Good Reads #SOLC

 

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My Little Free Library is never empty.  I tend to fill it with picture books and chapter books from my collection or a quick run to Half Price Books.  The patrons and the public library are responsible for any adult fiction.

Over the years, I've found myself reading more children's and YA books than adult books.  I love to finish books quickly, and reading books that my students might enjoy would connect me to some that I could recommend to them.  

Most of the books I choose to read come from recommendations from teachers & librarians on Twitter, from Nerdy Book Club posts, and connections on the Goodreads app.  I can't even tell you how many books are on my TBR (to be read) list as I collect book titles from everywhere I can.  

This year I've made a definite effort to read more books that feature characters and events that are different from myself and my experiences.  I'm consulting books listed by Project LIT Community (@ProjectLITComm) and We Need Diverse Books (@DiverseBooks) with other resources to help guide my reading.  

I truly believe in the importance of my students seeing themselves reflected in books.  Not many of my students are interested in reading longer texts right now, but when they are ready, I will have books for them.  

(Two favorite books from this month: Fast Pitch by Nic Stone, Blended by Sharon Draper)

A Day of Books and Learning #SOLC22

 

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Today was our county-wide professional development day.  This means we could stay at our base school or travel to a variety of sites to choose what we wanted to learn about.

I had the privilege to learn all about incorporating more multicultural books with Dr. Risé Jones.  She's an expert in youth empowerment, and facilitated a wonderful discussion and book sharing experience at one of our larger public libraries.

Throughout the day, I felt hopeful and discouraged.  Yes, it was magical to realized that many of the recommended books were already on my classroom bookshelves.  At the same time, I thought about those same books collecting dust.  

Why?  Well, I'm at middle school.

My students walk into class and usually pull out their phones. Sure, it's reading (texts, Snapchats, etc) but they don't check the bookcase first.

I have brought books from home and the library that mirror interests (SOCCER!  COMICS!) my students have shared, but they sit on the shelves.

I'm realizing that I need to start giving book talks, maybe even move the bookcase, and remember to give students time to read.  If we build this habit into our class period (good night phones) every day, maybe more students will find books they enjoy.

I'm grateful for this day of learning and reflecting.  I'm not discouraged about the lack of reading in my class.  We still have over a quarter left in the school year.  We can adjust and try new things. 

I won't give up :)

Books #SOL

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I'm reading a whole bunch of books this summer.  It's what I do for fun.

I read picture books and graphic novels to find the "next great book" that I can recommend to my intervention students and classroom teachers.

I read middle grade novels because there's nothing more satisfying than sitting down with an engaging book and being able to finish it across a couple of days.

I really love to read young adult fiction because I will forever remember the crazy fun of my high school brain:  school fun, crushes, drama, and dreams of growing up.

I skim and scan children's nonfiction because I'm curious about our world.  I'm more likely to read about a science topic compared to history.  

Rarely I'll read adult nonfiction or fiction.  I'd rather read kid- or teen-centric text.  There's enough grown-up worries and drama in the world that I hear about via social media and the newspaper.  I use reading as an escape.

I use Goodreads to track my reading, when I finished a book, and what books I want to read.  I struggle to leave reviews because I don't want to give too many details away.  I also end up sounding like the book blurb.  I hope to get better at writing reviews.

What do you like to read?

"We get to PICK a book?" #SOL18

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I made a point to order books from Scholastic this fall, collecting as many bonus points as I could.
I was on a mission.  A mission to get books in the hands of our 4th and 5th grade intervention students.  Books they got to choose!

My colleague, Elisa, and I handed the students book order forms back in November.  We set some rules:  less than $10, must contain a book.  The conversations with our students went something like this:
"Can I pick the origami book if it comes with paper?"
"This book has a necklace.  Is that ok?"
"Do we get to keep the book?"
"Should we bring you money?"

We let the students know that we would get an email from the company when the books got shipped.  For every school day in December, I fielded questions about "the books."
I thought the kiddos would explode from excitement.

TODAY our 4th and 5th grade intervention students (40 kids!) received their books.  There were lots of smiles and "thank you's."  Kids shared their books with each other.  They understood that they shouldn't brag to their classmates. 

It was a good day!  Now I have to make a plan to get books to 2nd and 3rd graders!

