March Madness

Students have been so excited about the books that are featured in the 2015 March Madness for Books. Here is the link to the website: http://marchbookmadness.weebly.com/

If you click on the map, you will see we are the only school in our area that is participating. Students are stopping me in the halls to talk to me about the books, ask me if I have copies they can borrow, and telling me they can't wait to find out the results from the next round. 

Ms. Corn's first graders chose their favorite book several weeks ago and I was thrilled to be with them when they heard the latest results. 

Dr. Mercer came to our school on Friday for a visit and Ms. Corn's students told him all about March Madness. Their enthusiasm was very apparent as they shared information about voting for their favorite books week after week. 

I am thrilled to see so many students and Teachers passionate about reading and sharing their passion with others!

The Adventures of Sammy

On Friday our students thoroughly enjoyed listening to author, Jonathan Miller read all about Sammy and his adventures. Students learned all about the process of layering paper and cutting shapes so each picture is uniquely made over many, many hours. He once spent over 80 hours creating one picture!

The writing process was also discussed and the importance of writing, reading, editing, revising, and then go back and start all over again. Students learned that the first book, "The Adventures of Sammy the Wonder Dachshund" was written three times before it was given to the editor. After 15 revisions, it was finally ready to be published!

Mr. Miller told students that writing is a process that everyone uses, not just authors. He shared that adults everyday send emails, letters, write on blogs, and some even post ads on Craig's List. He encouraged students to constantly write, read, revise, and edit until the process becomes second nature.

Students loved hearing all about the adventures of Sammy and the latest book, "A History of Wonder Dachshunds" was their favorite. Please read more about his books at:
http://sammydogbooks.com/

Students have until March 18th to submit a book order. So, if you forgot your slip on Friday and you want an autographed copy, then get your order form in this week!!

It’s EPIC!

Have you heard of EPIC? If not, you will be so glad to know about it! EPIC provides instant access to thousands of picture books, chapter books, early readers, fact books, and comic books for students to read. For younger students audio is provided. As an educator, access is free once you create your account. Students can access EPIC on the iPad, and/or iPhone to read. Parents can create a free account for two months and then if they are still interested, it is 4.99 a month. For educators, access is always free!!

It is so easy to scroll through the titles that are available. I know students will love the Sports category, Mystery category, National Geographic, and the Science and Nature category since Book Flix and True Flix does not offer books in those categories. I am really thrilled to see all of the great titles they offer, and I know your students will be too! Please download the app and get your students reading today!!