April 30, 2009

Lieutenant Governor of B.C. a Guest at Battle of the Books

KELOWNA, BC: From humble beginnings five years ago, the Battle of the Books has mushroomed into a major event involving more than 400 students from 16 schools throughout School District No. 23.  This year, the Honourable Steven L. Point, Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia, will be a special guest at the Battle of the Books, which is coordinated by the Central Okanagan Teacher-Librarians Association (COTLA).   

"The District Battle of the Books has proven to be a terrific motivator that encourages students to improve their reading skills and celebrate their reading accomplishments,” says Brenda Catherall, COTLA President and Teacher-Librarian at Rose Valley.  "The competition provides structure, purpose, motivation and teamwork to what is usually a solitary pastime.  As Teacher-Librarians we know the value of reading for pleasure and we have been very happy with the feedback from students, teachers and parents about the books on their reading lists."

Teacher-Librarians at each school begin their clubs early in the fall with various activities to support the students’ reading.  Booklists with 12 titles are chosen for each of three levels: Grades 3&4; 5; and 6&7.  The selections are chosen are from different genres to cover a variety of subject areas, plots, settings and styles and to appeal equally to boys and girls.  The Teacher-Librarians also ensure that at least half of the books are written by Canadians.

Most schools hold their own Battle of the Books or similar selection methods to choose a team to compete at the District event. This year the District Battle of the Books will take place at Rose Valley Elementary on May 7th at 9:55 a.m.  The teams are asked 30 questions based on the books they have read and have just 25 seconds to agree on their answer.  The team with the most correct answers is declared the winner.  "Battles are usually very close—tie-breakers are common and they are very exciting to watch."

"This year, we are thrilled that the the Honourable Steven L. Point will be in attendance for the final Battle and the Awards Ceremony," says Brenda.  "His Honour will present the awards and speak to the students about his role as Lieutenant Governor and the importance of literacy.”  Each student participant will receive a book prize and a certificate.  The top teams will be awarded medals and gifts certificates to a local book store.

In addition to attending literary events such as the Battle of the Books, the Lieutenant Governor presented the Award for Literary Excellence at the BC Book Prizes Gala in Vancouver.

Approved by the Superintendent on April 30, 2009

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For comments, please contact:

Brenda Catherall, COTLA President and Teacher-Librarian at Rose Valley, (250) 769-5535

Deidre Bruce, Principal, Rose Valley Elementary, (250) 769-5535

Mike Roberts, Superintendent of Schools (250) 860-8888

For background information, please contact Lisa Harrison lharriso@sd23.bc.ca or 470-3284.