Book #7 From the JGDS Coming Soon!

I am excited to share that Ms. Elysabeth Eldering has revealed the cover for 7th book in her Junior Geography Detective Squad. The book is expected to hit book shelves in April. It is exciting to see the series coming to life. She has recently released several other titles as well (all available from Elysabeth's site- click HERE to check it out!) Not only are these reads reasonably priced, they are very high-interest for kids. Great for kids and adults of all ages (however the text itself is written on a 3rd/4th grade level). My 6th graders like the quick read, while my own younger children enjoy having read a real chapter book.

Thanks Ms. E and Ms. Paye. I am looking forward to another great adventure with the JGDS!

Later...

Great News!

Okay, this is really exciting news! Ms. Elysabeth Eldering, my friend, and guest author in my classroom, has released the next cover of the next book in the 50 states series. As you can see, it is very kid friendly and eye catching. Ms. Eldering is also running a great special right now. You can purchase the the 46 books in her series- that's right 46 books (by the way, that is A LOT OF BOOKS!) plus a study guide for each (on CD). Now, if you are a school teacher- LISTEN UP! Talk to your principal, write a grant, DO SOMETHING to get these books in your library! They are wonderful. My 6th graders think they are a fun read (I think they are geared to a high fourth-the mid-fifth- but I have enjoyed them as has my wife, mother, and son who is going into the 5th grade). Don't let the price intimidate you! For just over $400 you get 46 books- again, that in A LOT of books, plus that includes shipping, handling, and again, the study guide on CD. Also, as an added bonus, you will get each copy autographed! Head HERE to check out and purchase the currently released books as well as the mega deal . If you don't think you can come up with the whole chunk of change right now, no fear- just purchase them as they are released (just remember that my ordering in advance you save a boatload of cash (like almost $100). If you are a homeschooler, then you will love the lessons you can teach from these books. Not only can you teach about geography, but also about teamwork and friendship. These books really are for everyone that can read (or likes to listen)! Remember, this deal WON'T LAST FOREVER! Click HERE now and get saving!

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AWESOME DEAL ALERT!

Anyone who has children (young or old) will want to take advantage of this steal of a deal! I work with a published author almost weekly in my classroom. Today she announced a sale on her first three books in a series about the 50 states (which I own the first two so far and my students/kids/wife loved them)! Not only do you get the first three books for $10 each, you also get the study guides packed with extension lessons and ideas on CD for FREE! So $30=AWESOME BOOKS AND LESSONS- This is an over $40 value for $30!

Click HERE to visit her blog to learn more and get all the payment details!

Hurry though, because this offer expires on the 20th at midnight!

Below is a trailer for the books:

I Think I Have Found Something New To Do-

Okay, so I have my author friend and she was trying to make a book trailer. I didn't realize how popular these book trailers have become. Well, I took her basic idea and using my movie software and my creative skills (a hobby that I am becoming more attached to all the time), I recreated her idea. I think that I would actually consider doing this for authors as a side job. Let me know what you think (AND get the books and read them).

Here is my work in all its glory:

I also wanted to share this video that my wife's cousin made. I thought it was hilarious. He is serving a mission for the LDS church in Russia. They used puppets they use to teach school age kids to teach about anti-drug behavior, etc. My kids would watch it all day if they could. (The song is "I hope they call me on a mission". Enjoy!

Aside from all this exciting movie making, I am currently struggling to get my reading done. It really isn't a matter of not enough time, but rather a lack of desire. But, I will get it done.
We are excited to have my wife's sister come and visit today. It is always nice to have her and her little family here. So, I guess I should go and get reading.
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Na, this is more fun. The weather has been a little bizarre here today. It didn't make it over 72 degrees today. The part that is strange is that it hasn't been under 90 degrees during the day until after 10pm, so I am almost cold, believe it or not.