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Humbled #SOL17

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My friend Wendy from high school publisher her first book last week.  HOORAY!  YIPPEE!  I attended her book signing at the Barnes & Noble near my school.

Our group was a party of six:  Sue (HS friend), Michelle, Nick and Sarah (work friends).  We enjoyed dinner and drinks before going to the bookstore.  It was fun to mix a group of young (<25) and seasoned (*ahem*) and teachers and non teacher for laughs, conversation and book love.

When we arrived at the bookstore before the event.  We hugged and visited with Wendy, hoping to calm her nerves.  Mona, another friend from elementary school, was right at the entrance.  A few more HS friends came through and I snapped a few selfies (I'm really no good at them!).

It was really fun to catch up with some book-loving friends, and see Wendy at a table signing HER book.  I couldn't wait to get to school the next day.  I had told my 4th and 5th graders that I would be attending a book signing of a "real author!"  Although the book YA romance and geared to high schoolers, I promised my students I would show them the book.

The next morning I hosted a group of my fourth graders.  Usually there are four girls and one boy, but my lone gentleman was not at school.  I showed the girls the cover and Wendy's signature and note in the front.  One of the girls wanted to start reading it (yikes!) but I gently recovered the book and flipped to the back, and summarized the"About the author" information.  E asked if they could hear some more so I flipped to the acknowledgements.  I scanned and pointed out how authors like to thank their families and publishers and others that helped them with the book.  All four girls were crowded around me, and all at once.  I saw it. My name.  In the acknowledgements.

*gasp*

I have to admit, my eyes started to tear.  I was overcome with emotions. At first the girls watched me in shock, and then I explained what I had found.   They squealed.  E jumped up, "YOU'RE FAMOUS!"  We decided to show Mrs. Hernandez, our library para.  The girls had to nearly carry me.

I explained to the girls that this amazing thing had happened to me for two reasons (I think).  One, I've tried to be a good friend, and 2) I read one of Wendy's books and provided some feedback.

I'm so humbled to be mentioned.  I'm such a little speck in the writing process, and I was truly happy to help my friend by reading!!  My heart is so full for Wendy.  She faced a bunch of waiting and rejection and realized her dream.  I'm so glad to have her as a role model for the readers and the writers in my classroom, even if I don't hand them her book...yet.  (I'll make sure their high school has a copy!)

Zenn Diagram

Sherwood Lane Little Free Library #SOLC17

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In February, the weather improved to 60 degrees one day.  I nudged nagged pleaded with my husband, "Can't we put up the little library todayyyyyyy?"

He obliged.  He's proud of his work (he built it!!!) and the adorable embellishments painted by my cousin Sara and her husband, Dennis.  It's truly a work of art.

As Jeff was pounding in the post to support the Little Free Library (LFL), neighbor Mike walked on over.  He's a mailman, and he has the gift of gab.  After he stopped by, neighbor Dean dropped by.  He promised to tell his grandkids to bring books.  Later, neighbor Jeff rang the bell.  "Tell me about the little house in the yard!"

I decided to go with a "soft open" instead of a grand opening.  I simply put books in the LFL.  I posted a picture on my personal Facebook page, I tweeted and I sent texts to my closest friends.

Today the lake effect snow melted from the sidewalks and the temperature reached 48 degrees.  I saw neighbor Dean on my quick walk (it was chilly!).
"Your little library has had quite a few customers!"

"That's great!" I replied.  I hadn't seen anyone use it yet, but books have come and gone.

As I rounded the block, my house came into view, and two adults (grandparents?) and an upper-elementary boy were checking out the library.  ("CUSTOMERS!" I squealed silently.)

I didn't know what to do, so I smiled and kept walking. The boy looked at a couple of books, but didn't take one.  

Here's to warmer weather, more LFL customers and maybe some bravery (on my part) to talk with them!

 

Prior knowledge...activated! #SOLC17

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It was easy to get back into my small group reading routine today.  

Nearly all of my students came 

bursting into my little room, eager to get back to 

reading 

writing 

30 minutes out of their classroom to talk my ear off (otherwise known as "reading intervention").

My 5th graders were pretty chilled out due to the time change.  Our next text in the LLI red intervention kit was Six Snakes That Share Our World.

Little did I know that I have a huge snake fan in my small group, G.

G has not had the easiest time transitioning from English to Spanish, especially because our district's bilingual program currently ends after second grade.  G has great ideas, but decoding gets in his way.  He is soft-spoken and very curious.  I had no idea how a text about snakes would light up this kiddo's brain.

