43
First-grade authors share stories
Photo
Neighbors | Sarah Foor .Nicholas Ciccone wrote his story about an angry cactus that lives in the Grand Canyon. In the story, the angry cactus says, "It is really hot and boring out here in the dessert," which had the crowd of parents laughing.
Photo
Samantha Jones proudly held up her work, "The Flying Bike," before she started her reading.
Photo
The second grade young authors took a proud pose after their reading event.
Photo
Brianna Bass chose to write from experience for her story. She wrote a story about how excited she is to become a big sister this summer.
Photo
Second-grader Ashlea Pandrea (right) received a proud hug from her mom, Jackie, after she shared her story.
By SARAH FOOR
In the minds of Lynn Kirk first-graders, there are imaginary talking cactuses, flying bikes, and even a few princess stories.
The students in Tammy Deeley’s first-grade classroom became official authors on May 26 when they shared books they authored and illustrated with family and friends.
During her students’ first-grade year, Deeley focuses on reading and writing skills and has her first-graders write in a journal every day.
“It’s my way of making them not afraid to write about anything,” Deeley explained. “I took that same attitude to the project. The kids were allowed to write about any subject they liked. They wrote rough drafts at home and over the last few weeks, they’ve worked very hard to illustrate and publish their writing. They’re real books that the kids can take home, and include drawings and an ‘about the author’ section.”
On May 26, family and friends gathered to enjoy the authors reading their work.
Many of the students explored fiction, writing about kangaroos, robots and fantasy football games. Others spoke from experience, like Brianna Bass, who wrote about her excitement to become a big sister this summer.
Madison Hileman praised her dad, writing “He takes care of me no matter what. He tucks me in each night. He makes sure I’m safe and holds my hand as we walk across the street.”
Deeley was proud of the range of her little authors.
“Their writing has progressed from one or two sentences at the beginning of the year to these amazing and touching stories. I’m immensely proud of everything they’ve done.”