A visit from Paul Janeczko

There could not be a more perfect way to wrap up Poetry month than with a visit from a published poet. On Tuesday we were fortunate enough to have Paul Janeczko visit our school. Impressively he has written 50 books ranging from adult fiction to non-fiction, from reference books for teachers to his well known anthologies of poems for children. One of his newest books, Firefly July, was recognized with a Caldecott Honor medal. Mr. Janeczko shared the process of having the book published. It was fascinating to see the rough print of the book that the author and illustrator must then edit. I loved the story he told about how the illustrator, Melissa Sweet, found a spot in one of the illustration that was missing something, and how she added to the picture. 

The students listen enthralled as Mr. Janeczko read some poems from his collection of anthologies. It was so fun to hear background stories of the poems and listen to the expert manner he recited the poetry. 

Poetry Club

Here at Dike Newell we have been celebrating Poetry Month with sharing poems each morning and putting poems in our pockets. I had the pleasure of working with two groups of first and second graders in poetry club after school each Wednesday this month. We shared poems, explored different types of poetry, wrote poems and tried out different ways to perform poems.

 Here is a sampling of some of the poems we created: 

 Mud 

 Muddy, Muddy, Mud 

Squished between my toes

 mud slippery mud 

 Spring

 spring is magical 

bright, sunny green grass smells fresh

 rain brings mud to play

 Books 

information, adventure

 looking, reading, dreaming 

let’s go to the library

 books

 If I were a bug, 
i run away 
I am busy, busy, can’t stop
 fizzling 
fate in every step 

 by Tenny 

 If I were a bug,
 I would give your hair a tug. 
 Tug with some help
 from another bug.. 
 And I’d say 
hay, hay 
I just got a tug
 from a bug. 

 by Noah

What has been happening in April?

Celebrating Dr. Suess

These week we are wacky and crazy in recognition of Dr. Suess's birthday on March 2. Our school began getting into the spirit by decorating our doors. I have always loved Horton Hears a Who. Because really "a person's a person no matter how small".

We had a snack that was just perfect as we read The Cat in the Hat.

The kids have been excited to choose Dr. Suess books to read this week. The patterned rhyming verse is one that even the early readers find success. It can empowering for a new reader to reach beyond the leveled books and read a book that can be found in the library.

How exciting to get a new book, even better it was free!

We are fortunate to have received funds from Reading is Fundamental so each child at Dike Newell School received a new book of their choice. RIF is a non profit organization whose mission is to put books in the hands of children to build the passion for reading. They have provided 15 million books to children in all 50 states. 

It was exciting to see student walk away with a new book to have at home. 

And The Winner Is……..

The Caldecott Winner has been announced! 
Congratulations Bleeker: The Unimaginary Friend by Dan Santat

This award is given to the artist of the most distinguished American picture book for children. 

  

The Geisel Award is given to the most distinguished American book for beginning readers.

You are (Not) Small, written by Anna Kang
has received this distinction
I can not wait to get to the book store for this one. 

We are most excited that Mo Willems  and Cynthia Rylant received a Geisel Honor.

          We love both these authors.

See what we have been up to…...
View the January Newsletter.  Click here!