Robinson Elementary School

 
Eric Kimmel speaking to a group of Robinson kids.

THANK YOU PTO, FOR ERIC KIMMEL!

Renown children's author, Eric Kimmel, visited Robinson School on February 21st.  The teachers and students prepared for his visit for months ahead of time. Mrs. Meihaus introduced each class to Eric Kimmels' life and work in a library lesson, then a selection of his books were read aloud in each of the classrooms by the classroom teachers. Teachers taught communication arts objectives through the use of these picture books.

Mr. Kimmel is best known for his retelling of folktales and fairytales from different cultures of the world. Having him visit this year is particularly significant because we have been focusing on integrating world cultures into our curriculum at Robinson. Mr. Kimmel gave 3 presentations  for students in the gym, had a luncheon with the teachers, and signed books for the students who pre-purchased his books.

An author's visit is a great learning experience for the students.  Mr. Kimmel is a fabulous storyteller and he told some of his stories to the younger students, also talking to them about how he decided to become an author and what an author's life is like. The older students had a special treat from Mr. Kimmel - he read a new Anansi the Spider story to them that is not being published until next fall.  He "stepped out of the story" frequently, and put on his author's hat, to tell them about his thinking as he wrote this part of the story.  He knew that we use writing notebooks in our writing curriculum and he spoke with the students about how he uses his own writing notebook and where he gets ideas for stories. He also told the students about the publishing process and what it takes to make a great book.

Students and teachers have commented that they think he is one of the best authors we have had visit Robinson. We are grateful to the PTO for funding this event and look forward to having another author visit in 2010.

For more information about Eric Kimmel go to http://www.ericakimmel.com/



Eric Kimmel meeting a new friend and fan.