. . . In the Upstate
Greenville
“With Katherine's
Quilt Made for Dreaming and Jake and the
Migration of the Monarch Crystal Ball O’Connor,
Ph.D. masterfully weaves artistic elements in a story that invites us to
discover who we are, where we belong, and the treasures that are within our
family heritage.” Sharon Kazee, Dean, South Carolina Governor’s School
for the Arts and Humanities
“The
author shares her love of learning and teaching through enthusiastic
talks and school presentations, mesmerizing students and adults with her
'Musical Migration Adventure.' Her stunning book as well as school
performances, weave the arts, literature, science, and nature together to create
a real South Carolina treasure. The book and the 'butterfly lady' already have
become school favorites.”
Sally Nuss, Media Specialist, Taylors Elementary
“A
great success-- a must see for children of all ages. The education about monarch
migration and conservation was presented in a fun, interactive way with the
children acting out their parts to provide the butterflies with food, water, and
shelter. One of my students later told me her favorite part was when the
‛butterflies’
were flying around the audience. ‛They
were so funny!’”
Jeannie Peak, Bells Crossing, Media Specialist
“Thank you
again for coming to speak with us today about your book. You did a
beautiful job and truly captured everyone's attention. Many of my students
remarked afterwards about how much they enjoyed your visit and how much they learned.” Kim Foister, Blythe Academy
“Teachers and students alike enjoyed your presentation
and were fascinated by the incredible story of the flight of the monarch.
Your animated skit taught factual information in such an entertaining
way!” Sarah Brice,
Media Specialist, Welcome Elementary
Comments from Greenville County teachers after professional development:
“The professional development, hands on learning, was an excellent illustration
of the standards. Seeing the activities demonstrated has given me lots of
ideas for classroom use. Thank you. Most informative.”
“I enjoyed working in small groups with my friends from other schools and I
received many valuable ideas from each of the small group presentations.
Wonderful job, thank you for the opportunity for teacher involvement and role
playing and discussions of curricular connections and standards.”
“Hearing the author read the book was beautiful.”
Spartanburg
“Our teachers were delighted and motivated with the
heartwarming
presentation by Dr. Crystal Ball O'Connor. The
hands-on approach and interactive participation provided our teachers with
experiences of how to bring the book and standards-based lessons directly to
students. Great book, great instructional fun,
and great for teachers and children!”
Dr. Donna Gutshall, Assistant
Superintendent, Spartanburg District 6
“What a joy and
tremendous delight it was having Dr. O'Connor visit Pine
Street School! She brought to life her book, Jake and
the Migration of the Monarch, to the students. In an
exciting and active presentation, our students experienced the
migration of the monarch butterflies from a loving,
heartwarming perspective. Nonfiction learning has never
been so fun.” Veneal Williams, Media Assistant, Pine
Street
Elementary
Teacher comments
from Chapman Elementary:
“I
loved Mrs. O'Connor. She was so vivid in her storytelling and
we learned so much about Monarch butterflies.”
“I thought
she was great! The students enjoyed her.”
“She
interacted very well with the kids which was a big plus for
me.”
“The
program included great interactive activities for teachers and
students.”
“Dr. O'Connor's
student presentation was inspiring for our children. It
is amazing how she has been able to use her incredible book to
teach so many South Carolina standards. Our teachers
were inspired to make the huge connection between literature
and science while also incorporating music, art, social
studies and drama.” Meredith Rose, Curriculum
Coordinator, Boyd Elementary
“Dear Mrs. Crystal
Ball, I liked when you put on that act. I think your
book was great. I want to be an author like you some
day. Come back to NPE. Love, Eve.” Student,
New Prospect
Elementary
“She used so many brain compatible
strategies with the faculty that reached all content areas.
Not only will the students benefit through these brain
compatible strategies, the teachers bonded as we laughed and
held powerful conversations about science! It was memorable!” Jodi Wright, MSU
Science Coach New Prospect Elementary, Spartanburg District
One Schools
“It was a great pleasure for our students and staff to
have Crystal Ball O’Connor, Ph.D. visit our school and share her book and
exceptional program. We look forward to having Dr. O’Connor visit Wellford
Elementary School again soon.” Greg Wood, Principal, Wellford
Elementary
“We have been doing author nights with our children for
four years and the
Jake and the Migration of the Monarch reading and
program was by far the best! The author and illustrator were wonderful
with the children and kept them involved in the program. Great job!”
