Helping children preserve and protect the gifts of family, nature, and literacy

* Jefferson School Visit *

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What people are saying about Author Crystal Ball O'Connor and Illustrator Valerie Bunch Hollinger's visits:

“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

“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