What are the goals of the game?
Our goals are to get our students REALLY interested in and develop a love of reading by tying it to the fun of learning with STEM. We are also trying to support self-selected, independent reading that involves a deeper level of thinking. Also, we just want to have FUN!
What are the houses/colors, and who are their leaders/personas?
Bali – purple – Suzette Powell - Motto: "Read, Lead, Succeed!" (said in Bengali & English)
Sumatran – red – Amy Chandler - Motto: "Books are portable magic!"
Bengal – green – Linda Kester - Motto: "The world belongs to those who read!"
Siberian – blue– Mel Mintern - Motto: "Reading: It takes you Places"
Saber Tooth – Orange – Moiya Nsele- Motto: "Sabertooth's pay ATTENTION to reading"
Caspian – yellow - Michelle Boisseau - Motto: "Sail on a sea of books!"
Mage of Media – Ms. Kuniansky (neutral)
Students can earn points for each book that they have read and passed the AR quiz. Students may also earn significantly MORE points for every book project they complete. Book projects can be done by individuals or groups, but points are awarded to the project, not the persons in the group. Montessori students of different grade levels cannot work together on a project since the main houses are divided by grade levels.
Students earn one point for each book that they read then pass the AR quiz. We chose one point per book, instead of the number of points each book is worth, to even the field. Students may earn 5 points for every book project they complete. Group members must all be from the same grade level. Points are awarded twice a month although projects can be turned in at any time.
When and how will points be awarded?
There will be an assembly at 7:30 am on specified Friday mornings to award points and announce winners. Students will meet in the cafeteria to see the points awarded and be encouraged to read more books in the coming week.
When does the game begin/end?
The Mage of Media starts the Tournament and announces the length, usually monthly, but we can run it concurrent with STEM units.
What are the ways that there is competition?
Students earn points by reading books, but also by completing challenges. There are two types of challenges: those issued by the Mage of Media and those issued by personas/classes.
Challenges issued by the Mage of Media are open to all Tiger Houses and earn the points she sets. An example of a Mage issued challenge might be "read STEM biography books for 2 points." These types of challenges are issued at random times known only by the Mage.
The second type of challenge involves the Challenge Banner. We are not ready to roll this out yet, but stay tuned for more details!
Do students have to participate?
Participation is voluntary. Our success depends on enthusiasm and encouragement from peers and teachers.
What is the teacher’s role?
Continue to support best reading practices in your classroom.
Give students time to read silently and take AR quizzes.
Talk about books and projects with your students.
Include this in your STEM units/lesson plans.
Encourage students to participate in the game.
What is in it for the winners?
The winning tiger house will receive movie and popcorn or other prizes as determined by the Mage of Media.