Authors Galore!

Weeks 25 & 26

We put our library class units on hold for two weeks to prepare for and host two author visits.

Author David Smith came to speak to grades 3, 4, and 5 about his book If the World Were a Village. To prepare for his talk, students watched an excellent DVD version of the book which includes the highlights of the text with animation. Smith wrote the book in an attempt to help children understand world population numbers more easily and to give children a sense of the variety life experiences of other children on the planet. If the world were a village of 100 people, how many would speak English? How many would practice Buddhism? How many would be hungry every day? Given more manageable numbers, students can connect to the hardships of others more easily. David gave us a copy of his second book This Child, Every Child with explains through kid-friendly text and pictures the articles of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child.

Author Toni Buzzeo came to work with all of our students for three days. She presented talks for each grade level using flannel boards, puppets, and slides depending on the age group. Older students enjoyed hearing about how her childhood experiences are woven into the characters and plots of her picture books. In grades PreK 3 through grade 2, Toni ran workshops about storytelling and writing. Grade 1 and 2 students are still busy writing the sequel stories she helped them start. If Adventure Annie were to have another adventure, what would be a fun location? A museum? A concert hall? A zoo? If Tess were to let T-Rex out of the book again, where should she let him out (for maxiumum chaotic fun)? A school? A jam factory? Your house? Toni's energy was a great addition to our Elementary school last week!