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<p><a href="http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/read-for-the-record2010-2.jpg" target="_blank"><img class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-1117" title="OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA" src="http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/read-for-the-record2010-2-300x224.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="224" /></a>Have you heard about <a href="http://www.readfortherecord.org " target="_blank"><strong>Read for the Record?</strong>  </a></p>

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<p>It's a world record breaking campaign that brings children and adults together to read the same book, on the same day, in homes and communities all over the world. </p>

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<p>In my past life, I participated as a teacher.  In my current life as an employee of the Noble Publishing Superpower that partners in this event, I continue the tradition by returning to one of my former schools to Read for the Record. </p>

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<p>Each year, a different classic is chosen through a voting contest.  Last year, TWO MILLION children read Eric Carle's <em>The Very Hungry Caterpillar</em>.  I did not read last year, as I was quarantined with the swine flu.  Remember that craze from last fall?  Fun times!  But that's off topic. </p>

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<p>On topic:  This year, I was healthy as a horse and trotted on down to Ms. Rubin's 1st Grade Classroom to share the story of <em>The Snowy Day</em> by Ezra Jack Keats.  </p>

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<p>Oddly, I had never read this book.  I taught this age group for 16 years, so how the heck did <em>that </em>happen?  I planned on acquainting myself with the book before Day 23, but <em>that</em> did not happen either. </p>

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<p>Uh-oh. </p>

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<p>And Ms. Rubin expected this ex-music and drama teacher who hadn't taught in 3 years to come up with some sort of "activity" with the kids.  You might recall from previous posts that I've had a lot on my mind recently, so...</p>

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<p>Uh-oh x 2. </p>

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<p>And then I made some sort of stupid <a href="http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/10/03/day-17-baby-love/" target="_blank"><strong>boasting remark the other day in this blog</strong></a> that I could lead a group of kids while blindfolded and with my hands tied behind my back. </p>

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<p>Greeeaaaat. </p>

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<p>That was 3 years ago!  Did I still have what it takes?  What was I going to <em>do</em> with these kids?  Would it be creative?  Would it be fun?  Would it hold their attention? </p>

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<p>Anyone who has ever stepped into a classroom knows what happens when you lose the attention of young children.  They.  Will.  Eat.  You.  Alive. </p>

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<p>Well...not <em>literally, </em>of course.  But you know what I mean.  It's not pretty. </p>

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<p>I rushed into Ms. Rubin's classroom at the 11th hour.  Luckily, the kiddos were in the midst of their math lesson.  (A competitor's math lesson, mind you.  I nearly boycotted, but stayed in the spirit of good will towards all children.  The Noble Publishing Superpower always rises above!) </p>

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<p>I skimmed through the book in a flash, and then Eureka!  You can take the teacher out of the classroom, but you can't take the classroom out of the teacher!  I turned to Ms. Rubin and announced, "We have ourselves a creative drama 'activity'!" </p>

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<p>I met the children at the storytelling corner where we introduced ourselves with a getting-to-know-you rhythm game. </p>

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<p>Next, we Read for the Record.  Who knows how many millions we will have been a part of this year?  Results coming soon...</p>

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<p>After sharing our experiences and thoughts on the book, it was show time!  We turned off reality (we live in a desert) and turned on imaginations (it is snowing outside) and turned in Academy Award winning performances! </p>

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<p>Bravo, Ms. Rubin's 1st Graders! </p>

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<p>I would like to thank the Academy for giving me the strength, courage, education and experience to pull an "activity" out of my you-know-where.</p>

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<p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="color: #ff0000;"><strong>Highlight of the Day: </strong></span> </span>Promoting reading awareness</p>

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<p><span style="color: #ff0000;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><strong>Narcissistic Highlight of the Day:</strong> </span></span></p>

<p><span style="color: #ff0000;"> </span> </p>

<p><strong>Act II, Scene 1</strong></p>

<p><strong>Playground at school</strong></p>

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<p>Ms. Michelle joins the students for their Read for the Record snowball snack.  Remember snowballs?!?! </p>

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<p><a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/5/54/Sno-ball_half.jpg" target="_blank"><img title="Sno-ball_half" src="http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/Sno-ball_half-300x171.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="171" /></a><br class="spacer_" /></p>

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<p>Before you get as excited as I did, I need to break it to you that these were generic snowballs that even<em> I</em> couldn't eat.  In case you haven't heard, schools are in dire straits these days and can't afford Hostess, people!  It's a travesty!! </p>

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<p><strong>Act II, Scene 2</strong></p>

<p><strong>Playground blacktop</strong></p>

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<p>Giant mutant children start waving at Ms. Michelle in recognition. </p>

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<p><strong>Ms. Michelle:</strong>  O.k., guys.  You're going to have to tell me who you are because it's obviously been awhile. </p>

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<p>Giant mutant children gather around and tower over her.  They announce themselves one by one as Ms. Michelle pretends to faint from shock and awe. </p>

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<p>Giant mutant children laugh.  Ms. Michelle has always been a great comedienne amongst the school crowd. </p>

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<p><strong>Ms. Michelle:</strong>  You're in 8th grade now?  I started teaching some of you when you were 3! </p>

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<p>They start recollecting memories of class.  Ms. Michelle's heart swells to 3 times its original size. </p>

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<p>The giant mutant children say their goodbyes as they depart for class. </p>

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<p><strong>Ms. Michelle:  </strong>It was great seeing you all of you.  I can't believe how much you changed! </p>

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<p><strong>Ms. Michelle:</strong>  (<em>spoken with flair in an attempt to be silly</em>)  I am sure that <em> I</em> haven't changed a <em>bit!</em> </p>

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<p><strong>Lucas:</strong>  Actually, you look <em>younger</em>, Ms. Michelle!</p>

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<p><strong>Ms. Michelle:</strong>  Oh, Lucas.  You were always one of my favorites! </p>

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<p>End scene</p>