Amber Hicks’ third grade class at Henderson Ward Stewart Elementary School got an unorthodox literature lesson over the past few weeks.
Each student in the class composed and illustrated their own book, which Hicks had spiralbound. The students then read the books to family members in an “author celebration day” Thursday, April 26 in the Henderson library. The books were written in the style of children’s author Kevin Henkes, with animal characters facing normal human problems and situations.
“We spent about four weeks studying Kevin Henkes, and the structure of his writing, so we’re integrating our reading and writing standards for third grade, and they study what makes his books similar,” Hicks said. ”They found that all the characters are animals, and realistic settings, and they’re put in to a little problem that us as humans could face. Then the students planned narratives that fit his style of writing.”
Hicks said the idea for the project came from wanting to integrate standards she is required to teach into an interesting project for her students. She said she hoped to continue doing the project, but alternating authors each time.
“I wanted to see what the students could come up with using those same structures that Kevin Henkes uses,” Hicks said.
Hicks said the project was a success with her students, with watercoloring the covers being a popular part of the project.
After the students finished their books, Hicks invited parents to the presentation. However, she said the presentation was completely planned by her students.
“The students wrote the whole plan for the day,” Hicks said. “They created the agendas. They created the scripts that they were going to say. They planned it all out. I had no part in planning it except for facilitating the event and making sure they we’re going to be staying within the time limit.”
She said she hoped her students were reminded of their creativity, and given a better understanding of what goes into making a book.
“I just want them to see that they do have creativity in them, and it just starts with a simple plan, wanting to be inspired by something and taking something and making it your own,” Hicks said. “They’re all unique, and they all have a story to tell, and it’s important to showcase that story that they have.”