Greetings, denizens of the blogiverse!
 
Since the title of Teacher of the Year was bestowed upon me, I’ve received a number of inquiries on an array of subjects.
 
What is my first name? What activities are best for fourth graders? Did I suffer any lasting effects from the flying sneaker incident? How is my snap so impressively loud?

 

 
I’ve been asked to answer a few of those questions here today.
 
The snap, I’m afraid, is one of the most fiercely guarded secrets of the Empire—Mrs. Burke’s Empire, that is. The technique was passed down in a sacred trust from my mother, and I couldn’t possibly divulge it here.
 
Actually, I suppose I could, but my hood of ninjas would instantaneously escort every person reading this post to a remote island surrounded by man-eating octopi. I doubt the secret of the snap would do you much good in such an exile. 
 
Activities, however, I am happy to share!
 
1. Plays:
 
Each year, the citizens of Mrs. Burke’s Empire perform a play. I’m not given to bragging, but this year’s—The Sorcerer’s Castle—might be this director’s masterpiece. I’ve found that my students learn quite a bit about themselves when they’re forced to play someone else.
 
2. Writing:
 
I suggest having your students write about their own experiences. 
 
Here’s a prompt that works well with my own students: You vs. Who?
 
Students must write a story about a time they faced some sort of obstacle. Stories can be silly or serious; true or fictional; about school, home, or extra-curriculars! Give it a title like Suzie Rice vs. The Vacuum of Suction Destruction or Mrs. Burke vs. The Slippery Ramen Noodle.
 
3. Contests:
 
When all other hope is lost and mutiny seems inescapable, make it a contest. In fact, let’s do just that!
 
Have your child, student, or library patrons answer the You vs. Who? prompt.
 
You (the teacher, librarian, parent, etc.) must send the stories to the folks at Peachtree Publishers via e-mail or snail mail before the deadline. (See details below.)
 
Win a glorious prize and bring honor to your own empire!


CONTEST DETAILS
 
PRIZE:        Peachtree Publishers is giving away ten (10) Charlie Bumpers prize packs!
Nine winners will receive one (1) hardcover copy of Charlie Bumpers vs. The Teacher of the Year, and one (1) galley of Charlie Bumpers vs. The Really Nice Gnome (April 2014!).
One Grand Prize winner will receive one (1) hardcover copy of Charlie Bumpers vs. The Teacher of the Year, one (1) hardcover copy of Charlie Bumpers vs. The Really Nice Gnome, and one (1) Audio Book CD of Charlie Bumpers vs. The Teacher of the Year (performed by author and Grammy Award-winning recording artist, Bill Harley!).
 
To enter:                 Students must write a story about a time they faced some sort of obstacle like Charlie does. Adult must send the stories in to Peachtree Publishers via e-mail or snail mail. Stories can be silly or serious; true or fictional; about school, home, or extra-curriculars!
 
E-mail Address:
publicity(at)peachtree(dash)online(dot)com
 
Snail Mail Address:
Peachtree Publishers
Publicity Dept.
1700 Chattahoochee Ave.
Atlanta, GA 30318


DEADLINE:              Contest ends March 26, 2014, at 11:59 pm EST


OPEN TO:                 US Addresses Only