At Mount Morris Central School District, an inspiring chapter unfolded within the halls, marking a special journey for Liz Becker's seventh graders. This narrative began when the Genesee Valley BOCES Writers In Residence program, with its tradition of fostering young minds through literature, introduced an exciting venture. The program brought together aspiring young authors with the expertise of Kevin Kurtz, a name synonymous with engaging children's literature. Kurtz's mission was to guide these students through the intricacies of non-fiction children's book writing, a challenge eagerly accepted by Becker's class.
The focus was the majestic Great Barrier Reef, a topic ripe with opportunities for exploration and storytelling. Each student embarked on a research voyage to uncover the wonders and residents of this underwater world, with the assignment to choose a sea animal as the protagonist of their story. The task was not just to inform but to enchant, as these books were destined for the curious minds of second graders, awaiting tales that would whisk them away to the colorful depths of the ocean.
The process, modeled after Kurtz's own approach to creating literature, began in January. Students dived into the initial stages of drafting their stories, engaging in a cycle of editing, refining, and, ultimately, publishing their work. Their manuscripts, once polished, would be brought to life through printing and binding, mirroring the professional journey Kurtz himself undergoes with each book.
Kurtz's presence in the classroom served as a beacon of inspiration. "It's been great for them to see an actual published author and get to hear his experience," Becker reflected, acknowledging the impact of his workshops.
Kurtz shared the secrets of his craft, from conceiving ideas to creating characters that resonate with young readers. He emphasized the importance of understanding what an animal desires in life and how such desires can craft compelling narratives. This guidance prompted students to delve deeper into their characters, imagining their daily wants and transforming these into engaging storylines.
"As a writer, I often work alone. Even though I have a sense of how many copies of my books are being bought, I don't know how kids are responding to my books until I visit schools. It is very gratifying to see kids in person reacting to my writing. I also enjoy visiting schools because I get to share my knowledge with kids and see how excited they are to learn about science and nature," said Kurtz.
Emma K. chose the seahorse as her muse, drawn to the unique characteristics and life of this marine creature. Inspired by Kurtz's teachings, she saw a new depth to her writing, connecting her passion for stories, like her favorite, "The Hunger Games," to her own creative process.
Liam M., fascinated by the vibrant life of the orange-ring surgeonfish, found joy in constructing the plot of his story. Kurtz's expertise offered Liam and his peers a glimpse into the world of a published author, enriching their understanding and enthusiasm for storytelling.
Amidst this creative endeavor, Becker maintained a vibrant classroom environment through a Harry Potter House Challenge, fostering teamwork and camaraderie as students earned points for their respective Hogwarts houses. In this imaginative framework, the more questions students asked and the more they engaged in the writing process, the more points they earned, encouraging an atmosphere of inquisitiveness and participation. This playful competition mirrored the collaborative spirit of writing, as ideas were shared and stories took shape, further enriching the learning experience with a dynamic interplay of creativity and competition.
The engagement with Kurtz was a highlight for the class, as students hung onto his every word, eager to soak in his advice and insights. The interaction was more than just a lecture; it was a dialogue that allowed students to reflect on their choices, to question, and to grow as young authors.
As the project continues to unfold, anticipation builds for the completion of these unique children's books. Becker, with years of witnessing the evolution of this project, sees a new depth in this year's narratives. "Watching them ask questions and engage with him, I'm hoping I'll see that translate into more complex stories," she shared, optimistic about the profound impact Kurtz's involvement will have on their final creations.
"The Writers in Residence program showcases the remarkable opportunities available to our students, allowing them to learn from a professional writer like Kurtz who shares both his passion and techniques for nonfiction writing. Having the seventh graders share their work with second graders adds another layer of fulfillment, spreading the impact of Kevin's instruction throughout our school community. It's truly heartening to see the positive influence of this program trickling down through the grade levels," said Julie Judge, Enrichment Specialist at Genesee Valley BOCES.
Through the partnership of Genesee Valley BOCES, Kevin Kurtz, and the dedicated students of Liz Becker's class, the Mount Morris Central School District has become a nurturing ground for budding writers. This initiative not only enhances their academic journey but also enriches their lives with the timeless joy of storytelling, leaving a lasting imprint on their young minds and the community at large.