During skype sessions–virtual visits that connect me to students via computer webcams–the teacher or librarian in charge often arranges a chair in front of the school computer’s webcam and calls up students to sit in the chair one by one to ask me questions. It’s always fun for me to see each child’s face appear on my screen.
Imagine my surprise when, during a skype session with 4th-6th grade students at Grande Reserve Elementary School in Yorkville, IL, a grown-up suddenly appeared on my screen.
“Wow, you’re a big kid,” I said, and all the students laughed.
“I’m the principal,” Sylvia Torto said with a delighted smile. She had a question for me about what my favorite books were, and then she excitedly shared the title of one of her favorite books, urging me to find it and gobble it up.
What a fantastic moment: A principal was taking time out of her busy day to join in the conversation and express a genuine love for reading. That’s a role model every school needs.
Principal Torto’s suggested book? Nancy and Plum by Betty MacDonald. Luckily for me, she put a copy in the mail along with a thank you for the session. I loved it.
Natalie McKee says:
January 9, 2010 at 6:25 pm
Hello Mary:
Well, my ten year old daughter really enjoyed \The Naked Mole Rat Letters\ and is doing her story wheel book report. She is excited to tell the class about the book when she does her presentation. She was curious on how you envisioned Frankie and Alyanna to look like? Somehow she is not concerned about the men of the book, Robert or Johnny, but it would be fun to know what you envisioned them to look like too?
Thanks for inspiring another child.
Yours truly,
Natalie’s mom
Marcia McKee
Preschool Teacher
Plainfield, Illinois
MrsMbookclubs on blogspot or tufftony@comcast.net for Natalie
Well, Natalie completed her book report and won again for the best book project! She created a story wheel for the Naked Mole Rat Letters in the colors of the book and placed a red dot in the middle(representing the tomato)! The character drawings were impressive and summary reflected a clear understanding of the book. I will have to send you a picture! I am so proud!!
I’d love to see a picture. I often leave out descriptions of characters. Is it because I want kids to create their own pictures? Sometimes I think it’s because I’m inhabiting my own characters so closely that I’m seeing them from the inside out rather than the outside in. Don’t know if that makes sense. The German edition of The Naked Mole-Rat Letters uses a photo of “Frankie.” Longish red hair. Very cute. I imagined that Ayanna was from Kenya. Sometimes readers send me their descriptions, and it’s always fascinating. Thanks for sharing.
I think that when a teacher does that they are incorageing you to go farther and go over the limits. To have someone do that for you is a privlage. To do somthig as brve as that they must like books!!!
Mary:
I just published Natalie’s pictures from her Naked Mole Rat Letters Project on my blog. Please take a look when you get a chance. This is one of the books for Eagle Pointe’s Battle of the Books this year! Maybe you can do a “Skype” Special Appearance during our battle? Talk soon,
Mrs. McKee