AGS students getting a taste of the book, “Bridge to Terabithia.”

  • <p>Discussing “Charlotte’s Web” by E.B. White.</p>
  • <p>AGS students getting a taste of the book, “Bridge to Terabithia.”</p>
  • <p>To set the tone for a dining adventure, AGS fourth-grade teacher, Ellen Stewart, set each table with a centerpiece and flameless candles. </p>
  • <p>Twinning with ties!</p>
  • <p>Check out Miss Stewart’s sweet “Stewsday” tie!</p>
  • <p>AGS and LWS Assistant Principal Cheryl Curry sharing one of her most recent reads, “Rules” by Cynthia Lord.</p>
  • <p>Two of the guests, Eric Bramlett and Dr. Pam Ciway, could not attend in-person, so they recorded their book presentations. Students accessed them via YouTube.</p>
  • <p>Hi Dr. Ciway!</p>
  • <p>Discussing “Chasing Vermeer” by Blue Balliett.</p>
  • <p>Discussing “Hatchet” by Gary Paulsen.</p>
  • <p>Discussing “Charlotte’s Web” by E.B. White.</p>
  • <p>AGS students getting a taste of the book, “Bridge to Terabithia.”</p>

November 14, 2017

AGS Book Tasting

In Ellen Stewart’s fourth-grade classroom at Alice Gustafson Elementary School, one Tuesday of each month is dedicated to “Stewsday.” 

On Stewsday (a play on Miss Stewart’s last name), students celebrate something or experience something new. This last Stewsday, students were treated to a “book tasting” with surprise guests sharing some of their favorite novels at tables dressed for dining and good conversation. This Stewsday was also dubbed “Necktie Tuesday,” so all students wore a tie or bow tie, which was fitting for the dining adventure.

One of the surprise guests, Cheryl Curry, assistant principal at AGS and LWS, gave students a sample of the book “Rules” by Cynthia Lord. She did this by helping students get into the minds of two of the book’s characters, David and Jason, who each have special needs. This exercise led to a great discussion about what it would be like to live with autism or not be able to speak or be confined to a wheelchair. Mrs. Curry then read a few excerpts from the book to connect the discussion back to the pages. She definitely left her “diners” (including this one) wanting to order more chapters.

Other guests and books on the menu, included:

  • Andrea Cladis, author, high school teacher, and fitness instructor
    Book: “Chasing Vermeer” by Blue Balliett
  • Pam Ciway, retired BSP101 teacher
    Book: “Ellen Tebbits” by Beverly Cleary
  • Eric Bramlett, creative arts director
    Book: “Danny, the Champion of the World” by Roald Dahl
  • Maureen Samsami, BPS101 parent and lunch supervisor
    Book:”Hatchet” by Gary Paulsen
  • Karen Swanson, BPS101 parent and fifth-grade teacher
    Book: “Bridge to Terabithia” by Katherine Paterson
  • Michelle Cooper, BPS101 parent
    Book: “Charlotte’s Web” by E.B. White

Dr. Ciway and Mr. Bramlett were off campus, so students connected with them via videos that both guests prerecorded.

The book tasting in Miss Stewart’s class was not only a creative way for students to learn about new books, but also a great way to engage them in conversation about the content.

Bon appétit!