I have registered our school to participate in the 2010 World Maths Day contest! If you would like your class to participate, please let me know this week and I will get you set up to go. As soon as I have your class set up, your students can begin practicing on the website. The actual competition day is March 3. Here is a description of the contest from the contest website:

“Students play at home and at school against other students around the world in live games of mental arithmetic. Each game lasts for 60 seconds and students can play up to 500 games, earning points for each correct answer. The students who answer the most questions appear in the Hall of Fame. Students cannot select their level but will move up as they progress.”

If you choose to particpate, you could let students practice during their library research time this week and next week. I will also have the site linked so students can practice at home. This looks like a fun way for students to challenge themselves and have fun with math!

The 2010 Newbery and Caldecott Awards have been announced by the American Library Association. Drum roll please……..

2010 Caldecott Award – Lion & The Mouse by Jerry Pinkney

2010 Newbery Award – When You Reach Me by Rebecca Stead

Both books will soon be added to the Elementary West collection!