Spot to Read

The 4th Stall Part II

2012-01-02T17:19:00.002-06:00

The Fourth Stall Part II by: Chris Rylander
Waldon Pond Press

Mac and Vince's business is overflowing!

(Which could be messy in a boys bathroom)

All the normal problems of surviving school and starting 6th grade are being handled by Mac and his guys. They even have a new teacher/baseball coach that likes the Cubs as much as they do.

Then things start going wrong: school lunches that would add calories and fat that even our fast-food restaurants couldn't serve, gym class easy enough for newborns, animal droppings showing up in lockers, and a strange new 8th grade girl, Trixie, that puts everyone in a tizzy.

Can't get worse? Wrong!

Dr. George is brought in to FIX the problems and to administer the state standardized test that could close down the school not to mention Max's business.

Can Max figure out how to save the school?

Will he and Vince make the baseball team?

Are girls really more dangerous than shotguns?

Can anyone pass the SMART test?

Read The Forth Stall Part II and enjoy the middle school mystery!

Extra : T op 10 List on Standardized Testing :D

New Year- New Books!

2012-01-01T16:43:00.002-06:00

So, what is your New Year Resolution?

Here is my reading goal for 2012:

I will read at least 212 books this year. These will be from a variety of genres and mediums.
My favorite way to "read" is using the old-fashioned/low tech "book" but I will also use audio books and e-books.
I will track my reading on Goodreads.com and on this blog
Since I read over 111 books last year, I hope that 212 books is attainable yet leaves a bit of a challenge.

Make your reading goal attainable, measurable and challenge yourself just a bit : HAPPY READING!

Time To Read NOAHZARC!

2011-11-30T21:17:00.003-06:00

NoahZarc: Mammoth Trouble

By: D. Robert Pease

Published by Walking Stick Books

In this amazing space-age story, we are introduced to Noah Zarc, a twelve-year-old boy living in the future-- and the past. Noah and his family travel through the ages, bringing pairs of animals from the past to their specialized spaceship in preparation for re-inhabiting a post-apocalyptic Earth.

It doesn’t take long for the reader to put 1 and 1 together and compare the story to Noah and his family collecting animals 2 by 2 from the Bible.

Noah doesn’t stray away from adventure and excitement and finds himself looking into the face of danger more than once. Noah is a paraplegic but has the futuristic advancements making it possible for him to be a fantastic spaceship pilot and animal handler. We learn quickly that Noah’s disability will not deter him from his duties. His family doesn’t give him a chance to dwell on his disability- it is his abilities that are needed to save the animals and his parents when they are kidnapped, putting the animal mission at risk.

With his mom trapped in thirty-first century Mars and Dad trapped in the Ice Age, Noah and his siblings go into warp speed to save the future (and the past) of Earth. Noah finds an unexpected ally from the Ice Age- a girl that uses her primitive knowledge to track down the kidnapper and win over Noah’s heart.

Noah Zarc is a story that can be read over and over again! The sci-fi aspects will thrill even the most reluctant readers by introducing futuristic adventures that one can only dream about now. Destroying attack robots and testing thermal space suits during solo time travel while being a part of the ARC (Animal Rescue Cruiser) project puts this adventure story at the top of many “to be read” piles in my classroom. The paradoxes of time travel theory are sidestepped, as the spaceship simply jumps from time period to time period. The pull to read this futuristic story is as powerful as gravity on Earth.

The environmental issues discussed are concerns students face today. The extinction of animals and the destruction of Earth will register as a future possibility by the way humans are choosing to live presently. Animal lovers and earth-wise readers will connect immediately to the ARC mission.

Action, adventure, suspense, mischief and love makes this

a must read for all ages and interests.

This is a book I need to buy 2 by 2: I can’t keep the single copy on my shelf!

VIEW THIS TRAILER TO GET YOUR FIRST LOOK AT NOAHZARC

OMS Students: Submit an original book trailer on this book for your book study assignment

and earn a free personal copy!

Junonia by Kevin Henkes

2011-11-08T21:05:00.004-06:00

Junonia by Kevin Henkes

Greenwillow Books (Harper Collins Publishers)

"A junonia shell is a rare and exceptional find- and this novel for young middle grade readers delivers an equally exquisite thrill of discovery."

Alice Rice is looking forward to her annual family vacation on Sanibel Island, Florida - it will be her 10th birthday and her 10th trip to this beach full of memories. Her first double digit birthday promises to be filled with family, friends and sunshine. That is until her friends, family and even the sunshine leave her feeling alone and sad on her birthday. Change can be both good and bad? Will these unexpected adventures bring the luck that Alice has been wishing for and put the rare junonia shell in her hand?
The beautiful island setting and the waves of a young girl's emotions makes this a must read.

Kevin shares Junonia in this video

NaNoWriMo Means What?

2011-11-01T14:39:00.002-05:00

NaNoWriMo stands for National Novel Writing Month. This will be the first year I have OMS 6th graders participate. I plan on giving the students every opportunity to create a story that they can be proud to share with others. This means that during the WHOLE month of November, ALL that we will be doing during English class will be writing and sharing about writing. We will have a few published authors Skype in and talk about their writing process and of course, continue learning new words through our spelling/vocabulary study. If you have ever experienced NaNoWriMo please let me know about your writing. If you are one of my students this year, blog about your experience- if you can find the time…

Get Ready to be Blown Away!

2011-10-20T15:04:00.001-05:00

Windblowne Review

By Emily D.--- 7th Grade

Windblowne, an amazing story by Stephen Messer is an exciting, fast paced book about a boy named Oliver who just can’t seem to get a kite to do what he wants. It all takes place in just three or four days in (sort-of) a town named Windblowne and the surrounding areas. It all starts when Oliver’s dad mentions that Oliver’s mom has a crazy expert kite maker for a great-uncle just one day before the annual kite flying contest that Oliver has always hopelessly dreamed about winning. So, Oliver seeks out his great-uncle, only to lose him the same day. Oliver is pulled into an adventure involving alternate worlds and evil twins. Will he be able to survive it all? Read Windblowne, by Stephen Messer to find out.

The Familiars: Three Are Choosen

2011-09-18T13:10:00.000-05:00

The Familiars by: Adam Epstein and Andrew Jacobson
www.harpercollinschildrens.com

Secrets of the Crown is book 2 in The Familiars series by Epstein and Jacobson. This amazing fantasy/adventure book continues the quest for three very unlikely heroes to follow as the travel far and beyond to save their world and all those who live in it- animal and human.

Book 2

Book 1

Familiars, animals with special powers, have been partners and companions with their human friends for countless years. Our three prophesied heroes- a telekinetic cat, a spell binding bluejay and a water viewing tree frog have to leave their loyal humans behind while they search for the Crown of the Snow Leopard. Securing the Crown is their only hope in stopping Paksahara, an evil familiar, from destroying all that is dear to them.

Secrets of the Crown takes the reader to new, exciting and dangerous lands, introduces creatures never spoke of before and binds loyalty, friendship and family into an unstoppable force. Readers, be ready for a journey that leaves you with so many unfamiliar tales you can't stop turning pages.

Books one and two have set the stage for an epic clash of two very determined and opposing forces! Book three is sure to provide familiars and human companions a quest to end all evil encounters... or will it be just the beginning of yet another unforgettable adventure?

***Book three is in my Anticipated Book Box where I will wait impatiently for it to materialize.

-Note to readers: The Familiars is going to become an animated film- read it BEFORE you see it!

The Underwear Dare

2011-09-10T14:05:00.002-05:00

The Underwear Dare: 5th Grade Couldn't get any Worse!

By: The Nardini Sisters

Sorelle Publishing Inc.

Imagine starting school and finding that you will be in the same class as the bully that has tormented you all through elementary school. Think life couldn't get worse? Think again...your dad has decided to marry his mom, making you roommates both in and out of school!
Eddie and Josh must find a way to survive during this unpleasant turn of events. Creating a series of dares that only boys could come up, the reader is entertained with a series of embarrassing and gross events.

The Nardini Sisiters have shared a book that is so realistic, you can well, smell the tension. As problems are encountered resolutions are found leaving the reader with a realistic and fun to read story about life's adventures in today's pre-teen world.

Guest review by Mrs. Simpson-
This is a book that you should read! It is about normal kids finding themselves in not the best situations. It is interesting to see how they get themselves into and out of the mishaps. This book exceeds the gross factor scale of all books read!

The back cover has a warning label:

"Read only if you can handle being grossed-out by

popping vomit, silent but deadly farts, vibrating burps

and other dares not for the faint of heart!"

Guys Read that will Also "Thrill" Gals

2011-09-09T15:06:00.004-05:00

Guys Read Thriller

Edited by J. Scieszka

Harper Collins Children- Walden Pond Press

Stories by M.T. Anderson, Patrick Carman, Gennifer Choldenko,
Matt de la Pena, Margaret Peterson Haddix, Bruce Hale,
Jarrett J. Krosoczka, Anthony Horowitz, Walter Dean Myers,
and James Paterson. Illustrated by Brett Helquist.

"A body on the tracks

A teenage terrorist

A mysterious wish-granting machine

The world’s worst private detective "

Being released this month is Volume 2 of the Guys Read Library. There couldn't be a better collection of suspenseful short stories today! The mysterious titles give a hint to the characters and mayhem readers will experience. The Old, Dead Nuisance, Thad, the Ghost, and Me, the Snake Mafia, and The Double Eagle Has Landed are a few stories that will keep you reading. Pudding by Krosoczka shares text with art giving a new look to short stories.

One of my favorite reasons I love this series is simple- short stories that can easily be abandoned if not quite what I want to read, with a new set of characters on the next page.

Just so there is full disclosure, this anthology has a female author, Margaret Peterson Haddix and you may even read about a girl or two in the stories. I know that boys will love this book, but girls will be reading and enjoying this as much as they devoured the 1st book of Guys Read: Funny Business.

A great site to find more guy reads choices: http://www.guysread.com/books/

Fall Book Releases/ Purchases

2011-09-05T16:38:00.006-05:00

This fall is one of the busiest and most exciting seasons I have seen when it comes to middle grade and young adult book releases. Many of these books I couldn't resist pre-ordering and will soon be on the shelves under our Wall of Wonderful.

