Using resources like Britannica School, students chose three special traits or abilities of their animals— animals that included dogfish sharks, kangaroos, axolotls, and jellyfish— and turned those traits into clues with everyday objects. Through the exercise, our young writers looked into their animals’ unique ways of moving, eating, protecting themselves, and thriving in their habitats.
“ When it comes to writing, you can take a super-complicated or boring topic and make it fun by writing about it in an interesting way,” said Reya, Grade 7.
EXPLORING THE WORLD OF A WRITER
TONS OF TAKEAWAYS
Throughout her visits, students asked their own questions, such as:“ What’ s the next project you’ re working on?” and“ Once the books are published, how do they get to stores and other places they need to go?”
In her farewell assembly, students from across grades shared what they’ d learned, including:
“ I could go on for hours! Some things I learned are to write in my own voice, to give credentials, and to ask myself—‘ Is this nteresting?’.”
“ The most interesting thing I learned is to never erase anything.”
Thank you, Rachel, for bringing your passion and expertise to the Junior School and introducing the fun of facts and non-fiction writing to students this year!
In January, Rachel returned to outline the writing process with students, from initial idea to illustration and publication. She also shared what happens after her manuscripts are drafted, with her team of editors, illustrators, and designers on each book.
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