To get ready for her visit, all of our students in grades K-5 heard one or more of her books. Our amazing art teacher, Mrs. Ryan, read The Noisy Paint Box by Barb Rosenstock to most of our students.
This interesting historical fiction book is about the life of artist Vasya Kandinsky. Kandinsky had synesthesia, an extra sense that allowed him to hear the colors that he saw. Kandinsky was one of the first abstract artists who believed that art should be "felt" by its viewers. After reading the book, Mrs. Ryan invited students to create their own abstract art while listening to music. You can see some of their artwork in this picture on the wall behind Mrs. Rosenstock.
During library time, I read other books by Mrs. Rosenstock to our students. Some of our students heard Ben Franklin's Big Splash, Otis and Will Discover the Deep, and The Camping Trip That Changed America. We also learned background information about Mrs. Rosenstock by visiting her website. Finally, we made posters to welcome Mrs. Rosenstock to Harrison School. Students also had the opportunity to preorder several of her books for her to sign while at Harrison School.
The Big Day Arrives!
During our author visit day, Mrs. Rosenstock presented at 4 different assemblies. We started with a 5th grade assembly where she focused on her book The Camping Trip That Changed America. She talked about the importance of character development and the steps to writing a true story. I love how she demonstrated the enormous size of sequoia trees by having the students form a circle! She advocated for students to use their voice to help the world!
Next was our assembly for grades 1 and 2. Here, she invited students to help read the book The Noisy Paint Box. She also demonstrated what synesthesia might feel like to those who have it. Finally, she shared the steps of how a book is made from the initial author's writing all the way to the final copies being printed.
After that, we had a lunch break. Several students in grades 3 and 4 were lucky to have lunch with Mrs. Rosenstock. We talked about all sorts of things including snakes, ice cream, books, and more. It was so much fun!
After lunch, we had our 3rd/4th grade assembly where Mrs. Rosenstock talked about her fascinating book Otis and Will Discover the Deep. During this presentation, she shared the difference between surface questions vs deep questions and she talked about how she did some of her research for this book. Students learned that all stories need problems in order to make them interesting.
The final daytime presentation was with students in grades PK-K. During this presentation, Mrs. Rosenstock also read The Noisy Paint Box. Our littles were so engaged and they did a great job asking questions at the end!
Family Reading Night
We capped off our author visit by having Mrs. Rosenstock join us for our annual Family Reading Night. She began the evening by reading her newest book Prairie Boy: Frank Lloyd Wright Turns the Heartland into a Home. Mrs. Rosenstock shared the importance of family stories as well as talked about the shapes and architecture of Frank Lloyd Wright designs. Afterwards, families participated in several stations involving building, architecture, and shapes. Anna from the McHenry Public Library was also there to tell about their shoebox float program and she signed a new family up for a public library card.
I highly recommend Mrs. Rosenstock for school author visits! Her presentations were interactive, educational, and fun!
Thank you to Barb Rosenstock for such an inspiring day! Thank you to our Harrison administration and staff who are so supportive and understand the importance of inspiring our students to become lifelong readers and writers!!
