Help Name This Blog Contest

A few months ago, I decided to venture out and start my own blog.  I have been happy guest blogging but wanted someplace that I can combine some of my interests as an educator with my interest in books and writing.   Part of starting a blog means coming up with a name.  I have spent about a month trying to name this blog.  I have pestered friends, googled a bunch of titles, and still nothing really definite, despite some great brainstorming efforts.  So I am reaching out here and hopefully together a name will be found.

Premise of the blog:  A resource for teachers, authors, school librarians centered around books for children and teens and using them in the classroom.

The Challenge: Submit your blog name idea on the form provided at the end of the post.  Please read the remainder of the post for all of the guidelines and information.

Rules:  The Winner must be 13 or older.   The contest is open to those in the U.S. or International participants. Any inappropriate name suggestions will be immediately disqualified.

Contest Ends:  June 8, 2010 (Note: If more time is needed to collect submissions, I might extend the contest for another week.)

Prize:  For the winner whose blog name suggestion is chosen, a book of your choice for $15.00 (or less) US currency from either Amazon (US contestants only) or The Book Depository (US contestants, International contestants only have this option).

To submit your entry, please click on the link to complete the form:

https://spreadsheets.google.com/viewform?formkey=dDlDR1RqMVNZZG5NVmpYS3VaOXhfcXc6MQ

Thanks for everyone's help.

Aly

Read Aloud - May 2010

In March 2010, I read AL CAPONE DOES MY SHIRTS by Gennifer Choldenko to my fourth graders. The students were fascinated by the book. Most of them had little knowledge of the 1930's. By reading the story, we had an opportunity to discuss the differences between current day behavior (language, dress, actions) with what would have been the norm in 1935. Additionally, our school has a significant number of students with Autism which also means we have a number of students that are siblings of a child with Autism. Moose's (the main character) struggles with his sister, Natalie, was touching but very real to many of our children. When we finished the book, everyone was eager to find out what happens to Moose, Natalie, Theresa, Piper and the others.

Note: Review to follow when we are finished.