Read Across America

Bogey and Ellie, two of the Oklahoma City Zoo’s giraffes, have graciously agreed to serve as honorary chairs of the Oklahoma Education Association’s 2012 Read Across America celebration.
Copies of the poster, shown here, are now available through the OEA’s regional teams. You can also download and print your own copies (looks best on 11 x 17).
Bogey (on the left in the photo) and Ellie were joined at the poster shoot by (back row) OEA VP Alicia Priest; Zoe Boyce and Brayden Tate, both from Bethel; OEA President Linda Hampton; (front row) Kenna Priest, Yukon; Peja West, Oklahoma City; Rylee Robison, Moore; and Kennedy Lewis, Oklahoma City.

Special thanks to the Oklahoma City Zoo and to Blunck's Photography in Moore for partnering with us for this project.

Get Inspired by The Lorax

In preparation for Common Core State Standards (CCSS), we are inviting you to create a Common Core lesson plan that features The Lorax. You have the chance to win a classroom set of "Cat in the Hat" hats and other prizes. There are categories for elementary, middle and high school plans. Visit the contest page for more information.   

Seeking Talented Oklahoma Students

The Education Focus is seeking entries in the Oklahoma Education Association Read Across America poster contest. First place in each division will receive a $75 VISA gift card, second place will receive a $50 VISA gift card, and honorable mention winners will receive a certificate.
The rules are simple – have your students draw a picture inspired by a favorite book and enter for a chance to win. The winners will be featured in the April-May issue of the Education Focus and on our website, okea.org.
• Pictures will be judged on creativity, use of color and content.
• Entries must be submitted on white, unlined 8 ½ x 11 paper. DO NOT FOLD.
• On the back of each entry, list the book that inspired the drawing, student’s name, age, grade, name of school and teacher, a parent’s or guardian’s name, home address and daytime phone number.
First, second and honorable mention will be chosen in four categories: Kindergarten through 2nd grade; 3rd -5th grade; 6th-8th grade; and 9th-12th grade.
• All entries will become the property of the OEA and must meet all contest rules to be eligible for prizes.
• All entries must be received by Monday, March 5. Mail to OEA Focus on Reading, PO Box 18485, Okla. City, OK 73154; or hand-deliver them to OEA Headquarters at 323 E. Madison, Okla. City, OK, 73105.
• Late entries or entries from non-OEA members will not be judged.
For more information, contact Editor Doug Folks at 800/522-8091, 405/528-7785, or dfolks@okea.org.

Looking for ideas to stage your Read Across America event? The National Education Association's RAA page is full of ideas and resources. Visit it today!