January the 27th was Family Literacy Day.  It marked the beginning of Tree Top's first 'Tournament of Books"!  I have chosen 16 books that will face off against each other each week.  One book per week will move on to 'compete' against another book.  Books will be voted on by all of my Tree Top students, until there is one remaining book.  This book will be crowned WINNER at the end of the tournament.
This week the books are:  Edwina the Emu (by Sheena Knowles) vs Even More Parts (by Tedd Arnold).  Students are marking books on art work, interest level of book, reading/vocabulary, and message/lesson the book is conveying.  Each book will have a mark out of 20.  So far this week, it is close, but "Edwina the Emu" is in the lead so far. There are still 5 students to vote by the end of the week:)

Read to Feed had a very successful first year, thanks to all of my students and their families!  As a group of 16 students, they raised $411 cash for the Food Bank and 687 items of food were donated!  They read 303 books and 7562 pages all together! These numbers have gone far past my expectations, and shown me a little of what a few students are capable of! I can't wait to see what next year brings.  

I have plans for a Tournament of Books, starting on January 27th (which is also Literacy Day)! I have chosen 16 books that will compete in a tournament format, students will vote on their favorite each round until we deem a winner!  I will keep you posted on books chosen and who wins each round.  Please leave you comments and vote for your favorite. I will keep track of all votes and keep a running tally. 

What are you doing for Literacy Day?? Volunteer to read at local school or seniors home? Donating some books to a daycare, school or family that would love to read some new books?  Let me know what you do:)

Also,the students of Tree Top Learning will be learning about the Olympics! The Winter Olympics starts February 7-23rd. Canada has a strong team going to represent us again this year, and I want my students to learn about some of them.  

I hope to keep more in touch viz this blog as well as my Facebook page.  Please check in when you can:)

Melissa