G started the conversation about snakes (pythons versus boas, what they eat, how they move).  Then J and C even chimed in with more facts.  We previewed the pages, and C noticed a map that noted there are no snakes found in Greenland, Iceland, Ireland, Antarctica or New Zealand.  The facts and questions and discussion was happening so quickly, I could barely keep up.

"I think Kakapos (the New Zealand bird we read about last week) are not threatened by snakes, based on this map," stated C.

WHAT?  

I looked at K, the only girl.  Even she had lots of questions for the snake crew.

"Did you hear him?" I asked her.  "I need to drop the mic!"

"Here, Mrs. Rayner," K handed me a pencil and smiled. "You can do a pencil drop!"

Here's to my students showing their genious.  Even after a week of PARCC testing.  Even after losing an hour of sleep this weekend.  Even if it took a book about snakes (ewwwww).

Tackling a Classroom Library #SOLC17

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This week I've assisted our new-to-teaching third grade teacher, Sarah, administer the PARCC assessment.  (Why yes, my legs and feet are sore!  How did you know?)

It's been neat to be part of a classroom community for three days.  Today I decided to spend the entire day with the class and help out Sarah organize her classroom library.

"Do you mind if I cause some chaos?" I asked Sarah.  She was game because she has LOTS of books and wasn't sure where to start.

With an hour between testing and lunch, I invited the class to grab a stack of books and divide them between fiction and non fiction.  After a few minutes of struggle and confusion, I clarified the difference.  We then organized fiction into chapter books, picture books and series.

Next came non fiction.
"Is that real or fake?" someone piped up.

We clarified non fiction and decided to have three big categories:  people, science and animals.

Lunch time and specials came and went.

The kids returned to class and started another PARCC session.  I moved a few books and made more of a mess in non fiction (sorry, Sarah!) 

Today's reflection on our work:  It wasn't very quiet.  It wasn't totally productive, but it was a great effort.  I am seriously impressed by the size of Sarah's library.  She is quite the book finder!

Sloth Love #SOLC17

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Hubby Jeff started working in San Diego last week.  It's been a little bit of transtion to a quiet house for me because he was working locally since December.

Last night he returned with a bag.  Inside the bag was some fur and something rectangular.

"When I landed in San Diego on Sunday, he was sitting in the window of the store," explained Jeff.

"I had to bring him home."

Such sloth cuteness!  I've got some jealous friends at school who are big sloth fans!

And the book!?  Hooray for nonfiction!  I can't wait to spend some quality time reading about sloths with my new fuzzy friend.

Thanks, darling husband!

BElive in YOUrself

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Allison showed me a picture on Pinterest.  "I love this quote.  See how the BE in believe and the YOU in yourself is highlighted?  I'm going to make this for my wall."

My youngest daughter loves to surround herself with inspirational quotes and crafty projects.  She's a creative mind amid lots of practical, linear thinkers.  She needs constant reassurance that she is OK and doing the right things in life.

As much as I tell Allison and my oldest daughter, Lindsey, that they are perfect just the way they are and to celebrate their strengths, I've struggled with the my own self-esteem over the years.  My internal voice likes to remind me that I need to work harder to be organized, be leaner, be less of a talker and get things finished!

This summer I have worked on self care.  Reminding myself (like I tell my daughters and my students) that I am human.  I am a work in progress that doesn't need to be anyone but myself.  It has taken me 46 years on the planet (and a LOT of meditation) to realize that it is just fine to be who I am, quirks and all, and be passionate about what I do and what I love.

Wow.  Heavy stuff.  But not really.  I'm feeling lighter and less stressed and more grounded!
Why? How? One big help?

This summer I immersed myself back into the world of books. 

•  I downloaded a pile of YA books from the library and devoured them.
• I visited Little Free Libraries and added to the collections.
• I sat under a tree at school each week and handed books to families.
• I worked through two grad school classes for my ESL endorsement and made sure I spread book love through the class discussions (predictable!)
• I attended NErdCampMI in Parma, MI, with my new book-loving teacher-friend (Meghan Hernandez!), surrounded by thoughtful teacher leaders (Cathy Mere!), librarians, authors, and many, many book heroes.