Here are a few new releases that I would love to share:


   Vordak the Incomprehensible: Rule the School by: Vordak T. Incomprehensible-Sequel to Vordak the Incomprehensible: How To Rule the World

    Darth Paper Strikes Back: An Origami Yoda Book by: Tom Angleberger Sequel to The Strange Case of Origami Yoda
   Sprinkles and Secrets by: Lisa Schroeder Sequel to It's Raining Cupcakes
   The Familiars #2: Secrets of the Crown by: Adam Jay Epstein and Andrew Jacobson Sequel to The Familiars
   Ashfall by: Mike Mullin http://www.mikemullinauthor.com/
   Ashes by Ilsa J. Bick

The Death Cure by: James Dashner Maze Runner Trilogy final book

Shut Out by: Kody Keplinger
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u7dbHLq8gG

Mrs. P's Magic Library Writing Contest

2011-09-04T18:03:00.035-05:00

Our 1st Skype this year will be with Mrs. P in her Magic Library!

She will share information about her writing contest and a few laughs.

Here is some information from her web site:

http://www.contest.mrsp.com/

Did you ever read a story and think, “I could do that!” Well, now’s your chance to prove it. Enter Mrs. P’s 3rd Annual “Be-A-Famous-Writer” Contest. Write a story, submit it to MrsP.com – and Mrs. P herself might read your story on her website!

ENTRY DATES September 1st to October 15, 2011

For Writers ages 4 to 13 years of age

Mrs P invites children to write a story on any topic, no less than 250 words and not to exceed 1,000 words. It may be fiction or non-fiction. All participants must be between the ages of 4 and 13 years old. There are two age competition categories: 4 to 8 years of age, and 9 to 13 years of age.

The two (2) Grand Prize winners’ stories will be read by Mrs P and original illustrations will be created. The lucky child will receive an actual copy of the story in addition to having it posted on the web site (www.mrsp.com) for viewers to watch and enjoy. MrsP Enterprises, LLC pays all costs of producing the winning book and video. Additionally, all 10 finalists in the contest receive prizes from the contest sponsors. Powell’s Books, the largest independent bookseller in the world, who has been a sponsor since the first year of the contest and our new sponsor, Sakura of America, an innovator in writing and artistic tools, believes in the Power to Express® - the idea that EVERYONE has ideas and thoughts worthy of expression. Sakura’s advocacy of individual self-expression makes them a perfect new sponsor of Mrs. P’s writing contest.

Warrior Sheep Go West

2011-09-01T19:00:00.002-05:00

The Warrior Sheep Go West
by: C and C Russell
Sourcebooks Publishing

The rare breed warriors are back with a quest that will take them from England, over the Atlantic Ocean and into the hot Arizona desert in the USA.
After seeing a pop up message on the laptop playing music in their barn, the warriors are sure that "Red Tongue" is out to destroy every ram, ewe and lamb in the world. This was declared as truth in the Songs of Fleece Prophecy hundreds of years ago.
Following the prophecies directions to "Go West" Wills and friends end up in Las Vegas. Will they be able to stop the "Red Tongue" monster before it is too late?
Travel along with the rare breeds and enjoy a mystery that is full of fun and silliness.

2011-08-31T08:46:00.000-05:00

http://www.limeadesforlearning.com/projects/view/609060/teacher

Please vote daily- we won last year- we can do it again with your help!

Every email address counts-let your family and friends know.

It is easier to win at the beginning-the votes go into the next week- THANKS!

Limeades for Learning allows SONIC customers and fans to make a difference in their local communities by voting for public school teacher projects they want SONIC to fund.
Participation is easy and this year there are three ways to cast your vote at LimeadesforLearning.com

Anyone with a valid email address can go online and vote for their favorite teacher's project once per day.
Get two extra votes with any SONIC purchase. Vote codes are provided on the bag sticker.
Vote online 10 times and get two extra votes. Vote codes will be sent via email.

Repeat the process once a day to help your favorite project get enough votes to be funded!

"An idea that is developed and put into action is more important than an idea that exists only as an idea." - Buddha

2011 Changes in our SPOT

2011-08-20T13:58:00.005-05:00

Wall of Wonderful Reading

Wednesday, August 17th was our 1st day of an amazing school year! The changes that have been made in the school and in our classroom are easy to SPOT.

--Mrs. Steggell is our new principal! She brought energy and excitement with her from the Little Husky Learning Center. Her purple and gold pride and love of learning is easy to see each day.

--Many changes in staff and teaching assignments keep our learning fresh and alive. Just to name two: Mrs.Kelly and Mr. Hunzelman have joined the 6th grade Language Arts Team.

Slinky: Super Ferret

--Mrs. Buffington is student teaching in our classroom the 1st eight weeks of school. She is going to school at UNI so purple and gold spirit is bouncing off her.

--Slinky is our 1st class pet. He is a rescued ferret and keeps us laughing at his silliness.

Time to Connect

--Our room has transformed into a writing/reading/connecting headquarters. Bookcases and books, computers and supplies have found places to be used to help connect our learning to the world.

--6th,7th and 8th graders are calling our SPOT home during reading and homeroom times. This will allow us to collaborate and share easily with other Husky students.

With just three days completed, I can tell our

SPOT at OMS

is going to be the place to be this year!

2011-08-15T20:18:00.000-05:00

Hailey Twitch Is Not a Snitch by: Lauren Barnholdt

Sourcebooks Publishing

This fun series featuring Hailey Twitch is an amusing adventure of a seven year old and her new found fairy friend, Maybelle. Hailey has to keep her friendship a secret -after all, who would believe a fairy was causing all the trouble that Hailey finds herself in?

When they leave on a camping trip, the mischievous fairy magic creates mishaps once again. Hailey is just trying to have fun, but other people and things get in her way. Poison Ivy, green hair and boys all mixed together with ooey-gooey marshmallows makes the weekend one to share and laugh aloud.

Go Baby Go!

2011-08-05T20:44:00.001-05:00

Go Baby Go! By: Marilyn Janovitz
Sourcebooks Publishing

A board book that will keep you singing and smiling long after the pages are done.

Baby's jumping high

Baby's bouncing low

Baby's flying in the air

Go Go Go!

The illustrations are colorful and lively as the baby and pets go through a fun filled day! Perfect to share anytime and anywhere you want to smile.

"The Ultimate" Book Review!

2011-08-01T19:51:00.008-05:00

The Ultimate Top Secret Guide to Taking Over the World
Story by Kenn Nesbit
Illustrations by Ethan Long
Sourcebooks Jaberwocky www.jabberwockykids.com

It will be my goal to make this book the ultimate "Everyone Knows About This Book" by the end of our new school year. Kenn and Ethan have given us a book that will change what we learn -How to Rule the World or nouns and verbs, long division and the capitols of Asia? When students have the opportunity to RULE THE WORLD I think I know what they will choose!

So, get ready for a year you will always remember.

If you don't happen to be in our class, I'm really sorry!

You can always get your own copy of the book and try to keep up with us as we seek and conquer and laugh! "Mwwhaharaha"

Kenn says it best at the beginning of the book...

"...by the time you’re done reading, and rereading, and heck, let’s just say devouring this wonderfully clever book (and telling all your friends and buying lots of extra copies), you will have learned everything you need to know to have entire countries simultaneously groveling at your feet, chewing on their fingernails, and quaking in their baby booties. Seriously. You’re going to learn all sorts of important stuff, including how to:
- Become a genius overnight -
-Think up your new Mad Scientist name
- Equip your underground lair
- Build evil robots
- Stop time for fun and profit
- Dress for conquest
- Clone mutant monsters
- Recruit minions
- Construct doomsday devices
- Defeat secret agents
- Perfect your diabolical laugh
- Choose your Mad Scientist theme song
- Spend your first billion dollars
- Do some other junk
Doesn’t that sound insanely fantastic? Of course it does. That’s why I wrote this book."

School starts soon and the world will be yours!
Makes you want to come to school early doesn't it?

Elliot - "A Likeable Hero"

2011-07-28T20:47:00.106-05:00

Elliot and the Goblin War and Elliot and the Pixie Plot
Jennifer Nielsen author
Gideon Kendall illustrator
Sourcebooks Jabberwocky www.jabberwockykids.com

Goblin War: Minding his own business and trying to stay away from neighborhood bullies, Elliot finds himself being offered the honor of being King of the Brownies. Patches, a Brownie running for her life on Halloween night, is saved when Elliot scares away the Goblins that are trying to steal her pickles. Of course, Elliot just sees kids dressed in their Halloween costumes- not REAL Underworld creatures. Patches shares with all the Brownies how Elliot is a hero and he is rewarded after Queen Bibsy's spleen dies. Not everyone approves of Elliot- a human becoming King so the adventure begins...Goblins, pickles, Brownies, Turnip juice, humans, carrots, chocolate cake and explosions. Enjoy the adventure and humor as both Jennifer and Gideon take you Underground with a POOF!

Pixie Dust: Elliot barely has time to see his house rebuilt and the Underworld needs him. Above ground, he is busy creating a science project with a bossy girl and being "friends" with the bully that he taught how to be nice in The Goblin War. The bully, Tubs, and Elliot are kidnapped by Pixies and held in an Underground prison. Elliot is caught in the middle of a turf war- release the Goblin King from prison or DIE.. Elliot escape path is so full of twists and turns, he may as well be on a roller-coaster from your worst nightmare! When he accidentally awakens Kovol the Demon, who now plans to destroy the human race, his problems really get BIG! Don't stop reading, you need to know if Elliot's science project gets finished, if Tubs returns back to normal, and if the human race, Brownies, Pixies, Goblins, Fairies can all get along.

The Fourth Stall

2011-07-20T22:34:00.018-05:00

The Fourth Stall
Chris Rylander
Walden Pond Press www.harpercollinschildrens.com

Horrid Henry Rocks

2011-07-13T11:43:00.003-05:00

Horrid Henry Rocks by Francesca Simmon
Sourcebooks Jabberwocky

http://www.jabberwockykids.com/

"From the desk of Horrid Henry

There aren't any cute fairies in my book and no magic wizards either. but if you want to see someone cause a lot of trouble, I'M THE BEST! -Horrid Henry"

Pick up this book and read four fast and fantastic stories about Horrid Henry, Perfect Peter, Moody Margret, Sour Susan, Vain Violet and more.

Spy sleepovers, bedroom invasions, daisy and rat concerts and creative autobiography writing finds Henry getting into more trouble then most middle schoolars could think of. Enjoy the rewards without the punishment!

The Pony Whisperer: Secret Pony Society

2011-07-06T11:08:00.002-05:00

The Pony Whisperer: Secret Pony Society
written by Janet Rising
Sourcebooks Jaberwocky Publishing

Pia and Drummer are back with more adventure. This time, they aren't "horsing around". A traveling secret society group decides to camp near Laurel Stables. Everyone at the stable is concerned about the safety of their horses and belongings. After Pia meets one of the girls in the society, Jazz, a horse connection is made. Jazz, who seems to have some real pony-whispering powers herself, asks Pia to protect her and her pony from her violent father. "When Jazz and her pony become runaways, should Pia help the girl and risk her new friendships at the stables?"
Read this latest adventure in The Pony Whisperer series to find out.