Tomorrow marks the first day of International Speak Like a Pirate Week. (It is actually supposed to be a Pirate Day (Sept. 19th), but I like to decorate the room and do pirate activities.) This year the kids are even doing a "famous pirate" report. We'll see how that works.

I guess I really SHOULD go. I just remembered that I still have to make a report guide sheet to help my students know what information they need to gather about their famous pirate. If I survive this week, we will be on an upward swing (queen pageant will be over, presentation in my class will be over, 4 page paper will be written...etc, etc, etc)

Take care,

Later...

UPDATE! UPDATE! UPDATE! UPDATE!

Well, we went to the Pine Wood Derby tonight. I am sad to report that we placed dead last. But I am not really SAD at all. Ian was fine with it. In fact, when I asked him what were going to do next year, he said a candy machine. He is such a nut. Love that kid to pieces.

Today was fair. I did get to chat with Mrs. E for all of about 3 minutes this morning. I miss visiting with my virtual author friend. If you haven't met her yet, you need to visit her blog. She just released her second book in her Junior Detective Squad Series. I love the books. Interactive in pictures and text. Quick reads for most upper grade kids, which is also very appealing. Go HERE to meet her and check out the new book. I have already ordered mine! When you do get your copy, check out the acknowledgments page. :) GO Mrs. E, We are cheering you on! If you want her to come and visit your school, you can also arrange that (in person if you are close to her home, or virtually through your computer which is how she visits MY class. Well worth the investment to be sure).

Well, time marches on. My students took their first CORE test today. I feel they did very well. We will soon know. After they finish the science sections tomorrow, their results should be in my hands within 24 hours. Exciting, yet scary!

I better head to the TV for the weather update and then off to bed. Goodnight out there in BLOG land.

Later...

Educator's Life Welcomes a Fantastic Children's Author

Howdy all! I am happy to welcome Mrs. Elysabeth Eldering and her amazing books to my blog! To start off, I would like to share her Bio with you:

With a childhood spent traveling the globe, writer Elysabeth Eldering developed a passion for geography. Growing up in a military family, Elysabeth lived in Japan, Germany, New York, Kentucky, and Texas before her family finally settled in a small town in South Carolina. Elysabeth, who lives in Honea Path, put her globetrotting skills to work in the Junior Geography Detective Squad's 50-state mystery trivia series.

Published by 4RV Publishing, the series made its debut in summer 2008 with State of Wilderness. The Junior Geography Detective Squad will continue to put their mystery-solving talents to work in each state, challenging young readers on their knowledge of the nation's geography and interesting facts about each state. State of Quarries is next in the line-up.

The mother of three - an adult son and a teen-aged son and daughter - juggles a schedule that includes volunteering with her children's school activities, such as marching band and band competitions. An avid pet lover, Elysabeth is caretaker for the family's three dogs and a rabbit named Easter. She's active in the Greenville chapters of Sisters in Crime and the SC Writers Workshop and has judged entries for the Derringers Awards competition.

Elysabeth entered her first writing contest on a dare from a friend. Since then, the prize-winning writer has received awards from Armchair Interviews and Echelon Press. Her most recent story, “Bride and Seek,” was published in the SC Writers Workshop anthology The Petigru Review and is available on http://www.amazon.com/. She has an article on editing and self publishing, also with Armchair Interviews.

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What is really neat about Mrs. E (as my class and I have come to call her), is that I have the privilege of having her visit my classroom once a week and mentor my students in their writing, share stories she has written, and above all, have fun. What an awesome thing to have a published author in my classroom EVERY WEEK! How many teachers get to have that experience?

I guess I should clarify, that since I live across the United States from Mrs. E, she can't physically come to my classroom, but we have set up a great connection with a mic, Google Talk, and a little imagination. It is fantastic!

