1. September: #ownvoices

Description: #OwnVoices is a term that was coined by YA author, Corinne Duyvis. Own Voices refers to books about characters from underrepresented and marginalized groups in which the author shares the same identity. The writing is inspired by the author's own experiences and written from their own perspective. Kobe Library would like to start the school year off with a  campaign championing the right for authors to tell their own stories in connection to their diverse identities.

 

2. October: Build your own book cover month

Description: An annual favorite and alternative to the book report! In this fun school-wide activity,  students create new book covers for their favorite books, which are then displayed in the library. For middle grades and above, students will work with their art teachers in class. Worn book covers will be replaced with the new designs for display in the library for all to see!
 

3. November: International Children’s Book Day (November 1, 2021)

Description: a workshop and panel discussion on translation of picture books, for middle and high school students, by veteran translators. Day-long activities will include:

• a “relay talk” by  2018 Hans Christian Andersen Award for Writing (“little Nobel”) winner Eiko Kadono

• a workshop for upper elementary school students on creating a book based on a theme: “transformation”

• a lecture by children’s author Shoko Iwase, Japan’s nominee for the 2022 Hans Christian Andersen Award for Writing

• a workshop for elementary school students on making a bridge with paper, boxes and one-yen coins

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4. December: The Global Read Aloud

Description: The premise is simple; we pick a book to read aloud to our students during the entire month of December and we try to make as many global connections as possible. Teachers get a community of other educators to do a global project with, hopefully inspiring them to continue these connections through the year. The theme is for “one book to connect the world”. 

 

5. January: National Storytelling Week (January 17th-21st 2022)

Description: Stories belong to everyone!  What is your story? National Storytelling Week will demonstrate the difference between reading and storytelling. It will guide children in how to reduce stories into just a few key words, representing key moments of a story. The library will host plenty of story games to help students step inside a story in addition to workshops that will show our middle grades students the teachings of the oral traditions which they will teach to the grade 4 and 5 students.

 

6. February: Read Aloud for Kindergarten with parents & caregivers (Every Friday in February, 8:30am-9:30am)

Description: Every week in the month of February, parents and caregivers are invited into school to read to kindergarten students! Reading aloud to children gives them the opportunity to try on the language and experience of others. It helps them make connections with their lives, and informs their view of themselves and others. Thinking aloud helps children learn how to use comprehension strategies that are important when reading independently. We can’t wait to host you in our library!

 

7. March: Visiting Author: Elena K. Arnold (March 10th-11th, 2022)

Description: Elena K. Arnold, established children’s and young adult author will discuss her process of writing, where she gets her ideas, and her pathway to book publishing! Ms. Arnold will conduct three workshops to help the students write stories or poetry. The Kobe Library strongly believes an author visit lends authenticity and credibility to the reading and writing process. Guest artists are a fantastic way to get parents and the community involved in student learning. An author visit inspires excitement, and gives students a goal to work toward.

 

8. April: Poem in your pocket Day (April 4, 2022)

Description: Every April, on Poem in Your Pocket Day, people celebrate by selecting a poem, carrying it with them, and sharing the joy of poetry with their peers, teachers, and parents. Students will write their own poetry in the library.

 

9. May: Sakura Medal Winners Book Month

Description: The Sakura Medal program brings together students from international schools across Japan each year to vote for their favorite books. The mission of the Sakura medal award program is to create a community of lifelong readers in international schools in Japan. We aim for a diverse selection of fantastic and engaging books.

 

10. June: Golden Dragon Books Month

Description: Established by the Association of Librarians in English Speaking Schools (ALESS), the The Golden Dragon Book Awards are an opportunity for students in middle grades to vote on their favorite books. The books are nominated by schools across Japan and the short list is selected by a panel of librarians from both primary and secondary schools. Books are chosen for their broad appeal, subject matter, design and international representation.