One Grade - One Book Update #4

The book project was a well received by the Roehm 8th grade students and their families.  I appreciated the fact that so many families were willing to participate in the reading of Touching Spirit Bear, and work through the packet to support and check their understanding of the novel.  Below are a couple of links from one of the 8th grade families reading time.

Family Reads #1

Family Reads #2

Once the book had been read we readied as a school to welcome author of Touching Spirit Bear, Ben Mikaelsen.  Mr. Mikaelsen talked to our students about becoming the author of their lives, and how to develop characters and be descriptive in their writing, during two writing workshop presentations. His author presentation talked about how he was bullied throughout his life and as a result became a bullying himself.  However, he described in detail for us what saved him from a life of bullying and harassment, both as a bully and target, his writing and his love for animals.  Overall, 300+ students had the opportunity to listen to and meet Mr. Mikaelsen.  He ended his day with us by signing the students copies of Touching Spirit Bear.  It was most certainly an exciting day for our students and staff.