Book Buzz! 

Brownie Groundhog and the February Fox

Brownie Groundhog steps outside on February 2nd, hoping to see a few signs of Spring. Unfortunately, all she sees is her shadow, and a small red fox, who is determined to eat her for breakfast.

"Don't be silly," says Brownie, after the fox knocks her down and sends her basket flying. "You're too late for breakfast. You'll have to wait for lunch." And so the two head out for a morning of adventure, which includes gliding and twirling and swirling and looping and swooping across a frozen pond.

Soon, however, Fox begins thinking about food again, and informs Brownie that he is ready to eat her for lunch. "You skated right past lunch," says Brownie. "Now you'll have to wait until dinner." Before dinner comes, however, Brownie ties the Fox to a tree. She starts to leave him, but then has second thoughts…

A fun friendship book with a main character who is sassy and just a little bit bossy! 


Dear students,

You just read a "Book Buzz" for Brownie Groundhog and the February Fox. Now, it is your turn to buzz your independent reading book. Please do NOT give away too much for the reader. Remember, you are trying to entice other readers to pick up your book. Have fun!

Your teacher,
Ms. B :)

Reflecting on Hearts of Service Day

Dear students,

I had a wonderful time volunteering with you and your families at the Nashville Rescue Mission. I learned a lot about myself as well as the importance of giving back to the community we live in. Volunteering takes more than showing up for a few hours. It takes preparation, planning, action, and, now, reflecting. I want you to reflect on your time spent at the Nashville Rescue Mission. Please answer the following questions:

• What was your role(s) at the Nashville Rescue Mission? How did you contribute?
• What was your favorite part(s) of our service project and WHY?
• Name some connections you made during your time at the Nashville Rescue Mission.
• What is something new you learned from this experience? Be specific! Also, were you surprised by anything you saw or heard?

Please make sure you answered each bullet point before you publish your comment. Double check your comment for punctuation/spelling mistakes.

I cannot wait to hear about your day.

You teacher,

Ms. B

What are you reading?

Dear Readers,

I am interested to hear about your independent reading books. Right now, I am reading a book Ms. Sikes recommended to me. I can't wait to tell her about my favorite parts and discuss the questions I have so far.

What are you reading?
What's your favorite part?
What questions do you have about the book?

Please answer the questions above. Be sure to write the title of your book in the topic sentence.

Your teacher,
Ms. B

Point of View

Dear Readers,

We have discussed point of view in class. We learned about first person, third person limited, and third person omniscient. Then we analyzed some of Patricia Polacco's books and from who's point of view the story is told.

For example, Pink and Say was written in third person limited. The story is told from Say's perspective, but a narrator is telling it because it uses the pronoun "he." As a reader, we do not know everything, but only the thoughts and feelings of Say.

In our historical fiction book clubs, we have analyzed our book's point of view. What point of view is your independent reading book told? How does the point of view influence how the story is told, and what you know or do not know?

I look forward to reading about your book's point of view and why it matters.

Be sure to answer both questions in complete sentences, and edit your work before you submit it.

HF Book Club Update

Dear Readers,

I hope you are enjoying you Historical Fiction Book Clubs! I would like to hear more about the book you are reading. Please write a short summary (at least 5 sentences!) about your historical fiction book, including characters, setting, and the plot (problem/solution). Assume I have not read the book and be sure to edit your work.

Your teacher,

Ms. Blackmon :)

Teacher for a Day!

Sometimes it is fun to imagine what the classroom would be like if you were in charge for a day. What would you teach? What kind of activities would plan? What would your students call you? Think about what would happen in class if you were in charge for a day and leave your comment below.

One Little Word (OLW)

Each new year, two of my cyber-mentors challenge teachers to find their One Little Word (OLW). The OLW is one word that will represent, or symbolize, the year ahead. The word should be personal and thoughtful. My mentors spend weeks thinking about their OLW, making sure they select a word that will really guide them.

I have thought a great deal about my OLW. For 2013, I selected "trust" as my One Little Word. I selected "trust" because I don't always trust God's plan and try to make my own way. I need this word to remind me to trust not only His plan for me, but also to trust in the strengths and talents He has blessed me with, rather than worry about the future. Trust can apply to my life in so many ways - through friends, work, my students, my family, myself, and ultimately, God's plan for me. I will use this word to guide me through the days of 2013.

What is your One Little Word? How does this word apply to your life? How can you use your OLW to guide your year? Comment to this post with your OLW, and examples of how you can use your OLW this year. Here is a list of possible words to help you. Copy and paste this link if you need suggestions for a word.

http://aliedwards.com/2012/01/one-little-word-2012-the-words.html