“The
Magical Migration Adventure”
Author Visit
Fostering
reading, writing, and artistic expression through the use of Common Core State
Standards is essential at an early age. Keeping that in mind, here we have a
story about a topic that is naturally interesting and exciting to this age group
and directly connected to the state standards as well—the monarch life cycle and
migration. Students become engaged in the story because it is about a young boy
and his family, while learning about the science of butterflies along with Jake.
Lesson/Activity
The
program for early age elementary grades is based on the book Jake and
the Migration of the Monarch. This is the author presentation portion of the
Magical Migration Adventure writing instruction program. The author
discusses of the process of writing a book, and presents a musical story
reading, and then an interactive skit about monarch butterfly migration.
Students are actively engaged in the program.
Supporting Material
Jake
and the Migration of the Monarch, a read-along music CD in English and
Spanish, and standards-based teacher guides.
"The
author shares her love of learning and teaching through enthusiastic
school presentations, mesmerizing students and adults with her
'Magical 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. Learning has never been so fun."
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
"I
loved Mrs. O'Connor. She was so vivid in her storytelling and
we learned so much about Monarch butterflies. She
interacted very well with the kids which was a big plus for
me."
Chapman Elementary
"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
"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. She 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 students 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
"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
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. 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
"This year we sponsored author Crystal Ball O'Connor
to present
‛The Magical Migration Adventure.’
I encourage you, too, to bring her to your school district.
Her 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." Patsy
Grimes, Coordinator of Language Arts, ESOL, and Induction,
School District Five of Lexington and Richland Counties
"You are the best author we've
ever had. We learned a lot from you!" Megan,
3rd grader at Riverview Elementary
Select one of the links below to read comments from prior
participants, see pictures of some of Dr. O'Connor's school visits, plan a visit
of your own, or to see her school visit calendar.
What People Are Saying
Pictures from School Visits
Planning Your School Visit