New York City -Oh Yea!

2011-07-05T09:18:00.006-05:00

Authors, publishers, literacy groups and the Today Show

June 2011

When I was given the opportunity to visit NYC with my daughter, I grabbed my book bag and camera and headed for The Big Apple. Along with the regular tourist spots, we also did our own reading tour. Here are a few reading stops we made. I hope you enjoy the pictures as much as we enjoyed our trip!

Books of Wonder Book Store: Author Speak

Lisa Schroeder- "It's Raining Cupcakes"

...cupcakes of course!

NYC Public Library

Outside NYC Library

Balto statue in Central Park

C. A. London- Accidental Adventure author is amazing!

Egmont Publishing and Elizabeth
shared books and fun...

Vordak's evil helmet

Vordak's rules for reading

Magickeepers Three: Give Away & Review

2011-06-21T21:45:00.090-05:00

The Chalice of Immortality: Book Three
Written by Erica Kirov. http://www.magickeepers.com/
Sourcebooks Jaberwocky Publishing
This amazing and magical Magickeepers adventure series just keeps getting better! Harry Houdini, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle and Amelia Earhart are just a few of my favorite historical individuals that play a part in protecting the chalice of immortality. Nick and his family continue in their quest of protecting all that is magical and keeping the relics safely out of unknowing hands. The Rostov family must combine their knowledge, power and loyalty to save Nick's father. Through stories, legends and trips, the chalice is found- how Nick will use it is the mystery all are waiting to see. If you haven't read the 1st two books in the series, here is your chance! The Eternal Hourglass and The Pyramid of Souls along with The Chalice of Immortality are available for a lucky middle school student. Send me an email or leave a comment by August 1st sharing your favorite summer book to win this magical set.

Stupid Fast is a Smart Read

2011-06-18T19:36:00.007-05:00

Stupid Fast
by Geoff Herbach
Sourcebooks Fire Publishing

The Summer I Went From a Joke to a Jock

Getting to know Felton Reinstein is easy. He is like most teen boys- easily embarrassed, often confused and curious about almost everything- especially girls. Felton's life is changing fast at the same time that he is stuck in a time warp of disturbing memories.

The chapter titles tell the story better than I can:

2- My Body Grew Hair.

9- Things Began To Change Suddenly At The Pool
13- It Is 2:35 A. M.
20- I Really Didn't Know What To Do
25: What Seems To Be The Problem, Officer?
34- I Had To Be A Barbarian
39: Tired Barbarian
52: I Can Juggle Clean Sock Balls
62: Sweetness

Football, Friends, Family -- a fantastic book for teens moving fast or slow!

Who What Wear

2011-06-15T20:16:00.067-05:00

Who What Wear by Olivia Bennett
The Allegra Biscotti Collection
Sourcebooks Jabberwocky Publishing

Fashion Emergency! Is there anyone out there that hasn't had one? Emma Rose secretly answers the 911 calls as a new international,in-demand fashion designer. Since the world of fashion isn't ready for a middle school designer deva, Emma must work under a false identity- Allegra. Keeping this secret from her best friend may cost her their friendship- sharing her secret could cost her the opportunity of a life time. Emma's worlds collide when she is asked to design a gown for the middle school social event of the year. Find out how Emma/ Allegra designs her new identity to fit into her wardrobe world.

How to Get a Job by ME The Boss

2011-06-12T18:30:00.000-05:00

How To Get a Job by Me the Boss and Sally Lloyd-Jones and Sue Heap
Schwartz & Wade Books/ Random House

No matter your age or choice of occupations, getting a job can be tricky. How To get a Job by Me The Boss, shares the ins and outs of securing your first job- even if you are still in elementary school. This matter of fact narrator shares all there is to know and more on landing your perfect job. There is a list of terrific sounding jobs: magician, doctor, teacher, mommy &/or a daddy, and even a spy. you are reminded what you should (reseme) and shouldn't (your gerbil) take to a job interview. Being on your best behavior is a must at the interview (no biting or sleeping). After getting the job, it is just a small step to becoming your own boss.

This is another great fun to read and see book in the authors' series of "How To" guides. A must for any want-a-be boss or lemonade stand owner. The pictures are bright and detailed and it is full of silliness making this book stand out as a favorite!

I Couldn't Review This Book...

2011-06-11T16:26:00.002-05:00

The Rendering by Joel Naftali

Egmont Publishing

"One mad scientists+ One evil mercenary vs. Two kids+ Three skunks= Nonstop Adventure"

Joel Naftali used technology and suspense to create a book that I couldn't review.

So, why couldn't I review this book you ask?

Well...

--It wasn't because of the plot:

It is easy to follow the suspenseful blog entries that share the past, present and future of an attempt for complete world domination
--It wasn't because of the characters:
Doug is a regular video playing teenager who finds himself with a $1000,000 reward on his head and featured on America's Most Dangerous

Jamie is the smart, rich girl that lives next door to Doug, her best friend

Scientists: good & evil combat each other and Doug and Jamie to dominate or save Earth as we know it

Three skunks that are enhanced in every way possible (picture Teenage Mutant Turtles w/ a wicked spray)

--It wasn't the setting:

A top secret "medical research" center and then "on the run" hideouts

--It wasn't the conflict:

Mad scientists using technology to have total control of everything and everyone on this planet and a team of teenagers/mammals doing everything they can to stop the take-over

It was the fact that as soon as I received this book, my students begged to read it/ they pleaded/ they whined/ they tried to bribe (chocolate) so I loaned it out before I had a chance to read it myself...

It passed from reader to reader and before I new it, I was almost the only one left that hadn't read it.

Summer vacation leaves me with less reading competition and my own stash of chocolate-time to read!

**Note to self: open book packages away from student eyes when ever possible-unless in need of chocolate

Dads, Kids and Rockets Make Great Picture Books to Share!

2011-06-08T18:24:00.003-05:00

Father's Day is June 19th and two books that I recently shared spell

READ: Really Exciting Adventures w/Dad

Sourcebooks-Jabberwocky

Rocket Town by Bob Logan is a brilliant board book that gets you flying through the pages to see what adventures are available in Rocket Town. The boy and his dog are seen on every page in their yellow pick-up truck. Trips to the moon, rocket parks and rocket highways take them to a special place-a rocket dealership. What rocket will they choose to fly to the moon?

Rocket Town is a fun read with a lot of fun details to share and talk about.

My Dad , My Hero

Growing up in a family with a Superhero Dad would be very interesting. But sadly, this little boy's dad isn't a superhero. He can't fly, he doesn't have super strength and he doesn't have a force field. But... the things that Dad can do are amazing. he spends a lot of time with his son- something that every dad can do-even without a cape! Ethan Long sums it up when he wrote: " My dad is NOT a superhero...but he is SUPER GOOD at being a dad."

Here is to a Happy Father's Day to all of our Super Dads!

The Archer Legancy

2011-06-01T18:28:00.001-05:00

The Billionaire’s Curse by Richard Newsome Published by Walden Pond Press

I was lucky enough to be able to read book one and two in this amazing adventure written by Richard Newsome. The Billionaire's Curse begins the action packed journey of Gerald, an average 13 year old- that is until he became the richest individual in the world. His great-aunt didn't just leave him over 20 billion British pounds though, she left him a mystery to solve: her murder. Gerald found it hard to adjust to this amazing inheritance, but found some true friends that helped him follow the clues and help him out of many tight spots. Mystery, money, mayhem- make room for some great reading!

Trailer to The Billionaire's Curse

The Emerald Casket

Book Two

Gerald, Sam and Ruby didn't have time to enjoy the luxury that Gerald's inheritance of billions presented him in book one- The Billionaire's Curse. Finding the murderer of his aunt had been an adventure none of them wanted to repeat! When they were invited to India to share some down time with Alisha and her father as thanks for rescuing their diamond,
the clues to yet another casket and mystery appear. This adventure takes you through a tour of India like you could only have nightmares about!

Did I say there is a third casket that is calling Gerald's name? I can't wait to read Book three!

An Accidental Adventure

2011-05-31T21:13:00.006-05:00

Philomel Books:
We Are Not Eaten by Yaks: An Accidental Adventure

by C. Alexander London

Watch This Great Book Trailer!

The Navel twins: Oliver and Celia DON'T like adventures! Not surprising since their parents have taken them around the world on one adventure after another. They all live on the 4 1/2 floor of the Explorers Club. For the last few years, their mother, Dr. Navel, has been missing. Having a parent disappear on an adventure is yet another reason to stay in their living room and watch TV. Going on an adventure is the LAST thing they want to do. Tibet becons the Navels when clues surface about their mother. So, for twins that Do Not Like Adventures, falling out of airplanes, being chased by Yetis, and escaping from the Poison Witches isn't what they signed up for..

Will they find their mother? Will they be able to wake up their dad from a poison? Will they ever get cable TV?

This is a must read because book two is coming in November and trust me,

you will want to be ready for We Dine With Cannibals!

6 word Sidewalk Stories & Twitter

2011-05-24T20:08:00.007-05:00

For sale: baby shoes, never worn.

The challenge is to write an entire story in exactly six words. Ernest Hemingway, a master of allusion and manipulating negative space (or what is NOT present in the story) is said to have started this form. When challenged to come up with a story in six words, he wrote: "For sale: baby shoes, never worn."

We finished the school year writing our own 6 word stories and then spent a fun day publishing them on our school sidewalk with chalk.

We were also inspired to share our work when we Skyped with C.Alexander London. He was challenged to create his own 6 word story...he he trumped our idea and said he could do better and gave us some fun responses.

@naveltwins he is trying to make a four word story but he says its hard
@naveltwins his story was getting lost was more fun it was actually five because four was to hard for him to do.

naveltwins C. Alexander London

@ new short short story inspired by @OMS6th @teacher6th "went to Iowa without moving"

naveltwins C. Alexander London @OMS6th Mine was "Getting lost was more fun"

Summer Reading Skype!

2011-05-23T23:02:00.007-05:00

Baxter

Students and teachers were gifted with an end of the school year reading special when C. Alexander London and his sidekick Baxter joined us over Skype.

