I had the pleasure of spending two days at Putnam Valley Elementary School reading and discussing Playground Heroes with the students in grades K-4. Thanks to the Putnam Valley PTA, a copy of my book, Playground Heroes was purchased for every classroom in the school so all of the children were familiar with the story. That allowed me to delve deeply into the anti-bullying themes embedded in the book and discuss writing and illustrating techniques the students can use with their own stories.
The students in grades K-4 completed follow-up writing/art worksheets in their classrooms or during the session. They were excellent listeners and asked insightful questions.
“Our students loved your author visit at our school. Your student-centered visit was engaging, literacy based and so valuable in its content. Thank you for sharing your beautiful book with our students and for listening to their voices in your discussion of kindness and respect for others. We would love to have you visit again, and we will keep reading your wonderful work.” Margaret Podesta, Principal, Putnam Valley Elementary School
I want to say THANK YOU to Margaret Podesta, Putnam Valley Elementary School Principal, the Putnam Valley Elementary School PTA, the Character Education Committee, the staff and most of all the students. Everyone welcomed me with open arms!
Reactions to Playground Heroes from students:
“I liked Playground Heroes because it showed how to stand up for yourself or your friend when they are getting bullied. There were two girls named Zoe and Elle. They loved playing at the park and one day when they were at the park their friend Charlie came. They saw him get bullied and said don’t talk to Charlie like that he’s my friend. NEVER BULLY!!!” Male student, aged 9
“I liked Playground Heroes because of the very detailed wording and illustrating. I also liked how the author dedicated it to her family. I loved how the author actually made her book about real people, her granddaughters, Zoe and Elle.” Female student, aged 9
“I liked Playground Heroes because it will teach young kids to stand up to bullies. Bullies can hurt people mentally and physically. Bullying is a way to make someone feel bad about themselves. Playground Heroes will encourage kids to quit bullying if they have been bullying other kids and start standing up to bullying. If you are ever being bullied tell an adult as soon as you can. You won’t regret it.” Female student, aged 9