Life-Size Leaders

February was Black History Month, and as a research project, middle school students selected an African American leader to research. They learned about the leader's early life, career, achievements, later life, and more. We used books, as well as online databases and websites, for research. This was a good opportunity to discuss credible resources, avoiding plagiarism, and note-taking skills. After taking notes, students wrote a paper about their leader, and created a "life size" model of the person. We put them up in the hallway, and they've been really popular! Students love to stop in the hallway and look at them, and read about the lives of these leaders. 

Blind Date with a Book

Sorry for the lack of updates lately. We've been busy! On Valentine's Day, students participated in a "Blind Date with a Book." It was really fun. Here's how it worked: I wrapped up some books in plain brown paper and wrote the book's barcode on the outside. I also wrote what the book was "seeking" for a reader. Then I set up the wrapped books on a "Blind Date" table with balloons, a sign, and a heart plaque. 

The kids thought it was funny, but most importantly, they were excited to check out books. 

Book of the Week: This Journal Belongs to Ratchet

This review brought to you by Sylvia. 

Are you looking for a great book? Well you've found one. This Journal Belongs to Ratchet by Nancy Cavanuagh is great for readers 8-12. It's an amazing story about a girl named Ratchet who thinks that she has a pretty bad life. No mom, no friends, and a crazy dad. This book is an example of epistolary writing, where you use different formats of writing and letters to tell a story. Ratchet and her dad work on cars together, her dad is a mechanic and an environmentalist. His caring about the environment gets him community service. He gets in trouble again and has to pick up garbage on the side of the road. All in saving Moss Tree Park. Ratchet decides to help too, but soon more trouble comes. What will happen next? Will Ratchet ever be normal? Find out in This Journal Belongs to Ratchet.