I consider myself lucky to have been chosen to participate in this outstanding program for the past six years. Making Books Sing is a wonderful program that provides students with the opportunity to work with a teaching artist to create an adaptation of a class chosen book. All students participate in every step of the process. My students showed a remarkable increase in their self esteem, confidence as well as learning how to work cooperatively in both small groups and as a whole class. All students had the opportunity to express their creativity and their academic needs were addressed as well. My ESL and Special Education students loved the opportunity to express themselves in drama as well as literacy. My quiet students developed their voices and were engaged in all of the activities. My students loved having their pictures taken. The teaching artists enjoyed my involvement and we worked splendidly together. I hope and pray that I am one of the lucky ones chosen to participate in this program in this upcoming school year.
I have had the honor and pleasure of being a Teaching Artist with Making Books Sing for five years. I've been in many different schools and situations, and have been so impressed by how well they treat their artists and how much support we are given. I will continue to work for them as long as they want me! They are a very responsive, responsible and caring organization.
Making books sing was an uplifting experience that brought out the creativity and confidence of the my third grade students. They took the role of becoming "screenplay" writers to heart. They cheered and coached eachother on as they performed, and practiced to make it just right. They looked forward to the teaching artist each time she came, and missed her when time was up. She made each students' input feel unique, which was a huge boost of confidence for the especially shy students. The parents enjoyed the performance in the end, and I was extremly impressed with the talent my students had, thanks to the teaching artist. I hope I get to experience it again!
Making Books Sing has worked with my third through fifth grade students for the past 8 years. Students love adapting books of their choice to plays. They look forward to working with the teaching artist who are highly skilled, and who demonstrate an amazing ability at adapting to the needs of children of all learning styles. The program has a strong literacy component which enhances our students academic progress. We have also Partnered with Making Books Sing in our Parents as Arts partner's program to deliver high quality parent workshops.