"What is your favorite place to hear stories or read?"
This was the first question I asked students this year. There were many different answers: on the couch, with my sister, in a tree, in the library, and even, upside down! Well, my response is... around the campfire. I love being entranced by the flames while I hear a scary story; or ponder up at the stars while thinking about a plot twist; or letting my ears get lost amongst the critters in the forest. So, I decided to recreate the magic of the campfire in the library! With some wood cut from the fallen trees on my property (the kids are in utter disbelief that it is REAL wood), LED flame lights, stones, cushions that looks like stumps, a starlight projector, stage lighting, and a forest tapestry, I give you: Campfire Stories! Now, before each read aloud I get to ask:
"Whose ready for a Campfire Story?"
P.S. One of my philosophies on teaching is that if you make it fun for yourself, the kids will be sure to have a blast!