The kids know their topic, they have worked out their focus questions and now they are on the information hunt. And using the computers to search for this has an intrinsic attraction that the smart teacher will explore and exploit to the max.

But we all know how easy it is to spend hours just browsing like an addicted window shopper, only to find our time is up and we haven't made any purchases.

So how can we help them spend their time more wisely?

Just as we pre-select books that meet the needs of our younger students, so we must pre-select sites and then lead them through the aisles, past the bargain bins and the toys to the information department and then back through the aisles to the checkout.

So join us on this shopping trip and learn a little about Mem Fox, Australia's favourite author for children, at the same time.

 

Wise shoppers always have a shopping list.

A list allows them to remember what they need and they can cross off each item as they get it. It also helps them stay in their budget.

So start by asking the students for suggestions for questions that might help us learn more about Mem Fox, and use these as your shopping list. But because shopping lists without treats are boring, and it is the impulse purchase that is the most fun, include "I never knew Mem Fox ......" just to cover the surprise that is certain to pop up.

Also include "If you could ask Mem Fox just one question, what would it be?" so they are encouraged to look for that gift that is unique for them.

Wise shoppers know which shops will have the things they want.
And a wise teacher will have selected just one or two shops for their students to visit. We are going to just one, because not only does it have the things we need, but it is set out like a book which means there are many features, like the Contents Page, that the students will recognise. It's like going into a familiar supermarket and knowing where things are.

To get to the front door of the shop, we can do two things.

Ask the students to put their cursor over these orange words : Mem Fox
What happens?
Now click on the words.
What happens?
The cursor will turn to a hand whenever it is dragged over a hotlink such as this, and by clicking on it, you will be taken directly to the site.

Another way is to open your browser and type in the URL or address of the site.To get to Mem Fox's site you need to type http://www.memfox.net/
But just as the postie needs to have the exact address to deliver the mail, we need to make sure that we copy it exactly if we are to get to the right place.

Once you are at the shop, it is time to open the door and go in. To make sure the children have a good look around, I have given them some tasks to complete, just in case they have left their shopping list at home.

If you have forgotten your shopping list of questions, pop the answers to these questions into your shopping trolley as you explore.

There is an illustration on the front cover of the site. What book is it from?

If you wait a few seconds, something happens to the cover. What?
Is this what you thought Mem Fox looked like?

To turn the page, move your cursor over the words turn page until it turns to a hand and then click. This is how you turn the pages on a website. To go back to a page you have already looked at, click the back button at the top left corner of your screen. To move up and down a page use the scroll bar on the right hand side of the screen.

When you turn the page, what page do you come to?

What are some of the things that you can find out about Mem Fox in
Chapter 1?

Where was Mem Fox born?

Which book features her mum and dad?

What does she love doing most?

What are three things that she loves?

What are three things that she loathes?

What is one of her favourite Australian books?

Find Chapter 2. Look at the titles of the first nine books. Use your OPAC to find which ones your library already has.

Can you find them on the shelves and take them to the librarian so she can display them?

How could you use the OPAC to see if your library has any other books by Mem Fox? What are they?
Check your list against the one that is provided in Mem's bibliography.
Are there any there that your library does not have that perhaps your librarian could buy? If you write the title, the publisher and the date of publication, then it makes it much easier.

Now choose your favourite book from Mem's list and read what she says about it. Write down something that interests you.

Possum Magic is Mem's most well-known book.

What was its original title?

Who is the illustrator?

Why did Mem choose possums as the main characters?

Go to this page to learn more about Possum Magic.

Scroll down to Chapter 5 and read some of the messages that have been left in the guestbook.
What would you like to say to her?

Write a short message on paper and have your teacher check it to make sure it makes sense and that you have spelled all the words correctly. Remember, Mem is a teacher! Now carefully copy your message into the spaces and then send your email.

Now you are at the checkout. Before you leave, check your list to make sure you haven't missed anything!

Did you find the answer to your special question? If you didn't, send it to
Read Around Australia and maybe someone else will be able to answer it for you!