Tuesday, April 27, 2010

2010 Battle of the Books Lists

This year's Battle of the Books will be held on May 19, 2010. This will, again, take place in the library. Teachers are choosing their teams as I type. Parents, please accept this as your invitation to attend. Exact times will be announced in the very near future.

Due to all the snow days we had, longer spring break, TCAP prep time that could not be intruded upon, and some other unforeseen circumstances we have been left with precious little time for this year's event. Our shortened lists reflect this.

Despite this, we are still very much looking forward to the battles. They always turn out to be a lot of fun for those involved.

6th Grade
Diary of a Wimpy Kid
Hatchet
Summer of the Swans
Island of the Blue Dolphins
Rules
The Dollhouse Murders
Love, Ruby Lavender
*
7th Grade
Tuck Everlasting
The Teacher's Funeral
Each Little Bird That Sings
Hoot
Al Capone Does My Shirts
The Giver
Tangerine
*
8th Grade
The Midwife's Apprentice
Airborn
Heat
Here Lies the Librarian
Jacob Have I Loved
The City of Ember
The Boy in the Striped Pajamas

Wednesday, April 21, 2010

National T.V. Turnoff Week

Ms. Creasy's little boy putting on his best sad face at the prospect of a week without t.v.
This week, April 19 - 25, TV Turnoff Network is hosting National TV Turnoff Week.



One of the main goals of the program is to show parents and children that watching television doesn't have to be a daily activity (or as it is in the case of some families an all day and night activity).




Why limit your screen time? Well, you can become be more physically fit. And doesn't everyone want to look great? Also, you'll have more time to do things that will make you smarter and your grades will improve. And another thing, research shows that by not watching so much t.v. you'll actually be in a better mood more often and end up being a nicer person. So,




1. Better body


2. Better grades


3. More friends because you have become just so darn nice




Wouldn't it be worth giving up a little t.v. for these things?





Are YOU up to the challenge (albeit I am two days late with this announcement)? Can you make it through the rest of the week with no television? What are some things you could do instead of watching the tube?





How about...

1. Put together a puzzle.
2. Visit the library. Borrow a book. Attend library activities.
3. Go skateboarding, roller skating, or ice skating.
4. Listen to the radio.
5. Visit the zoo.
6. Paint a picture, a mural or a room.
7. Find out about your area's community center or park's activities.
8. Read a book aloud to your younger sister/brother.
9. Volunteer for a community organization or charity or help an elderly relative or neighbor by doing some house or lawn work .
10. Play with your pet.
11. Write a letter to a friend or relative.
12. Start a neighborhood basketball, soccer, or kickball game.


13. Go through your closets and clothes. Donate surplus items to Goodwill, the Salvation Army or a local rummage sale.
14. Start a diary/journal.
15. Go to a museum.
16. Play cards.
17. Make up a story and write it down.
18. Ask an older family member to tell you a story about his or her childhood. Write about it.
19. Learn some new riddles or jokes.
20. HAVE A PARTY TO CELEBRATE A TV-FREE WEEK.

Tuesday, April 20, 2010

Upcoming Dates

April 23, 2010
Nashville Sounds game
7 p.m.
*
April 26, 2010
Wild About Reading shirts will be ready to ship from the company. I am not sure of an exact arrival date.
*
May 19, 2010
Battle of the Books
WMS Library