Welcome!

Welcome to the blog of Zaq Roberts, Associate Head of School at The Berkeley School in Berkeley, CA. I blog about a wide variety of topics, from classroom moments I witness, to administrative events and conversations, to the educational blogs, videos, and books I am reading and watching, and how they are influencing my thinking. I hope this eclectic approach will give you insight into the many ways that I am engaging in advancing the school and strengthening our program, and I welcome your thoughts and comments!

This blog takes its name from a quotation by Archimedes that reads "Give me a lever long enough, and I can move the world." The TBS mission speaks directly to the need to engage a changing world, while many of the experiences in our program focus on the development of students' agency and authority. TBS is the lever by which we all - administration, faculty, students, and parents - can together move the world to be more humane, compassionate, and responsive. To borrow an important Montessori phrase, it is our way to remake the world.

Tuesday, March 27, 2012

The Second Annual K-8 Book Swap!

Leading up to our Read-a-thon on Friday, April 6, we are having author visits and the Book Swap. The actual swap where each child is able to choose a book to take home and keep will be held on Thursday, April 5. Books to swap should be brought in April 3-5.

Book Swap 2012 FAQ's

Q: When can we drop off our book to swap?

A: Books can be dropped off at the TBS curb on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, April 3rd-5th, during morning arrival, from 8:15-8:30. On April 3rd and 4th only, books can also be dropped off in the Swap Box in the front office. It would be the most helpful if books were brought in on April 3rd and 4th to allow for more sorting time before the Swap starts on April 5th.

Q: Is there a limit on how many books you can swap?

A: Yes. Each child will only get to pick one book to keep forever.

Q: Do all K-5 students need to bring in a book?

A: Since it can be hard for young children in K/1 to give up their treasured books, parents should not worry if their K/1 child could not part with one. Instead, we are asking the whole TBS community to bring in additional just right books to support our young readers.

Q: Is the ECC participating?

A: No, the ECC is not participating. We are considering expanding it in the future.

Q: Do I absolutely have to bring a book to take a book?

A: No child will be turned away from taking home a book during the book swap; we will make sure to have more than enough books on hand.

Q: What if a family wants to bring a bunch of books?

A: If a family donates more than one book, that is wonderful and we thank them. Remember that all children will get to choose one book at the Swap regardless of how many they have brought. All books dropped off will be included in the Swap. Those left over will be shelved in the various school libraries.

Q: Does the condition of the book matter?

A: Only books that are in good condition or better should be brought in.

Q: How do I know if a book is appropriate to swap?

A: They can be any level from picture books to middle school level, fiction or non-fiction.

Q: Is this book swap for grown-ups, too?

A: Not this year. We're going to do it just for students, and we'll consider expanding it in the future if we get more volunteers.

Q: When do kids get to pick their new books?

A: Students will get to “shop” and pick their books by class on Thursday, April 5th.

Q: I want to volunteer to help, and/or I have another question. To whom should I speak?

A: Parents please contact the Swap Organizer/Parent Volunteer Jean Littlejohn at

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