Ms. Schaefer’s second grade readers found that their hard work in December paid off in a prize of some new classroom books and learning materials and an opportunity for a lesson in sharing.
While studying “The Polar Express” by Chris Van Allsburg, one of the activities involved using the smart board to visit the website www.polarexpress.com. The class used a calendar of daily activities from the site. One activity invited the class to enter a contest with a prize of a complete set of Chris Van Allsburg books.
Ms. Schaefcr stated, “The class was so excited when we received an e-mail telling us that we had won the contest.”
The class won 13 hardback copies of Van Allsburg’s books plus a collectible copy of the classic “Polar Express,” a CD of the story, and a “Polar Express” Christmas ornament. A Harris Burdick Iliustrated Portrait Edition of scenes from the books was also a highlight of the prize collection.
“We will use the Portraits for future writing activitics,” stated Ms. Schaefer.
Ms.Schaefer further used the class’s good fortune to teach a lesson in giving. The class decided to share their prize by donating a copy of “Just a Dream” to Mrs. Johanning, school librarian, and the elementary school library. A copy of “Jumanji” will be donated to Mr. Mark Smith for the Sullivan Public Library on a future field trip.
Ms. Schaefer’s class has found reading and sharing to be a winning combination.