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Monday, February 9, 2015

#youknowitsagreatauthorvisitwhen: The Kate Messner Version

These words of wisdom were shared by Kate Messner during her visit on Friday. 
We've been fortunate enough to connect with many authors and each visit is unique and carries with it a long-lasting impact. Kate's visit had the building abuzz with writing energy. Students, like Ben above, were walking around quoting her for the rest of the day. I kept thinking to myself, "you know it's a great author visit when..." 
I am introducing Kate,

who with a few words,
has got them hooked.
You know it's a great author visit when...

....students are quoting the author later in the day

....teachers are stopping by the library to tell you how valuable the visit was

....teachers have written words of wisdom from the author on the white board

....the principal thanks you for bringing the author in

....many students stop by the library to see if any of her books are available to borrow

....two teachers stop by the library to buy books after the event

....eyes light up when the signed books are delivered

....the students share the signatures and dedications on their new books

....the author book talks other people's books

....a gaggle of readers forms after the presentation
....you reflect on the visit and have an image of a farmer seeding a field when you think about how the author tossed out ideas and strategies  

....the author share her organization techniques

....you receive an email from a teacher like this one:
Hi Jen,

Thank you so much for organizing today's author visit. Kate Messner was phenomenal. I left with several ideas for teaching writing. She was truly inspirational. In fact, during recess two  of my students started planning for their own story about a girl with magic powers. 

Thank you!

....students leave notes like these:








In honor of Kate's visit, I'm giving away a signed copy of All the Answers. The drawing will close at midnight on Wednesday, February 11th and the winner will be announced on Thursday, February 12th!



2 comments:

  1. Jen, I love your compilation of the sparkles from Kate's visit. I, too, love to step back and take in "all the seeds sewn" when we help students connect to authors. How tremendously lucky are you, your students, and your colleagues to have shared Kate's company!

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    Replies
    1. Thanks, Melissa! I love how you have summarized these experiences.

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