Peep and the Big Wide World

Hi, everyone! In my quest to provide you with new and exciting resources that you can use to support your child's learning and development, I have discovered "Peep and the Big Wide World."

"Peep" contains an animated series designed to teach math and science to children ages 3-5. Each half-hour episode follows Peep, a newly hatched chicken, and his friends, Chirp (a robin) and Quack (a duck) on their daily adventures around a park - a place they call "the big wide world."


Designed by an Early Childhood Science teacher, each episode highlights contains two stories that focus on a specific science concept. An added bonus are the "live action shorts which show real kids experimenting with these concepts in their own big wide worlds."

Stay tuned to the website for a new story each week! That's "Peep and the Big Wide World." Check it out and let me know what you think:)

EXTRA! EXTRA! Read more books!

Hi Everyone! 

Did you know that you can check out 4 additional library books to read with your child? 

Just drop by the library between 2:45 and 3:30 p.m. and I can help you find books that are "just right" for your child.

A book review of The Library Lion by Mrs. Smith's Second Grade Class

Title: The Library Lion by Michelle Knudsen
Illustrated by:  Kevin Hawkes

Main Characters: the Lion, Miss Merriweather (the librarian), Mr. McBee (the library assistant)

One day a lion came to the library. The lion became a good helper by dusting the books with his tail. He learned to follow the rules in the library too. The most important rules were no running in the library and no roaring. Miss Merriweather had told the lion that he come be a helper and come to story hour if he followed the rules, but one day he accidentally ran in the library.

If you want to know what happens in this really good book, you'll need to check it out yourself.

Our Rating: 

Library Check-out

WOW! What a busy week in the library! I must have told every class,"There's no need to run to the shelves, the books can't leave without you!" They were so excited to explore the library and try new books. It's my favorite time of the year!

That makes this the perfect time to share our library's check-out procedures with you. Your child's class will visit our library weekly to select books. As the parent, you need to know that:

• Students are responsible for handling library books with care, since they are for everyone to share. Please keep books away from pets, food, and all liquids.  
• Any book damage should be reported to the library as soon as possible so we can attempt repairs.  
• Library books may be kept for one week (K – 5th grade).  A book may be renewed (checked out again) if the student is not finished reading it. An overdue (late) book means a student cannot borrow another book (until the overdue book is renewed or returned).  
• If a book is lost, payment toward a replacement will be requested from the parents.  
• If your family plans to move from Dawson Elementary, please return all books before moving.

We have a wide variety of books for students (and parents) to borrow for reading practice, information, and enjoyment. If you're interested in opening a parent account, please stop by or email me at kathy.seidel@ccisd.us

Starfall: A Great Reading Tool (and it's FREE too!)

Hi parents! Can you believe that we're already into the third week of school? I thought that for this week's post, I'd share a wonderful website (or phone/tablet app) with you.  It's called Starfall and it is absolutely FREE.  

We have used this free version for several years now in our computer lab and the students love it! The teachers also love the extra learning that takes place when the students "play"on Starfall.  This program has a wide range of reading activities from ABC's (for Kinder), Learn to Read (for First and Second grades), and It's fun to read and I'm reading (for Second - Fifth grades).  There are also awesome holiday games for kids of every age/grade level.  

The activities that I just suggested are on the left side of the home page. The activities on the right offer a sample of the paid version. Therefore, there are only a few activities that students can actully access. Having used the product in the computer lab for several years, I think that the free version is more than enough. 

If you have any questions or comments, I'd love to hear from you!  Happy Reading!!