Swing Batta!

Take Me Out to the Ball Game

Our students are challenged to read nightly in a school-wide reading incentive program.  Those who participate earn privileges and rewards at school.  If you missed my post about Hit the Books, you can read it here.  

The most recent reward took place Saturday night at a Senators Baseball Game. To earn two free tickets to a the game, students had to complete the reading challenge every month from September through March.  

We gathered at the field prior to the start of the game.  Students received on-field recognition for their reading accomplishment.  They ran the perimeter of the outfield in front of the crowd!

Then it was time to watch some serious baseball!  I sat in the stands with the kids which was super fun.  I love seeing them outside of the classroom setting.  Their personalities really shine!  

Home Run Baseball Books

Speaking of baseball, here are a few of my favorite baseball read-alouds:

Bats at the Ballgame:  Do you think humans are the only ones who enjoy America's national pastime?  Join these captivating bats as they flutter off to watch their all-stars compete.  I love all the "Bats" books!

Baseball from A to Z:  Learning about baseball has never been so much fun! This energetic alphabet book covers all the bases of America's favorite pastime.  (Great for primary!)

H is for Home Run, A Baseball Alphabet:  As you go from A to Z in this baseball alphabet, there are all sorts of details about the game of baseball and the great players who have played it over the years.  (Great for intermediate!)

Mighty Jackie, the Strike-Out Queen: This is a true story of female baseball player, Jackie Mitchell, who made history in 1931 when she struck out two of baseball's greatest athletes, Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig. This is a gem of a story that will capture the interest of boys and girls alike.

Poem Runs, Baseball Poems and Paintings:  This collection of baseball poems brings wit and laughter to America's favorite pastime.  Your kids will love this book!

A Baseball Freebie

Here's a baseball-themed freebie just for you!  

What are your favorite baseball books?  Leave a comment and share and your favorite baseball activities and books.  I'd love to hear from you!

Bingo Bash

A School-Wide Reading Program

Each year our school offers a school-wide reading incentive program. Students are challenged to read nightly for a specific number of minutes.  Those who participate and return their signed reading logs each month earn privileges and rewards at school.  If you missed my post about Hit the Books, you can read it here.  To earn the privilege of attending the Bingo Bash, students had to complete the reading challenge for the past two months.  

It's Reward Time!

The assembly began in our auditorium with a baseball read-aloud, Mighty Jackie: The Strike Out Queen by Marissa Moss.  

This is a true story of female baseball player, Jackie Mitchell, who made history in 1931 when she struck out two of baseball's greatest athletes, Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig.  If you haven't read Mighty Jackie, check it out.  This is a gem of a story that will capture the interest of boys and girls alike.   

Let me hear you shout, BINGO!  

Next we moved to the cafe to play a serious game of bingo.  Competition was intense as students played to win tons of great books and posters.  A super time was had by all!

Our next reward is a movie matinee.  Students who complete the challenge will earn a movie, popcorn, and a chance to win their favorite books.  

I'd love to hear what your school does to promote independent reading at home.  We are always looking for fresh new ideas to keep our students motivated to read.