If you have some time for blogging...

If you love to read picture books then this site might be one for you. It's always such a pleasure to discover a new source of inspiration.

The other site that is worth keeping an eye on is the City Libraries Christchurch Kids Blog. You might even be able to get a book review published there.

Summertime Reading Club

Yes folks it's back again this year... the Summertime Reading Club at the Christchurch City Libraries.
There are weekly book prizes and even an iPod touch to be won.

If you are not confident using a computer, a librarian will help you register when you call into the library.

Happy Reading!

More Play Performances

At last the final two groups had the chance to perform their plays for Rooms 3 and 21. After that Room 3 performed the play The Hole in the King's Sock by Dot Meharry for us!

Performance Season

We have been practising and performing plays in Room 16 recently. Some groups have performed to other classes and others are waiting for the opportunity to do so.  Here are some snap shots of the action.

Taking our surveys on the road.

Finding out about Room 17's reading habits.

Surveys are fun to design and carry  out. The children had to design a question about reading and select 4 options for people to choose from. Next they had to make a prediction about what the results would be. They went to Room 17 to carry out the survey. When they got back to Room 16 they had to write statements about what they did discover. Some people's predictions were correct, but others got a surprise.

Book Character Parade Day

What a wonderful event this was to finish up Book Week. I've never seen such a fine selection of creative costumes. I felt particularly privileged to be able to hold Tigger (Matiu) so he could be part of our class parade.

We had to leave just before the end of the parade to go to our first softball session. We all had a great time there and I don't think Ian (the coach) has ever worked with such a diversely dressed group!


After that the author Ben Brown came to our room to talk to many of the Middle school classes about being an author and his books. We learned that a knock to the head by a classic book is really got him started on the road to becoming an author.

The children (and teachers) listened with rapt attention and then asked very thoughtful and interesting questions. I have found an interview he did with some other children online.
I was very proud and impressed that the children's questions showed that they had listened so well to his ideas and experiences.

Why don't you get a Ben Brown book out of the library this long weekend?

Some reading surveys

I'm looking forward to posting some of your reading surveys on the blog. It will be good to know where people prefer to read.
Today's FFF was Lola. Lauren Child's books are works of art within themselves.
DEAR at "the site where Bob the Builder would like to work" was a bit blustery but a nice chance to do some silent reading.

D.E.A.R.S.

This stands for Drop Everything And Read Silently and today the whole school gathered at the place where you can find "The ingredients for a prehistoric cake". I saw some teachers taking photos so I hope I'll be able to update this post with a snap soon.
We'll be doing this again tomorrow so come to school prepared with a great book to read.
I've had a great day today - thanks for all your good wishes.
The FFF (fabulous fictional female) for the day was Ramona the Pest.
Don't forget Thursday is "Come as your favourite book character" day.

Week Five is BOOK WEEK - Yippee

We have a fun week ahead celebrating books and reading.

Don't forget Thursday is Dress Up As Your Favourite Book Character Day so get your Thinking Caps on (as Dr Seuss would say).

I'm not saying who I'm going to be but I'm having a bit of fun working out how I'll be her (whoops that was a tiny clue).

Keep an eye on the Blog as we'll do regular updates of the Book Week activities.

See you soon

Ms Ashby :o)

The Poster Process

If you're wanting to find out about some different authors or find out more about some of your favourites, you could come and read the posters in Room Sixteen. The authors featured are: Dr Seuss, Roald Dahl, Lauren Child, Beatrix Potter, Mo Willems, Emily Rodda, J.K. Rowling, Kym Lardner, Lynley Dodd, Dav Pilkey and Korky Paul.

13 October
Room 22 and Mrs Glasson came to Room 16 today to look at our posters and give us some feedback. You'll be able to read their excellent quality comments when you come and see the posters for yourselves!
Thanks Room 22!

Reading and all that Jazz

We had new National Library books in the library corner today. That always makes us all happy.


These children taught us a game they had learned about in their reading book called "Hit the Kangaroo". It is a traditional Aboriginal game which provided spear throwing practice for children. We made a kangaroo out of a cardboard box and some spears from newspaper.
We have some keen warriors in Room 16, pity help any stray kangaroos they come across. Here are some action shots of the hunt.

Olivia

I love Olivia the pig. She "speaks" to me.
Imagine how pleased I was to find this website.

The Queen Bee Blues Play

A Wet Saturday

It's been so long since I've experienced a wet Saturday. Needless to say it is the soccer season so I got wet and cold watching Jack play. When I came home I decided to check out Mo Willems' website and found lots of new things on it. Why don't you have a look? I can't wait till the 3rd Knuffle Bunny book comes out later this year.
There are lots of interesting things on this site for adults too.

Mo's Website

A Play from February

A group of children performed a play for us complete with props.