about the culture of Black people as well the injustices of the past (and present) is especially crucial for our children, the future leaders and change makers. The ultimate hope being that our children will be more educated and strong enough to make necessary changes towards fair and just treatment for all.
Alicia Bigg's Recommended Read Aloud-
28 Days: Moments in Black History Read-Aloud/Performance with Charles R. Smith Jr:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WmTcTbw7Ask
Swigert Black History Library Books ECE-2:
Swigert Black History Library Books 3-5:
Swigert Black History Library Books Middle School Age and Above: https://collections.follettsoftware.com/collection/60146b12ea0a9f0012331942?h=60427350325a86b908e063b724598e995651ee1dc2b9e3c3e1f1888ef14c4300
Library Corner-2/9/2021-Theme February Holidays/Celebrations
Hello Swigert Eagles!
The month of February is a VERY celebratory month! Not only am I wishing you a Happy Black History Month (again), but also a Happy Groundhog’s Day, Happy Chinese New Year, Happy Valentine’s Day, and of course Happy President’s Day! Did I forget any??? What better way to learn more about these events you might be asking? You got it, by reading books!
Here are some Swigert Library Book Collections in honor of February's many celebrations. Take a look!
Groundhog’s Day, Valentine’s Day, Chinese New Year, and President’s Day:
This Week's Recommended Read Aloud in honor of Chinese New Year:
The Great Race: The Story of the Chinese Zodiac by Dawn Casey:
Library Corner-2/16/2021 Theme Black History Continued
Hello Swigert Eagles!
As we continue to celebrate Black History Month, I wanted to share these ebook/audiobook collections as well as my book recommendation to read at home with your child/children this week:
Black History DPS Sora ebooks/audiobooks:
https://soraapp.com/library/dpsk12/search/query-Black%20History/libraries-202341/page-1
Black History Denver Public Library ebooks/audiobooks:
https://soraapp.com/library/dpsk12/search/query-Black%20History/libraries-29/page-1
Weekly Recommended Read Aloud this week:
The ABCs of Black History by Rio Cortez
Library Corner 2/2/2021-Theme Read Across America Day
Guess what today is? If you guessed it was Read Across America Day, you are correct! Each year, National Read Across America Day is celebrated on March 2nd, the birthday of Dr. Seuss. The annual event is part of Read Across America, an initiative on reading created by the National Education Association. What better way to celebrate this day you might be asking yourself? If you guessed reading books, you are correct!! Pick up a book, and read it with your family! If interested use #ReadAcrossAmericaDay or #DrSeussDay to post on social media.
Not sure what to read with your child? Here are some recommendations:
Swigert Library Book Collection of nominated books recommended by Colorado kids for the 2021 Colorado Children's Book Award:
Prefer ebooks/audiobooks?
Here are some books that Swigert students recommend:
My weekly recommended read aloud is the chapter book "Ghost" by Jason Reynolds. It is one of the books our Swigert students love!!
Jason Reynolds reads an extract from his amazing book Ghost:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zzCBbaRkpr8
Library Corner-1/9/2021-Theme Women's History Month
March is Women's History Month. Have you ever wondered why there is a designated month devoted to celebrating women? Well, President Jimmy Carter signed a proclamation in 1980 declaring the week of March 8 to be Women's History Week, which eventually evolved into Women's History Month. When President Carter signed the proclamation he explained, "Men and women have worked together to build this Nation. Too often, the women were unsung and sometimes their contributions went unnoticed. But the achievements, leadership, courage, strength, and love of the women who built America was as vital as that of the men whose names we know so well."
Let's celebrate amazing women....what better way to learn about Women's History? You guessed it, by reading books!!
Swigert Library Book Collection ECE-2nd:
Swigert Library Book Collection 3-5:
This week's recommended read aloud:
All Are Welcome by Alexandra Penfold
READ BY Mayor Hancock!!!!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eDtuwutg4Nw
Library Corner 2/16/2021 Theme St. Patrick's Day
It is St. Patrick's Day tomorrow! As many of you know, Saint Patrick's Day originated in Ireland to celebrate a Christian Saint named Patrick. Patrick was a missionary who helped to bring Christianity to Ireland. Have you ever wondered how a holy day in Ireland became such a huge celebration in America? Well, in the 1700s the holiday began to become popular with Irish-Americans wanting to celebrate their heritage. The first ever St. Patrick's Day parade was held on March 17, 1762 in New York City. The traditions and festivities that we see today weren't created in Ireland, but here in America. In fact, it wasn't until 1996 that Ireland began adopting some St. Patrick’s Day traditions from Irish America.