Cindy Benton, Wellford Elementary School
Fort Mill
“THANK YOU! We really enjoyed your visit! This
was one of the best author visits we have ever had. The students talked
about the experience for several weeks. It was also a great lead into our
study of the life cycle of the butterfly. Thanks for bringing a love of
science and nature to young students." Shelly Thompson, Kindergarten
Teacher
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“Dr. Crystal Ball O'Connor, the author of
Jake and the
Migration of the Monarch, visited our school for presentations to all of our
grade levels. Valerie Bunch Hollinger, the illustrator, also collaborated
with Dr. O'Connor to make these presentations a visual delight for the children.
They integrated dance, movement, Spanish, music and reading into their
presentation. The children were invited to take an imaginary migration
trip to Mexico like the Monarch butterfly. All of our thoroughly enjoyed
the presentation. In addition, I received many positive e-mails from the
teachers in our building. I would highly recommend this presentation for
any elementary school." Cindy Epps, Lead Teacher, Orchard Park
Elementary
“You are the best author we've
ever had. We learned a lot from you!" Megan,
3rd grader at Riverview Elementary
Gold
Hill Elementary Teachers Lead Music Activity
. . . In the Midlands
“Last year
Lexington District Five sponsored Carmen Agra Deedy for a visit to four of our
elementary schools. This year we sponsored another special author visit.
Author Crystal Ball O'Connor and illustrator Valerie Bunch Hollinger presented
‛Jake and the Migration of the Monarch and the Magical Migration Adventure.’
The book Jake and the
Migration of the Monarch
is a nonfiction text, beautifully illustrated and also available in a Spanish
translation. A musical CD accompanies the text.
I encourage you,
too, to bring these professionals to your school district. Their interactive
presentation of the book captures every child in the room. At each of our
four schools, we averaged at least 80 students in the audience. I have never
seen students so engaged.
The students
sang along throughout the presentation, some singing in Spanish at the end;
laughed with glee as the ‛butterflies’ tip-toed among them in search for nectar;
participated with music makers or butterfly streamers; hooked their thumbs for
quiet butterfly flying; shouted out answers when the lead butterfly donned her
antenna with ‛take a chance;’ sat silently during read-alouds in English and
Spanish, captivated by both the readings and the illustrations; asked questions
of the author and illustrator; and learned about milkweed plants, environmental
science, and the migration of the monarchs to Mexico.
Each
presentation lasted approximately 40 minutes. You can view portions of the
‛Magical Migration Adventure’ by clicking on Leaphart Elementary, Seven Oaks
Elementary, or Riversprings Elementary on the
Pictures of Individual School Visits webpage.
Before the author visit, many of the teachers worked on pre-reading strategies.
For example, some teachers flipped through the book without any reading and had
students develop questions. Other activities included having students write
responses to the text and illustrations; develop questions on sticky notes ready
for the author and illustrator to pull and answer; create butterfly
illustrations; identify the author's purpose; identify the traits of
characterization (yes, even in nonfiction); identify the point of view and
explain why that point of view makes the story work; focus on the literal and
interpretive comprehension thinking questions; make connections with other
books, self, and the world; summarize the text; restate the main ideas in the
story in the correct sequence; list questions based on their experience with
butterflies, migration, and magical moments shared with another; identify the
organizational structure or pattern of the text; and respond creatively to the
text.” Patsy
Grimes, Coordinator of Language Arts, ESOL, and Induction,
School District Five of Lexington and Richland Counties
Riversprings Elementary
students
Leaphart Elementary
students
Chesterfield
“What a great
experience for our entire school! It was incredible to
take the same book and use it in different ways in every
classroom. Prior to our Author Visit we purchased each
teacher their own copy of Jake and the Migration of the
Monarch. Each teacher used the book to plan a variety of
lesions. Students and teachers throughout the school
participated in integrated lessons using the same text across
the curriculum. Our school’s wide focus of using a
common book enhanced our efforts of using balanced literacy
throughout all grades. The text was incorporated into
various forms; including Read Aloud time, group Shared Reading
experiences, choral, partner, and Independents Reading.
The text inspired teachers and students to “read like
writers,” as they made efforts to study and imitate Dr.
O’Connor’s writing craft. The song in the text inspired
student and class poems. Our school writers learned to
appreciate and try their hand at the art of using literary
devices in their own writing such a s figurative language,
rich word choice, clear specific and descriptive details, etc.
This experience
gave the entire school (teachers and students) the opportunity
to share conversations about a common text from grades 4k-5th
grade. The community building was immense!
The day of the
visit was the culmination and celebration of our school-wide
study. We were so excited about this experience; we are
choosing a common read-aloud book that all classes can share.”
