He Picked Me!

Children's author, Mr. Jon Scieszka, entertained and inspired all District 204's
fourth grade students at this morning's presentation at Waubonsie Valley High School. I was happy to hear Mr. Scieszka tell the kids that most of his ideas come from his personal experiences of "growing up Scieszka" in a family of six boys (and undoubtedly, a very patient mother)! How can kids take something away from this morning's presentation? Encourage them to keep a writer's journal at home. We do have some writing journal time built into our school weeks, but honestly, I wish it could be more. These noticings, memories, and everyday occurances of what we see and hear in the world around us may be a great novel just waiting to be written!

Some of your kids brought in questions this morning for Mr. Scieszka to possibly answer, and guess what? One lucky student in 4B had hers chosen. It read something like this: "My motto that I live by is, 'Whatever you are, be a good one.' Do you have a personal motto that you live by?" This was the only submitted question Mr. Scieszka answered. Luck? I think not. That's a great "hook" that invited her reader to read on! (There's always a teachable moment to be found.) I'm glad we were able to capture a photo at the end of his presentation. Look at those smiling faces!
Oh, and Mr. Scieszka's answer? His motto is, and I quote: "Semper ubi, sub ubi." See if your kids remember the literal translation from Latin to English!