If you are interested in learning more with your child/children, here are some DPS on-line resources and my weekly book recommendation:
(If asked to log in: Username is student ID/lunch number and password is 8 digit birthday mm/dd/yyyy)
Sora ebooks/audiobooks:
https://soraapp.com/library/dpsk12/search/query-Leprechaun/libraries-202341,29/page-1
PebbleGo K-2:
https://site.pebblego.com/modules/5/categories/5003/articles/5142
Gale In Context K-5:
Britannica K-5:
https://school-eb-com.ezproxy.dpsk12.org/levels/middle/article/Saint-Patricks-Day/490013
Book Recommendation for the week-"How to Catch a Leprechaun:"
Library Corner 3/23/2021-Theme Women's History Continued
As we continue to celebrate Women's History Month, I wanted to showcase a woman named Wu Chien Shiung who was referred to as the "Queen of Physics." Wu Chien Shiung lived in a time where girls didn't go to school because they weren't considered smart enough. With the encouragement of her family, Wu Chien Shiung had to endure sexism and racism in order to pursue her love for science and achieve her dreams. Not only did she earn the title the "Queen of Physics" for her scientific advancements, but she also became the first woman hired as an instructor at Princeton University and the first woman elected to be president of the American Physical Society.
Teresa Robeson's debut non-fiction children's book, "Queen of Physics: How Wu Chien Shiung Helped Unlock the Secrets of the Atom," is my book recommendation for this week. It won the 2020 Asian/Pacific American Literature Award through the American Library Association Youth Media Awards. Youtube read aloud: https://youtu.be/d6NnxS3rkhk
Available through the Swigert Library: https://search.follettsoftware.com/metasearch/rest/v2/go/77711/details/304076
If you are interested in reading more ebooks/audiobooks written by or about Asian American/Pacific Islanders, please click on this link that Library Services has created.
https://soraapp.com/library/dpsk12/curated-136003/page-2
Library Corner 4/6/2021-Theme National Library Week:
This week it is National Library Week! I found myself wondering....when did circulating libraries actually begin? Well, according to Wikipedia, the very beginnings of shared writings dated back to the Romans who made scrolls in dry rooms available to patrons of the baths. It wasn't until the mid 19th century advancements in technology, literacy, and demand which helped evolve the public libraries as we know them today (publicly funded and freely accessible to all).
In honor of National Library Week, I wanted to showcase two incredible people, one librarian who courageously saved a library and the other that considerably contributed to one! Alia Muhammed Baker was a librarian from Basra, Iraq who was able to save 30,000 library books before the library burned down in the Iraq War. Arturo Schomburg dedicated his life to writing, researching, and collecting the stories that chronicled the Black history of the Diaspora and donated it all to the now famous Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture in New York.
My two read aloud recommendations are their stories.
4/13/2021
April is National Poetry month. What better way to honor this month, but by reading poetry books!! We have many poetry books in our library and on Sora, so take a look! [Login info: username-child's 6 digit school ID & password-child's 8 digit birthday (mmddyyyy)]
Swigert Library Poetry Books K-2:
Swigert Library Poetry Books 3-5:
Sora Poetry Ebooks/Audiobooks:
https://soraapp.com/library/dpsk12/search/query-poetry/libraries-202341,29/page-1
Poetry Book Recommendation:
Amanda Gorman's book "The Hill We Climb" is the powerful poem she created and spoke at the presidential inauguration. Both the book and ebook are available through the Denver Public Library.
Here is the video from the inauguration.
4/20/2021
This Thursday, April 22 is Earth Day! Did you know that Earth Day has been in place for 51 years? That's right, the very first Earth Day was on April 22, 1970. Lucky for us, there are MANY children's books about how we can help take care of planet Earth. This book stood out to me, in particular, due to its interactive components. In honor of Earth Day, my read aloud recommendation is "Touch The Earth" by Julian Lennon.
[To coincide with this book, he later wrote "Heal the Earth," and "Love the Earth" in case you were interested in other books similar to this one.]
A physical copy of this book can be found at the public library.
https://catalog.denverlibrary.org/search/title.aspx?ctx=1.1033.0.0.6&pos=1&cn=1611679
Happy Reading!