Alva Review-Courier -

The Freedom School library is a busy place. Here's an update:

New Biography Titles Added to Collection

Do you remember the difference between a biography and an autobiography? You might have written an autobiography about yourself some time during your school career.

A biography is an account of a person's life, written by someone else. An autobiography is an account of a person's life, written by that person.

The library has a few new biographies. Some people you might have heard of in the news recently that passed away. Many biographies are about important people like Presidents and First Ladies. It seems appropriate to have a book about them in the library.

Vooks – A Streaming Service for Children's Storybooks.

The library uses this on the big screen. Remember, Vooks helps students learn to read. To learn more about Vooks, visit http://www.vooks.com.

This week Mrs. Province likes the storybook "And the People Stayed Home." This book tells the story of the global coronavirus pandemic, from a very different point of view. In a time of uncertainty and fear, this thought-provoking story focuses instead on hope and beauty. This thoughtful poem about the pandemic, quarantine and the future suggests there is meaning to be found in our shared experience of the coronavirus.

Mrs. Province recently missed school because she was home sick with this virus. She hopes everyone stays away from this very contagious virus. It isn't any fun to be home sick. Everybody should take this pandemic seriously.

Painting Pumpkins and Spook Parade

Painting pumpkins in the library with family looked like a fun and productive time. Oct. 30 was a fun-filled day and students enjoyed painting a pumpkin at noon, before they took off to the Spook Parade and parties in their rooms. Thanks to Clayton Smith's family for providing the bright orange pumpkins for painting.

What's Happening in Makerspace?

Remember our vision of a place busy with people sketching, coloring and doodling? Wide-open spaces invite you to plan, design, draw and color. Colored pencils, crayons, markers and other supplies surround you. Well, our Makerspace might not be wide open but it has been used lately – especially, third and fourth graders have been in drawing and coloring. For one project they used the iPad and took each others' pictures; then they doodled or put other artwork around their photo.

Then they couldn't wait for Mrs. Province to return so they could get their next project. Shoes!! White canvas shoes were purchased with library grant funds, and students painted them any way they wanted. Good job, third and fourth grades.

Wild Readers After School Will Happen

We have been slow to get this after-school program started this year. We can blame it on several different things, but let's not go into that.

Top: The Freedom School library has several new biographies for readers to check out. Bottom: Students work on art projects in the library.

After Thanksgiving break we will begin staying after school on Mondays and Wednesdays from 3:45 until 4:45 p.m. Students should plan on reading books, working on the computer, playing a game and sometimes being involved in a STEM project involving the Makerspace area. Mark your calendars for Mondays and Wednesdays for Wild Readers After School.

Rosen Digital Learning Databases

The library is excited to offer several databases from Rosen Digital Learning. On the Freedom School website, check under Library Resources and use the Educational Websites' page.

For example, we have available PowerKnowledge Life Science. PowerKnowledge Life Science is an online resource specifically designed for learners in grades 3 to 6. Comprised of curriculum correlated content, PK Life Science promotes digital literacy and 21st century learning skills, while offering research, report and homework help. Instant article translation into over 100 languages supports English language learners and family literacy programs.