On Saturday, September 26, approximately 70 teachers, librarians, principals, college professors, college pre-service teachers, and all-around children's book lovers from all over the state of Iowa, gathered at Grundy Center Elementary for an elementary literature conference. The conference was sponsored by Grundy Center Elementary, Grundy Center Elementary Spartan Senate, Aplington-Parkersburg, Dike-New Hartford, and Gladbrook-Reinbeck.
The entrances to the school were decorated with welcome posters and sidewalk chalk messages.
The lunchroom was decorated, and there was a lot of food donated by both the Grundy Center Elementary and Aplington-Parkersburg Elementary staffs. The building was decorated and looking its best including the Beekle Tree and the brand new Ivan mural.
Each participant was greeted by a Grundy Center Elementary student and given a "swag bag" upon arrival. There were bookmarks, posters, books, games, and gift cards scattered throughout the bags. These gift bags and items were donated by Candlewick Press, University Book & Supply, Casey's General Store, Kwik Star, Chronicle Books, Hy-Vee, Subway (Grundy Center), MacMillan Publishers, and Three Star Store (Aplington). Mrs. Johnson's talented and gifted students also created hand made bookmarks for every guest.
To begin Think In, Mr. Sammons and Aplington-Parkersburg first grade teacher, Kim Koch, took the floor to welcome the guests and give a little history of how Think In came about.
About this time last year, both Sammons (then an A-P third grade teacher) and Koch attended nErDcampIA in Ankeny. The conference was focused around literacy and technology while featuring children's book guru, Mr. John Schumacher. They were so inspired and energized about bringing quality children's literature activities to the classroom, they collaborated on several activities including a mock Caldecott awards and book birthdays.
Last summer, when Sammons took the elementary principal job at Grundy Center Elementary, he and Koch decided they wanted to bring Mr. Schumacher back to Iowa to share the joys and expertise of children's literature. Thus, Think In 2015 was created!
To get the morning started, a prize was given to the person who traveled the furthest. The winner was from Atlantic, Iowa! Many other prizes were given to the winners of children's book trivia.
About this time last year, both Sammons (then an A-P third grade teacher) and Koch attended nErDcampIA in Ankeny. The conference was focused around literacy and technology while featuring children's book guru, Mr. John Schumacher. They were so inspired and energized about bringing quality children's literature activities to the classroom, they collaborated on several activities including a mock Caldecott awards and book birthdays.
Last summer, when Sammons took the elementary principal job at Grundy Center Elementary, he and Koch decided they wanted to bring Mr. Schumacher back to Iowa to share the joys and expertise of children's literature. Thus, Think In 2015 was created!
To get the morning started, a prize was given to the person who traveled the furthest. The winner was from Atlantic, Iowa! Many other prizes were given to the winners of children's book trivia.
Mr. John Schumacher then began his keynote address regarding different ways he develops interest in reading with children. John is a former classroom teacher and teacher librarian in Illinois. He was on the 2014 Newbery Selection Committee, which chose the Kate DiCamillo book, Flora and Ulysses. He is currently a guest lecturer at Rutgers University and was recently named Ambassador of School Libraries for Scholastic Book Fairs. He blogs daily at Watch. Read. Connect. and is one of the go-to guys in children's literature.
John talked about how he creates excitement and joy surrounding children's literature. He shared how he teaches kids to study each book by reading the back, looking at the inside cover, and even smelling the book. A Fine Dessert by Sophia Blackwell has been declared the best smelling book of 2015.
John talked about how he creates excitement and joy surrounding children's literature. He shared how he teaches kids to study each book by reading the back, looking at the inside cover, and even smelling the book. A Fine Dessert by Sophia Blackwell has been declared the best smelling book of 2015.
After the keynote address, the Think In participants had the opportunity to learn from each other during two break out sessions focused on children's literature. The participants signed up for these sessions during the online registration. They were encouraged to document ideas to share on Google Docs before, during, and after Think In. These documents are available to the public at www.thinkin2015.weebly.com.
Schumacher's second keynote was focused on the books he sees as the best of 2015. He shared which books he believes will be in the race for the 2016 Caldecott Medal. He also shared personal stories with authors of the books, book trailers, and in total, gave away nearly 50 children's books to the audience.
He also proclaimed that he is actually the president of the Lauren Castillo fan club.
Mr. Schu took a picture with just some of the Grundy Center staff that attended Think In 2015.
A few tweets from #ThinkIn2015.
We thank everyone for coming to Think In 2015. It was an amazing day of sharing and learning. There will be a lot of lucky students all across Iowa excited about children's literature!
We thank everyone for coming to Think In 2015. It was an amazing day of sharing and learning. There will be a lot of lucky students all across Iowa excited about children's literature!