Working Together
Mt Ulla Elementary School EBOB team after winning first place at the county level. Mrs. Sloop is on the right.
Each year the North Carolina School Library Media Assocation sponsors a competition giving elementary school students the opportunity to test their knowledge of books. All 4th and 5th grade students are elegible to participate in what is known as the Elementary Battle of the Books, or EBOB. Even though all elementary schools in the Rowan-Salisbury School System participate, procedures for selection of team members and the methods of preparation for competition vary from school to school.
Students at Mt. Ulla Elementary School, in Mt Ulla, NC, began reading the required books on the list at the beginning of the school year. Each student prepared to the best of their ability, knowing a test in December would determine who made the team. Once team members were selected, Mrs. Mary Sloop, the school librarian practiced with them once a week during lunch. Sometimes the students were divided into two teams to compete against each other, modeling the real event by answering questions and keeping score. With time drawing near for the first round of competition earlier this spring, the team began meeting after school once or twice a week.
Working together for a common goal, with encouragement and guidance from Mrs. Sloop, Mt Ulla’s EBOB team steadily grew ready for the first round of competition at West Rowan High School. They were so well prepared, not only did they win their semi-final round, but later took first place in the Rowan-Salisbury School System. Moving on to the next level at the Region Seven Battle Of the Books, in Hickory, NC, Mt Ulla placed third out of fifteen schools. Even though they didn’t win first place in Hickory, they came home with their heads held high knowing they gave it their all.
Pleased with their accomplishment, Mrs. Sloop said, It was a pleasure to work with these students. They worked really hard. Their parents were extremely supportive and encouraging during the whole process.
Proud and excited, some of the team members wanted to share their thoughts:
Anna: Even though it’s not as easy as it looks, it was lots of fun. I’m glad we get to participate until we go to high school.
Blake: Although it’s hard work, it paid off. We did really well and even won a trophy and some medals.
Laney: I loved it. I liked reading the books best. My favorite book was “The Candy Makers” by Wendy Mass.
Parker: I thought it would be easy, but not so much. It was hard because you had to remember every title and author. It was lots of fun, though.
Madison: I enjoyed being on the team because I learned lots of things like working together with others.
Lilly: I liked being on the team because I had the best teammates ever and learned a lot from them. My favorite book was “Turtle in Paradise” by Jennifer Holm.
Congratulations to Mt Ulla Elementary School EBOB team and Mrs. Mary Sloop for a job well done.
What activity or event has your school excelled in recently? Leave a comment below, message on Facebook or email dicysm@yahoo.com.
Don’t forget to check out my new children’s book, Tired of Being Obedient, on Amazon.com. The story includes two dogs who learn that being obedient can be fun. Tips for training dogs can be found in the back. Here are a few of those:
Ty Brown: All dogs speak the same language.
Martin Deeley: Training should be fun.
Thanks for stopping by to read my blog, any suggestion for the next favorite person, place or thing is appreciated.
Thanks,
Dicy
www.dicymcculloughbooks.com/blog
