“How to
Write Your Own Favorite Story” Grades 4 - 6
The
standards-based writing program for older elementary and sixth
grades is based on the book Katherine's Quilt Made for
Dreaming and related enrichment activities.. The program
strengthens writing and communication skills by providing
opportunities for students to write across the curriculum and
make real-life connections to the author, the characters and
to story. The children will learn about what it takes to
write a children’s book, including the artistic design and
layout. Using Katherine's Quilt as a literary model, and
using a balanced literacy approach, presentations are designed
to strengthen connections between writing, social studies and
the arts.
Teachers
will receive professional development using enrichment activities to emphasize
writing in all content areas, with a particular emphasis in language arts and
social studies. For example, the fourth grade team will particularly enjoy
learning how to engage students by using “The Underground Railroad Game” in
their classrooms.
Full Day to Week Long Residencies
Some schools prefer day-long programs
with specific grade levels. For example, the author works with 2nd graders one
day and 4th graders
another day. Many plan return visits annually so that these grade levels come
to anticipate the special author visit and related instructional activities.
Some schools invite the author to spend one day per grade level. Others prefer
a week-long artist in residency program, helping students improve writing skills
including creating strong introductions and characters around the central
meaning, using strong descriptive language and sensory detail, and poetry
writing. These activities also integrate the arts through drama, music and
visual art.
Crystal O’Connor’s
Books
Dr.
O’Connor’s visits center around her children’s books which received the highest
rating by the National Study of Children’s Literature. The Monarch Publishers
web site and teaching resources received the National Award of Excellence by
Teachers’ Corner. 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 the Fairfield County Schools
Curriculum, the Florence 3 curriculum, the Sumter 17 Curriculum, the Georgetown
County Science Kits, and others. The author’s award winning professional
development and writing programs, and teaching resources are currently part of
the Exemplary Writing Initiative at Heath Springs Elementary in Lancaster
County.
Purchasing Books
Most
districts and schools purchase classroom sets and expect that
teachers will continue with enrichment activities throughout the year. Children
also are given the opportunity to purchase their own copies and to have an
autograph and photo session with the author.
