I've done all sorts of crazy things to reward students for being such great readers! We have enjoyed "Read-in Days," guest readers, embarrassing the principal (who was a great sport!), involved teachers and parents, and challenging our students. Here are some highlights:

International Talk Like a Pirate Day

Everyone came to school dressed as pirates. "Real Pirates" visited the school and shared some of their favorite pirate adventure stories. Then they kidnapped the principal as the children watched on the closed-circuit televisions! The children had to write stories detailing how the principal was freed. The student with the best story got to come read the story on tv and then untie the principal. It was a blast!

Competitions

We had some pretty fun competitions at MRE. Kids have read to determine contestants, rules, and outcomes. We've had pie-eating contests, hop-ball contests, a volleyball match between front hall and back hall teachers, tricycle races (adults on small tricycles - always fun), and many more. I've even had a stunt bike fly over my head. Hey - whatever it takes to keep kids reading, right?

Read Across America, aka "Dr. Seuss Day"

Every year in February we celebrate the birthday of Dr. Seuss, beloved children's author and illustrator. One year students came to school dressed as their favorite book character, and we started the day with a parade. We had Dr. Seuss trivia with great prizes, and a door decorating contest with birthday cake for the two winning classes. My favorite, though, was teaming up with the local radio stations to play recordings of some of our students reading their favorite stories. You can listen to them below!

Photo Gallery

I love pictures! Here are a few more favorites from Moreland Road Elementary School.