The work was done. Well, almost. High schoolers wrote their stories, turned it into a book, and I returned to listen to them read their stories. After all, they would be reading the story they wrote about the kindergartner they interviewed – to the kindergartener. Yes, big deal.
Can you imagine being young and having a high schooler write a book about you, the story you told, and then read it aloud to you? Wow!
My work with the high schoolers was more than listening and helping them read aloud (emotion, slowing down, that sort of thing), it was fine tuning the words they wrote and the photos they chose.
I’d like to introduce you to two high school students, and the story behind the book they wrote for their kindergartener:
When Lily interviewed her student, he drew her a picture and told her he wanted to go to The Art Museum. I saw the picture he drew. Clearly, this child is very talented. Lily asked me, “Where is The Art Museum?” I told her this isn’t a title for a specific art museum. We looked at his art, and it was abstract, and well done.
“Lily, what if the museum in your story focuses on abstract or modern art? There’s a museum in New York, MoMA (Museum of Modern Art), that might work.”
Lily jumped at the idea, but then there was more. In her book, every page has a famous painting in the upper left hand corner.
Her book is wonderful.
I love how Lily wrote the story of Logan at MoMA, and his art piece being discovered there. Congratulations, Lily!
David connected with Justin. They both loved firefighters, so this was a match (or a book) made in heaven. Justin wants to be a firefighter. His favorite character is Squirtle, from Pokemon. I helped David understand that Squirtle can certainly be in Justin’s book. Justin the firefighter can rescue Squirtle.
When all was finished, words polished, and books made, I visited the kindergarten and watched the high schoolers read their books to their kindergarten student.
Everyone was happy and smiling, very engaged. I may have been the only one with a lump in my throat.
Jennie
A Teacher's Reflections 
This is such a wonderful experience for everyone involved, Jennie. Thank you for sharing this.
That is brilliant Jennie… the storytellers of the future sharing their talent. ♥
ooh, I’ve been waiting to read more about this, thank you, these are brilliant
Such a great assignment for the high schoolers, something they’ll always remember. The two books look very well done. You certainly used your teaching skills with this group, Jennie. The results are testament to it.
Such a wonderful idea, and they both completely nailed the project!
Best wishes, Pete.
Impressive!
What a great project, Jennie. These books look terrific and I’ll bet they will be loved for years.
I love this Jennie what a wonderful way to get interaction between students of different age groups. The students are lovely rounded people already and so talented. Were they ever Aquaroomers?
I love that you were there to advise them 💜💜💜
Hi Jennie, thank you for another wonderful post!
Great post, Jennie.
What a fabulous payoff for both ages, not to mention preschool teachers. Have you done this project before, Jennie? I am convinced that cross-age projects are one of the best things we can provide for our students.