Here’s an idea with character for “book talks” from P.S. 30 in District 85 in Manhattan. For the Pre-K-3 special event called “Book-O-Ween,” the whole school community—students, teachers, paraprofessionals, school aides, family members, administrators, office staff, guidance counselors, and the School-Based Support Team—pitched in. They had been invited to participate in sharing about their favorite book character. To do this, they responded to the event flyer by attending as their favorite characters and bringing with them copies of the books from which their characters came.
A Character March began the event one afternoon after lunch. Characters in many assorted, vivid shapes and sizes paraded down the hall. These included: pre-K student, Donavan Lauther as Simba (The Lion King); first-grade student Michael Williams as The Mouse, (The Biggest Pumpkin Ever); third-grade student Sharon Ferrer as Cat,
(A Beautiful Feast for A Big King Cat); and teacher Ms. Gloria Knowles as Leo, (Leo the Late Bloomer). Activities unfolded as these and the many other characters participated in “book talk” discussions. The staff and students-as-characters were also able to make posters and have their pictures taken.
PS 30M STUDENTS AND TEACHERS SHARE
Pre-K: Student, Donavan Lauther - Favorite Character: Simba - Book: The Lion King by Judy Barner, Margot Hover, Robbin Cuddy. Publisher: Disney, (1994), (http://www.disney.org)
First Grade: Student, Michael Williams - Favorite Character: The Mouse
Book: The Biggest Pumpkin Ever by Steven Kroll. Publisher: Scholastic. (1993), (http://www.scholastic.com)
Third Grade: Student, Sharon Ferrer - Favorite Character: Cat
Book: A Beautiful Feast For A Big King Cat by John Archam-Bonet and Bill Martin, Jr.. Publisher: HarperCollins, (1996), (http://www.harpercollins.com)
Teacher, Gloria Knowles - Favorite Character: Leo - Book: Leo The Late Bloomer by Robert Kraus, Jose Aruego. Publisher: Scholastic, (1971),
(http://www.scholastic.com)