Looking Back With Literature

I had one of "those" experiences last week - a kind of "wow" experience.  The second graders have been working on biography projects.  I wanted to look at kid heroes in the library as well.  One of my favorite kid heroes is Ruby Bridges.  Maybe you remember her from history; maybe you do not.  In 1960, she was chosen to be one of the first African American children to attend an "all-white" school in New Orleans.  The trauma she endured at the hands of men, women, and children is unconscionable.  Is it possible that a six-year-old child could experience such hatred from a civilized group of people?

Ruby Bridges preceded me in school by a few years, but I was going to school when Nashville forced integration by busing students to different schools.  I was a seventh grader entering Donelson Junior High for the first time.  I walked through lines of angry people.  I observed how fear incited anger and misunderstanding.  But I saw a miracle - kids learning to work through differences.

The "wow" experience last week is that Ruby Bridges accomplished her childhood goal, but it was realized years later.  Our ILE students could not imagine such atrocities because they sit in a classroom where students are "not judged by the color of their skin." 

In my lifetime, I have observed a miracle which is just another reason I love being part of education and teaching at Indian Lake Elementary.   

As a family, you might consider watching the movie Ruby Bridges -  Ruby Bridges movie You can find it online.  Talk about the past and where we are today.  What do we need to continue to work on? 

Sam Sparrow - Super Reader

     I finally caught up with Sam Sparrow, a fourth grader in Mrs. McKinney's class.  By Christmas, he had read and tested over 2,000,000 words.  I wanted the real scope, honest answers, about kids who read.  Here is the interview and insightful answers from a delightful young man who loves to read.

     When did you learn to read?  "Kindergarten.  But I really started reading this year in 4th grade.

     What got you hooked on reading?  "The Warrior series.  It is in-depth, fantasy, cats and clans, awesome names.  I read more than play video games."

     Why are books better than movies?  "In movies, you can only see and hear.  Movies cannot transmit the feeling of the characters."

     What advice do you have for reluctant readers?  "I recommend the Artemis Fowl series full of action and fantasy for kids who don't read.  Boys who do not read should read the Warrior series, especially Into the Wild."

     Tell me Sam, do readers have a life?  "I don't just read, I game.  I will go into computers in college.  I have a you.tube channel."

     What is your favorite place to read?  "My room - on the bed.  It is annoying when my brother blares his music in the next room."

     What advice do you have for teachers, librarians, and parents?  "Encourage your kids to read.  When adults read aloud, you get it the way the adult wants you to get it, but not the way you want to get it." 

Readers

     Do kids really have time to read these days? Life is so full and busy with lots of homework.  So who takes time to read?  Check out these 4th and 5th grade students.  Each of them have already READ over 1,000,000 words and tested on these books (AR) since the beginning of the school year.  Stay tuned for a couple of interviews with two of our top readers.

Thank You!

     Thank you for all that you do to make my days at Indian Lake Elementary School so special!
     Most of you do not know that I drive almost an hour each way to school.  The country drive is beautiful, and it gives me time to reflect on all my blessings!
     Indian Lake is one of those blessings!  I love the students and families that enrich my life Monday through Friday. 
     Thanks for once again overwhelming me with kind words and gracious gifts before Christmas.  I am so grateful for each family and for the children who daily give me reasons to smile.
     Be assured - Indian Lake is worth the drive.  Happy New Year!

Book Fair Oasis

Book Fair Oasis

Thank you for making the Book Fair an incredible success!  My rough estimate is that we sold over $15,000.00 worth of merchandise (excluding sales tax).  We brought in over $5000.00 during the Thanksgiving Lunch. 

I hope you were shopping during the flash mob!  What talent we celebrate at ILE.

Thanks for bringing such joy to the library.  Hopefully, soon we will enjoy the new books we purchase from our cut in the Scholastic Book Fair. 

Until spring, happy reading!

Book Fair Oasis 2013

Check out your kids at Book Fair Oasis!  Click above and watch the video!
Hope to see you at the Book Fair Oasis November 8  - 15, 2013. 

Why Read at Home?