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Author/educator Crystal Ball O’Connor Ph.D. is in demand for her outstanding books, school performances, staff development and writing instruction “I have taught young children for more than 30 years and this program is the best one that I have ever seen. None of us wanted to leave when our program time was over.” Sara Doolittle Simpsonville Elementary |
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“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 professional development session at a conference. As a parent - I cried. As a teacher - I cheered. As a media specialist - I celebrated.” Renee Beverly, Conway Elementary |
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Dr. O’Connor has visited hundreds of South Carolina schools, and she enjoys returning to many of them year after year. She is a registered artist in the South Carolina Arts Commission Artist in Residence Program “Dr. Crystal Ball O’Connor provides one of the most outstanding programs I have ever seen! As she weaves together literature, the arts, and writing across content areas, it is difficult to tell which are more thrilled, the students or the teachers!” Joan Beth Page, Assistant Superintendent, Dillon District One Dr. O'Connor's author visits include professional development and center around her children’s books which received the highest rating by the National Study of Children’s Literature. Her programs for students and staff can be tailored to meet the unique needs of your school community. Her programs include: “The Magical Migration Adventure” Grades K - 3 “How to Write Your Own Favorite Story” Grades 4 - 6 “Writing and Publishing Your Own Picture Book” Grades 4 - 6 These programs may be presented in Full Day to Week-Long Residency programs. Don't forget to ask about her multi-day discount (three or more days in one school or district). Professional Development Dr. O'Connor also offers professional development programs including: “Making Connections: The Arts, Literature, and Student Engagement”
Dr. O'Connor's MonarchPublishers.com web site and teaching resources received the National
Award of Excellence by Teachers’ Corner, and her professional development,
writing programs and teaching resources are currently part of the Exemplary
Writing Initiative at Heath Springs Elementary in Lancaster County.
“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 and standards based teacher guides along with your wonderful books. There is no doubt I will use this experience to make impressions on the children in my life.!” Vonne Hatfield, Bethune Elementary
Dr. O’Connor takes pictures of her visits with the students and teachers. Afterward, view the fun her participants have with her presentations. “Dear Mrs. Crystal Ball, I loved it when you put on that act. I think your books are great. I want to be an author like you some day. Please come back to my school next year and I will write a story for you.” Love, Eve. New Prospect Elementary To help prepare for her visits, Dr. O'Connor provides planning tools such as checklists, informational flyers for parents and activity suggestions.
“It is with great pleasure that I recommend the work of Crystal O’Connor, Ph.D. Her original and creative program has been a great success at all Georgetown Schools. Without exception, all participants give the highest ratings possible on their evaluations of her professional development and principals continue to invite her back!” Dr. Randy Dozier, Superintendent, Georgetown County School District “I encourage you, too, to bring this professionals to your school district. Her interactive presentation captures every child in the room. I have never seen students so engaged.” Patsy Grimes, Coordinator of Language Arts, ESOL, and Induction, School District Five of Lexington and Richland Counties Crystal Ball O'Connor's Books
“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
Crystal Ball O'Connor's
books have received the highest rating by the National Study of Children’s
Literature. The South Carolina State Department of Education selected Jake
and the Migration of the Monarch for its Reading First Training, and this
book is part of the Anderson Five Curriculum and the Fairfield County Schools
Curriculum.
“You are my favorite author. Thank you for helping me with my writing. Tell Jake and Katherine hello for me.” “Dear Dr. O’Connor, your writing is very deep and full of emotion. It brought back some of my memories. The words seem to tell stories, each and every one. Katherine's Quilt touched my heart as I read, I felt her mom's and grandma's love towards her. I pray that some day I can do something as special and touching as Katherine did when she gave her dreaming quilt to Grandma.” Morgan, 6th Grade, 11 Years Old, Harold Johnson Middle
Dr. O'Connor received her Ph.D. from the Peabody Teacher’s College at Vanderbilt University. She is a registered artist in the South Carolina Arts Commission Artist in Residence Program and a popular presenter at conferences including SCASL, SCIRA, SCATA, SC2, Upstate Writers Program, Hands-on Minds-on Edventure Science Center, and South Carolina Teachers of English. Her mission is to help children preserve and protect the gifts of family, literacy and nature. She served eight years on the Greenville County School Board as an advocate for early childhood literacy and arts across the curriculum.
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