It took them weeks to create these nonfiction Big Books, and it all began with a Skype call with "Dr. Goodgrace."
She asked the Magical Minds to help her plan for a zoo she is opening. She asked them to research a rare animal to help her design the exhibits, and prepare for the habitats and diets of the different animals. Jazzed to be part of such a ambitious plan, the Magical Minds were eager to jump right in. The next day we introduced them to Nicole, our FABULOUS neighborhood librarian at the Portola Branch.
She asked the Magical Minds to help her plan for a zoo she is opening. She asked them to research a rare animal to help her design the exhibits, and prepare for the habitats and diets of the different animals. Jazzed to be part of such a ambitious plan, the Magical Minds were eager to jump right in. The next day we introduced them to Nicole, our FABULOUS neighborhood librarian at the Portola Branch.
Bursting with enthusiasm, Nicole helped the students locate books on their chosen topics, guiding them through the nonfiction section of the library and demonstrating how to use the computers to locate resources.
With their books in hand, they began a week's worth of research.
With their books in hand, they began a week's worth of research.
The Magical Minds painstakingly recorded the facts they found on notecards, keeping in mind three or four important subtopics: habitat, diet, anatomy and life cycle. Once they had written a healthy collection of notes, they began to organize them according to topic, preparing to write what would be their rough drafts.
Rough drafts became final drafts. The kids photocopied as well as drew pictures, diagrams and maps, and put all their information together into one giant book. As we got closer to the presentation date, they created notecards to read from and practiced in front of their peers and teachers.
Finally, the day arrived! Nicole, our local librarian, came to visit and Dr. Goodgrace Skyped in. Each team of researchers did an amazing job of presenting their findings.