Choose the Best Tool
We are currently enjoying a teaching and review exercise we have called Choose the Best Tool. Each morning on our news broadcast we give a reference question. Classes discuss where would be the best place to locate the information needed and then give at least three facts about that resource. The class with the best answer is awarded a trophy and is featured in a surprise video interview that is aired the following morning on the broadcast. The class photo, the question they answered, and their brilliant answers are extending their way down the main hall where students can review them while they wait in line for lunch.
You can paint an entire wall with a 2 inch wide paint brush, but a paint roller will work better. You have to know your tools to be able to choose the one that will make your job fast, easy, and give the best result. Students are learning what kinds of information are available in the dictionary, thesaurus, encyclopedia, almanac, and atlas and how to use each of these resources so they will be successful researchers.
"And where is the index located?"

YES! It is our turn to have our old computers "refreshed" with SPLOST funds! We will have 30 new Dell desktop computers in our computer lab and 2 to 3 new computers in each classroom. In addition, our wonderful PTA is helping us update and purchase new educational server-based software programs. Next year is going to be just fantastic! 