Happy Summer!
Whatever you’re planning this summer, be sure to bring the OWL Magazine summer digest with you. It’s jam-pakced with everything from sky-scraping rollercoasters to animal selfies to brain-busting puzzles. There’s a ton of stuff to fill your summer with fun.
Be sure to let us know your favourite part of the summer issue!
-Kim
The June issue has arrived!
We’re talking about the sports, the stats, and the stars of the Pan Am and Parapan Am Games.
Also, you don’t want to miss Garth’s crazy dream in Alex & Charlie. Let’s just say the story involves old gym socks, forgotten sandwishes, and a blob monster!
Let us know what you think of the issue.
Happy June!
-Kim
Hey readers!
Did you vote for your favourite flick in the 2014 Movie Awards from the December issue of OWL? We’ve compiled the champs in each category. And the winners are (drumroll, please)…
Most Action: Maleficent
Most Laughs: Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day
Best Drama: Dolphin Tale 2
Best Animated: It’s a tie! The LEGO Movie and Big Hero 6
Best Movie: The Lego Movie
Thanks to everyone who voted. Check out the May 2015 issue of OWL to see who was randomly selected to receive a Disney movie prize pack for this giveaway!
Best wishes,
Melissa, owlblog@owlkids.com
Mrs. Bennett is a teacher-librarian at Joshua Creek Public School in Oakville, Ontario. Photo by Kim Cooper
Recently I visited Joshua Creek Public School in Oakville, ON, and had a chance to hang out in the library with Mrs. Kathryn Bennett. And wow, did I learn a lot!
Mrs. Bennett is a full-time teacher-librarian, and the first thing I noticed about her was how much she cares. She cares about maintaining a high standard in the library, but most importantly, she cares immensely about the students. She also feels strongly about encouraging reluctant readers and is passionate about matching the appropriate books to students’ reading levels. Why send a student home with a book if they won’t read it, or if it’s too difficult for them?
As part-librarian and part-teacher, Mrs. Bennett is sometimes called upon by other teachers to help students with certain projects.
“Mrs. Bennett, when will we work together on a project again?” asked a grade two student, his eyes filled with hope. She later explained to me that she had worked with this student and a few others on a project that involved a Google+ slideshow (how cool is that?)—and that he was waiting anxiously to do another!
Even during my short visit, Mrs. Bennett was in demand! I learned quickly that her job entails so many things—here are just a few of her responsibilities:
-Provides students information in a variety of formats, including audio books, e-books, and print books
-Recommends age-appropriate and curriculum-related books to students and teachers
-Builds an inventory of resources that are educational, informative, and entertaining
-Maintains an extensive database of information and resources… and so much more!
My visit with Mrs. Bennett reminded me that teacher-librarians are so important. They promote literacy and help kids become interested in new topics. In short, I thought Mrs. Bennett was pretty cool!
Now it’s your turn: Do you know a cool librarian or teacher-librarian? Comment below and tell us.
-Kim
OWL December is hot off the press!
I can’t wait for you to see it. Here are three things to watch out for:
1. a grolar bear (yes, that’s right, a grolar bear!)
2. a super cool rescue mobile invention
3. awesome puzzles to do and crafts to make!
Make sure you let me know your favourite part of the December issue!
-Kim