London is the author of a newly released book An Accidental Adventure-We are not eaten By Yaks -see my review

Although it was the end of the school year, it was a day of firsts.
* This was our first Skype in our auditorium and we shared our experience with other 6th grade reading classes. The large screen really helped us feel like we were talking face to face with London.
* This was C. Alexander London's first Skype with a classroom. We hope he enjoyed sharing his writing and reading adventures with us.
* This was our classes first Skype with a dapper dog- Baxter- He was very professional in his tuxedo!

We want to thank London for sending us his books before the Skype- not only did we get a signed copy of We Are Not eaten By Yaks, we also got a signed ARC of We Dine With Cannibals!

This 6th grade adventure with London (@naveltwins) was made possible by one of our favorite authors, Tom Angleberger creator of Origami Yoda (@origamiyoda) and Twitter. We returned the favor to Twitter World by documenting it all on our accounts @OMS6th and @teacher6th.

The "Hot Seat" during our Skype

Twitter Table:Students using accounts @OMS6th and @teacher6th

Graphic Novels hit our Classroom-POW!

2011-05-20T07:25:00.003-05:00

Tweet from donalynbooks (Donalyn Miller) concerning Graphic Novels:

Comics contain 2X as many rare words as avg. children's book & 3X as many as the avg. conversation w/ adult. Journal of Child Language, 1988

Graphic novels are the new comic books of today. They use the same graphic concept of the old but great comics but put the prose into a visual adventure. Classic literature, bibliographies, current fiction, and even non-fiction has been artistically published with a graphics telling the story.We were able too read and share many different graphic novels these last few weeks and even meet an author that is having his published book, High School Heroes transformed into a graphic novel.
James Mascia shared his writing process and information about graphic novels over Skype with our reading class. He sent draft pages from his graphic novel that is being created as we read. It looks like another favorite with the 6th graders. Thanks to James, we got an inside look at the creation of this fun genre.
Other favorite graphic novels in class included: Twilight, Bone, The Lightning Thief, and Sherlock Holmes.

Page from High School Heroes- Graphic Novel

Community Clean Up Celebration

2011-05-11T18:29:00.000-05:00

Taking our lead from our very own OMS Earth Mother, Mrs. Leo, students 6th-8th grade spent the morning cleaning our community. Pulling weeds, raking leaves, sweeping parking lots, and litter/trash pick up was the activity. The mission set before us was simple: take pride in our surroundings and give back to our community. i will update with a total number of trash bags filled, but I do know it was a lot!

Mission completed!

Thanks to all the students that gave it their all and of course to Mrs. Leo for choosing a perfect spring day to be outdoors.

Instructions for a Broken Heart by Kim Culbertson

2011-05-01T07:56:00.000-05:00

Jessa's dream trip to Italy with her Drama Club is derailed when her boyfriend, Sean, chooses to dump her and spend his time with someone else. Traveling around the country watching her heart being smashed, she relies on a package 20 envelopes of instructions: 20 reasons "why Sean is a jerk and not worth the dirt on your shoes" from her best friend back home. Jessa follows the instructions of each envelope and discovers things she never knew even where possible.

A "getting to know your self- strengths and weaknesses" story that has you laughing, cringing and hoping for a unforgettable ending.
Enjoy the trip!

Sourcebooks will be offering a FREE e-book of Kim’s previous novel, Songs of a Teenage Nomad, from May 3 – May 9. All you need to do is click here: http://bit.ly/mBn85f

The Undertakers by Ty Drago

2011-04-30T20:39:00.005-05:00

What Do You See?

Review by Ashley- 6th grade reader/reviewer

---Approved and given highest marks by teacher6th

The Undertakers is one of the best books I have ever read. Will wants to go home after he gains his Sight. It enables him to See the Corpses as they really are, dead. They are not zombies, though, these things are smarter than a zombie. The Corpses try to take him again and again because of who his father really was and what he did. Will didn't know what really happened to his father two years ago, and he has no choice but to fight the Corpses after he learns what they want of him.

5th Grade Visit at OMS

2011-04-28T21:12:00.001-05:00

Friday brought around 70 students from Oelwein 5th grade classrooms to the hallways of OMS. Students and teachers shared time together while touring the building, visiting about next years activities and expectations, eating lunch and relaxing during recess time. Band students were able to experience a rehearsal practice in the OMS band room and all enjoyed watching a movie on the large screen in the auditorium.

Welcome 5th Graders!

Dream Big Little Pig by Kristy Yamaguchi

2011-04-25T17:21:00.000-05:00

Anyone even remotely connected to my classroom knows that dreaming and having choices is important to me. Dream Big Little Pig by K. Yamaguchi says simply what I try to teach daily.

Poopy, a pig that dreams big, finds the support and ambition to see her dream come a reality. This of course is not without many roadblocks and start-overs. Poppy not only needs to find the place she fits the best, but also to trust in her heart. The positive pigs in her life were also a big help helping Poppy swirl into her dream come true life.

"Follow Your Dreams!"

"You Go Girl!"

"Dream Big, Pig!"

15 minutes Outside by Rebecca Cohen

2011-04-22T16:20:00.002-05:00

Earth Day Book Review:

Go outside and play? What to do? When to do it? Why and How? This is the book that I needed to lift me out of the ho-hum of a dreary winter and jump into spring-literally. Divided into seasons, easy to do ideas invite you to put on your shoes, boots, flip flops or just go barefoot and enjoy the outdoors.This book was motivating and shared many easy "get out and do" ideas while enjoying nature with children. Rebecca P. Cohen’s Fifteen Minutes Outside: 365 Ways to Get Out of the House and Connect with Your Kids is a book everyone can get up-get out and do .

Old Creamery Theatre 6th Grade Winner !!! Performance Update: 4/20/11

2011-04-20T22:32:00.001-05:00

UPDATE: OMS 6th Graders had a morning performance of music, laughs and lessons when the troop of actors visited the Williams Center today. The best part was when our own Madison M. was called on stage and was recognized as a brilliant writer and given her certificate for her 2nd place story she wrote. Madison and others met with the actors and enjoyed a lunch sharing writing, acting and life adventures.

Congratulations once again, Madison!

The title of our 2011 Theatre for Young Audiences touring show is...

What a Difference a Play Makes,

and is all about characters that make a difference in some way!

Oelwein will be a stop on their tour sharing stories written by 2nd-6th graders.

18 Signatures and 1 Hobo written by Madison M. Grade 6 at Oelwein Middle School won a 2nd place award in the Old Creamery Theatre 2011Writing Contest. Great writing, Madison!

Walking by an Aquarium?

2011-04-15T21:32:00.001-05:00

If you plan on walking down the 6th grade hallway anytime soon, you may need to bring your diving gear. There has been an aquarium added to the hall.

6th graders in math, reading, science and English completed a long term unit focusing on one of the earth's biomes, the ocean.

The wall aquarium was created spotlighting the major oceans and their inhabitants. Special attention was given to the beach and coastline, coral reefs and Indian Ocean, the Atlantic and Pacific Ocean, the twilight and midnight zones, and the Arctic Ocean. Animals and plants found in these ranges and habitats were added to create a very life-like appearance.

I like how it feels a little more like summer during our walk to classes...sunglasses may be needed.

Haunted by Joy Preble

2011-04-10T11:28:00.004-05:00

Haunted , the sequel to Dreaming Anastasia, can be a stand alone read that will have you turning pages fast! Anne and Ethan tried to return to a normal life after their first encounter with supernatural forces and magical mystery. Ethan, now mortal finds he cannot get Anne out of his thoughts. Anne, feeling stalked by a mythical creature, craves Ethan's presence to help her decipher her feelings of mayhem. When Ethan returns, Anne and those she loves are thrown back into a Romamov Family Reunion of sorts- one with Russian sea creatures, witches and spells. Will Anne be bound once again to the Baba Yaga or will she be able to escape the ghosts from the past that ties her to Anastasia?

Beauty, Power, Love and Loyalty brings this story to the never ending question: "What is it you truly desire?"
View the book trailer, Haunted, Click here.
View the book trailer, Dreaming Anastasia, Click here.

Twitter Connections Visited

2011-04-05T23:34:00.001-05:00

Followers of @teacher6th
We are connected!

Water Wars by: Cameron Stracher

2011-04-02T12:20:00.051-05:00

Restrictions on water, food, medication and joy-

not a future I want to be a part of.

The Water Wars is a futuristic, thought provoking novel that makes one think about the importance of our natural resources. "Vera and her brother, Will, live in the Republic of Illinowa -what is left of what was once the midwestern United States.
(Personally, I love the word play combination of this region)
The country has been dissolved into six self governing republics with strict borders. Food is quasi-real, of questionable quality, and expensive, while money and employment are hard to come by. Water is carefully collected, strictly rationed and a resource worthy of perpetrating criminal activity for, or even risking death.
When siblings Vera and Will befriend Kai, a wealthy and enigmatic teenager with seemingly unlimited access to water, they relentlessly try to prise from him the secrets of his source, little realizing the danger about to descend upon them through their association with him."
The Water Wars reads like it could easily be a tv series, leaving you at each chapter wondering what will happen next.

Picture Book Potpourri

2011-03-27T16:16:00.000-05:00

Beautiful Blue Eyes by Marianne Richmond is a warm smile in verse. Celebrating a child's uniqueness through the sense of sight brings many memorable moments come alive. The water color image create the perfect backdrop sharing the simple curiosities of childhood. One page shows a young child holding a spraying water hose-

"Your beautiful blue eyes tell of your silliness within,

with their teasing twinkle and mischievous grin."

A read aloud book for any reading moment.

You Are a Gift To the World/The World Is a Gift to You by Laura Duska and illustrated by Dona Turner is a fun flip-sided book that shows just how one fits into this wide world. A perfect read aloud for Earth Day or any day that a little caring reminder is needed.

"I remember when you asked, What's the best gift in the whole wide world?"

An amazing starting sentence that allows dreaming and caring for all who hear it.

Monday Munchies!

2011-03-21T18:14:00.004-05:00

Monday Munchies gave 6th graders the chance to experience the same fried worms that the teachers enjoyed during J&P Voelkel's author visit on 3/16/11.

Many students choose to try a little taste of the rainforest.
Thank you, Jon and Pamela for sharing extra tasty tidbits with us!
Some students asked, "Where can I get some more?"
(really, I can't make things like that up...) Try this site

I came across an article that gives you everything you need to know about mealworm dining-
"Mealworms are technically not worms at all, but the larval stage of the darkling beetle (tenebrio beetle). They are commonly sold as pet food and fishing bait, and not usually thought of as food for humans. However, mealworms and other insects have long been a staple food in Asian and other ethnic cuisines. Mealworms are cheap, low in fat, and high in protein and calcium, making them a healthy addition to common foods, such as this recipe for fried rice."

