Mrs. P Shares Her Be- a- Famous Writer Contest

Mrs. P during the interview

Interview with Mrs. P - Celebrating 5 Years of her “Be-a-Famous Writer” Contest for Kids Grades K-4

What are you doing to celebrate the 5th anniversary of your writing contest? Well, I decided to check back in with past winners and finalists of the contest and created a “Where are they Now” series on my Reading is Cool blog. It will run for 8 weeks, and it will feature excerpts from the past winners new works & Q&A’s with the various young authors. It was so inspiring to read what these talented young writers have been up too, that I really wanted to share what they had to say to other kids and parents. There are some very wise insights.  Several have gone on to win some major writing awards, like the Scholastic Arts and Writing Contest, the Betty Award and the PBS Kids Go Young Writers and Illustrators Contest.  

I understand that you have made some changes this year for the contest can you tell me what they are?  Yes, we decided to work directly with teachers this year. We realized that it was a bit of a barrier for the parents to have to sign the permission form online, so now the teachers will be submitting the entry on behalf of their class.  Teachers will have a choice to do a group writing project for their story, or have individual stories done and then have their class vote on the one to submit.  Each class will be submitting just one story. We also changed the age groupings to have just one category from grades kindergarten to fourth grade.  Additionally, we have extended the contest to run from September 1st to November 15th, so there is more time for the teachers and students.  I am also very excited that we will be promoting a “live” event using Google Hangout and YouTube to stream my reading the winning story live!  Teacher Link    Here is a video just for teachers too!   Link to video

So what will the winning schools get as prizes?  Our sponsors, BuyerTopia, Tales2Go, Powell’s Books, Polka Dots Publishing, Penelope the Purple Pirate and myOn Reader are all great companies that promote the importance of reading for children.  They are making possible the purchase of books that the schools get to select themselves, and also an audio listening license from Tales2Go. 

Link to Prize Page

• Buyer Topia Gift Certificate for $100 to purchase books.
• One-year Subscription to Tales2Go for your Class Up to 10 users ($180 value)
• $150 in Powell’s Book Gift cards
• Penelope the Purple Pirate & Polka Dots Publishing will be making possible 2 copies of the story made into an actual book with color illustrations created by Robin Robinson for the classroom & school library
• The whole classroom will receive their very own Official Mrs. P Magic Universal Bookmarks (guaranteed to work in any book in the world!)

Who are the judges this year (wink, wink)? Well, we are thankful to have you as a judge with us this year!  You probably didn’t realize you were signing up to help my other elves did you?  And we also have Melissa Peterman  who is an actress and comedienne, best known for her role as Barbra Jean in the television comedy series Reba. Currently, she stars as Bonnie Wheeler in the ABC Family series Baby Daddy, and as host of ABC Family's Dancing Fools, ABCs Bet On Your Baby, and CMT's The Singing Bee.  She's also a mom to a 8 year old, so knows how to spot a good story.  And one more will be announced before the contest opens.  I have to keep a few surprises coming you know! Link to Judge Bio's

Why do you feel this type of contest is important for kids? It helps build confidence and self esteem.  And many of the students have gone on to be role models in their school or state of being a good a writer.  This is so important for others kids to see. Just like in sports and music programs where kids can win a competition, it’s important for kids to be able to be recognized for their writing.

Thank you for sharing. Can I check back later and ask the elves some insider information concerning the magic library? Of course, if they are not bowling or riding on their magic carpet to worlds beyond.

The contest opens September 1st for entries.  http://www.contest.mrsp.com/

Blast From the Past- Where Are They Now?

Being a middle school teacher, I often wonder where my students of the past are and what they are doing. Their hopes and dreams often change from 6th grade and I have often been pleasantly surprised how some choose to use their talents. 
Facebook and other social media has allowed more and more of my students to get back in touch with me and share their amazing stories. I even have the pleasure of teaching with a former student this year! Welcome to OMS, Mr. Morgan.

Mrs. P is sharing Blasts from the Past on her blog. Her interviews share just how much writing can impact students even in the early years. I loved reading these posts. It is easy to see how reading and writing works it's magic through a contest like many OMS students have entered.

Click on the following links to read for yourself:

Gabrielle Fuller 2009 Winner

Briana Beebe 2010 Winner

Sarah Smale and Emma Stowe 2011 Winners

Andrea Langholff 2011 Finalist

...more to come...

Please share this contest with as many elementary teachers that you can so they can teach the next Blast from the Past! 

 Mrs. P's 5th Annual Writing Contest 

Spot To Write

Mrs. P

If you have spent any time in my classroom, 

you know that writing and contests happen. 

OMS Students have entered many contests and even won quite a few.

One of the more fun contests has been 
Mrs. P's Magic Library Be-A-Famous Writer

Mrs. P has shared her Magic Library, love of reading and writing and her elves with us over Skype, Twitter and the web for many years. 

2013 Skype with Mrs. P

Can you imagine my excitement when Mrs. P asked if I could be a judge this year?

YES! Was my answer.

The contest is new and improved. 
The downside for OMS is that we are now to old to enter. 

"Entrants must be kindergarten, first, second, third or fourth 

grade teachers on behalf of their classroom"

The upside is that I will be able to read all the stories! 

This means I will be sharing all kinds of information and fun tidbits about the contest and Mrs. P. here and in the classroom.  Maybe I will get a chance to interview her...anything you want to know about Mrs. P ?

...I really want to know more about the bowling alley inside the Magic Library... 

A Snapshot of My Reading Life

Week 3: February 24 - March 2:  A Snapshot of My Reading Life

"Post a photo that gives readers a glimpse into your reading life. This could be your favorite place to read, your bookshelf, your library, a classroom, a book from childhood that you still re-read today, your favorite person to read with. Anything that brings joy to your reading life will work!

