Literacy Links and MORE....

Today I found myself with several hours of quiet time with no electronics and just sitting with pencil and paper. Ten pages later, I have found several ideas that I can NOT wait to use with students next year. I am hoping to do this project next year as part of my internship for college in the library. So I want plan out some more here.

 1. Idea number one - Baxter Book Bash - I would like to have kids who want to compete about books they have read. Just like Battle of the Books but adapted to our campus. So a team of 6 students against another team of 6 students, who have all read the same 3 books.  Bash could be set up like Family Feud and students could win points.

- Each team must bring 12 questions and answers about the books to the match. From question stems and using key vocabulary.
- Books Bashes will happen each six weeks with different Genres of books so all can participate-
    * Diary of Wimpy Kid Bash - Most Popular books and more can participate here.
    * Scary Book Bash - featuring those Ronald Dahls Tales of Fear, R.L. Stine, Cryers Cross or Wait til
        Helen Comes.
    * Historical Fiction Bash - new historical fiction books - Glory Be, Lions of Little Rock, Out of the Easy.
    * Hunger Games Bash - featuring Dystopian books - Among Hidden, Hunger Games, Matched
    * Buford Bash - featuring Buford High Books- The Bully, Pretty Ugly & more
    * Romantic Bash- featuring romantic novels - Sarah Dessen and Lisa Schroeder
    * Poetry Bash with Poetry Slam- featuring Shel Silverstien, Jack Prelutsky and more.
    * Animal Stories - Ivan the One and Only,  The Underneath, Shilo

- Maybe a teacher bash at first to show & model for students how the BASH will happen.
- Each team must answer the mixed questions from question stems and more.  I can't wait to make posters and see who will sign up for the Bash.  What a fun way to read with friends!!
I already have a poster started with - You and Your Friends Bash it Out!  Read it... Prove it.... Win it...!!!

Idea # 2 today - Is Monthly Subject Area Blogs from each department at school. So Engaging for Students

- September Reading  - on this blog, we could have one teacher post a video of what they may be teaching, or reading.  Students can post what they learned or liked.  Or a tutorial to teach others who may need help understanding what the goals are for this first six weeks. This would give the kids ownership in their learning and most love to help others. We could post Book Reviews of books read by students and teacher...!!  Student reviews written. Then pass the blog to next ELAR teacher team for next month.

We could have a Math Blog, Science Blog, a Social Studies Blog; Art Blog; posting photos of great art from students.  Then share with parents and others. ;o)

Idea #3 Literacy Links  - Awards I was thinking of ways we can reward for AR Goal Getters.  As students complete a book and take an AR test they can add a link to the literacy links of our class and by end of year we should have A LOT of links.  I always give snacks to those who take and AR - just because I work in an area that students do not have literature rich environments and they need all the persuasion they can to grab a book and get lost in it, most that are in my class learn it is way cool to read great stories.  So now for everyone who adds a link they get the snack, we will have a visual and they will keep reading.  PLUS the links will have to be filled out complete with Title, author, recommendation, AR Score and Reader's name and date - then we can have a visual of all that we have read.  And others may want to read a book you have read. ;o)  Great fun!!  I plan to use light purple strips, and gold for our school colors, but I saw a polka dot chain that was way cool too.  We shall see what paper is on sale. ;o)  So excited I can't wait for school to start.


This little game will be everywhere in my classroom.  I want posters about the blog, and students questioning students with fake mustache and we can really use it a lot!! LOVE it my Hispanic kids ran around with mustaches on all day when I tried it last year.  So fun.