The worms....

the adventurous...

...the brave!

DARE Graduation

2011-03-18T16:44:00.020-05:00

DARE Graduation was a time of celebration for the students, officers, teachers, community and families.

Sharing DARE Pledges

Congratulations to all 6th graders that have graduated and are on the right track to a successful, drug free life!
Pictures taken during classes and the ceremony can be viewed at
Pictures from Oelwein Police

Middleworld Magic Author Visit

2011-03-16T16:54:00.067-05:00

Jon, Pamula, and 6th graders attending small group Q & A session

2 terrific authors, amazing publishers, 2 fantastic books, 600 excited students, many adventurous teachers and...fried worms =
a day to remember 4-ever!

The Jaguar Stones series first two books, Middleworld and The End of the World Club set in Central American was the backdrop of the hour long program presented by Jon & Pamela Voelkel.

Highlights: rainforest bug videos, electric guitar jamming, teachers eating worms and jungle rain.

Jungle rain -
delivered in double dose.

Yes, it really was Jon playing
with his volunteer band.

Did you say fried worms?

Getting a signed book was a fantastic souvenir!

2011 Regional History Day

2011-03-13T18:31:00.015-05:00

OMS students participated in the National History Day Competition held at Decorah Middle School on Saturday, March 12, 2011. The 2011 theme for History Day was “Debate and Diplomacy in History”.

6^th grade teacher Mrs. Karla Duff and 7^th& 8^th grade Explore teacher, Miss Melissa Stocks worked with the students on their projects. Parents have also been a huge support behind the students who completed these projects.

Most of the Oelwein students chose to communicate their topic through an imaginative exhibit, while others chose a dramatic performance, creative websites, original documentaries, and a written historical paper to share their information.

Students who made a documentary were Tristan Dittmer, Jacob Kalb and Jacob Larson, Ben Schmith, and Robby McKeeman Competing in the Individual Exhibit category were Alison Kelly, Mason Moeller, Brian Hoffman, John Leo, Jack McDonough, Martina Wilson,Ashley Butchtela, Matthew Dixion, Collin Halligan, Ryann Studebaker and Chyanne Voshell. Celia da Silva, Adara Studebaker, Skylar Adams, Dakota Nuttall, Tanner Reising, Tony Rex, Nick Stasi, Kaitlyn Stecklein, Marrissa Lammers, and Allison Winters entered in the Group Exhibit category. Designing a website for the Group Website category were Lilli Duffy, Carlee Glenn, Abby Greco, Ethan Hamblin, Ryan Nolan-Kringlen, Kaylee Becker, Natalie Bradley, Jade Bunn, Brianna Feuerbach-Davis, Hannah Meyer and Ashley Tuecke. Dakota Clark gave an Individual Performance. Writing historical papers this year were Hunter Smock, Austin Duffy, Selenka Mortenson, Travis McMillan, Marissa Simpson, Hannah Schmidt, Katie Stewart and Alexis Borman. The historical papers are judged without an interview, so these students did not have to travel to Decorah.

Eighth graders Tristan Dittmer, Jacob Kalb, and Jacob Larson will be going the state level National History Day Competition on May 2 in Des Moines. Their documentary, Corn, about the ethanol debate, was chosen to advance to the state competition.

My Name is Not Alexander

2011-03-11T17:38:00.040-06:00

My Name Is Not Alexander is a picture book for boys of all ages. Jennifer Foseberry shares "Just how big can a little boy dream?" through a normal day with extraordinarily men in history. The day starts with Alexander claiming to be Theodore Roosevelt, Thomas Edison, Jackie Robinson and others.
The vivid illustrations by Mike Litwin creates a eye catching journey.

This book opens the door of discovery and creates a community for boys to achieve. So if your name isn't Alexander who would you like to be known as? How will you make your name a name that anyone would like to claim? What is your name? Read this book to be inspired to make a difference in your own life.
(My Name is not Isabella reviewed earlier and also shared as a Reader's Theater on World Read Aloud Day)

Read Aloud Day 2011 Memories

2011-03-10T15:12:00.006-06:00

World Read Aloud Day 2011 started with a 2 hour late start in Oelwein. Like the US Post Office, snow, ice and fog could not keep us away from our reading and sharing! We even had to put out a reading SOS when our scheduled time was empty
because of our changed schedule. We did miss sharing with Kate Messner and Van Meter students- we will just have to have another read aloud day to make this up! Our goal: read or listen to books all day in Mrs. Duff's room- MISSION COMPLETED!

Read Aloud Day was a
day of unexpected adventures and
stories from around the globe!

Tom, Origami Yoda creator, was our warm-up reader.
Darth Paper origami puppets were created
a few days earlier so we could Skype with a
favorite author on his time.

The Familiars authors Andrew & Adam were
fun and entertaining.

Riley Caney has shared so much w/ our class!
Thank you again and again!

8th Grade Zero author O. R-Perkovich
jumped in when we needed an author-THANKS!

Ellen Potter: Writing and Reading
ideas were shared while we listened
to her read.

Mrs. Miller's students take turns
sharing books with us.

Dee Garretson Shared WildFire Run and
animal side-note stories.

Reader's Theater w/ Mr. Hehr- Speech Coach
My Name is Not Alexander.

Book Commercials w/Mrs. Miller's Class

My Name is Not Isabella Reader's Theater
was shared with Brook Forest students.

World Read Aloud Author Visitors

2011-03-06T21:52:00.109-06:00

http://www.deegarretson.com/

http://www.katemessner.com/

http://www.ellenpotter.com

http://www.thefamiliars.com/

http://www.rileycarney.com/

World Read Aloud Day: Early Bird Video

2011-03-05T22:38:00.020-06:00

Tom Angleberger, author of Origami Yoda, Skyped with our class on March 2nd (3/9 didn't work for him). After sharing his origami folding talents, he shared a short read aloud teaser from his new book:

Horton Halfpott: Or, The Fiendish Mystery of Smugwick Manor; or,

The Loosening of M'Lady Luggertuck's Corset

He also shared some of his favorite books.

Origami Yoda Visits OMS

2011-03-02T15:42:00.013-06:00

Origami Yoda Creations and Skype Visit

Darth Paper directions were shared and then Tom answered questions and shared many laughs with the OMS 6th graders.

What inspires Tom?

Directions to create your own Origami Yoda from Tom:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TA4VJbqFQuw

Origami Yoda Home Page:
http://origamiyoda.wordpress.com/

Watch Tom introduce his new book and share a few of his favorites...video will be posted soon.

The Quest of the Warrior Sheep Review

2011-02-26T22:14:00.001-06:00

OH MY GRASS! Christopher Russell has written a sheepishly funny caper of adventurous and superstitious rare sheep, alien sightings, a cell phone bank heist and a little romance between a city girl and a common farm boy. There are also some very "baaad" characters that learn not to mess with sheep on a quest!
Highly recommended for a fun read that will make "Ewe" smile.

World Read Aloud Day: March 9, 2011

2011-02-11T22:22:00.003-06:00

Introduction from World Read Aloud Website:

Celebrate the Power of Words and Stories and Take Action for Global Literacy

Nearly 1 billion people entered the 21st century unable to read a book or sign their name. What would you miss most if you could not read or write? Imagine your world without words.

World Read Aloud Day is about taking action to show the world that the right to read and write belongs to all people. World Read Aloud Day motivates children, teens, and adults worldwide to celebrate the power of words, especially those words that are shared from one person to another, and creates a community of readers advocating for every child’s right to a safe education and access to books and technology. By raising our voices together on this day we show the world’s children that we support their future: that they have the right to read, to write, and to share their words to change the world.

Across the globe nearly 171 million children could be lifted out of poverty if they left school with basic reading and writing skills. Quality literacy education is the difference between life and death, prosperity and despair. This is literacy for survival.

Kidsblog ! We learn!

2011-02-06T18:25:00.001-06:00

After sharing so much on this blog, I'm ready to hand over the responsibility and fun of blogging to students in my English classes. They will be learning how to blog using a great secure site: Kidblog. We will start with learning the etiquette of blogging and commenting and review internet safety. After the introduction of why and how, students will be able to share their writing with an audience of peers and parents. Please share comments on their blogging and become apart of our lives!

Student View: Write a blog entry

http://screencast.com/t/NTE0MDk4MG

Students View: Writing Comments

http://screencast.com/t/NmViYTJhMmY

Fairview Felines Review

2011-02-05T10:06:00.002-06:00

Fairview Felines "A Newspaper Mystery" by Michele Corriel is a great middle school mystery! Thomas has news reporting in his blood. His mom owns and runs the local newspaper and he grew up smelling the freshly printed newsprint.
Everything he see turns into a headline in his mind. Maybe that is why he is always behind in his schoolwork. When he decided to start a school newspaper, he had to prove he could complete his school work and write a news story of a lifetime- easier said then done. When cats started disappearing around town (including his own pet), he knew there was a tale (tail?) to be told. Too bad he was grounded from the newspaper until his grades improved...
Thomas has his work cut out for him: improve his grades, solve the missing cat mystery, and write a winning news story.
M. Corriel keeps the reading intrigued as headlines capture the moment throughout the story. A MUST READ could be a headline in this review.

Jane and the Raven King Review

2011-02-05T09:15:00.002-06:00

Strange things are happening around Jane's neighborhood. Between seeing a squirrel packing a suitcase in a hurry, her parents acting like they are in a technology zombie-state, and an unusual present given to her from her grandmother, Jane finds it hard to know what is reality and what is seemly impossible to believe in this new underground world..
A blind stranger drives her to a the center of the world where she meets a dragon. With their help and advise, Jane embarks on a journey to save the world and her family. Secret powers and new friends give Jane the determination to fight the evil Raven King in this magical world.
Jane and the Raven King by Stephen Chambers is a book you will want to read cover to cover- perfect for the snow days we have been having!
**Note: Stephen has been writing and selling books since high school. His 1st novel Hope's End and sequel Hope's War is now on my to-be-read list.

Author Visit !!!

2011-02-01T10:02:00.001-06:00

They Are Coming to Oelwein!

Through the power of social networking and Twitter, Oelwein Middle School will have two amazing authors, Jon & Pamela Voelke, visit on March 16^th. They will give a comprehensive presentation on their many travels through Central America and research of the Maya civilization. The presentation is targeted to a 5-8^th grade audience.

We are using Voelkel’s web page, http://www.jaguarstones.com/Home.html and the lesson plan links in preparation for the visit. http://www.museumofman.org/sites/default/files/journal_maya.pdf is one of the sources we will be using. We are also sharing excerpts from the published books.

