Good article promoting reading!!

Here is a link to an article in the Wall Street Journal newspaper about the benefits of reading:))

http://online.wsj.com/articles/read-slowly-to-benefit-your-brain-and-cut-stress-1410823086

The amazing skill we call "reading"!!

Please check out this great video created by my friend Josh Clark and the folks at the Bodine School in Germantown.  We realize know why reading is such hard WORK:)

The Miracle that is Reading video

Also, I just added a good video link about the "dyslexic" brain to the "Information about Learning Differences" tab at the top of this blog.

Congratulations 2014-15 Think Tank Third Graders!!

Congratulations to our 2014-
15 St. Mary's Think Tank Third Graders who created, designed, and built this year's entry into the Lichterman Scarecrow Contest.   Our entry, "Wyld, St. Mary's Style" won an Honorable Mention award in the Best School Entry category!!  Special thanks go to Melissa and Jason DeLany, Roberta Kustoff, Craig Royal, and Lynn Isaacs for their help in gathering supplies and organizing girls:)  Thanks also to our 4th grade advisors Ellie Monaghan and Riley DeLany.  The awards will be handed out at 6:15 pm during the "Stomp in the Swamp" event this Sunday, September 14 at the Nature Center. Voting for the "Most Popular" Scarecrow will continue through the end of September so please go check out the amazing competition but vote for "Wyld" and show your St. Mary's spirit!

It's Scarecrow Time Again!!

     Please go check out the St. Mary's Think Tank Third Graders entry into the Lichterman Nature Center Scarecrow Contest.  The "scarecrows" will be on display from September 11-November 21st and can be seen at the Litcherman at 5992 Quince Road, Memphis, TN 38119.   The Lichterman is usually open from Tuesday-Thursday 10 a.m.-3 p.m. and on Friday & Saturday 10 a.m.-4 p.m. 
     This weekend; however, there is a special family-friendly event called, Stomp in the Swamp, a BBQ & Bidding benefit for the Nature Center.  It will be held on Sunday, September 14 from 5 pm until 8 pm.   This is a GREAT time to vote for most popular ‘crow – so bring plenty of family & friends with you and vote for our entry, "Wyld, St. Mary's Style" from the LEGO Movie!  Advance adult tickets are 2 for $25 and include dinner by Germantown Commissary, live entertainment and children’s activities.  Tickets for children ages 6 -12 are $7.  It’s a great deal and should be a lot of fun. 
Lichterman Nature Center (click here for fun facts and information about scarecrows)

Family Fun Day and other interesting events!

Why Don't We Labor On Labor Day? from Wonderopolis

Check out the information on this fun site about the history of Labor Day: Wonderopolis website

Best Books-

I ran across a couple of book lists that I wanted to share with you in case you needed some suggestions of things to read over the holiday weekend or for your AR contract (and you can "mark" your spot with the new bookmark you made from the instructions in my last blog post!).
These lists are from the Bank Street College of Education in NY and are divided into 5 different age categories.  I would love to hear from the girls if they happen to discover a new "favorite"!

Best Children's Books of 2014