The fun thing about looping with your class is the ability to create traditions. After the success of last years event, I was excited to hear the students cheer when this years bracket was posted! Now that they are more comfortable with the activity, students who usually shy away from talking in front of the class are giving eloquent arguments as to why their book should win.
Last year, when they were in Grade 2, many students gave arguments like 'it was funny' and 'I liked the pictures'. This year, I am blown away by their arguments. "I think 'I Have a Dream' should win over 'One' because it is a very important true story. If Matin Luther King had not given his speech 'I have a dream' speech then 3/4 of our friends would not be able to vote in our Literary March Madness. That is why I am voting for 'I have a Dream". (And that was an argument for the second place book!)
Wow. To say I am a proud teacher today is an understatement! (and we have just started fractions, so I loved that connection!)