Wendy Folsom, Principal, Jefferson Elementary
.JPG)
“Jake and the Migration of the Monarch is a
beautiful book for all ages to enjoy! −
A very memorable story with beautiful
illustrations. The CD made us feel the author was in our classroom.” Shirley Threatt, Kindergarten Teacher, Jefferson Elementary
“Fabulous book,
beautiful illustrations—such a strong story to tell.
Crystal Ball O’Connor and Valerie Bunch Hollinger are terrific
storytellers and champions of early childhood education.
Exciting presentation integrated throughout the
curriculum—our children were mesmerized!” Gracyn
S. Jackson, Principal, Cheraw Primary School
“I
have been afforded the opportunity to teach at a school where an author or an
illustrator of children's books visits annually. I must share that of all the
visits, Crystal Ball O'Connor has been the best! She is gifted in not only
writing wonderful literature, but she also draws the children into her world as
she shares her writing process. I have never seen the children so "tuned-in" to
every word and every move in the way they did with her. Every school in South
Carolina should be afforded to enrich the lives of their children with her
visit! Having participated in Edventure professional development with her has
extended my learning experience in using her literature to a higher level.”
Mollie M. Phillips, Chesterfield School District
“A must read for anyone who
treasures the wonder of life. Lively drama, audience participation, and a heartwarming story
made for a perfect presentation. This is storytelling at its best!” Lynn Tarlton, Petersburg Primary School
“Dr. O’Connor visited 5 schools in
Lexington/Richland School District Five. Her presentation of
Jake and the
Migration of the Monarch is an excellent integration of science, literature,
drama, music and art. Dr. O’Connor actively engaged the students and faculty in
every aspect of the presentation. This was not the first, nor will it be the
last time that she is asked to visit in our district. Dr. O’Connor provided
teachers with excellent resources to assist them in addressing grade specific
standards. We highly recommend inviting Dr. O’Connor to your school. We
look forward to having her back and are excited to know that she has another
book soon to be published.” Harry Gates, Lexington/Richland Five, District Science
Coordinator
Marion Elementary
Professional Development
Easterling Primary School
Darlington Professional Development
“You are a dynamic
person! Your books are a true inspiration to anyone who
reads them. Thanks for being a part of our St. Paul
Primary School faculty.” Evelyn Shuler, Second Grade
Teacher, St. Paul Primary School
“Great dramatization of the story! Students were
captivated by the combination of science, social studies, and vocabulary
throughout the presentation. Memorable moments for students as they were
able to recall/retell the journey of the monarch butterfly.” Mrs. B.
Zeigler, Second Grade Teacher and Mrs. A. Fisher, Kindergarten Teacher,
St. Paul Primary School
Clarendon School District One
Scotts Branch top readers are
awarded autographed copies of
Jake and the Migration of the
Monarch.
“I was not sure
using the Arts in Science would benefit my students, but after
observing the different ways the Arts could be used, I now
know I can use it to assist with learning.” Mrs.
Beverly Cochran, Elementary Mathematics and Science Teacher
“I thought the
presentation was great. I believe the students enjoyed
being able to fully participate and be engaged. I also
thought the activities for the staff were great for teachers
to see how to fully integrate the story.” Angel Cole
Clarendon School District Two
“Dear Dr. O’Connor,
my students had such an exciting adventure with you this
morning as you shared the story and the writing of
Jake and
the Migration of the Monarch. I had read your book to my
second graders and they had discussed questions they wanted to
ask you. However, your dramatization of the migration of the
butterflies and your visual props kept the students
fascinated. I truly appreciated the methods you used to
communicate important information to seven and eight year olds
on a level that they could understand and remember. Keeping
the students actively involved with making the pattering
sounds of rain and the motions of trees and bushes kept their
attention in a very positive way. Certainly they will always
remember the butterfly sipping nectar from their hands. Your
party blower made the perfect butterfly proboscis! Our
students gain so much more from a gifted author when that
author can communicate on the children’s level. Thank you for
your efforts to reach the children on their various learning
styles.” Mrs. Helene Ellis, Second Grade Teacher, Manning Primary School
Manning
Elementary
“I liked the author because she is nice. The
children next year will like her.” Kellynn Davis, First Grade Student
“Dr. O'Connor,
thank you so much for the visit to Manning Early Childhood
Center. We think that your presentation was wonderful
and we loved the retelling of your story. The children
in first grade were all able to participate and become part of
the book. By doing this, we feel that you really
captured their attention and gave a new meaning to your
already great story! Thanks again for a wonderful
program!” Ericha Floyd, Millie Love and Tracey White,
First Grade Teachers, Manning Early Childhood Center
. . . In the Low Country
Georgetown School District
“The school visits were a great success at all Georgetown County
Elementary Schools. It is with great pleasure that I recommend and applaud the
work of Crystal O’Connor, Ph.D. I was very impressed with the presentation and
information presented. The program is original and creative. Without
exception, participants gave the highest ratings possible on their evaluations
of the professional development session entitled “Making Connections: The Arts,
Literature and Student Engagement.
