Welcome to Battle of The Books 2023-2024!
I am happy to announce that this year Burton Street will be participating in The Battle of the Books for our 5th year!
Battle of the Books is a regional competition in which students work in teams of 2-6 (4 recommended) to read and study a set of 8 novels over the course of the school year. They will then participate in “Jeopardy-style” tournaments to demonstrate their knowledge of the books, first at the building level, followed by the regional level. Each team is responsible for finding a coach (teacher/parent). This is the sole responsibility of the student. If a student is looking for team members, they may come see me and I will try my best to find a team for them. This is for 3rd and 4th graders only.
This year's titles are included in the flyer and bookmarks, linked below. All titles can be found in local libraries (limited copies available in school library). Some titles are also available via Libby, an app provided Overdrive through the public library.
Please see the Resources below for our Coaches Guide, Rules, Titles, Practice Questions and more!
Why participate?
The Battle of The Books aim is to "support students in their love and discovery for reading by introducing them to quality literature, to offer books that build upon historical values and the dignity of life, and to develop friendships between students based upon socialization, competition, and mutual respect." Students will not only form long lasting friendships, but also learn to value literature, while becoming more attentive and vivacious readers.
How does my Child Sign up?
Students are responsible for forming their own teams and finding a coach (parent or teacher). To officially register, teams must have their coach contact me with all team members names and their chosen Team Name!
The deadline to sign up for this years Battle is January 5th.
Coaches, please confirm your team’s participation by emailing [email protected].
TEAMS ARE NOT REGISTERED UNTIL I RECIEVE AN EMAIL.
Battle of the Books is a regional competition in which students work in teams of 2-6 (4 recommended) to read and study a set of 8 novels over the course of the school year. They will then participate in “Jeopardy-style” tournaments to demonstrate their knowledge of the books, first at the building level, followed by the regional level. Each team is responsible for finding a coach (teacher/parent). This is the sole responsibility of the student. If a student is looking for team members, they may come see me and I will try my best to find a team for them. This is for 3rd and 4th graders only.
This year's titles are included in the flyer and bookmarks, linked below. All titles can be found in local libraries (limited copies available in school library). Some titles are also available via Libby, an app provided Overdrive through the public library.
Please see the Resources below for our Coaches Guide, Rules, Titles, Practice Questions and more!
Why participate?
The Battle of The Books aim is to "support students in their love and discovery for reading by introducing them to quality literature, to offer books that build upon historical values and the dignity of life, and to develop friendships between students based upon socialization, competition, and mutual respect." Students will not only form long lasting friendships, but also learn to value literature, while becoming more attentive and vivacious readers.
How does my Child Sign up?
Students are responsible for forming their own teams and finding a coach (parent or teacher). To officially register, teams must have their coach contact me with all team members names and their chosen Team Name!
The deadline to sign up for this years Battle is January 5th.
Coaches, please confirm your team’s participation by emailing [email protected].
TEAMS ARE NOT REGISTERED UNTIL I RECIEVE AN EMAIL.
Quick Notes:
Thank you for considering having your child participate and/or acting as a coach for a team!
- Your team may have more than 4 individuals (2-6), but only 4 may compete at the regional level. If they move on to the regional level only 4 will compete (the rest of your team members will be alternates - they will still attend the battles and serve as "backup" in case someone is sick, etc.)
- We recommend that all team members should read all of the books for the best chances to know the answers to all questions. However, specific team members can decide amongst themselves who will be the "expert" on which books.
- Coaches are responsible for the organization their team (meetings, reading checks, practice). However, this is primarily STUDENT LEAD.
- Practice questions are provided below. None of these questions will be asked in the battle.
- The Burton Street Building Battle will be held Thursday, March 14th (preliminary battles) during 4th Grade specials time, with our finals Battle Friday, March 15th during 4th grade specials time.
- The regional Battle is scheduled for April 3rd, 2024 at 9:30am virtually. Streaming is available and will be shared with parents, coaches, and teachers the week of the Battle.
- Coaches do not need to attend battles with their team.
- If your team wins the Building Battle, the dates for the regional and super-regional will be announced soon! They will be Heald March 15th - 29th
Thank you for considering having your child participate and/or acting as a coach for a team!
RESOURCES
Please keep in mind that these guides are provided by the SLS team at BOCES. This is to give you guidance, but individual school districts may vary in procedures. This is a STUDENT LEAD program and students are responsible for reading, practicing, and participating. Coaches are there to help guide students through the process and act primarily as a messenger between the librarian and teams.
Share these with parents to promote reading at home. What is listed on the bookmarks is what the students will be expected to announce when reciting answers. For example, "Frindle by Andrew Clements."
Pronunciation counts. Please be sure to check out the 3/4 pronunciation of authors names in the above document. Practice questions are now available. Note that none of these questions will appear in the Battle.
Feel free to use these practice games or share with parents to use at home. You can also create your own games!
If interested , you may have your team members complete the above contract. This is optional. The librarian does not need copies of this contract.
PS. Struggling readers? Try finding an audiobook version! Students can try SORA (students have access), Libby (free), or audible!
Past Winners
2019-2020:
Quinn Cannizzaro, Jacob Cody, Phoebe Maggio, River Solomon 2021-2022:
Mikalina Cinque, Elliett Davis, Avry Howe, Kendall Jauch |
2020-2021:
Mikalina Cinque, Elliett Davis, Avry Howe, Kendall Jauch 2022-2023:
Clara Blanchet, Lily Nichiporuk, Avery Miller, Tatum Hughes, Olivia Moses, Bridget Dougherty |