Publisher Note: Authors Jon and Pamela Voelkel traveled with their three children across Central America to over twenty Maya sites across Belize, Guatemala and Mexico, canoeing underground rivers, tracking howler monkeys in the jungle, and visiting catacombs and underground temples as part of their research on Maya culture. These adventures made it into the first book of The Jaguar Stones, Middleworld. The book received rave reviews and was featured on the "Today" http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/37361677/ns/today-today_books/ show as Al Roker's Book Club for Kids pick. Their second book, The End of the World Club was released in December.

New School Web Page!

2011-01-25T07:40:00.002-06:00

Oelwein School District has released a new look on their web pages!

I love seeing all the pictures and reading about the activities and events happening in our district. Oelwein students and staff are doing amazing things. This new design makes it easy to find everything! Check it out...

http://www.oelwein.k12.ia.us/

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr

2011-01-17T07:20:00.003-06:00

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.: Life in Pictures — National Geographic Kids

MLK Jr-life-in-pictures-National Geographic Kids

Martins Big Words: Doreen Rappaport

MrsP.com honors Oelwein

2011-01-10T22:28:00.001-06:00

Book Challenges 2011

2011-01-07T10:26:00.004-06:00

1. Join me in any of my book challenges in 2011. Duff reading class is challenged to read 20 books every semester.

2. The 2011 Audio Book Challenge will run from January 1, 2011 through December 31, 2011.

I'm going to go ahead go with the "Obsessed" level:

Curious: 3 Audio Books

Fascinated: 6 Audio Books

Addicted: 12 Audio Books

Obsessed: 20 Audio Books

3. 2011 YA Reading Challenge: The Maga Size level is my goal :D

There are four levels:

►The Mini level – Read 12 YA novels.

►The Fun Size level – Read 20 YA novels.
►The Jumbo Size level – Read 40 YA novels.
►The Mega size level – Read 50+ YA novels.

4. The Centurions of 2011: 111 Books by January 2012!

A group of readers who have set a goal to read 111 or more books during the year, 2011. Members will be posting month by month their titles, highlighting at least one pick to total twelve favorites for 2011. All genres accepted from picture books to poetry anthologies to professional texts.

Book Title Challenge

2010-12-31T16:49:00.004-06:00

December 31st Out With A Bang Readathon brought a fun challenge from Reading Teen that I will pass on to our class.

Our mini-challenge, should you choose to accept it, is to find 3 or more books that you have laying around, and use them to make a sentence. Post your sentences in the comment area.

For example:

1.Strangely Enough Bran Hambric Sabotaged The Unfinished Angel
2. What If The Mysterious Benedict Society Found The Shadow of Thieves Beyond The Valley of Thorns
3. Spilling Ink Ruined The Jaguar Stones MiddleWorld

Out With A Bang (and a book)

2010-12-29T13:59:00.004-06:00

A quick post between reading breaks to share some of the titles I have read over break. I accepted a challenge to read a book a day while away from the classroom. Of course, I accepted! This reading challenge is taking place on Twitter #bookaday if you would like to see great titles and dedicated readers. I, in-turn, challenged by students to set a reading goal and report back after break. The second challenge I shared with my students was the "Out with A Bang Read A Thon". Starting today, reading as many books as possible before the end of the year will keep me smiling, doing one of my favorite activities-READING!

Wow! This was fun!

The Scorch Trials, J. Dashner
Ruined, P. Morris
Cleopatra Rules!, V.A. Shecter
Adventure Beneath the Sea, K. Mallory
Fairview Felines A Newspaper Mystery, M. Corriel
Incarceron, C. Fisher
Wicked, N. Holder
An Egret's Day, J. Yolen
Saving the Baghdad Zoo, K Milner Halls
Birmingham Sunday, L. Brimner
Notes From the Dog, G. Paulsen
Mysteries of the Komodo Dragon, M. Crump
Mammoth Bones and Broken Stones, D. Harrison
Planet Hunter, V. Wittenstein
My Rotten Life, D. Lubar
Stone Child, D. Poblocki

Mermaids, Mystery and Middle School

2010-12-20T19:18:00.001-06:00

What would be your most embarrassing moment ever?

Real Mermaids Don't Wear Toe Rings by Helene Boudreau makes a regular day in middle school seem effortless. Jade finds that being fourteen means a little bit more to her then crushing on boys, sending text messages to friends and picking out the perfect swim suit for a pool party. When Jade finds out she inherited mermaid characteristics from her mother- meaning the unexpected morphing of a tail, her embarrassing moments have just begun!

What really happened to her mother? Can Jade help bring her back? And what will she do with this tail? These are just a few of the mysteries that keep you reading while keeping track of a possible relationship between Jade and Luke. In the spirit of Dory from Finding Nemo, "Just keep reading, just keep reading."

Last Week to Help

2010-12-11T21:38:00.001-06:00

Are you in the "free and easy" giving mood? Click a few times and like magic my class gets new technology-but ONLY if you do it this week-THANKS! Yahoo! Homepages for Homerooms http://t.co/4LTeAjB

Picture Book Bananza

2010-12-11T08:45:00.007-06:00

Duff Reading class is continuing their Friday Skype Share with 4th graders with enthusiasm. Every Friday, a 6th grader chooses a picture book to read and discuss with Mrs. D's class at Wing's Park Elementary. This time has created many connections between the students and with books.
Two new picture books that were favorites were More Bears and If I Could Keep You Little...

This book created an impromptu chorus from students near and far repeating the phrase, "More bears!" during our Skype call. We enjoyed sharing the conflict between the story author and characters as the book was being created. The ending will have you giggling and wanting to read it again and again! Created by Kenn Nesbitt and Troy Cummings, this book is a must read whenever a smile is needed.

Excerpt From More Bears!

Once upon a time there was a story. This story was a lovely story with absolutely no bears in it—not a single bear anywhere. Then one day...

MORE BEARS!!

What? Who said that? The author of the story looked around the room, wondering where those voices had come from. Were those the voices of children shouting? Then he went back to writing.

As I was saying, this story had absolutely no bears at all. The author was very certain about this.

MORE BEARS!!

The author tried very, very hard to ignore the children who thought that the story ought to have…

MORE BEARS!!

Excerpt From If I Could Keep You Little:

If I could keep you little, we'd finger-paint our art. But then I'd miss you creating stories from your heart.

If I Could Keep You Little by Marianne Richmond is a touching book that creates a relaxed atmosphere to share memories and "warm fuzzies." This book had everyone in class remembering what it was like to be little and how much they have changed with their families. Readers of all ages will find their own life stories falling out of the pages of rhythmic verse and warm watercolors.

Students will be using this book next semester during our Live and Dream unit. Come back to see where this special picture book takes us!

100 Best Blogs by Teachers for Teachers

2010-12-07T19:27:00.002-06:00

I opened my email to a nice surprise this morning- Spot To Read had been chosen as a top educational blog. Spot To Read was created last school year to connect and share our classroom happenings with our families and community. Little did I imagine that it would open the door to the world and involve our class in so many opportunities and celebrations!

I plan to visit the other honored blogs and share in their on-line learning.
Thanks to On-line Schools for bestowing such an honor on our blog!

Donors Choose Celebration

2010-12-04T14:30:00.010-06:00

Soon we will be receiving our 4th donation from Donors Choose- a web site that matches donors with classrooms. This shipment will consist of a new netbook, speakers, head set and flash drive.
Individual donors from around the world, corporations like US Cellular and Yahoo, and smaller groups all have donated money to help our classroom stay updated with technology. If you are looking for a place to donate that really makes a difference, please go to donorschoose.org You can find many Oelwein School projects waiting to be funded by a donor like you!

If you have donated to a project-- THANK YOU!

Love That Poetry on Twitter

2010-11-28T12:10:00.007-06:00

Reading and writing poetry was made into an adventure by following Jack and his teacher Mrs. Strechberry. Love That Dog by Sharon Creech guided us through the sharing of many famous poems and poets. While Jack struggled with his understanding and writing of poetry, our class wrote and shared using Twitter, class partners and even created our own yellow "Love That Poetry" booklets.

The highlight of this activity was our interaction with Sharon Creech and other classrooms around the world via Twitter. You can see all of our tweets by visiting us @OMS6th on Twitter.
Below are some actual tweets from our classroom and replies we celebrated:

OMS6th @ciaobellacreech starting "Love That Dog" celebration Thursday-will last a week or so :D Follow our tweets

OMS6th I think Love That Dog is going to be a great book!!!!

OMS6thWe have to write about what we would say if we were the teacher. I wrote about how you have to at least try to write.

ciaobellacreech @OMS6th Happy LTD celebration!

ciaobellacreech@OMS6th Hi! Thanks for your notes. . .I'm glad you're enjoying LTD and think it's cool you're making your own booklets. . .

OMS6thSo much depends upon A big warm bed Covered with warm blankets Beside my white wall

Gill_Villeans @OMS6th We want to add one! So much depends upon apps working properly, typing in small spaces, and seeing small words. Can you guess?

ChocolateAir @ciaobellacreech @OMS6th So much depends upon a bloodsucking leech stuck to my ankle from the dark green lake.

ChocolateAir @ciaobellacreech @OMS6th Winning Shot...So much depends upon a basketball dribbling in my hands with thirty seconds left.

OMS6thI am reading a book during study hall/ the story takes me to a different world/I would like to stay and play/ you come too

OMS6thI'm going out to get the mail/all the way down the road/ I'll say hello to the toad/ I'll not be gone long you come too.

ciaobellacreech @OMS6th I'm going out to get some chocolate / in the storefront window / I won't be gone long / You come, too . . .

ciaobellacreech@OMS6th ohmygosh, I love these 'you come too' poems!

Gill_Villeans @OMS6th We like reading your patterned tweets! Can you tell? :)

Gill_Villeans@OMS6th We're learning about Newfoundland. We'll present our findings to other classes. We're going on a learning journey. You come too! :

OMS6thLove using Twitter/Like a bat loves a ball/Love using Twitter/Like a bat loves a ball/Love 2share w/the world/Using it daily/Learning it all

ciaobellacreech @OMS6th Love the ongoing tweets--the 'love that. . .' ones. Love those tweets /love that class . . .

OMS6th@ciaobellacreech Thanks for all your tweets while we "Loved Your Book" We will follow Jack through his next year during our own reading time

Old Creamery Writing Contest

2010-11-22T14:33:00.002-06:00

2011 Writing Contest : The Old Creamery Theatre Company

“You can make a difference” is a phrase that we hear all the time, but what does it mean? We want to know what it means to you!

