10.14.2012

Post Read-a-Thon Update


Although the read-a-thon was not a personal success (meaning it was a comedy of errors), I had so much fun and will be ready for pure read-a-thon madness in April. I have to laugh at myself because the night before the marathon it would make sense to go to bed early, but I was out past midnight. It also makes sense to limit  appointments and errands. I start the day off with less than 6 hours of sleep and a 5 hour meeting. After the meeting I absolutely, positively had to go to the library (in the rain) to pick up items I had on hold. I get home during hour 9 of the read-a-thon, pop some popcorn and settle down with Winnie-the-Pooh and promptly nod off with that "silly old bear."

Book 1. The Best of Winnie-the-Pooh by A.A. Milne 79 pages
I had never read Winnie-the-Pooh ( I was/am a Paddington fan ) and my first book of the read-a-thon was a bit of a letdown. Winnie-the-Pooh is not very bright.


Book 2. Alice in Blunderland by Phyllis Reynolds Naylor
I wanted to read the Alice series for banned books week, but didn't get to it so this was my opportunity. I enoy Alice immensely. She is quite authentic and reminds me of many of my students. I will read the entire series at some point.

Book 3. 1+1=5 and Other Unlikely Additions by David LaRochelle Illustrated by Brenda Sexton. My favorite read of the read-a-thon. I LOVED THIS BOOK!!!

These wacky equations don't add up…or DO THEY?
1 goat + 1 unicorn = 3 horns!
1 set of triplets + 1 set of twins = 5 babies!
1 duet + 1 quartet = 6 musicians!
1 ant + 1 spider = 14 legs!
1 century + 1 decade = 110 years!

The Other Way to Listen by Byrd Baylor Illustrated by Peter Parnall
This was my final book of the read-a-thon and it wins the prize for "most  profound line" Yes, I made that category up, but so what?

"Don't be
ashamed
to learn
from
bugs
or
sand
or anything."

"It's good to
walk
with people
but
sometimes
go alone."

"That way,"
he said,
"you can always
stop
and listen
at the right time."


So here are the official questions and my responses for the end of the event meme:



  1. Which hour was most daunting for you? Hour 9 of the read-a-thon , but hour 1 for me
  2. Could you list a few high-interest books that you think could keep a Reader engaged for next year? Gone Girl was a real page turner and I did stay up all night reading that one. Children's classics are very engaging. You can never go wrong rereading your favorite books from childhood.Who wouldn't want to hang out with Ramona and Beezus, Fudge, Ralph S. Mouse, and my beloved Anne of Green Gables?
  3. Do you have any suggestions for how to improve the Read-a-thon next year? I have no suggestions. It was GREAT!
  4. What do you think worked really well in this year’s Read-a-thon? I loved the cheerleaders on twitter and the posts on my blog.
  5. How many books did you read? I read four books, but I was totally exhausted and had a hectic day. I will read more books next time.
  6. What were the names of the books you read? The Best of Winnie-the-Pooh, Alice in Blunderland, 1+1=5 and Other Unlikely Additions, The Other Way to Listen
  7. Which book did you enjoy most? 1+1=5 and Other Unlikely Additions
  8. Which did you enjoy least? The Best of Winnie-the-Pooh
  9. If you were a Cheerleader, do you have any advice for next year’s Cheerleaders? I wasn't a cheerleader, but the cheerleaders rocked!
  10. How likely are you to participate in the Read-a-thon again? What role would you be likely to take next time? I am very likely to participate in the Read-a-thon again. I would like to be a reader again.

2 comments:

  1. I'm sad you didn't like Winnie the Pooh! He's not very bright but he's always been one of my favorites growing up!

    Jane

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  2. Jane, I'm thinking Winnie-the-Pooh will grow on me. I got The Complete Tales & Poems of Winnie-the-Pooh so I can get to know him and his friends better. I'm hoping that Pooh is a kind and loving bear which is far more important than being the smartest bear in the hundred acre wood. :-)

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