I found some great new keyboarding sites that I thought you would like to use as you practice your keyboarding skills. Pick a different one each day (or stick with your favorite) and see how quickly you can improve your typing skills. You’ll be a pro in no time! Be sure to leave me a comment and tell which one is your favorite!
In 1897, eight-year-old Virginia O’Hanlon wrote a letter to the editor of the New York Sun newspaper, asking if there really was a Santa Claus. The editor promptly replied, assuring her that yes, indeed, there is a Santa. This is one of the most famous news stories in history. Macy’s department store has created a way for kids to help other kids based on this story. They are donating $1.00 for every letter that is written to Santa and put in their mailbox at their store! The goal is to raise one million dollars for the Make-A-Wish Foundation, who provides wishes for kids who have life-threatening illnesses.
Let’s help them reach their goal! Write a letter to Santa using this great online tool. In your letter, persuade Santa that you should be on the Nice List. Also, be sure to let him know your Christmas wishes. When you finish, let me know so I can help you print your letter.
Just so you know, there will be a TV special on CBS on December 17 at 7:00 p.m. based on the Virginia story. 
Your library lady,
Mrs. Matzat
I must have superheros stuck in my head after our wonderful family reading night last week. I hope you all had as much fun as I did. I loved seeing you create your own superhero costumes and learning about your super hero identities. Check out these great photos from the event.
I found another super hero comic creator. You’ll have to give this one a try as well and let me know what you think of it. I can’t wait to see what you write!
Since you’ve just finished lots of tests in your classrooms lately, I thought I would share a fun site with you. Have you ever wanted to be an artist? If so, then Bomomo is the site for you. Use this fun online tool to create wacky, abstract artwork. Have fun exploring, and be sure to let me know what you think of this tool.
Your library lady,
Mrs. Matzat
Hey Percy Jackson fans! Have I got news for you. Next Monday I will be at the Missouri school librarians conference, and guess who I get to see in person – you got it – Rick Riordan, the author of the Lightning Thief! He won the Mark Twain award last year will be accepting the award offically at the conference Monday night. I hope I will be able to take some pictures that I can share with you.
So, here’s my question for you. If you had a chance to meet Rick Riordan in person, what would you ask him? Share your questions with me by posting a comment. You never know, maybe I will be able to talk to him and share some of your thoughts. 
Check out his website to learn more about the author and his books. He answers lots of questions on his “about the author” page.
I will be sure to share my conference adventures with you when I get back, and I will be able to tell you who won this year’s Mark Twain Award!
Your library lady,
Mrs. Matzat
Welcome back to school, Branson Elementary West students and parents! It’s been a while since I’ve posted on our blog, but now it’s time to get things going again. I wanted to share an exciting new book series with you that was just released today. It is called 39 Clues, and it is a new kind of reading adventure. The story is a mystery that you, as the reader, actually try to solve. Reading the books will help you solve the clues, but there is also an exciting online game and trading cards that give you additional information. There are even real prizes being given away, including a $10,000 grand prize! I can’t wait to read the first book, The Maze of Bones. It’s written by Rick Riordan, the Mark Twain Award winning author of The Lightning Thief. You can learn more about 39 Clues by going to their website at http://www.the39clues.com/. So, here’s a question for you. What would you do if you won the $10,000 grand prize? I can’t wait to read your comments! Remember, when you post a comment, only put your first name and your room number, and don’t put an email address, even if you have one.
Your library lady,
Mrs. Matzat
With the Presidential elections coming up this November, voting fever is in the air! Even though you are not old enough to vote for President, you are old enough to vote for books! Nominate your favorite book at VoteForBooks.com. You can submit your nominations until April 30. On May 1, the top 10 candidates for favorite book will be announced. The general election will run through summer and fall. Votes will be tallied on Election Day, and the winner will be announced on November 5. Submit your nomiation today!
I’m going to have a hard time with this one. I have too many favorite books! Which book is your favorite?
Now that you have heard the first book in the Spiderwick Chronicles, tell me which of the main characters is the most like you and why you think that character is like you.
I think that I am most like Mallory. I am the older sister of two younger brothers (they are not twins, but they are only a year apart), and I kind of picked on my brothers sometimes, just like Mallory picks on Jared. I was also kind of bossy, just like Mallory.
I hope you are as excited about seeing the Spiderwick movie as I am! Here are a couple of Spiderwick websites that you might enjoy:
The Spiderwick Chronicles Book Website
The Spiderwick Chronicles Movie Website
International Sprite League
Enjoy!
Mrs. Matzat, your library lady
Note: Now that the holidays are over, I have removed the links to the games. They will be back up next year.
I hope you all have a wonderful holiday, and I can’t wait to see you in January. I have missed you all very much! I made a funny video clip that I think you will enjoy. I hope you got a chance to see my Polar Express video in your class. Be sure to keep reading during vacation (but don’t take your books to Grandma’s house)! I have a few fun holiday links for you listed below. Be sure to ask your parents if it is ok to visit these sites before you use them.
Your library lady,
Mrs. Matzat
Build your own gingerbread house
Build a snowman
Reindeer Orchestra (play Christmas songs by squeezing the deer’s nose) – this is my favorite
Make a snowflake
Santa Sliding Puzzle
Snow Line Game (draw a line to help Santa get the presents) – this one was hard for me, but I’m sure you will figure it out
