I enjoyed reading the details of how the program was conducted. If I were to do it, it would certainly be helpful to already have a plan laid out. The biggest challenge for me is the fact that I am still learning about the materials that I am using for just our basic classroom work, and the extra projects need to be very simple. My time for more organizing and having the extra energy just isn’t always there. I can see us doing this next year, but I honestly don’t think it will be on the list for this year.
We are doing some interesting projects involving reading in our language classes, science, and also social studies classes. I have been in touch with the author Natalie Kinsey-Warnock, who is from Vermont. She was helpful in my finding the book from my own childhood, which has a similar name to a book she wrote, “Nora’s Ark.”
We are planning a Skype-session to visit with Mrs. Warnock. She has sent emails to my class and has answered many questions for my kids. Most importantly….. how many horses do you have?!
I have ordered three of her books, which we will start reading on Monday in class. The first to arrive was “The Night the Bells Rang.” It is set in Vermont in the era of World War 2. It is very good. More details in the Monday post!
I am seeing a trend in my own students in the way they choose their own books to read. A recommendation from a friend is the biggest factor. When one book is finished, someone else is always waiting in line to read the same book.
We are also gaining strides in the opposite end of the reading spectrum…. the writing process! Our Christmas program is in full swing, and is a play which was written by two students. Each year they write a brief script, and choose the play that will be completed. It was an interesting process to watch.
My seventh grade girls are also starting to write a newsletter, with the sixth grade boys asking if they can write articles, too. As a former newspaper writer, it’s one of my favorite projects.
For now, I will look forward to reading the other blogs about creating a mock award, but will need to put mine on hold until next year.
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marjoleske 
I threw a Mock Caldecott together last year VERY last minute for my face-to-face Children’s Lit class, and even without much planning I think it was a good experience. I learned a lot about what changes to make for next year! For me, the issue is getting my hands on all the books. I don’t always own the 20-25 books I would want to include in a Mock Caldecott! You’re very smart to think about the energy you have to give to each project. One thing I love about teaching is that we can add new things each year–we don’t have to do it all from the beginning!
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I am really looking forward to my second year, already, so I’ll have more experience with the materials, and can spend less time thinking, and more time DOING! We are doing many interesting projects in many of my areas, so I’m very happy with how the year is going.
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I think it is very cool that your are keeping in touch with an author, that relates back to the blog we did not too long ago. I really hope you get the opportunity to Skype with her that would be a great experience for the kids.
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I’m really looking forward to it. We have sent several emails back and forth. The kids say “Ask her this!, or that!” and I say “Write it down and you can ask her yourself!” I had several students absent today, so in the quiet I found a recording of our author in an interview on Vermont Public Radio!
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