Friday, May 30, 2008

Catch the Reading Bug

All current 5th, 6th, and 7th grade classes have been introduced to the Lakeview Summer Reading Program, Catch the Reading Bug. The official start is June 9th. That is the first day we will accept book reports. The Program ends on September 2, 2008, the day after Labor Day. Information about the this program and its various projects is available on the Lakeview IMC webpage. There is a link on the district main page - http://www.ccsd66.org/ directly to our webpage. Scroll past the I.P.A.C. links and there is the Summer Reading chart. All boxes on the chart will be activated by June 9th. Right now the basic information is linked and available.

We encourage all Lakeview students for 2008-2009 to join us for a fun summer of reading!

Friday, May 23, 2008

It's Hard to Believe...

but the school year is almost over. It seems out of place to talk about new books when all library books are due next Tuesday, May 27th. But I would like to talk about our first ever Summer Reading Program.

Yes, a summer reading program like the public libraries have, with prizes! We challenge you students to read and report on 1-5 books from a grade specific list. Details are linked to the Lakeview IMC webpage. (Reading lists will be available in June).

While you can get books from any source - public library, bookstore, friend, family - I'd like to recommend our Summer Paperback Checkout. Next week current 5th, 6th, & 7th grade students will have the opportunity to check out up to 10 paperback books for the entire summer. Books are not due until September 2, 2008, the day after Labor Day! For details check the Lakeview IMC webpage.

Catch the Reading Bug and keep reading all summer! I can't wait!

Friday, May 16, 2008

Can You Believe It!

Lily's dad works in an old, abandoned warehouse! Lily's dad works for a company that makes stilts for whales! Lily's dad's boss, Mr. Ray, wears a burlap bag over his head! Mr. Ray throws buckets of sea water over himself! Where Lily finds these facts bizarre, her father sees no problem. So it is up to Lily and her friends, Katie and Jasper, to get to the bottom of everything.
Would you believe a plot to take over the world by a hybrid human/whale? Would you believe an army of whales on stilts (so they can walk on land) mentally controlled attacking and crushing humans in their towns?

These fantastic situations all take place in M. T. Anderson's incredible story Whales on Stilts! Read about Lily, Katie, and Jasper's adventures to save the world for humans in this unbelievably book. I read a lot of science fiction, but this book is the silliest thing I have ever read. When you are ready for a gigantic laugh, you're ready for Whales on Stilts!

Friday, May 9, 2008

How Well Do You Know Chicago?

A new book in the IMC may help you find out. Chicago History for Kids by Owen Hurd is a fascinating look back at the history of Chicago. Starting with the land area prehistory and the Native Americans who settle here through the twentieth century and into the twenty-first century, this book brings to life many of the great events in Chicago history as well as some little known details. Also included is an activity project for many of the chapters, like building a model of the original Ferris wheel and making a Chicago-style hot dog. The appendix contains a list of places to visit and the bibliography has a section on helpful web sites. With something for everyone this is a book to share with your whole family.

Monday, May 5, 2008

New Science Books

The IMC is slowly adding to its collection new science experiment books. Not only will you find experiments and projects in these books but lots of scientific explanations too. The books are published by Enslow Publishers and are part of several series to cover all the science classes here at Lakeview. The series titles are: Biology! Best Science Projects, Chemistry! Best Science Projects, Earth Science! Best Science Projects, and Physics! Best Science Projects. An additional series, Forensic Science Projects, will be added next year. Take a look at these exciting books because, who knows, there may be a Science Fair in Lakeview's future!