Bet you didn't know that first graders could DEBATE!

Every year for our Newbery project we conclude with debates.  Since the first year this has been a highlight. The kids get really into it and enjoy the arguing for their book and against their opponent's book.  So it just felt natural to think that we would conclude our Geisel project with debates as well. One of the fifth grade teachers said to me the other day, "Debates with first graders?!" So I lost a little confidence but not too much and boy am I glad about that!  The debates happened today and they were AWESOME!

Round 1: That's (Not) Mine vs. Ballet Cat

Things were going so well we invited a fifth grade class to join us.  It was so quiet, you could hear a pin drop!

The final round!  What this Story Needs is a Pig in a Wig vs. I Yam a Donkey

Our 2016 Geisel Winners via Debates:

2016 Winner

I Yam a Donkey by Cece Bell

2016 Honor

What This Story Needs is a Pig in a Wig 

by Emma Virjan

 The completed brackets

A GEISEL LEAP!

A wonderful, successful activity!  So excited for January 11 to find out what the other Committee decides on!