Below the photo share a short narrative explaining why this picture is meaningful to you."

One place where I share my love of reading when not at Oelwein Middle School...

is in my hammock after working in my flower garden!

Why is Reading Aloud Special?

Spot to Read is happy to announce that the Oelwein Girls LitClub accepted the 2013 WRAD Blog Challenge and will be answering the questions on this site.

WRAD Blog Challenge Week 1: February 10 – February 16

What do you think is special about reading aloud?

Mrs. Leo reading aloud
It's Raining Cupcakes

• Reading aloud helps me understand better. Hearing the words helps me know the words.
• I love to read, but it is nice once in a while for someone else read and hear new words.
• Reading aloud gives you a chance to discuss the story and learn with others.
• I think read aloud is important because it helps my imagination. I also like it at bedtime, I can fall asleep faster if someone reads to me.
• I like reading to someone younger then me.
• Hearing a story makes me want to read the book again- especially if it was interesting and funny.
• Reading aloud allows me to picture the characters and setting better.
• It is easier to listen to a read aloud then to read a story and then I can understand the story better.

LitWorld Read Aloud Day Blog Challenge

LitWorld World Read Aloud Day

Accept the World Read Aloud Day Blogging Challenge!

The World Read Aloud Day “Read It Forward” Blogging Challenge begins February 10 and runs through March 6. If you choose to take the challenge, each week you will be asked to write a post in response to a prompt or question (outlined below), for a total of 4 posts counting down to World Read Aloud Day.

Each of the prompts addresses the WRAD theme “Read It Forward.” Read it Forward describes the ripple effect of positive change that resonates around the world when we read aloud with loved ones or new friends.

WRAD Read It Forward Blogging Challenge: Weekly Outline

Week 1: February 10 – February 16

What do you think is special about reading aloud?

Your first mission is to answer this question. We are using this prompt to bring awareness to the act of reading aloud. It is meant to be open-ended to draw out many different perspectives, and we anticipate that every answer will have a unique style and format.

After answering the prompt, share a short description of how you plan to celebrate WRAD on March 6. Who will you celebrate with? Where will you be? If you have celebrated WRAD in the past, what activities brought you and those you celebrated with the most joy? If you haven't finalized your plans, or if this will be your first WRAD celebration, Use this space to share your brainstorming process, and direct your readers to litworld.org for activities and recommendations.'

Week 2: February 17 - February 23

Now & Then

Answer the following questions twice. The first time, answer how you would have when you were 10 years old (or any age from elementary school that you remember clearly) and the second time, answer in the present.

1. I think everyone in the world should read...

When I was 10:

Now:

(repeat this format for the remaining questions)

2. If I could listen to anyone in the world read aloud to me it would be...

3. When I read aloud, my favorite character to impersonate is...

4. The genre that takes up the most room on my bookshelf (or e-reader) is...

5. The last book I wish I’d written or inspired me to write my own story is...

Week 3: February 24 - March 2

A Snapshot of My Reading Life

Post a photo that gives readers a glimpse into your reading life. This could be your favorite place to read, your bookshelf, your library, a classroom, a book from childhood that you still re-read today, your favorite person to read with. Anything that brings joy to your reading life will work!

Below the photo share a short narrative explaining why this picture is meaningful to you.

Week 4: March 3 - March 8

Read It Forward!

It’s time to read aloud! Select a favorite text, or a personal story that you love to share out loud, and make a video. If you don’t have a webcam, are having technical difficulties, or prefer not to be on camera, you can also translate this challenge into a written post. Share what you will be reading on World Read Aloud Day, and why you chose this particular piece to read aloud.

If you choose to take up the WRAD Read It Forward blogging challenge, make sure to tweet your weekly posts to @litworldsaysso that we can retweet your wonderful read aloud stories! Happy blogging!

Newbery Award 2013

Ivan is an easygoing gorilla. Living at the

Exit 8 Big Top Mall and Video Arcade, he has grown accustomed to humans watching him through the glass walls of his domain. He rarely misses his life in the jungle. In fact, he hardly ever thinks about it at all.

Instead, Ivan thinks about TV shows he's seen and about his friends Stella, an elderly elephant, and Bob, a stray dog. But mostly Ivan thinks about art and how to capture the taste of a mango or the sound of leaves with color and a well-placed line.

Then he meets Ruby, a baby elephant taken from her family, and she makes Ivan see their home—and his own art—through new eyes. When Ruby arrives, change comes with her, and it's up to Ivan to make it a change for the better.

World Read Aloud Day

Read It Forward on World Read Aloud Day: March 6

Imagine a world where everyone can read...
March 6, 2013, is World Read Aloud Day, an awareness day advocating for literacy as a human right. Celebrate by reading aloud, giving away a book, or taking action in any way you can to "Read It Forward" on behalf of the 793 million people who cannot yet read or write.World Read Aloud Day creates a community of people who are advocating for every child’s right to learn to read and technology that will make them lifelong readers. Everyone can change the world and Read It Forward call to action and reading aloud with loved ones or new friends. Read It Forward, creating a ripple effect that resonates around the world with the power of story and shared words.

Visit http://litworld.org/wrad to join the Read It Forward movement. Register your participation, and spread the word to friends, family, and networks for March 6! LitWorld, the organization that founded World Read Aloud Day, offers free downloadable activity kits full of ideas for children, teens, families, educators, and professionals at http://litworld.org.

Follow LitWorld:
http://www.facebook.com/litworldhttp://twitter.com/litworldsays