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CHAPPAQUA, N.Y. - Third-grade students-turned-authors at Douglas G. Grafflin Elementary School got their first foray into the world of publishing on Thursday. Finished books the students had written were put on display for fellow students, teachers and proud parents.
According to Assistant Principal Debbie Alspach, students assumed the role of experts in an area of their choosing, and shared that knowledge in "how to" books. "The students are the experts; they're the authors," she said.
Topics ranged from sports, to cooking, to cats, and more. Each third-grade class took time from their regular schedule on Thursday to check out the display of over 100 books.
Post-it notes and pencils were left near the books for students to write recommendations to be placed inside the cover.
"This book will teach you everything you need to know about horseback riding!" read one student's review.
Thursday's display was the culmination of an approximate four-week unit, in which students performed much draft-writing before revealing their finished product. Alspach said the unit focused on non-fiction, so that the elementary school students would get a taste of research writing.
Along with the recommendations, the books were also complete with dedications, a table of contents, a publishing company, and illustrations.
"We have visiting authors, and some of our authors are illustrators as well," said Alspach. "They also learn about the organization. The kids are taught that you have to organize your writing."
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