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With respect to "battle books" borrowed from any library, it is
important to return books on or before the due date and not
to pass books around to other team members. A common policy is no renewals
for "battle books". Please be considerate of other teams
who may be waiting for a book you have checked out.
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| * |
It is very important that each book (especially non-fiction books) is read by at least 2 or more
team members. Teams increase their chances of answering
"battle questions" correctly by increasing the number of
readers per book.
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| * |
Have all team members take notes on all of the books at your
meetings. Also, team members should be taking notes on each
book they read themselves.
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| * |
Have team members make up questions from books they have read to be used
at your meetings.
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Be sure to do some questions using the 3 formats as exampled in the
sample questions. This allows the
kids to become accustomed to that type of questioning the day
of the "Battle".
EXAMPLE
FORMATS |
|
- In the book Hatchet ...
- "Quotations"
- In what book ...
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| * |
Arrange for a "mock battle" with other teams for practice.
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| * |
Come early to watch a "Battle" before yours, especially if it's
your first time to battle.
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| * |
Arrive at least 15 minutes early for your "Battle"!
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| * |
Make sure your kids read all of each book including
captions under pictures, forward, author's notes, epilogue, prologue
etc.
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| * |
Please check the spelling of names for accuracy when
team members and coaches are listed
on the team registration forms.
PLEASE PRINT CLEARLY & NEATLY!!!
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| * |
Coaches may want to consider having members sign a
"Contract of Agreement" which spells out team expectations from
members. This "Agreement" acknowledges that members will do
their best to attend all team meetings and keep up with scheduled
reading goals. If a member is not able to attend a meeting or
"battle" than
that member should notify coaches & teammates as soon as possible.
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| * |
Be sure that each team member is aware of "battle dates" & "battle times"
and that each team member has agreed to be available during the dates & times noted.
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| * |
Be sure that the parent(s)/guardian(s) of each team member is aware of "battle dates" & "battle times"
and is in agreement to the availability of team members
during the dates & times noted.
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| * |
As a team, review the
format
and rules for
"Battle of the Books".
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| * |
If not sure of an answer encourage kids to MAKE A GUESS - they
just might be right.
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|
ADDITIONAL HINTS
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| * |
Make Author flashcards for each member of the team and drill them
each week.
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| * |
Make a chart to keep track of who is reading what book
so kids can see what has been read and what needs to be covered yet.
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| * |
Provide incentives for team members when they have finished a book.
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| * |
Have kids make up questions to one or more of the books they
have read to be used at your meetings and/or as study helps.
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| * |
Ask parents of team members if they would be willing to
read 1 book and make up questions or a fact sheet about that book for
each team member.
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| * |
Prepare study guides, fact sheets, questions or
flashcards for each of the "Battle Books", so team members can
study them at home and before actual "Battle".
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| * |
Read one or more of the "Battle Books" aloud during meeting times and discuss.
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| * |
Ask a team member's parent, teacher or another parent in your child's
classroom to read aloud one or more "Battle Books" in the classroom.
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| * |
Make up a schedule of what books will be discussed at which meeting so kids
can be prepared for the book/books on that day.
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| * |
Make up Seek & Finds, Crossword Puzzles, and other games to help
kids review facts or author's names
(puzzlemaker.com, edhelper.com).
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| * |
Meet once a week if possible to keep the continuity going.
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| * |
Find a co-coach to lighten the load. You can also recruit the help of high school
or college students.
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| * |
Stage a mock battle amongst your own team members or another team(s).
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| * |
Plan a pizza party/study session as a reward and review before the "Battle".
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| * |
Get kids involved in making the team poster and deciding upon, or even making, the
item that each team member will wear to identify them as a team.
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| * |
Watch for team members that seem to be strong in leadership skills and
spelling, so it will be easier to identify members for the spokesperson
and recorder. Kids may want to share some of these responsibilities
as well.
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| * |
Have each team member keep a folder of info (questions, fact sheets,
authors etc.).
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