Are you ready for the 2015 Hour of Code?

Do you know how to create your own video games?  Do you like computers, drawing or animation? If so, this event is for you!! Last year's Hour of Code event was a huge success, so we are repeating it again this year! New coding activities for 2015 include Star Wars, Minecraft and much more!  Any WMS student is invited to attend the Hour of Code.  This event is a one hour introduction to the basics of computer coding.  No experience necessary!! Woodland's Hour of Code is happening on Tuesday, December 8th from 2:25-3:45 in the LRC computer labs.   Bring your friends and sign up in the LRC this week.  There are a limited number of seats available, so don't wait!!  Please direct any questions to Ms. Perrin in the LRC. 

Click here to hear President Obama talk about the Hour of Code!

Joelle Charbonneau at Woodland Middle School

Last Friday, November 20th, 225 ALA students spend the entire day engaged in writing activities with best selling author Joelle Charbonneau.  The students practiced her "world building" writing techniques by crafting their own stories about who Jack and Jill really were and why they went up the hill for water.  After a fun filled and busy day, students had the opportunity to share their stories with the large group.  Ms. Carbonneau also talked about her latest book, NEED, which was available for purchase.

Ms. Perrin and Mrs. Charbonneau

Writer's Workshop Day

This Friday, November 20th, all 225 6th-8th grade Advanced Language Arts students and their teachers are participating in an all day Writer's Workshop.  Our special guest will be, Joelle Charbonneau, author of  the best selling series The Testing.

As an introduction to her visit, Ms. Charbonneau answered a few of my interview questions:

1.  What is your favorite part of participating in school visits?

My favorite part of school visits is hearing various opinions from readers about the stories they read and what they find entertaining or important.  While all readers read the same words, they don't read the same book because they bring their own imagination and experience to the story.  It's fun to hear how the story changes for each reader.

2.  What is the most memorable question or situation you have encountered during a school visit? 

Hmm…my most memorable school visit moment has to be someone asking me why characters don't go to the bathroom in books.  Yeah - I think that was my favorite question ever and I'm pleased to say that I actually had a real answer.

3. Is there a possibility of a 4th book in The Testing series?

Right now I don't plan on writing a 4th Testing book.  For now the story is over.  It ended with the same feeling graduation gives - something has ended and Cia doesn't know what will happen in the future.  She only knows what she hopes will happen and she is going out to live her life as best she can.  But, if I come up with a really good idea for a new story, I would love to go back and see what happens next.

4. What are you working on now?

I'm currently working on a fantasy thriller series.  So far, it's fun.  I hope to finish with it by the end of the year. Keep your fingers crossed for me.

BRAND NEW eBOOKS!!

Hey students!  Thirty-one BRAND NEW eBooks have been added to our Follett Shelf!!  These new books include Minecraft, Diary of a Wimpy Kid and Sherlock Holmes!  Be the first to check them out!!  If you are not sure how to access the eBooks from your house, directions can be found on the LRC's homepage or you can stop in to the LRC and pick up a handout.