Author and Illustrator Matt Tavares visits Kindergarten, First, and Third Grade

On Monday, November 28th, author/illustrator Matt Tavares came to visit Zervas Elementary.
With three separate magnificent Creative Arts and Science presentations, Mr Tavares entertained students and teachers explaining the writing, illustrating, and editing process.

Adults have to edit their work too!  This message was delivered when Mr. Tavares showed students his manuscript with editors notes.  Writing and illustrating is a process, one that students got to experience.

Explaining the editorial process to grade 3

Real-time sketch!

Reading a story to Kindergarten

Real-time action sketch!

Explaining revision to grade 1

Real-time action sketch!

Author Bethany Hegedus Visits Zervas Second Graders

On Tuesday October 18th, author Bethany Hegedus spoke to Grade 2 about her books Grandfather Gandhi and Be the Change. Students were also treated with stories of their favorite authors and illustrators that Ms. Hegedus has worked with at the Writing Barn, her writing retreat center in Austin, TX.

Her new picture book, Be the Change, is a Grandfather Gandhi story.  Second in her picture book series about Gandhi and his message of peace, told from his grandson Arun's perspective.  The provocative collage illustrations by Evan Turk guided the discussion as students read what the characters were feeling throughout the story.

Zervas Elementary is a Responsive Classroom school and Ms. Hegedus' picture book of peaceful resolution, aligns with the social emotional learning in our school.  Her visit and the message in her books will be reflected upon throughout the school year.

Ms. Hegedus shares her favorite books from her childhood

Exploring the pictures in the new book by Ms. Hegedus, Be the Change

Reflecting on Gandhi's message

Celebrating International Peace Day with Jubilee!

How can we be champions of peace?  What are our hopes and dreams for a peaceful school year?

These are questions third graders asked on September 21, the UN International Peace Day. Together we read Jubilee! One Man's Big Bold and Very Loud Celebration of Peace written by Alicia Potter and illustrated by Matt Tavares.  A local story about a musician who wanted to celebrate the end of the Civil War with the 1869 Peace Jubilee.

After reading this story, students then thought about their hopes and dreams and how they could help create peace at Zervas Elementary, in their neighborhoods, and during this school year.  We decorated cards that will be saved and opened in June to reflect upon their school year.

Local Author Visits Grade 3

The Magic of Norumbega

The temperature almost hit 90 today in Newton, but we kept cool in the library with a special visit from local author Leena Kutner.  Ms. Kutner captivated her listeners with stories about historic Newton and the long lost park of Noruembega.  Currently this park is a dog park, but decades ago, it was a popular destination spot.

Peppering her talk with historic photographs, and wondrous stories of this park that no longer exists.  At the turn of the last century, Norumbega Park was THE park in all of New England.  Rides, boating on the Charles River, a zoo, and the famous Totem Pole Ballroom.  Third graders were spellbound by stories of Newton's past, and laws, and many wish Norumbega still existed today.  Thank you, Ms. Kutner for your stories!

Norumbega Park, opened in 1897 and closed in 1963

Spellbound Third Graders

Irene Smalls visits Grades K-3

On Monday May 16th, local Boston writer visited grades K-3 for storytelling, poetry, movement, and songs.  A special thank you to the generous Creative Arts and Sciences Program for funding this wonderful event!

We have several of Ms. Small's books in the Zervas Library, see Ms. Kinney for availability.

Kindergarten acting out "Down Down Baby"

Grade 1 listening to the story of the Jack Muh Lantern

Grade 2 Taking Dancing Steps