There are lots of ways you can make a difference in the world.
You can make a difference by doing bigger things, like raising money for the needy or helping clean up a city park, or smaller things, like showing your teachers respect or helping a friend with their homework.

Students often make a difference when they follow the Six Pillars of Character: Trustworthiness, Respect, Responsibility, Fairness, Caring, and Citizenship.

For this year’s writing contest The Old Creamery Theatre is looking for stories about characters that make a difference!

Use your imagination to write a story about a character or characters that make a difference in some way.

How do you make a difference?

Write a story where your characters really make a difference.
Maybe a character doesn’t care about making a difference and another character shows them how important it is.
Maybe a character wants to make a difference but doesn’t know how.
Maybe a character doesn’t understand why everyone needs to pitch in to make a difference and has to be shown.
You can be inspired from own imaginations or even our own experiences.

The sky’s the limit!

Yahoo! Homepages for Homerooms

2010-11-19T20:11:00.001-06:00

Easy way to give our classroom a gift and it is free!

Quick one time (per computer/email) way to bring new technology into our classroom.

Yahoo! Homepages for Homerooms

Help this classroom project get funded by making Yahoo! your homepage.

Going Global: Connecting Communities

Mrs. D

Using technology is limited to times the lab is available. This doesn't allow for teaching/learning moments. Having netbooks in the room would give us instant access! Details

The world of learning is as close as our computer - too bad we have to share the media lab with all 6-8th graders in our building. Using technology is limited to times the lab is available. This doesn't allow for teaching/learning moments. Having netbooks in the room would give us instant access!

My middle school students are amazing! They are a part of a small rural school district that strives to achieve on all levels. Like many rural communities, we have been effected by the lingering economic situation. Our school has a very high rate of students participating in the free and reduced lunch program. Many families have lost their income because of businesses closing and jobs being scaled back. A majority still do not have Internet access at home. Resources at school have also been cut drastically because of declining enrollment when families look for employment elsewhere. Hope within our community has declined as well. With all the hardships, our students still see their classroom as a place to grow and connect. Sharing the world with them using on-line projects has shown many that there is hope and possibilities, not only to help themselves and their community, but to help others that are less fortunate then themselves.

Students in my classroom have been introduced to the wonders of technology. This introduction has started a movement of learning and motivation. Growing up in a rural community, my 6th graders have had limited interaction with other cultures, geographics, and experiences. Skype, Twitter, Blogtv, and ePals are just a few of the programs we have interacted with. Each virtual visit not only gives us new insight to the lives of people around us, but also has given us the opportunity to share with others about ourselves. Our latest adventure will be to travel the world into 80 classrooms through a program using Skype. Having a multi-media center and computer available throughout the day will help make these activities a regular occurrence, instead of having to wait our turn in the media lab. Just being able to check in with our ePals on a regular basis will help the students think outside their daily rural experiences and go global!

I have seen the on-line projects create a spark among my students. Emailing back and forth with students in Asia, talking with an author on the east coast through Skype, and sharing their activities on the class blog, has opened the world to them. They no longer feel land-locked in the Midwest. Seeing this spark of hope is why I am asking for a classroom netbook and multimedia system. Lifelong learning happens when the world is readily available at students' fingertips! Hide

My students need a netbook computer, with speakers, a flash drive and a clearchat headset.

Please send this to friends and family -it's that easy!

Veterans' Day 2010

2010-11-12T13:22:00.002-06:00

Veterans' Day 2010

Students at OMS showed their pride and gratitude to all US Veterans and Soldiers on 11-11-10. The local Honor Guard and Veterans honored us with their presence and participated in the ceremony. Students and guests watched in silence as the flags were presented and then shared in saying the Pledge of Allegiance and the singing of patriotic songs. Sixth grade chorus sang a wonderful tribute to our heroes. The program's highlight was when the veterans shared the meaning of each fold when the American flag is presented in ceremony. Thank you to all that were with us and those we remembered during this special event!

The Power of Twitter

2010-11-06T08:31:00.005-05:00

author lover blogger technology fan life high education grade teaching science gifted educator teacher English book social learner books writer reading middle school coach music love specialist media tech great literacy educational coordinator resources learning web world kids gr8 edtech
students classroom teachers
learning sharing

The above word cloud was created from profiles of our Twitter contacts. "Sweet" would be one word to express how much Twitter means to our learning experience.

Tweeting and learning in the classroom is becoming a common activity in room 12 at OMS. Introducing Twitter to 6th graders has been a lot of fun! Students are sharing what they are learning, asking questions, and connecting to the world with their Twitter friends. Some recent highlights would include discussing chapters from a shared read aloud, The Little Prince, with a class in Canada and hearing from Sharon Creech while tweeting about her book, Love That Dog.

If you want to follow our class on Twitter add @oms6th to your list of amazing contacts.

Places in the world we are connected through Twitter:

Tangram Enrichment

2010-10-31T21:38:00.006-05:00

Enrichment 7th hour has focused on Asian activities.
One of the activities is the Tangram Puzzle.

The Tangram is a Chinese ancient game called Chi Chiao Bread, which means table of the wisdom. The puzzle is made of seven pieces or "tans" that are created by cutting a square in five triangles of different forms, a square and a trapeze. The game consists of using all the pieces to construct different forms.
Students are given the opportunity to use 2-D and 3-D puzzle pieces along with an iPod application and computer challenges. Students can create their own Tangrams puzzle pieces and share with others.
Try your luck at this web site:

Dotty-Dots can help with Spelling

2010-10-27T19:58:00.002-05:00

c Need a place to study your spelling and have fun at the same time? I found just that place at Dotty-Dots http://dotty-dots.appspot.com/?h=4f656c7765696e
I'm not sure why seeing our spelling words jumping around a computer screen makes me smile, but it does...try it and see if you can do it without cracking a smile.

These are a Few of my Favorite Things...

2010-10-26T22:28:00.001-05:00

KidLitCon 2010:
Books, authors, Books, sharing, Books, friends, Books, blogs, Books, laughs, librarians, Books, Twitter, Books, teachers, Books, publishers, Books...

I will be sharing many of the Books that I bought and learned about at KidLitCon 2010
It may be a while- I have sooooo many to read!

Does New Technology Scare You?

2010-10-19T20:59:00.001-05:00

Introducing new technology and applications to students isn't usually hard to do. Students at OMS jump at the opportunity whenever I am able to present it.

ITAG2010 Presentation

Recently, I was offered the chance to share how I use technology in both my classroom and in my own professional development at the Iowa Talented and Gifted Conference in DesMoines. My English Enrichment students were able to "attend" and be guest presenters using Twitter to share their thoughts on using social networking in our classroom. The response was a positive sign that technology isn't as scary as it used to be.

Students Learn and Teach the Teacher

2010-10-16T16:40:00.004-05:00

After viewing some of the other Global Read Aloud projects, my students couldn't get enough of voki an online talking head graphic. I had looked at this site before, but hadn't had a chance to play/learn.
The excitement was explosive to say the least.
Students: Teacher6th:
"How do you do that?" "I don't know."
"Can we do that?" "Go for it!"
"LOOK WHAT I DID!" "Wow, I need to try this!"
"You need to try this!"

The Little Prince Global Read Aloud

2010-10-13T22:50:00.005-05:00

E2 Class has been participating in a global read aloud focused on the book The Little Prince. While listening to the story concurrently with about 60 other school around the globe, students shared predictions, facts, and opinions pertaining to the chapters being read. It was fun to read the wiki, blogs, and tweets from the other classrooms. Our students a were able to use Twitter to meet and share with a class from Canada in real time. More activities and networking is being planned along with individual student projects being created to share with others.

Reading Picture Books-Memories & Fun

2010-10-10T22:13:00.000-05:00

Picture books aren't just for preschoolers and young readers. Our reading class has been busy reading and enjoying picture books during our free reading time. Picture books are written in all genres and topics cover all our interest topics. They are entertaining and a nice way to remember favorite reads from the past.
We will be sharing some of our favorite picture books via Skype with our 4th grade friends at Wings park Elementary School.

Baby Baby Baby! by Marilyn Janovitz made our tongues tingle with the rhyming chants and repetitions. "Bitsy bouncy baby on a bumpity lap Mommy's little baby likes to Clap Clap Clap!"

shared alliteration and examples of sensory text. Students recommended this book because of the bold illustrations and the rhythm that made them want to read it again and again. Baby Baby Baby! would be a must read while taking care of siblings or tucking in little ones while babysitting.

Super Skype Friday has Started!

2010-10-07T22:10:00.003-05:00

What better way to end the week then to share a book over Skype with new friends...
Super Skype Friday started this month as we introduced ourselves to the 4th grade students in Mrs. D's class at Wing's Elementary School. Our class was their "Mystery Reader" class for the week. After sharing waves and smiles, I shared the picture book, Nothing to do.
The students on both sides of the cameras were able to share how they like to spend days just doing nothing.

Who will be the mystery reader next week? 6th grade students will be reading from now on!
What book will be shared? Students will be choosing picture books they want to share.
Where will there be learning? Both sides of the cameras!

Share your Friday morning reading a book with others- I highly recommend it!

My Name Is Not Isabella

2010-10-05T21:58:00.000-05:00

My Name Is Not Isabella is a picture book for girls of all ages. Jennifer Foseberry shares "Just how big can a little girl dream?" through a normal day with extraordinarily women in history. The day starts with Isabella claiming to be Sally and blasts off to breakfast. Her day introduces Annie, Rosa, Marie, Elizabeth, and the extra special Mommy. The vivid illustrations by Mike Litwin creates a eye catching journey. This book opens the door of discovery and creates a community for girls to achieve. So if your name isn't Isabella who would you like to be known as? How will you make your name a name that a young girl would like to claim? What is your name? Read this book to be inspired to make a difference.

October book Orders Due 10/15/10

2010-10-03T22:49:00.001-05:00

Online Ordering Information
Web address: scholastic.com/bookclubs
Class Activation Code: GNLJK

Dear Parent,
Now it’s easier than ever to find the perfect books for your child—shop our NEW online Book Clubs Web site. Choose from a much-wider selection of books than in the printed flyer. Plus, you can send your orders directly to me online and use your credit card to pay.

Best of all, we earn a FREE book for the classroom library every time a parent places an order online.

It’s so simple! Here’s how it works:

SIGN UP at www.scholastic.com/bookclubs. On the parent page, register by clicking click the “Don’t have a user name or password?” link. When prompted, enter the one-time Class Activation Code shown above. This unique code ensures that your order is sent to me.
SELECT the books you’d like to order—choose from thousands of titles—many more than in our monthly flyers.
SEND your order to me online by the due date and your child’s books will be delivered directly to my classroom.

