I am taking my class to Washington DC—at   least I am taking one member of my class–Bandit, a stuffed raccoon who also happens to be our class ambassador! The kids chose a raccoon because this is an animal that they have seen in Whitefish Bay.  (Start local, right!) We, (my administrator Jayne Heffron) and I arrived late in the afternoon with time to do a bit of sightseeing before the Teachers For Global Classrooms symposium officially started. It was an easy decision for both of us to head to the Library of Congress.

It is such an awe inspiring building, but even more than that, it is a powerful reminder of the fact that a  functioning democracy depends on informed and educated citizens. One highlight of our visit there was the discovery of a young readers center–how great is that! Back in corner of this grand and prestigious building there is a space where kids can go and actually sit down with a good book. Bandit loved it there too!

Question for kids: Can you find Bandit on the sofa?  you recognize any favorite book characters sitting around him? (Use the comments section to share your answer!)