Taking the Bull by the Horns at the Books Bash

Participants took the bull by the horns at ASCD's Books and Fun in the Sun Bash on Friday evening, April 1. The party with a purpose brought attendees together to donate books for Orange County Public Schools.

The highlight of the evening came when one teacher donated 15 boxes of books from her former classroom library. Reflecting ASCD's worldwide membership, attendees brought books from as far as Singapore and Halifax, Nova Scotia, to deliver at the Bash. Many of the donated books were from authors in attendees' local areas, such as those brought by Bash attendees from Wisconsin.

The event kicked off the conference with a carnival theme. Although the games were tough, everyone was a winner as conference attendees donated about 4,000 books to benefit Orange County Title I Public Schools. The event was hosted jointly by ASCD, Pearson Education and NOVA Southeastern University. In addition to cosponsoring the Bash, Pearson Education and NOVA Southeastern University provided additional books to educators who wished to purchase them on site for the children.

Where does the bull come in? Well, it was April Fool's Day, and the games that appeared teasingly easy were quite a challenge. The strength tester game required players to pull on a bull's horns until it groaned and wait with bated breath for the assessment-which could be anything from "eat more spinach" to "athlete" and more. ASCD conference goers are not quitters though, they tossed rings on swords suspended through a magic carpet, aimed softballs into milk cans, rolled bowling balls with finesse, and moved to the sounds of "The Macarena."

ASCD affiliates span the globe. Find an ASCD affiliate near you.
Join like-minded educators interested in literacy in our Language, Literacy, and Literature Network.