I have been reading aloud Kate DiCamillo’s new book Ferris. I’m a huge fan of Kate’s books. I stood in a long line to get a copy signed by her at the Mississippi Book Festival in the fall.
I’m reading the book to my combination 5th and 6th grade gifted class. Two of my girls got together and decided to create a sort of classroom game.
First Kailyn drew a poster of Pinky, Ferris’s crazy younger sister.
Marifaye made a wanted poster.
Together they made “aura” bucks.
They put me in charge of hiding her.
There is a list of rules, of course.
So far this game has been going on for two days. They’ve had to make a new rule that if you find Pinky, you can’t tell anyone (or even make gestures).
Today I put her in between books on the shelf.
So far no harm has come from this game and most of my students are playing along.
I don’t think I could have single-handedly come up with a better plan for engaging my class in a read aloud. I highly recommend Ferris. The basic theme that repeats throughout is “every good story is a love story.” With a sprinkle of Kate DiCamillo magic, my students are falling in love with this book.
Reflections on the Teche 
there is pure magic in a read aloud. I still hold the memories of being a kid after lunch and recess, listening to the books my teacher read aloud. I’ll have to check this one out!! Kids are creative!
Your students are clearly showing you their appreciation for both the read aloud and for your bringing them along on the journey of exploring a new book from a great author. I just purchased the book as an Easter gift, but found out my granddaughter was already reading it! Sigh, I will pass it on to others as it is great!
oh I miss read alouds! Occasionally Little Man stays over and then a get a touch of read alouds. Those were great bonding times for my classes.
DiCamillo is a magician, isn’t she? Every book I’ve read has that magic. How fun for your students to be so engaged to make the game, and then the game helps them become even more engaged. Love that!
I love that you are still reading to your students, as so many teachers have abandoned reading out loud due to time. Your students enthusiasm is reflected through your enjoyment of reading to them. I read a few of Kate’s books over the years but will have to check this one out. That’s OK even though I’m not teaching anymore, right? 🙂
I wasn’t making the time, either, until I found this book. Such a calm way for us to end the day. I set my alarm for 2:45 so we have 15 good minutes of listening and being together in Ferris’s world.
That’s awesome. I find myself setting my alarm for all sorts of things. haha
This is such a delightful post! I love how creative your students have been and your support of their game. Kate DiCamillo is definitely magical!
I have wonderful memories of reading aloud her books. Sometimes I would laugh so hard my students would worry about my sanity. Haha. (Holy unanticipated occurrences!) I haven’t read this one yet – thank you for bringing it to my attention!
This one is particularly peculiar in such a wonderful way. You fall in love with all the characters. Kate herself said she wanted to write a book in which nothing really bad happens.