My Review of her book, State of Wilderness, is that it is an AWESOME resource for any teacher that is looking to build a knowledge base of states. U.S. studies teachers will love the series. State History teachers will love the series, heck, everyone will love the series! But don't be fooled into thinking that this wonderful, easy to read, fun-filled book is ONLY for school rooms! Kids of any age will love having it read to them. The illustrations, done by Ms. Willowraven, are fantastic, and help kids get even more from the book! Every student in my class has read and thoroughly enjoyed Mrs. Elderings book. I have purchased copies so my students could re-read it often. But, wait, that's not all! Mrs. E has even gone to the trouble to create a Teachers Guide. An activity packed resource to help teachers get more bang for their buck. These will be available with each book.

Book number 2, State of Quarries, is due for release very, very soon. In fact, I am sure Mrs. E. will be leaving a comment or two about its release date, so check those out! The second book looks to be as promising as the first. I am excited for its release so my students can continue on the journey.


Don't miss out on the chance to win a USA map puzzle and a few state related items.

Rules for drawing:

1. Each person who leaves a comment and a valid email address in the comment will go into the drawing.

2. Only one entry per stop. If you leave several comments on the same stop, your name will only go in once. A valid email must be left within the comment or the person is ineligible. I need a way to contact the winners so I can get mailing address to send their prizes. Winners will be announced in the comments section the next morning first thing.

You Want Me To WHAT In 3 Weeks????

Well, today I learned some rather stressful news. The high school here has asked me to help with the music for the musical they are doing- School House Rocks (Jr. Edition). So I show up at practice today and finally got all the materials I will need to be in charge of the music. Then I find out that they are performing this musical in 3 weeks! 18 days TOTAL to get an entire production ready to go. WOW! It can be done, I know that. But Wow! The kids are going to have to eat, breathe, sleep, and even dream the music. She was able to get them rehearsal CD's. So that should really help. It was disappointing in how few of the older kids wanted to participate. Most of the kids in the show are in 8th grade or younger. It is going to be fun, and simply another adventure to share with in my crazy life. (What's even MORE weird is that I have taught almost all the kids that are in the play this year!)

I went to tutoring today. That was an exciting adventure. I show up and the student had an attitude. When I tried to get the student to work, the student told me that the work could be done when I was gone and to do something else. I told the student ok, but it never is. The comment that came out as the discussion continued was, "And you tell me that I'm immature." That was when I stood up and walked out. I don't need that garbage, especially when I have TONS of things that I need and want to do. I felt bad about leaving knowing that the grandmother will be left dealing all the problems from that.

School went ok. It was a better day than most others. Mrs. E joined us for writing again. That was a blast. She is such a great experience for my kids. And I am starting to hear from parents how much their kids talk about that being their favorite part of the school day. Yea for the author! She IS pretty amazing. I am excited to host her book in November. You'll have to stop by and check it out, ask questions, and such!

Well, I think that has sufficiently covered my day...Oh wait. We put up our inflatable pumpkins and real pumpkins all over the yard. It turned out good. It's weird to have grass. We didn't last year! Yea us.

Later...

P.S. My student that I tutor just called and apologized for being disrepsectful. Good for that student. Going back Thursday! I guess we will see how it goes.

Happy Birthday...To Me!

Well,
I am now officially 1 year older (and proud of it!) I have earned every aching muscle, every gray hair (and I have WAY more than I care to see everyday), and every other earned credit that goes with being my age.

My day has been fantastic. I had a great day at school. My wife showed up at the end of the day with cupcakes and a large sprite for me. What a fun and thoughtful thing for her to do. My students loved it. It was a nice break for us. We went outside and enjoyed a cupcake and four-square.

After school I came home, and this might sound funny, and enjoyed cleaning up the yard and taking the air-conditioners out and putting them away. I cleaned up a little of the garden, fixed the gutter, and plugged in the heat tape under the house. It was GREAT!