Ordering online is fast, easy, and secure.

Of course, you can still order using the form from the printed flyer. But why not see for yourself how convenient it is to order online?

Thank you,
Mrs. Duff

Effigy Mounds and Outdoor Day Memories

2010-09-28T21:46:00.002-05:00

Two favorite activities in the fall find us outside enjoying the sunshine!
This year the 6th graders had many opportunities to share the sunshine with others.
Outdoor Day was celebrated right in our back/side yard. Prairie plant identification, Introduction to archery, BB gun safety, Haiku poetry writing, and Environmental games brought the students and adults together under a windy blue sky.
Hiking at Effigy Mounds is always an adventure. This year the students could see and hear many birds and chipmunks as they walked along the trails and mounds in this spectacular park.

"The Aristobrats" OMGasp!

2010-09-19T20:23:00.005-05:00

Lylas (Love ya like a sister) are four 8th grade girls on the top of the populadder! Being the most popular in the 8th grade class at Wallingford Academy is all the Lalas had worked for in the last few years. They were there- their Facebook pages full of friend requests, their hair do and fashions soon to be copied by all- they had made it to the top!
But what goes up, must come down! After being assigned to the school web cast production, even a hairy nipfit can't save their populartunity. (glad there are definitions in the back of the book )

The Aristobrats, by Jennifer Solow, is a fun read that goes deeper than designer clothes and made-up words. Parts made me LOL and experience life as a teenager in today's techo world. We are reminded that situations in school and at home aren't always solved by shopping and getting a makeover-sometimes friends need to see what really matters and go where their heart takes them.
You will find yourself cheering for the Lylas and see that it really is all about the attitude!

Mrs. P's Magic Library travels to OMS

2010-09-14T20:08:00.008-05:00

Mrs. P used a bit of her magic and landed in our classroom to share secrets about her magic library and her love of stories. Students asked questions and received answers that surprised, enlightened, and even made many laugh.
"What is your favorite color?"
"Hot pink with a black head band, red, purple, and well, every color in the rainbow plus black and white."
"What is your favorite book?"
"Right now, Jack & the Beanstalk" then the list continued to change from fantasy to poetry to To Kill a Mockingbird in a blink of an eye. Magic and reading are amazing things indeed!
"What do you think makes a good story?"
"A great story has a beginning, a middle, and an end. It has adventure and suspense."
Mrs. P shared how important reading and writing are to her and how her magic library helps her share this with children and adults 24/7.
We learned about Mrs. P's library and how it has a "katrillion" rooms and that the leaves on the trees change colors about every two minutes. She even has elves, knows someone related to the Tooth Fairy and has given a dog to Santa Clause. This is a library I will have to visit during my next vacation!

Students are writing stories that they can enter in Mrs. P's 2nd annual writing contest.
For more information go to www.MrsP.com and experience the magic library for yourself!
A big thank you to Mrs. P and her elves-the visit was magical!

MrsP.com 2nd Annual Writing Contest

2010-09-06T14:20:00.001-05:00

Start writing TODAY! Mrs. P. will be in our classroom September 14th (via Skype) sharing stories and laughs.

Songs For A Teenage Nomad Review

2010-08-28T12:14:00.009-05:00

Chapter 2: SMALL TOWN My new school smells like pickles, salty, clogged with a sea of faces that all look the same. The campus stands on a low hill facing the ocean. Across the road from the main office where I babbled to Mickey Mouse Tie, there’s a small strip of buildings: a café, a hair salon, a movie rental place, and a doctor’s office whose large brick walls keep the students away from the coast.

Kim Culbertson's book Songs For a Teenage Nomad shares real life problems that face many teenagers today. Calle, a new 9th grade student at a California town high school, does her best to find her place in the unfamiliar halls. Use to hiding behind her song journal, she is pulled into friendships and possibly love by believable student characters. Facing pressures from peers, family, and the unknown, Calle records, remembers, and lives daily moments in her journal. The use of songs and lyrics to guide the story creates a new rhythm in each chapter.
Available September 2010: Sourcebooks

2010-08-22T19:29:00.006-05:00

School book orders always give me a smile. Today, I opened up the September Scholastic Book Club forms and immediately started a must have-must read list. I love the fact that new releases and old time favorites show up just waiting to join my books in the classroom and at home. The fact that the books are usually less expensive than in book stores is a big plus!

This year, Scholastic is making it easier on students and parents, giving them the ability to buy on-line with our classroom code. You can even see the book list in full detail.
No more, "I lost my order form."
No more, " I forgot to bring my form to school."

I love seeing the box in the school office and passing out books to students! The new releases are the first ones I read. Some will become old time favorites in no time.

So, start making your list of must haves- it might be available from a book club! I always take suggestions when I put in my order -you might even get to read it before I do if my desk is surrounded with must reads.

Scholastic Book Club Order information:
Website: scholastic.com/bookclubs

Class Activation Code: GNLJK

Write a Story-Have A Published Book Made!

2010-08-13T17:05:00.006-05:00

Be a Famous Writer! Mrs. P from Mrs. P's Library is sponsoring a great creative writing contest. Follow the link to see what you need to do to become a famous writer.
http://www.contest.mrsp.com/Rules.aspx

Stories may cover any topic, fiction or nonfiction, and should be between 250 and 1,000 words.

Two grand prize winners (one from each age group) will have their stories read by Mrs. P herself and an artist will create original illustrations to accompany the story. Each winner will receive a bound copy of the illustrated story, as well as having it posted on MrsP.com. Both grand prize winners and up to eight runners-up will each receive a $25 gift certificate to Powell’s Books.

The judges this year include best-selling author Meg Cabot, Garfield creator Jim Davis, and Danny Kallis, producer and creator of Disney Channel’s “The Suite Life of Zack and Cody.”

Back to School: 2010

2010-08-07T08:04:00.007-05:00

A little girl had just finished her first week of school.

"I'm just wasting my time," she said to her mother. "I can't read, I can't write - and they won't let me talk!"

The school year 2010-2011 is about to begin and I can promise the students in my classes we will read, write, and talk! As I prepare for the first week, I am excited about all the new ideas and opportunities I want to share with with you. Summer time allows us time to relax, review and rejoice. Summer time gives me hope- hope for now and the future.

I hope you were able to enjoy a good book.
I hope you were able to spend time with friends and meet new ones.
I hope you had some time to do what you wanted to do.
I hope you were able to do something new, something challenging, and something memorable.
I hope you were able to explore a place you would like to return to someday.
I hope you feel every day counts-that you are not "just wasting your time."

So, there it is- my hopes for each of you while in my classroom and out... let the school days begin!

The Death (and Further Adventures) of Silas Winterbottom: The Body Thief

2010-07-30T13:13:00.016-05:00

The Death (and Further Adventures) of Silas Winterbottom: The Body Thief

By: Stephen M Giles And you thought your family was strange. If you enjoyed reading The Series of Unfortunate Events and the 39 Clues series, this is the book that will take you one step further into just how mixed up and crazed families can be. Three cousins with completely unique and different backgrounds are sent an invitation including $10,000 from their wealthy uncle to spend time with him on his secluded island estate. A dream vacation... until you throw in crocodiles, mysterious tunnels, kidnapping, and a mad scientist. Then you have a real adventure! Oh, lets not forget to add that the uncle is dying and he will choose one of the three cousins to inherit everything...a bit of competition is added. This book was a fun roller-coaster read! Each chapter took me in a different direction and even a few loops turning the plot upside down and twisted at the end. I fully enjoyed watching the characters evolve while their uncle plotted against them right up to the very end of the book. I'll put this on my must read book list in the classroom.

Have you found any good books this summer?

2010-07-23T20:00:00.007-05:00

I've spent all summer on the lookout for good/great books. I'll post my reading list soon, but wanted to give you a chance to share books that you feel are worth searching for!

Linger is the sequel to Shiver by Maggie Stiefvater released 7/13/10

Hambric, hammock...HAPPINESS!

2010-07-16T23:53:00.004-05:00

If asked how I spent my summer, I will have many adventures to share. If asked about one of my favorite days, I'll let this photo speak for me...

An ARC (advanced reader's copy) of Bran Hambric the Specter Key, by Kaleb Nation, arrived this afternoon! It took me no time to grab a glass of ice water and head for the hammock. I'll save my review for a later date, not wanting to give away any spoilers, but I had to share how easily I was lost in the land of Dunce and magic.

I was happy but also scared, stressed, relieved, sad, surprised, shocked, and nervous while reading the adventures that Bran was on. I didn't have time to catch my breath from the beginning celebration to the missing bit of magic on the last page.

I did stop once to tweet Kaleb and say, "NOOOOOO!" after reading page #139.

Well done Kaleb! I think I'll start over tomorrow- the hammock calls for more Hambric.

teacher6th avatars

2010-07-06T10:17:00.060-05:00

Avatars are a great way to share yourself on-line without giving out too much personal information (like your photograph). Sue Waters, from the edu blogger, shared some great sites to help create your own avatar.

http://theedublogger.com/2009/11/29/creating-and-uploading-your-comment-avatar/

I had fun creating the different avatars trying to stay true to my photograph...not easy!

Let Out the Creative Beast

2010-07-01T11:04:00.001-05:00

Check out this SlideShare Presentation:

Let Out the Creative Beast

View more presentations from Betsy Streeter.

Newsworthy & Fun

2010-06-19T19:52:00.009-05:00

What: Face-2-Face meeting with Kaleb Nation

When: June 8th, 2010 2:00

Where: Undisclosed Border's Bookstore, LA, California

Why: Chance to meet Kaleb in person and get books signed

After many tweets, emails, and even a phone call, the promise over Skype to meet during the summer became a reality. Kaleb and teacher6th (that's me) along with teacher6th's family sat on the balcony of Border's Bookstore soaking in the California sunshine.

Topics of conversation included information about Bran Hambric the Farfield Curse and the soon to be released sequel. Kaleb shared his excitement steming from his new YA book he has just begun. He also shared how awesome he thinks the students at OMS are and can't wait to see more creative projects.
"Write what you are excited about," was his advice to any inspiring young author. He also stressed the importance of reading and note-taking to use as background knowledge during the writing process.

After autographs and book signings, photographs and hugs, Kaleb and teacher6th parted ways- until they meet again... luckily Twitter, Facebook,Skype, Blogtv, and http://www.kalebnation.com/ and http://www.branhambric.com/ is available!