Greetings, denizens of
the blogiverse!
Since the title of
Teacher of the Year was bestowed upon me, I’ve received a number of inquiries
on an array of subjects.
What is my first name? What activities are best for fourth graders? Did
I suffer any lasting effects from the flying sneaker incident? How is my snap
so impressively loud?
I’ve been asked to answer
a few of those questions here today.
The snap, I’m afraid, is one
of the most fiercely guarded secrets of the Empire—Mrs. Burke’s Empire, that
is. The technique was passed down in a sacred trust from my mother, and I couldn’t possibly divulge it here.
Actually, I suppose I
could, but my hood of ninjas would instantaneously escort every person reading
this post to a remote island surrounded by man-eating octopi. I doubt the secret
of the snap would do you much good in such an exile.
Activities, however, I am
happy to share!
1. Plays:
Each year, the citizens of Mrs. Burke’s Empire perform a play. I’m not given to bragging, but this year’s—The Sorcerer’s Castle—might be this director's masterpiece. I’ve found that my students learn quite a bit about themselves when they’re forced to play someone else.
2. Writing:
I suggest having your students write about their
own experiences.
Here’s a prompt that works well with my own
students: You vs. Who?
Students must write a story about a time they
faced some sort of obstacle. Stories can be silly or serious; true or
fictional; about school, home, or extra-curriculars! Give it a title like Suzie Rice vs. The Vacuum of Suction
Destruction or Mrs. Burke vs. The
Slippery Ramen Noodle.
3. Contests:
When all other hope is lost and mutiny seems inescapable, make
it a contest. In fact, let’s do just that!
Have your child, student, or library patrons
answer the You vs. Who? prompt.
You (the teacher, librarian, parent, etc.) must
send the stories to the folks at Peachtree Publishers via e-mail or snail mail
before the deadline. (See details below.)
Win a glorious prize and bring honor to your own
empire!
CONTEST DETAILS
PRIZE: Peachtree
Publishers is giving away ten (10) Charlie
Bumpers prize packs!
Nine winners will receive one (1)
hardcover copy of Charlie Bumpers vs. The
Teacher of the Year, and one (1) galley of Charlie Bumpers vs. The Really Nice Gnome (April 2014!).
One Grand Prize winner will receive one
(1) hardcover copy of Charlie Bumpers vs.
The Teacher of the Year, one (1) hardcover copy of Charlie Bumpers vs. The Really Nice Gnome, and one (1) Audio Book
CD of Charlie Bumpers vs. The Teacher of
the Year (performed by author and Grammy Award-winning recording artist,
Bill Harley!).
To enter: Students must write a story about
a time they faced some sort of obstacle like Charlie does. Adult must send
the stories in to Peachtree Publishers via e-mail or snail mail. Stories can be
silly or serious; true or fictional; about school, home, or extra-curriculars!
E-mail Address:
publicity(at)peachtree(dash)online(dot)com
Snail Mail Address:
Peachtree Publishers
Publicity Dept.
1700 Chattahoochee Ave.
Atlanta, GA 30318
DEADLINE: Contest ends March 26, 2014, at 11:59
pm EST
OPEN TO: US Addresses Only
Labels: Charlie Bumpers, Contests, Curriculum Guides, Giveaways, Quality Kids' Books, Read-Aloud, School Days