So far it’s working!

So far it’s working! No squirrel pirates have robbed any more tomatoes from our garden, the past two days, since putting a pan of water out for them. And we’re finally expecting rain this weekend.                                                                Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B002BLP3EE 

Bandits! That’s what I call them. Bandits!

Bandits! That’s what I call them. Bandits! Sure, it’s been incredibly dry in Northern Illinois lately. And we have a lot of squirrels in our backyard. 

Recently these little varmints have been scaling the fence around our garden, by crawling up the support poles...

...in order to steal green or ripe tomatoes. So far, I think they’ve eaten more of them than we have. 

The worst part is, they just take a few bites and leave the rest. I can only conclude they’re looking for a source of liquid. Come on rain! 

For now I put out some water in a pan for them. 

And look what I see out my window.

Amazon Author Page https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B002BLP3EE 

Will You Face Struggling, Reluctant Readers Again In Your Classroom?

I grew up as a struggling, reluctant reader myself. This year, you might want to do what this teacher did concerning books her students were excited to read. She writes:

Dear Teacher,

   My name is Sandra Stiles. I am a middle school Language Arts teacher in Bradenton, Florida. I have always had a passion for reading. That passion doesn’t always transfer to your own children. My daughter was a struggling reader. It took another teacher to introduce her to an author whose books she devoured.  

    I am here to tell you about that author who has my students reading and fighting over his books.  Max Elliot Anderson has been one of my favorite authors for several years. Not only do I love his books, but my students love them as well.  I have three classes of students who have a remedial reading class, then they come to me for Language Arts.  

     When I did my first book pass with my students I made sure to have one of Max’s books in each pile to introduce them to his books. Both boys and girls love his books. Almost all of his books are not only filled with adventure, but also mystery. 

     One of my lowest readers has made it a goal to read all of Max’s books I have on my shelves. He has read eight books so far. The really cool part is that he started talking to some of the girls in the class. Now he has them reading them, too.

     Max has two major series, “The Sam Cooper” series and “The Accidental Adventures” series.  Both of these have characters that all kids - boys and girls alike - will love. There are also several standalone titles.

     I can’t say enough about his books.  I highly recommend them to classrooms everywhere.

Sandra Stiles - NBCT - ELA teacher/Dept. Chair

These books are readily available on this Amazon Author’s Page

https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B002BLP3EE 

Wildfire Smoke

Air "quality," due to the smoke from #wildfires, is very poor today in Northern Illinois. This picture shows houses just across our street.