This summer I took a deep breath.  I realized I don't need to BE anyone but ME.
Quirks (clicking pens), habits (eating chocolate), loves (books, music, family), and dislikes (broccoli!).

BElieve in YOUrself.

Little Free Library Dreams #SOL16

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I did it.

I ordered my charter sign for my Little Free Library.  

The one I plan to place in my yard.  

The one I will fill with books for grown ups and little ones and curious neighbors.

I staged a little sign for social media (I wasn't brave enough to leave it in the yard, even just for a while).  

Jeff (my fabulous hubby) promises to build me the library.  He has a workshop full of tools and a keen eye for design.  He claimed that once I got the charter sign, he would build the library around it.  Now he travels every week for work.  I have to be patient.  Being patient is not easy for me.

Meanwhile, I'm working on how I will promote the library (once it's installed) and welcome my neighbors (some I really don't know!) to be involved in taking and giving books.

Some ideas...

• ribbon cutting
• set up an info table next to my LFLibrary during our city's Labor Day festival (lots of people park on my street)
• write up a blurb for our city newsletter
• create a flyer for my neighbors' doors
• sit in my daughter's room and stare out the window at the library, wondering if I'm okay with complete strangers stopping in front of my house 
• talking about said strangers with the neighbors on each side of me (communication is key)

I really have to be patient, and thinking of lots of ideas gets me excited and nervous at the same time.  I'm glad to have the Little Free Library newsletters and website to help me out.

I also appreciate your suggestions!

"I got a BOOK!" #SOL16 18/31

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Last night was my inaugural family reading night at my new school.  Yes, I've been a raving lunatic leading up to the event (can you spell S-T-R-E-S-S?) and I appreciate all the help and support from my students and fellow teachers and staff.

Today we tallied up the punch cards turned in during the reading night.  Then we counted up the books I ordered (thanks to my principal who spends money on books!).  Yes, it was going to be an exciting morning.... there were enough books for every student who attended the reading night to receive a book to keep!

My coworker Jill and I set up the classroom like a bookstore.  Mo Willems, chapter books, books in Spanish, and nonfiction titles were spread out for easy browsing.  We had the fourth graders come first (pickiest readers - I get it!) so they had first pick.

During little commercials in the classrooms yesterday, I told students they had a chance to win a book.  Today I wish I could have snapped a picture of their faces as we told each group that all of them had won a book.  It was magical.

Kids spent time just walking around and staring at the books at first.  I then told them they should pick them up and browse - just to make sure.  Some friends made deals to read their books, then swap so they could read another new book.

Giving books to kids will never get old.

Celebrate Reading / Celebrar la Lectura! #SOL16 17/31

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We did it!  A little idea of a reading night to celebrate reading turned into the real deal.

Many staff helped before, during and after the event to make it run smoothly.

Parents and kids had smiles as we punched holes in their "reading passports," keeping track of what rooms they visited.

Read alouds, book browsing rooms, Book Flix in the computer lab, create a bookmark and become an author.

73 families attended!

My feet are sore, my cheeks hurt from smiling, but I'm so very grateful to all my coworkers and students.

The celebration finishes tomorrow morning as I pull passports from each classroom and students win A FREE BOOK!

#schooljoy

Life's Little Problems #SOL16 14/31

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Today's slice is inspired by Amy Krouse Rosenthal's book, This Plus That:  Life's Little Equations.

From Amy Krouse Rosenthal

Alarm clock + dark = "It can't be time to get up!"

Toe + shoe + dark = ouch

Cold floor + feet = brrrrr

Warm shower + (shampoo x 2) + soap - soap = squeaky clean

Cheerios + milk = breakfast

Headlights + rainclouds - rain = foggy drive

467 students ÷ (2 buses + 100 cars + lots of walkers) = traffic

Smile + "Good morning" = coworker

Daylight savings time change + first graders = tricky

Read alouds + all intervention students = all better

Clock + 3:15 p.m. = guilty

Clock + 3:20 p.m. = over it + get in car + drive home

Husband cooking + snack break + comfy clothes = pure happiness

Fashion #SOL16 13/31

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Today I spent a fun day with my youngest daughter, Allison.  We had a quiet morning until we realized we had lost an hour of our shopping day due to Daylight Savings. (Grrr - tomorrow will be rough!)

We snarfed down some crackers and cheese to hold us over and headed to the shop full of prom dresses.  Yes, it's only March, but it's fun to get to the shop within a week of its opening.  The selection is great and it's not terribly crowded.

