November 24, 2015 at 4:42 p.m.
'Our Most Thankful Things'
Pelican students to publish book of gratitude
'Our Most Thankful Things'
By Kayla Thomason-
During the summer, JoEllen Lieck, a kindergarten/first grade looping teacher at Pelican, came across another class's book project while checking her Twitter feed. The other class published a book using Student Treasures Publishing, a program that helps students publish books. Lieck researched the publishing company's website and signed up for its free kit.
"We have created many classroom books that we bind and keep in our classroom library, but this is our first book that is going to be sent out to a real publisher," she said.
"The students are so excited that they will become published authors and illustrators," she added.
The class received the materials for the project, as well as a published book that another first-grade class had created, to show them what the finished product will look like. The students were astounded.
Lieck told the group they had until late November to complete the book.
"Through the month of October we dug deep into our understanding of what it means to be a reader and a writer," she said. "Through a gradual release of responsibility the students became confident readers and had a clearer understanding of what the writing process looks like."
To hone their skills, the students decorated a gratitude-themed cornucopia and then wrote about that project.
Lieck read "The Most Thankful Thing" by Lisa McCourt and had the students continue to think about what they are most grateful for.
"They then wrote in their writing notebooks, shared with a partner adding details, conferred with me and then wrote their final copy using the publishing paper," Lieck said.
After that step, the students began illustrating their book, paying close attention so that their drawings matched their words.
The book will be entitled "Our Most Thankful Things," and every child participated in the project.
Kali Skubal wrote about being thankful for her animal blanket.
It was her sister's and it helps her sleep at night, she said. Her illustration is of her and her sister with the rainbow animal blanket.
"I am so excited to have our book sent in to a real publishing (company)," Kali said.
Tripp Zoncki said he was thankful for freedom "because without freedom we could not go anywhere by ourselves and terrorists would destroy everything."
He drew a terrorist attack and the American flag next to his entry.
Tripp said he is excited about the opportunity to become a published author and illustrator, and has learned what it takes to create a book.
"It is a lot of hard work and I look forward to seeing how it comes together," he said.
June Chiamulera wrote that she is thankful for her family because she "couldn't live without their hugs and kisses." Her drawing is of her family.
"I'm so happy to have our own book," June said.
Abe Gretzinger is thankful for Jesus "because he is the one that made me and you and died for us."
He drew a picture of Jesus on the cross to illustrate his text.
The experience has helped the students' grow their reading and writing skills, Lieck said.
"I feel the gradual release of responsibility in reading and writing allows for more focused lessons, guided instructions, collaborative learning and also independent work," she said. "I feel that this process is important for students to feel free to take risks and are empowered to try their best."
Although they are of a tender age, it appears the students took Lieck's lesson about the creative process and the power of self-expression to heart.
"I wanted to learn to read because my Mom and Dad read to me every day and I wanted to be a good reader too," said Tripp Zoncki. "I wanted to learn how to write so I could write down my own ideas for other people to read."
"I like how you show us and then we go and try it," Emma Tagalos said, addressing her teacher. "Then we get to share our writing and it makes me smile."
In December, Lieck will release a short video about the students' book to share with their families.
Kayla Breese may be reached at [email protected].
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