Hallinan Library
Library News
Guided Inquiry units with the Year 1 students and a group of ELC students concluded last week. The Year 1 students had been looking at a unit of Geography. We began exploring our world through maps, atlases, globes, and Google Earth. We then focussed our attention on Australia and had a brief look at the states and territories of Australia, linking it with Hush and Grandma Poss’ adventures in Possum Magic. The boys were introduced to icons that represent these places. We found pictures of manmade and natural features. Finally, we focused on features of Adelaide, The River Torrens and Adelaide Oval. After researching these two features, the boys needed to choose the most iconic and justify their selection. Many of the boys were able to use basic facts about the feature when justifying its importance. Below are some examples of their work.
The Torrens River is the most important feature in Adelaide.
It is special because it’s fun to walk along it.
You can ride along a path to West Beach because it goes from the Adelaide Hills all the way to the beach.
Therefore, the River Torrens is an important feature in the city of Adelaide.
Ben 1HH
The Adelaide Oval is the most important feature in Adelaide.
It is special because you can go and watch your favourite sports.
In the olden days, people watched in the rain. Now, we have a big stadium and lots of seats.
Therefore, the Adelaide Oval is an important feature in the city of Adelaide.
Manav 1HH
Meanwhile the Guided Inquiry unit from the ELC children from Miss Ambaras’ class stemmed from the children’s play. Several of the children had been on a bug hunt around the ELC. They wondered why they didn’t see all the bugs that they knew. We looked at various aspects of this including what they eat and the availability of that food. We used augmented reality apps to look at the insects up close. We used our observations and non-fiction books to classify bugs and we came up with a definition of an insect. Jackson was most intrigued about what happened to a caterpillar in the chrysalis and how it changed. We attempted to look at this through a science experiment.
The Primary eBook platform now has audiobooks available. While all the boys from Year 3-6 are familiar with the eBook platform last week the Upper Primary classes were shown to access the audiobooks that sit on our Wheelers platform. Instructions for accessing the Primary platform can be found at http://blackfriars.libguides.com/bpsprimary. The boys are strongly encouraged to keep reading over the holidays.
In the Senior Library, the genrefication of the fiction section has been completed. All the books now have a sticker representing their genre on the spine along with the specific name eg. Humour, Science Fiction etc on the spine label. The books have been grouped in each of their genres in the stacks in the same way we would browse a book shop. Since starting the labelling process, we have noticed that boys have been borrowing books they wouldn’t usually take a second look at. We are feeling positive about the change and how it will affect the boy’s choice in reading materials.
Suggested parent holiday reading:
Prince Boofhead Syndrome by Dr Michael Carr-Gregg
Some teenage boys think the world revolves around them and are treating their parents like doormats - but it has to stop! Leading adolescent psychologist Dr Michael Carr-Gregg believes that too many Australian boys have got it too easy - and he's dealing with the fallout every day. The result is a generation of 'boofheads'; boys with huge egos who think they are too good to stack the dishwasher or work for money. They expect the world and give little in return. But things are about to change. It serves as both a warning and a rescue manual for all desperate parents - why have boys today become such egotistical and lazy creatures, what can you do to prevent it, and how do you deal with the situation if you're caught up in the crisis? This hard-hitting book will ask the tough questions and deliver the straightforward advice so that the parents of today can take back control. It is essential reading for everyone living with a teenage male.
Information via Dymocks https://www.dymocks.com.au/book/the-prince-boofhead-syndrome-by-michael-carr-gregg-9780143784272/#.WcmocbIjG70
The Hallinan Library Team