40 Book Challenge

I decided to do the 40 book challenge with my students this year. Almost every student is on their way to achieve the goal of 40 books by the end of the year. I have a few that are struggling through it, but I'm very proud of them for giving their best effort.

Not only are the students reading books on their level, but I'm reading 40 books right along with them. It's my goal to be able to do a better job of recommending books to my students. I want to be able to discuss the books with them and not just by going off of what others have said about a particular book. I'm also trying a variety of genres as well.

I picked this idea up when I started a book study a few years ago on "The Book Whisperer" by Donalyn Miller. I absolutely loved the book. I also follow her on goodreads and I'm in the middle of her second book. She speaks from teaching 6th grade language arts, but it is very easy to relate to as an upper elementary teacher. 

I want to instil a love and passion for reading. I want to introduce students to genres that they haven't tried before. I want them to have a hard time putting a book down. 

So far, so good

At recess 

Yes, 5 of my students were reading instead of playing. They realize that books can take you to far off places. A few of then noticed that I had my phone out taking pictures. ;) 

Honored

This is my first year Teaching at Hawks Nest. The past 7 years, I've spent with 4th graders. This is my first year in 5th grade and I LOVE IT!!! I work with a wonderful team of teachers, support staff and administrator. I was surprised and honored when I was chosen as Teacher of the Year for the 2014-2015 school year.

I have an interview with our county coming up on December 1st. Our county will take the top 5 from the county and ask them for a portfolio and observe them teaching in their classroom. I will post an update when I find out how I've done with my interview. I'm nervous and anxious about the interview, I'll be glad when it is over with.