A Little Free Library

This summer, I think I'll build a library!  "What?" you ask.  Seriously, I want to build a Little Free Library.  Have you heard about these little gems?  I recently came across this idea, and I LOVE it!  It is an awesome summer project that promotes and encourages reading.  This short little video tells you all about it.  

I have always loved libraries, but there wasn't one near where I lived as a child.  At my elementary school, the library was also the teacher's lounge.  In those days, the teachers smoked there and I really disliked how smokey the books smelled.  When I was 11, my friend and I would take the bus to a neighboring town where they had a library. I could only check out three books and that was never enough. In the summer, the Bookmobile would come around.  Oh, how I love that Bookmobile.  But the children's section was so small.  To have a Little Free Library in my neighborhood would have a slice of heaven!

The first Little Free Library was built by Todd Bol of Hudson Wisconsin in 2009 as a tribute to his mother, a former school teacher who loved reading.  He partnered with a friend and created a goal to build 2,510 Little Free Libraries, one more than the number of free libraries supported by Andrew Carnegie around 1900.  They have since surpassed this goal.  As of January 2014, the total number of Little Free Libraries in the world is estimated to be 15,000.  

The Little Free Library website sells pre-constructed libraries.  Here is my favorite:

Cedar Sunset Library

Their designs are beautiful.  But, the prices are steep and I like the idea of creating my own design.  If you visit the Little Free Library  Facebook page, you will see lots of creative designs. 

If you are interested, there is TONS of information on the Little Free Library website.  If you decide to build one in your front yard,   let me know!  

Only 9 days 'til STAAR!

There are only 9 teaching days left until the Math STAAR test.   Our district has a three day weekend prior to the test and I am terrified that all that we have gained reviewing over the past few weeks will be lost to three days off and a visit from the Easter Bunny. 

The kiddos are doing great.  We have practiced most of the problems on the 2013 Released STAAR Test.  But, I can't help thinking there will be some rigorous curveballs coming in this year's test.  

The STAAR Quizzes in my TPT store have been great for practicing the TEKS in new and different ways.  So, to kick off the last few days of preparation, I have bundled all of my Third Grade Math STAAR Quizzes and put them on sale for $2.00 off the full price.  The bundle includes 50+ word problems in multiple choice and griddable answers.   

Good luck to you and your students as testing season comes to an end.  When it's over, be sure to give yourself a BIG pat on your back for support in your kiddos and surviving another year of test pressure.  Will it ever end?