Sandy Hook Third Graders

Celebrate Writing

By Tanjua Damon

Writing is a great tool for exploring one’s own interests. Sandy Hook third graders have been putting the things that interest them in their writing journals since the start of school.

Throughout the month, the third grade classes have been hosting Writing Celebrations for their families, sharing their published stories that have evolved from their writing journals.

“They have been writing memoirs in their writer’s notebooks, where they write an entry as often as possible about some aspect of their life that is important to them,” third grade teacher Barbara Bigham said. “We look for a seed, a repetitive item. The most important thing in their life right about now.”

The students wrote about siblings, pets, sports, and the recent tragic events of September 11. They wrote their own stories with illustrations and bound them in a book, which they read to their parents and classmates in small circles around the room.

“I think it’s important for parents when they have a published piece to see the final product,” third grade teacher Amber Gervais said. “It’s good for them to read it out loud. They are so proud of their work.”

Sarah Zuvanich wrote about the expected arrival of her baby sister, who arrived just in time to hear the story about her.

“Well of course it makes a mother cry,” Sandy Zuvanich said. “She worked very hard on it. A lot of good drawing. She did a fine job. I’m very proud of her.”

Donna Budd felt the students did a wonderful job and that it is a great opportunity to see their children’s accomplishments.

“I thought this was special. It’s nice to bring the parents to allow them to share with their children,” she said. “To get a piece of what is really special to them.”

“I thought it was wonderful,” Cindy Callan said.