Breakout! Library Skills Immersive Game in Fourth Grade Enrichment Library Classes

This is a guest post from our library media specialist, Beth Redford.

Over the past week, RES fourth graders searched for clues, solved puzzles, and practiced their library skills while playing a Breakout immersive game in their enrichment library classes. Our fabulous enrichment teacher, Darcie Rankin, adapted the "Breakout from Mr. Lemoncello's Library" game that was originally created by Amy Williams. The game was particularly good for practicing how to look up books in the library's online catalog, and how to find nonfiction books on the shelves. More information about the original game and the Breakout model of gaming and education can be found at the Breakoutedu website (scroll about 2/3 of the way down the page to see the original Breakout from Mr. Lemoncello's Library game).

Mrs. Rankin put together the video below, of the fourth grade classes during their Breakout game days. Thank you Mrs. Rankin for always bringing so much creativity and engagement to the library!

Dorothy Canfield Fisher reading program for #resvt fourth graders #vted

Fourth graders intent on their

Dorothy Canfield Fisher books!

Welcome RES fourth graders and families to the 2016-2017 Dorothy Canfield Fisher reading program!

The Dorothy Canfield Fisher Book Award is Vermont's Children's Choice award for books. The award has been in existence since 1957 and is open to Vermont students in grades 4-8. Grade 4 students at Richmond Elementary School are encouraged to participate in the program by reading or listening to the age appropriate DCF titles that are in the library's collection. Other titles from the list can found at the Richmond Free Library.

Grade 4 students who read or listen to at least 5 of the selected books from the list by early April, 2017 are eligible to vote for their favorite in the state-wide program. They will also receive an invitation to our world-famous DCF Pizza Party!

More information about the program is below, or please contact Mrs. Redford if you have any questions or would like more information.

Dorothy Canfield Fisher Book Award Reading List 2016-2017 by bethredford on Scribd

Dorothy Canfield Fisher Book Award website from the Vermont Department of Libraries

Lila spreads the word!

This week our student blogger had the opportunity to share a class activity with our Tech Integration Specialist, Mr. Langevin!  Good work, Lila!

Lila was featured in the district technology integration blog!   Click here to check it out!

Thank you to all of my families!

Thanks to all of you for coming to Open House and embracing the spirit of the evening!  The children loved sharing their classroom with you and bringing you into their world for a while!  I felt their pride in their work as they spoke with each of you.  It was truly energizing to all of us!
I look forward to sitting down with families in the upcoming weeks to discuss student progress at our Parent/Teacher Conferences.  Conference notices were sent home last night - if you haven't scheduled one yet, please reach out and we'll make a plan! Best to all and thank you again for your support!

A Big Thank You from the RCC!

Great Work, Kids!  So proud of you!

Way to go!!!

So proud of our 4th graders who took the time to care for others in the community!  As a result of their efforts, our school has received money to support our student biking program in Mr. G's class!  Way to go!

click the link to learn more! :)

RES Kids Receive a Big Award!

Wolves Changing Rivers....

How is this possible?  Today in our class we investigated the interdependence of organisms within ecosystems by looking at an amazing example found in our nation's Yellowstone National Park.  Please take a minute to watch this incredible short film telling the story of the wolves as they leave and reenter the park....and how their presence brought new life and dimensions to this very special place in our country.  Incredible. The kids really enjoyed it and had a rich and thoughtful discussion about the balance found within ecosystems.