Remember When We…Had Authors Visit DC Elementary and South Prairie?

In November 2012 Dallas Center Elementary hosted author David Sargent and his writing inspirations--his dogs!

You can read all about his visit and see more pictures HERE.

Students at South Prairie Elementary hosted Coach Sloth in May 2012, when they had the opportunity to meet Coach Sloth and hear about his experiences with the Iowa Barnstormers and his work as a children's author. You can read more HERE.

Remember When We…Made Our Own Interrupting Chickens?

Many of our lessons focus on the Iowa Goldfinch Book Award nominees, and a year ago, Interrupting Chicken by David Ezra Stein was one of the nominees. 

Our K - 2 students had activities that went along with the read aloud, including describing how they would try to be UNinterruping chickens. :) You can check out the full blog post, as well as the all of the pictures, when you CLICK HERE.

Remember When We. . . Emailed Tucked the Cat

In the 2012 - 2013 school year, Cat Secrets by Jef Czekaj was one of the Iowa Goldfinch Books nominees.

During our read aloud and lesson, students drafted emails to Tucker, and he--along with the author's assistance--replied to the students' questions and comments! We even got a picture of Tucker playing hide and seek with us!

Want to know more about our students' emails and Tucker's responses? You can read about them HERE on the original blog post.

Summertime Wednesday Posts--"Remember When We…" Series

With summer break just beginning, it's time to think about what our summer posts will include. Why not a look back at some of our favorite lessons or activities?! Look for a new series of summer posts titled "Remember When We…" Wednesdays!

Our first look back features a 3rd grade lesson relating to book care from August 2012. You can read the original post here, but here's a screenshot to remind you of it:

A fun side note: These students will be 5th graders this fall, and so will their 3rd grade teacher, Mrs. Nims, who has transferred to a 5th grade position. Maybe some of them will be working and learning with her again!