Introducing Elementary Battle of the Books

1. Introducing Elementary Battle of the Books By Jane MoranMedia SpecialistNew Century International Elementary School janemoran@ccs.k12.nc.us

2. What is Battle of the Books? • Think of Battle of the Books as a book-based Jeopardy that is played as a team. • All questions begin with the phrase “in which book?” • Questions are answered with the book and the book’s author.

3. Who is eligible? • Fourth and Fifth Grade students who are interested in reading lots of different types of books.

4. What is the process? • Interested students memorize the titles and authors of the books on the list and take a test on them. • They also return a parental permission slip to participate in the process. • If the test is passed and the permission slip is returned, the student becomes part of the Preparation Team.

5. What is the Preparation Team? • The preparation team is made up of students who have passed the title/author test and are therefore candidates for the Competition team. • Preparation team practices include discussing books and practicing answering questions.

6. To make the Competition Team • Students must read as many of the books on the list as possible and pass test on them. • Students must attend practices faithfully and perform well in question rounds. • Students must demonstrate good sportsmanship and cooperation skills. • Students must maintain acceptable grades.

7. What are practices like? • Practices include games, question rounds, book discussion, and any other activity that increases knowledge of the books.

8. When will the team practice? • Wednesday afternoons from 2:45 – 4:15. • Practices will also take place during lunch periods once or twice a week. • Frequent absences and late pick ups may result in dismissal from team.

9. When is the competition? • Usually late February. • The exact date is not known until cluster drawings take place in January.

10. How can I help my child? • Buy them the books or help your child borrow them from the public library over the summer. • Encourage your child to talk to you about the books he or she reads. • Read the books yourself and discuss them with your child. • If possible, listen to the audiobooks together on summer trips. • Take a turn supplying practice snacks and drinks.

11. Time Table • Early Title/Author Test – Given Monday, June 3, 2013. • Early Preparation Team announced Tuesday, June 4th. • Late Title/Author Test – Thursday, September 12th • Practices begin Tuesday, September 17th • November 1st – Competition team announced.