SLHS-Jeffers Books

Story Time!

By Allison Rumptz
February 10, 2012

On January 23, 2012, Mrs. Kooiker's Creative Writing class had the opportunity to visit Jeffers Elementary to read children's stories to Mrs. Mumby's first grade class and their buddy class, Mrs. McConnell’s fourth graders!

The Creative Writing class wrote these children's stories based on their own ideas and their favorite books from when they were younger. After the writers decided what to write about, they brought their plans to Mr. Tiano's art class, which then they proceeded to work in groups of two to three to make a storyboard. Once all of the ideas were outlined, the storyboards turned into bold beautiful works of art full with pictures, watercolors, and a story that went with it.

When the writers walked in the classroom, the first graders' faces were intimidated by the commodious high school kids smiling back at them. Excitement was in the air. Once the partners were chosen, both classes walked to Mrs. McConnell's fourth grade classroom to read with the first graders' buddies. The writers had the chance to read with both classes, making it extra special for everyone. The writers read the stories they wrote and traded books with other groups around the classroom. After reading several books, the time was up, and all three classes had to get back to learning and get on with the rest of their day. The writers walked holding hands down the hallway with their new friends back to their classroom. None of the kids wanted to leave--even the writers! A few kids asked,
“When are you coming back to read with us again?”
“Can you stay all day with me?”
“Why do you have to go?”
Or
“I think you should stay here for a while, I want to play with you at recess.”

Both the students and the teachers agreed that reading books was a great way to start off their Monday morning!