October 1 and 4

I went back to Blue Ridge Elementary on the first and the fourth to work on setting up and working the book fair.  Additionally, I introduced my information literacy unit on Book Reviews.  I am fortunate to have the Blue Ridge Teacher of the Year work with me on this unit.  Today, when I went in to talk to the 3rd grade class, they were so excited to talk about books and what makes a good book review.  I was pleasantly surprised at the level of understanding this group demonstrated.  They were far more attentive than some high school classes that I've seen and very ready to share their thoughts and opinions.

The media center host a preview for teachers at the end of the day where hoagies, chips, drinks, and dessert was provided.  Teachers came in and broused what the book fair had to offer, filled out requests form for parents to use if they want to donate a book to a teacher's classroom, and gave the teachers an opportunity to shop the book fair early.

It was a busy day.  Teachers signed up to bring their classes in to the book fair and we also had classes who were scheduled to come in for their regular rotation.  This was my first full day in the media center and I was exhausted by 5:00.  This week's focus is the book fair and my information literacy lesson.  I look forward to continuing to work with the 3rd graders.  I just hope that I can work in the time to get back a couple of times and be a part of their final writing of the book reviews.  I did tell them today that I could not pay them to be my professional book reviewers, but the intrinsic reward of being recognized for their work as we spotlight their book jackets in the media center will be a payment that extends beyond the monetary kind that we spend far too quickly.  They are excited about being publishers and having a high school art student illustrate their books.

The book fair set-up went smoothly due to some really valuable parent volunteers who were experienced and knew just how to unload boxes and move furniture in preparation for the week.

12 hours