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Instead of using a ballot, I set up a display of the books and give each student a paper chickadee. They place the chickadee in front of their favorite Chickadee Award book. Then we hang the chickadees next to the corresponding book cover on the board. It is a great visual for the kids and fun to watch as more classes vote! ~Melisa Dugal James Bean School Library Sidney
Click for larger image Photo by Sue Nakanishi	This was my bulletin board that I had out in the hall. Every student passes it on their way in from recesses! After we read one of the books, I had my classes “vote” thumbs up or down. Then, at the end of the week, I would place what the majority voted next to the book. I’m happy to say there are only “thumbs up” next to each book! Ha! The kids caught on. Trust me, I heard about it if there was a “thumbs up” missing! Three weeks before the voting, I covered up the bottom where it says 2010-11 nominations,etc with VOTING in 3 weeks. It became days –you get the idea. This past week, I indicated each of the winners. The white sign in the middle is thanking everyone for participating. Anyway….just sharing! I am in a K-2 building. EVERYONE participates! They are already asking me about NEXT year’s books –which will remain a secret until next Fall! Sue Nakanishi, Librarian Pleasant Hill Primary School, Scarborough
Photo by Tony Nazar of Wilton, 2007	Debbie Meservey from Rockport Elementary School has written a Chickadee Song, sung to the tune of the Kids R Us jingle. Click on this to see the cute tune, with chords.
The idea we have used for the last three years that has really worked is: We set aside two weeks after February vacation and every book on the list is read to every child in grades K-4. The principal chooses one to read and visits each class, the art teacher reads one in art class and the music teacher uses one in music class. Each teacher has a poster where the students check which ones they like as they are read. (They use math to figure out the totals.) I pass out the ballot around the middle of March and the votes are entered on the sheet.I have a display in the main hallway and I display the book covers with the number of votes beside each book so that everyone knows which is the school winner. When the state figures come, I put those there too so they can compare the two. Karen White, Librarian~Durham Elementary School	Photo by Tony Nazar of Wilton, 2007
Photo by Tony Nazar of Wilton, 2007	Portland's Hall Elementary School has posted an podcast of student reviews of Chickadee books. Click here and then click on the chickadee to hear the reviews.
Fund Raising idea--Solicit donations from local businesses to purchase the complete Chickadee collection.	Photo by Tony Nazar of Wilton, 2007
Photo by Tony Nazar of Wilton, 2007	Chickadee Room Chart 2011-12 --a small chart to keep track of students' ratings of books--use stars, stickers, grades so students will be ready to vote in the spring.

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