I was amazed (as usual) at the vast variety of shapes, styles and colors.  It would shock me if anyone left empty handed.  There were rows and rows in all sizes, every color of the rainbow (plus all the metallics), and styles including mermaid, a-line, trumpet and ball gown.

Yup, I'm one of those people.  Addicted to the fashion shows, especially on TLC.  I will not say no to watching "Say Yes to the Dress" or "What Not to Wear" or my new favorite, "Love, Lust or Run."  I'm by no means a fashionista.  Allison thought about majoring in fashion merchandising or purchasing for awhile, but to us, fashion is a hobby.  One we watch and find interesting from our couch!!

I think the most intriguing aspect of fashion is the psychology behind it.  Perhaps people feel like it's important to look like a fashion model - thin, angry, angular.  Then we have more curvy models (hooray!) featured.  Women especially are caught up with the size printed on their clothes, and we can't help but feel inadequate when the number is two digits.

The good news about today is that I saw more smiles than frowns.  Even when girls tried on a dress that wasn't the style or color they wanted, the salesgirls and moms were all smiles.  The music was upbeat and the lights made the sequins sparkle.  The salesgirls were complimentary with every single dress my daughter and the girls around us tried on.  When some girls didn't want to step out of their dressing room, the salesgirls went over and provided positive feedback.

It's all about feeling your best and wearing clothes that you love.  If you're into fashion or fashion psychology, I recommend Stacy London's book, The Truth About Style.  She is so supportive of women wearing clothes that accentuate their positive attributes and make them feel good.

from Amazon

Reaffirming my reading beliefs #SOL16 4/31

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Today was a professional development across the county, so we could choose what PD we wanted to attend.  Thankfully, a colleague sent out an email to that Dr. Steven Layne would be one of the presenters.  (I almost missed the deadline!)'

Dr. Layne is a literacy advocate from Judson University.  I read his professional book, "Igniting a Passion for Reading" many years back, and his passion for reading is clear throughout the book.  I remember nodding my head and marking lots of pages with sticky notes to share with my coworkers.  

Today I had the privilege of hearing Dr. Layne in person.  He spoke about reading aloud to students, K-12, and shared the big ideas from his newer book, "In Defense of Read Aloud:  Sustaining Best Practice."  Even though I'm a staunch supporter of read alouds, spending the day listening to Dr. Layne simply cemented my reading beliefs.

As I looked around, I could see many people nodding.  A few middle school and high school teachers asked some great questions like, "How can I fit in read aloud at my level?"  and "What if I'm in the library?"  Everyone wanted the magic formula for how many minutes per day, per week, per month they should take away time from the curriculum to "do" read alouds." 

I was pleased as punch to hear Dr. Layne clearly explain to them that read alouds ARE instructional time.  Read alouds should be chosen with intention and planned for like any other lesson.   

YES!  Read aloud time is precious - it allows us to take our students out of their small town and into new cities, times and dimensions.  We can use read alouds to tackle important topics in society or small conflicts at recess.  Books are really important instructional tools.

My little notebook is teeming with quotes from the day, and I used my Twitter feed to broadcast my favorites.  I left the session feeling energized and proud.  I even talked my hubby into a library visit tonight so I could grab a pile of books that Dr. Layne recommended!

"Can you read this? Pleeeeeease?" #SOL15

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My first reading group of the morning are four sweet, yet challenging, boys from one of our first grade classrooms.  It's taken nearly two months to develop a routine for them to get to my room, let alone work in our reading intervention program.  I'm happy to report that all of us (I'm the most likely to get distracted!) are following the routine pretty smoothly.

I use a lot of hand signals and facial expressions to get their attention and encourage them to quietly grab their bags and head down the hall to my room.  Usually one of their exuberant classmates announces my arrival when she sees me in the hallway.  Sure, it's fun to be "famous" (LOL) but I'm encouraging her to silently smile when we meet eyes.

Once the boys get to my room, the routine is to "warm up their reading brains" by reading a book.  I usually have to use some stickers as positive reinforcement (Book bag?  Sticker.  Reading?  Sticker.) but they are settling in pretty easily.