The author modeled the use of arts in an informative skit about
migration, gave each participant the opportunity to practice creative expression
as a means to engage students in understanding content, and facilitated an
interactive discussion of curricular connections and relevant standards.
Recognizing the importance of parental involvement in student
success, Dr. O’Connor also provided resources for teachers to share with parents
and students to encourage shared learning activities for families and students
at home. These leaders understand that advancing student achievement is our
most important priority and their approach reaches a broad spectrum of learning
abilities.
Again, I would recommend this program because it is informative,
engaging, and provides opportunities for active learning. Most importantly, it
makes learning fun.”
H. Randall Dozier, Ph.D., Superintendent, Georgetown County School District
Even the Superintendent, Dr. Randy Dozier,
played a role in the skit. Thanks for being so supportive of your staff!
“Fabulous! This has been one of
the best professional development experiences that I've ever had."
It's wonderful to be able to leave a session with ideas that
you're eager to share with team members and most importantly
students.” Tanieka Greggs, Georgetown County School
District
“What did I like
most about this professional development experience? Everything! In what other field
of work, can one 'play' and have such fun?” Jeanette
Stewart
“The book itself provides a wonderful resource for across the board work. This was not only fun, but applicable to my area of study.”
Karen Price
“The presentation
was 'fun' and it gave you a happy feeling! Sometimes we need
to put 'fun' back into teaching. The extensions to the
standards---We are always looking for more. Not one time did I
think-Boy, I need to get back to my room and work! Enjoyed
it!” Catherine Creson
“Upbeat, interactive, informative. I love to teach with music so I look forward to using Jake's song. Staff development workshops are usually dreaded and with good cause, but this was wonderful and entertaining and informative.” Sue
Wilson
“The setting was informal and inviting. The instructors made the activities fun and exciting for all ages. I enjoyed the participation activities. This made the study of butterflies as much fun for me, the teacher, as it will be for my students.”
Tammy Byron
Additional Teacher comments from Georgetown School District
professional development:
“EVERYTHING
about this presentation will be valuable to me in my teaching. Who can
improve on excellence?”
“This
was the best! All of it was valuable.”
“Bringing
literature alive and making science fun.”
“I
most enjoyed the integrating of all subjects and the role playing. This
will be helpful for teachers when planning for all subjects. Please
continue with these types of activities. Very hands on for teachers in
team planning and integrating all subjects.”
“I
love the book and the demonstrations of activities. Great workshop.
Thanks!”
“The
notebook and teacher presentations will be valuable to me in my teaching.
Great way to spend staff development time.”
“I
especially appreciate the enthusiasm of the presenter, new ideas for content
presentations and extensions of butterfly unit.”
“Connects
science, life and the environment. I liked the illustrations and
involvement of the entire group.”
“Most
valuable in my teaching--aligning the standards to the presentations.”
McDonald Elementary
Waccammaw Elementary School
“Today an author came to our school
The program was wonderful and funny. She put on a play and taught us
about butterflies. She also told us a great story called Jake and the
Migration of the Monarch. She taught us about flowers and the environment
and milkweed too.” Jordyn and Jessica, Third Grade,
Kensington Elementary
“This is a
wonderful book. The author and illustrator are great
people. The show for my school was fantastic!” McKensie,
2nd Grade Student
Mason Preparatory School
“Marvelous book! Our children and
teachers agree that the captivating journey in the book and in your school
appearance is the best EVER!” Marci Yates, Media Specialist
Aynor Elementary
“This wonderful
presentation really made the marvelous monarch come to life
for our students. In third grade we study South Carolina
history and this is a wonderful way to bring so much
information together for our students. I’m sure we will enjoy
your book immensely.” Lynne Atkinson
“Prior to the
visit, I visited the website with my class so we would have
some schema for the monarch butterfly. The call sat in front
of my computer as we read and explored
www.MonarchPublishers.com. We found a butterfly poem that
the children were able to do finger movements with as we
read. We talked about host plants, nectar and how plants
protect the butterfly.
The students had
some prior knowledge about the author, book, and monarch
butterfly before going into the assembly.
The drama was
fabulous. The students enjoyed the butterfly performance.
The author and illustrator connected with the audience and
brought the performance to the student’s level. They were
creative and informative.
The soft pastel
pictures drawn on the paper with teeth were breath taking and
your model is super cute too (Jake).
