Both classes were wonderful! They were so attentive while I read and then asked wonderful questions, mostly about writing and the writing process. These were students who love to both read and write, which says great things about their teachers. Also, they wanted to know my favorite author, my favorite series. Some of them very shyly showed me the book they were reading. Sharon Creech's Walk Two Moons was a great favorite of theirs (and is a great favorite of mine.) Also, they love, love, loved the Harry Potter series. (Quite a few of them liked Sherlock Holmes, but I think mostly from TV and movies.)
The fifth graders wanted my autograph and had post-it notes ready for me to sign. I also took some postcards and bookmarks, and they had me sign those, too. A number of students said they wanted to order my book. (Happily, for those who can't, there are two copies in the public library system, and I let them know that.)
I love school visits. I loved teaching, and now I love going back and connecting with the kids again as an author. Here are a few more pictures that Mrs. Buerger took while I read to her class. I forgot to give my camera to Mr. Repass, but both classes were great fun to interact with.
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Each class gave me a potted plant as a thank you gift. Those plants came at the right time, too. My husband and I have been talking about planting more flowers in one section of our back yard. Plants are a nice way to preserve good memories, as well, and these will certainly be a nice reminder of an enjoyable morning.
An interesting side note to the morning: This was a short day for the school and the morning was devoted to readers and visitors from other occupations. As I came into the school, outside, I noticed policemen on horseback. The policemen kindly let me take pictures of their horses. (Those horses must have been a big thrill for the kids!)
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Celebrate the Small Things is a blog hop co-hosted by Lexa Cain at: Lexa Cain, L.G. Keltner @ Writing Off The Edge , and Tonja Drecker @ Tidbits Blog. (You can go to any of these sites to add your name to the links, if you want to participate. )
How about you? Does your school have special programs to invite authors and other speakers? Are there special reading events to encourage students to read? Do you like animals — especially horses? Who was your favorite author and what was your favorite book when you were elementary school age?
17 comments:
What beautiful horses they are. The kids sound great so glad you enjoyed your school visit.
Thanks for stopping by, Suzanne. Aren't those horses awesome? I love animals, and I love horses. They are so intelligent. I'm sure the kids were thrilled.
What a nice day for you and for the kids.
Hi, Rosi, yes it was. Today I'll be planting the two plants in my back garden — a wonderful souvenir of the day.
Sounds like it was a very lovely visit, and the kids enjoyed it. How neat to see the policeman on horse back! That was a treat for the kids (too) :)
Hi, T. Those horses were such a charming surprise. I love horses. Well, I love animals in general. The horses were very gentle, and, as you can see, the policemen were very accommodating.
That was quite a day, Elizabeth. The kids and the horses were a delight to see today. Glad you were out and enjoying such a perfect time.
Hi, Lee. And it was lovely weather as well! The perfect morning for going to a school reading. Have a great day.
I've done few school visits, because while I seem to manage them well, I can't say I'm really comfortable presenting or talking to a crowd. Lucky you, to enjoy it so much. I'm working on it...
Hi, Mirka. I think the more you do it, and the more familiar it becomes, the easier it is to just relax and enjoy it. Good luck with future visits. It might help to know how much it means to them to meet a real life author. It's a big deal to them.
That must have been fun reading to the class. Your main character is quite the persistent little detective. She didn't flinch once. Bet the kids love her. Thanks for visiting my a-z post. Take care!
#AtoZChallenge
"Female Scientists Before Our Time"
Shells–Tales–Sails
Thanks for stopping by, Sharon. And thanks for the comments on Imogene. I was pleased that the kids found her interesting. Some of them said the book sounded interesting and that they wanted to buy it. On another note, I'm really enjoying your female scientists A-Z theme.
What a worthwhile, memory-making experience. So glad you got to do this.
Hi, Sandra, I'm so glad, too. It always feels like such a "pick me up" to read to young people. They are so enthusiastic and curious, and their questions were really great. (One sixth grader asked me, "What brings you happiness?" :-) Meanwhile, today I planted their plants in my back yard garden; such a great souvenir of the day.
That sounds like a wonderful way to share your writing. Maybe even better than a store.
Those police horses are huge, aren't they?
F is for Fascist Takeover of the US
Hi, Tamara, you are so right. It's a special way to share, and I love getting the questions and having to think about them and answer them. Re: the horses, yes, pretty big, and their feet were big, almost like plough horses. Beautiful animals!
That is great that you got to read to the kids. It sounds scary and fun at the same time. Congratulations on your book sales and plants as well.
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