[LM_NET] Middle School Battle of the Books

[Karen Puckett <karenlouise@ALLTEL.NET>]

After four years of coming in 3rd to 5th out of 6 in our county-wide Battle of the 
Books, I'm feeling a bit battle fatigued!  

I'm disappointed in my school's performance because our kids are discouraged and 
I'm actually feeling some pressure from my school about it.  Also, I'm concerned 
that only the top tier of students at our school (as well as other schools) tend to 
participate and that the program doesn't benefit lower level readers.  (Our school 
is an at-risk one, thus we have a large population of lower readers.)

I'm not sure if it's because I'm being a sore loser, or because I truly dislike 
academic competitions (I find the adult egos at regionals to be quite large and 
tedious!), but I would like a response to the following questions:

Are there middle school programs out there other than BOB that reach larger numbers 
of students?

Are there middle school media specialists who elect not to compete with their 
district in BOB and why?

What are some ways BOB books may be used to benefit lower readers?

How has your school been successful with BOB?

How does one get the staff to "buy in" and support BOB?

What are the best team practice techniques?


I'm willing to give it one more try for one more year.  After that, I'd like to 
look into programs such as the NC Children's Book award or doing a Coretta Scott 
King Festival.

Thanks!

Karen Puckett
Media Specialist
North Rowan Middle School
Spencer, NC
karenlouise@alltel.net

--------------------------------------------------------------------
Please note: All LM_NET postings are protected by copyright law.
  You can prevent most e-mail filters from deleting LM_NET postings
  by adding LM_NET@LISTSERV.SYR.EDU to your e-mail address book.
To change your LM_NET status, e-mail to: listserv@listserv.syr.edu
In the message write EITHER: 1) SIGNOFF LM_NET  2) SET LM_NET NOMAIL
3) SET LM_NET MAIL  4) SET LM_NET DIGEST  * Allow for confirmation.
 * LM_NET Help & Information: http://www.eduref.org/lm_net/
 * LM_NET Archive: http://www.eduref.org/lm_net/archive/
 * EL-Announce with LM_NET Select: http://elann.biglist.com/sub/
 * LM_NET Supporters: http://www.eduref.org/lm_net/ven.html
--------------------------------------------------------------------