I was thrilled to be invited back to the SOREF JCC Morrow Elementary After Care Program for the third time and to North Lauderdale Elementary for the 2nd time! What a pleasure it was to see some of the same smiling faces and respectful students again.
This visit was extra special because I brought with me one empty chrysalis, from which a monarch hatched in my own garden and another that died naturally and was still in full form. Along with a magnifying glass, the students could see up close what they looked like. The life cycle of the butterfly is so fascinating, there is so much to learn.
Morrow Elementary
How does one get from Miami to San Jose, Costa Rica? Big maps are always a big hit with children.
I’ll never grow weary of all the oohs and ahhs I get from showing the students my watercolor pencils and the detailed questions I get about how a book is made and bound
With my new poster the children can see my daughter, Rachel, who composed music for the story and my huge standard poodle, Darwin
The adult Morpho Butterfly lives for only about three weeks!
North Lauderdale Elementary
It’s important for children to learn about how writers find heir inspiration
I shared my own photo of the monarch butterfly in my garden right after it emerged from the chrysalis
It’s so exciting to see what the chrysalises look like through a magnifying glass
The students could barely wait their turns to take a look at the chrysalises up close themselves
The best question of the day by a sophisticated 2nd grader: “What is it that made you want to be an author and what is it about being an author that you most enjoy?”
A big thank you to all the curious students who love Lilly Badilly. I hope you start writing your own stories! Thank you Sharon Schwartz, SOREF JCC Elementary Services Director, Site Directors, Ms. Angel, Ms. Nancy and all to Mark, Travis and Jordan, the friendly, helpful 4th grade students who helped me carry my props to and from the car on a very windy day.