Starting a Helen Ruffin reading bowl team

If you are interested in starting a Helen Ruffin reading bowl team here are some ideas to get you started.

• Buy 2 to 3 copies of each book if you can afford to. If not you can try to manage with one copy of each book. We have been successful in writing grants that fund all of our team expenses
• Encourage your local public librarians to purchase copies of the book titles as well. You may find that they already have some of the titles available for checkout.
• Buy a game locout device buzzer system to practice with. Purchase one that has individual buzzers for two teams of five students. We purchased the Quick Pro basic from Patrick's Press.
• Plan a promotional campaign to recruit students. Be sure to inform your teachers about what you are doing. Ask your teachers to encourage students who like to read to consider joining the team.
• Plan your practice sessions. We meet after school and always provide refreshments. This is also one of our grant expenses.
• Plan for transportation to the regional competition. The 2006 North Georgia Regional competition is slated for Carrollton, Georgia.
• Be sure you look at the competition rules and practice according to the rules

These are some ideas to get you started. If you have any questions about starting a team you can post them here.