Today M brought a Hot Wheels book with him.   He was very excited to have this book from the library.  He asked if he and C could share my wide teacher chair to read.  The two of them sat and poured over the pictures, making quiet conversation about cars, drivers and sharks.  The other boys were reading their little books, finding success with more words than usual.

It was a sweet, happy reading moment. <Sigh>

When I asked them to grab a white board for word work (usually their favorite) activity, M looked up.  "Can you read this?"

"How about after we finish word work?"  I replied.

"Pleeeeeeease???" responded three of the four boys.  The fourth clasped his hands in front of himself and made puppy dog eyes.

How could I resist?  I read the book aloud to them, and they sat, enraptured by the story.  It made me smile to see them caught up in a story, even if it was about miniature cars being attacked by sharks.

M held up another book.   "How about this one?"  he asked.

"Let's read it tomorrow!"  I responded.

"OK - I'll leave it here.  Don't let anyone take it.  Promise?" M insisted.

Don't worry, M.  I plan on taking a few minutes of our time together each day to read to you.
It's important.  It's essential.  It's magical.

Image from Scholastic

Back to Reading SOLC #23

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This year I haven't spent enough time with books.  Yes, I'm reading picture books to my class every day (it's the BEST part of our day), but I haven't done much reading for myself.

Before I tackled shoveling the 5 inches of snow that fell today (UGGGHHH), I spent a good amount of time on Goodreads, trying to find my next read.  My favorite genre is young adult/teen fiction.  Give me a juicy boy-meets-girl story any day and I'm one happy camper.  (I'm a hopeless romantic.)

Thanks to spring break, I already devoured Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins.  I'm pretty sure I've read this book before, but that didn't matter -- it was great.  I was excited to learn that there are three more books in this series (hooray!).

If you have any teen or young adult reads that I need to binge read this week, please leave them in the comments!  I have read most of John Green's and Sarah Dessen's books, the Hunger Games and Divergent triologies. 

On to my next book!  

Not Enough Hours SOLC #20

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Well, I can't believe I'm saying this on the day our spring break starts.

Sometimes there are not enough hours in the school day.

Yes, I am crazy.  

My classroom of six and seven year olds was bursting with excitement and nervous energy this morning.  You could feel it.

It was a short day, yet a long day, but not long enough.

The morning started strangely as I wasn't by my room right at the entrance bell.  C was a bit nervous.  "I was sure we would have a guest teacher because you weren't here but you told us you would see us today and you are here."  Yes, C, I'm here!

Then there was an announcement about raffle tickets and earning the chance to throw a pie in a teacher's face.  That set off a flurry of conversation.  Then we moved to the carpet for a read aloud and five kids were itchy, scratchy, CAN I PLEASE GO TO THE NURSE?

The nurse came to us.  One child was sent home.  Others were soothed with lotion and ice packs.

After hosting three of my sweethearts for lunch (fun!) and helping another child get lunch because he forgot to get in line for pizza (I'm so glad you told me!) it was already the afternoon.

There was book shopping for book baggies and reading and writing and rock-paper-scissors over who got to take the pigeon book.  Then they were whisked away to specials.  They came back and went home for spring break.

I ended the day picking up, straightening, thinking of where I'll start when they return.

Some days are too long.  Some are too short.  Today wasn't long enough

Magical Moments

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It was tough to get up on Monday.  I overindulged on the Oscars (Lady Gaga + Sound of Music = surprisingly awesome!) so I already was tired.  I really wanted to stay under the covers, but I brewed a strong cup of coffee and ventured to school.

Our day was already scattered, so I tried to keep an even head.  Specials moved to the morning, lunch time delayed by a lunch delivery dilemma.  Indoor recess, again.  I kept moving the students between the carpet and desks as we completed a writing lesson, talked science, worked through math rotations, guided reading and Daily 5 (with one major student meltdown).

Then it happened.  I introduced the essential question of the week from our reading series ... "how do animal's bodies help them?"

You would have thought that I had a classroom of zoologists.
I'm not kidding.

These first graders were tossing words like camouflage, acacia leaves, muscular legs.
Some were discussing at their tables the difference between cheetahs, jaguars and leopards.
They talked about snakes, birds, elephants, and giraffes.
I couldn't keep up with all the conversations.
I knew I had a few animal experts, but this was amazing.

At it all happened 20 minutes before we had to get ready to go home.

What an inspiring way to finish our day.  I can only guess which book basket will be empty by first bell tomorrow morning!