I learned new and
exciting things about the monarch butterfly and I am ready to
go on another trip to Mexico. Don’t forget to come by and
pick up my class!” Patricia Robinson, First Grade
Teacher
Beaufort
County
Beaufort
Elementary
“It was a pleasure having Crystal O’Connor and Valerie
Hollinger present their book Jake and the Monarch Butterfly to our students. Our students were in awe to see both the
author and illustrator present their book in such a creative
way. The learning experience left our students with memories
of both a beautiful story as well as new knowledge about the
monarch butterfly.”
Donald Gruel, Principal, Mossy
Oaks Elementary
St. Helena
St. Helena
Elementary
St. Helena
Early Learning Center
“Our
class thoroughly enjoyed Dr. O'Connor's performance and book.
The children were engaged with singing and their trip to
Mexico. Dr. O'Connor motivated my children to want to learn
more about the different types of butterflies. Thank you
for the beautiful story and wonderful performance!” Mrs. Carter's Pre-K Class, St. Helena Early Learning Center
“The
children at St. Helena Early Learning Center really enjoyed
the presentation of your butterfly book. It was wonderful
because we have been studying the life cycle of the
butterfly. Your presentation made it come to live for the
children. They loved the beautiful wings. Thank you!”
Karen Smoak, First Grade, St. Helena Early Learning Center
Daufuskie
Introduces Katherine's Quilt
Hilton Head IB
“What a
wonderful time our second and third graders had preparing for
and participating in Dr.
O’Connor’s
visit!
The opportunity to be part of the
presentation was unique…from egg to butterfly, South Carolina
to Mexico, adapting to successfully finding milkweed, the
children were engaged, learning, and entertained. We are
looking forward to her next visit when once again we will be
Monarchs experiencing the miraculous journey through prose,
poetry, song and drama.”
Sharon Harvey, Media Specialist,
Hilton Head International Baccalaureate
Hilton Head
School for the Creative Arts
Port Royal
Okatie
Shell
Point Elementary
“Wow! What a
wonderful program we had with Dr. O’Connor today here at Shell
Point Elementary. The pacing was perfect; the material
covered was interesting and engaging; the music and activity
(wearing the butterfly wings) were both fun and entertaining
for the students and the teachers. The children listened and
watched as Dr. O'Connor set the stage for this amazing book
about the monarch butterfly. I am so glad she came to our
school. I would highly recommend it to other elementary
schools. It was time and money well spent. We have had a few
authors here in the past. This by far was the best! Thanks
for coming.” Carole Green
“Dr. O'Connor
was outstanding as a presenter to our children at Shell Point
Elementary. She captured their imaginations and took us
all on a magical journey to Mexico! We learned about the
process of writing to be an author, how books are put
together, songs in English and Spanish, and lots of
interesting facts and ways to help the monarch butterfly
survive and thrive. Thank you!” Kathleen Ann
Lawrence
Whale Branch
. .
. Statewide Programs
and Conferences
Statewide Programs
and Conferences include
the
South Carolina School Librarian’s
Conference, Arts Integration, South Carolina Teachers of
English, the South Carolina Association of Science Teachers,
South Carolina Chapter of the International Reading
Association, the South Carolina Book Festival and Hands-on
Minds on Institute.
“The
presentation Crystal makes to share the life of a monarch
butterfly with teachers at EdVenture is informative, creative,
and filled with standards-based science facts. As
‛Jake and
the Monarch Butterflies’ unfolds students and teachers alike
experience the butterfly's metamorphosis almost without noticing
that they have learned something significant. It is why we
will bring her back again next year...she demonstrates how the
arts can make learning come alive!”
Cynthia Detuelo, Director of Education and Instructor,
Hands-on, Minds On Institute at EdVenture in Columbia, supported by the State
Department of Education
“I was overjoyed to
realize the many applications across the curriculum. The workshop was
entertaining, unique, engaging . . . the best I've ever attended. Thank
you for sharing and thinking enough to create such an in depth web site along
with your wonderful book!”
Vonne Hatfield, Bethune Elementary
“The workshop was like no
other I had ever attended . . . it touched my heart with the personal stories
shared in their writing and illustrating processes. I laughed a lot, became
actively involved in the music and drama, and even cried. There is no doubt I
will use this experience to make impressions on the children in my life.” Michelle
Thompson, Media Specialist, Kingston Elementary, Horry County
“To meet Crystal and to see her
performance is to fall in love with a lady who has a passion for what she does.
I attended her session at the School Librarians Conference. As a parent - I cried. As a teacher - I cheered. As a media
specialist - I celebrated.” Renee Beverly, Conway Elementary