I came in the house to find my wife making one of my all time favorites- Philly Cheese Steak Sandwiches. Y-U-M-M-Y! My parents came and enjoyed dinner with us. We had a leisurely dinner. Afterwards, I got to open gifts (my wife came up with some great gifts. She gets mad at me because I tell I don't ever want anything.) My parents visited for a while longer (we did scripture study and prayer) and then they headed home.

The rest of the evening was spent in chatting with Mrs. E (Elysabeth Eldering) about school and writing, blogging, and buying tickets for Walking With Dinosaurs- The Live Show. We are going Sunday, January 18th. It is going to be SO cool. I am VERY excited. I will working out all the details with my sister about staying at her house and maybe even getting a ride to the event so we don't have to find parking. It's all good.

And now, I am tired and it is bed time. I have student council meeting in the morning at 7:30am. So,

Later...

Back in Control

Wow!

Today went SOOOOOO much better. I was also A LOT more strict today than I have been for many, many, many, many, many days. I will be doing that EVERYDAY for the rest of the year. Nice is out, Supportive and consistent is in!

Anyways, today was an Author visit. It was really fun and the kids did much better. We finished our Harris Burdick pictures and went over the writing project that Ms. Eldering setup for my students. It is going to be a great project. I think that I will try and squeeze in some time to add my story to the mix (named of course, I don't want to win). She is also doing a edit/critique of my story I wrote. I can't wait to see the review (or corrected copy in this case) and have my thoughts opened up to new ideas and expand my story in positive directions.

What I CAN'T believe is that next week is fall break. It's also my birthday (Monday). I'm getting OLD! I knew today that when I said to my voice student that she shouldn't sound like the buzzer on her oven, and she said that her oven doesn't have a buzzer, that I was older than I wanted to think about. I have students who don't even know who the Adam's Family was. That was when it hit me that every year I get a year older, and every year I will have 11-12 year olds. How depressing. The connection gap will grow larger every year. That and the economy they way it is, I hope my students even have a future to worry about.

I don't know what the answer is to our economic crisis in America. I know that I have lost about 1/4 of my 401(k) over the last 2 months. That hurts. But since I will have to teach until I am 67(and just so you know that is still 34 more years as of Monday- that's LONGER than I have been ALIVE! LOL!) I guess it won't matter. I'll be teaching until I DIE!

I am still laughing about the Magicians Video of my kids. And from that I was able to reconnect with a couple wonderful friends from college (and after) days. What an awesome thing that world wide web is!

Well, I best be off. I finally am completely DONE with my MailBox Assignment and it is going in the mail tomorrow. Hope it makes it there by Monday! Doubt it, but it is always worth hoping.

Later...

Our Little Magicians

Hello All,

My wife shot this footage while I was at school. I had to share it with you. I used my movie making software (PowerDirector) and this is what we came up with. I hope you laugh as hard as we did. Watch closely, they do the funniest things. The preview is my little Z. He discovered he was covered in hair. Great exchange between him and my wife. Not the exact exchange, but really close. (I had approval from my wife!)

Enjoy!

OTHER NEWS - OTHER NEWS- OTHER NEWS

On a separate note, we had our guest author, Elysabeth Eldering, in the class today (Google talk rocks). I am excited to HOST HER BOOK NEXT MONTH HERE! But enough of that. Her visit went very well. We almost finished our Harris Burdick pictures. I am so thankful to have found someone that is interested in helping students. She has even inspired me to pull out some of my old stories that I started years ago. Not really with the hope of getting them published, just simply to delve back into the world of writing. (Although being published might be really fun). Tomorrow we have the Clark Planetarium coming to our school. That is going to be really fun. I am also pleased to announce that I have finished my MailBox assignments. Not in submission form, but in rough draft. They should easily be ready to mail by Thursday. YEA!

Well, I have lots to do still. Book Club reading for school (I am a member of a after school book club for teachers- we read books to help us be better language arts teachers), and a math endorsement class assignment to work on, not to mention that I still have to do my CORE Academy project to get college credit as well. So, as you can see, lots to do. Have a great night-

Later...