It wasn’t your traditional publishing party, but the new authors were very excited just the same.
Students in the transitional kindergarten class at the Ocean Breeze School at St. Stephen’s Church celebrated their first book, “Seagull Adventures,” with a read-aloud, themed snacks and crafts.
“There was a bear at the beach, and the seagulls landed on the bear,” read Owen, as his friends gathered around in a circle.
“The seagulls flew too fast, and an octopus helped them,” added Siphie when it was her turn to read. “Then there was a shark.”
Teacher Bopha Rivera started the book project earlier this year after seeing the idea on social media. Since her class is known as The Seagulls, she offered her students this prompt: “This is a book about seagulls nearby. What happens next.”
Each student in the class illustrated their own page and then wrote about it.
“I like to write,” said Sophie. “I wrote about a shark and a jellyfish.”
Liam described his page, “You turn into a shark, see monsters and say ‘Aaaaa!’”
After the read-aloud, students decorated paper headbands that read, “Published Author” and enjoyed treats from platters labeled, “Berry Good Writers,” “Popping With Talent” and “O-fish-al Authors.”
Rivera was impressed by how excited her young students were to write a book, since many of them are just starting to learn their letters.
“It was fun seeing how well they did writing,” she said.
Editor Leigh Blander is an experienced TV, radio and print journalist.
