Every Other Thursday, you’ll get this short, fun, relevant
newsletter. It will contain a quote or
smile about the library and those who love it, an idea you can use to promote
your library or reading in general, a Common Core implementation idea and a
shameless plug for the programs I offer.
Enjoy!
In this issue:
-
Survey Says!
- Library Smiles
- Promote Reading over the break
- Common Core Idea and CONTEST!
- Shameless Plug
Survey Says!
I want this newsletter to be a valuable resource for you. Please
take 3 minutes to fill out this
survey and let me know how I am doing and what I can do to make EOT an even
more effective resource. You can get to the survey by going to https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/YRCPGJF.
Thanks!
Library Quote/Smile –
“What a miracle it is
that out of these small, flat, rigid squares of paper unfolds world after world
after world, worlds that sing to you, comfort and quiet or excite you. Books
help us understand who we are and how we are to behave. They show us what
community and friendship mean; they show us how to live and die.”
Anne Lamott, American
novelist and nonfiction writer
This
one has NOTHING to do with reading (except that Dave Barry is a writer) but it
made me laugh and I had to share!
“In the old days, it
was not called the Holiday Season; the Christians called it 'Christmas' and
went to church; the Jews called it 'Hanukkah' and went to synagogue; the
atheists went to parties and drank. People passing each other on the street
would say 'Merry Christmas!' or 'Happy Hanukkah!' or (to the atheists) 'Look
out for the wall!”
Dave Barry, author and
syndicated columnist
Promote (From the “General” Section of 45 Ideas in 45
Minutes)
Encourage kids to read a “new” book over the holiday break
by hosting a book swap on the last week before you get out of school. A book
swap can be as easy or as complicated as you’d like for it to be, but here’s a
simple way to do it.
1. You’ll need age appropriate “seed books,” equal to about
20% of your student population. For example, if you have 500 students, you need
100 seed books to get started. Places to get these include asking teachers to
bring some from home, going to your local Friends of the Public Library and
explaining what you are doing and ask for a deep discount, or approaching a
used bookstore and asking for the same thing. Or you may have a bunch of books
that you have collected over the year from Bookfairs, donations, etc.
2. Announce the book swap this Monday, and encourage
students to bring in age appropriate books this week, for which they will
receive a “Book Swap Ticket.” A generic sample book swap ticket can be found by
clicking here.
3. The next week, host the book swap, where the students can
come in to the media center and redeem their ticket for a “new” used book to
enjoy over the holidays.
Common Core Connection
When I was at GaETC this year, I met a couple of amazing
teachers who have created a company called “The Curriculum Divas.” I was
impressed when I talked to them and got their literature, but was blown away
when I joined their website (www.CurriculumDivas.com)
and began exploring the resources they have to offer. This section of EOT usually
contains a paragraph to help you cement your position as the Common Core Super
Hero in your school. Exploring this website and sharing it with your teachers will
earn you your cape and fancy superhero boots! Take a look at these resources
and see what I mean!
As a matter of fact,
I am so impressed with this resource, I am going to do the first ever Every Other Thursday
contest. Send me an e-mail (tommy@tommyjohnspresents.com)
and tell me in 25 words or less why you should win this contest. I’ll read all
entries and will award a one year membership to www.CurriculumDivas.com to three entrants.
(Just so you know, they are not paying me to do this, nor are they giving me
the memberships. I really believe in this dynamic duo!)
Shameless Plug
Did you know that TJP offers two science programs for
elementary schools that encourage kids to read? “Go Wild!” covers the
scientific process and life sciences and “Work Smarter, Not Harder!” is all about
simple machines. If your school is having a science night this spring, ask
about “The BEST Science Night EVER” deal!
Here’s
what one of your colleagues had to say about having a TJP program at her
school:
“Everyone
loved Go Wild! (the science and reading program) and want you to come
back! I have let other schools know
about the AWESOME show my students saw.
I tell them how well you manage and control student behavior, and how
much the kids learned. They were sorry
when the show ended!”
Patty
Krezinski, Media Specialist, Diamond Lakes ES, Hephzibah, GA
Let me know how I can help! See you in two weeks!
Encouraging kids to read, I am
Tommy Johns
Educational Entertainment Specialist
PS – Don’t forget to enter the contest!
PPS – Have a WONDER-Filled Holiday season, whatever holidays
you celebrate!
www.TommyJohnsPresents.com
Call (770) 640-6509 or Toll Free at (866) 490-READ
------------------------------------
Your peers appreciate your advice about quality programs. Please tell them
about your experience working with us. Our best sales people are our many loyal
clients.
