Summer Learning Students Use Skype to Visit with New York Author

Several dozen students in Summer Learning Experience at visited via Skype with award-winning author Kate Messner Tuesday morning.

“When you read a book, you can always learn more about the author by reading the little piece in the back,” said McGee SLE Principal Amy Paris. “But actually seeing and talking to the author makes it so real for them. Who knew they were going to come to Summer Learning and go home with a new author friend?”

SLE teacher Kim Carvell arranged the Skype visit, inviting Candice Greenwood’s SLE class to join in the fun. The third, fourth and fifth graders prepared for the visit by reading “Over and Under the Snow” and “Marty McGuire,” two of Messner’s half dozen or so books. Both teachers helped students prepare questions the morning of the Skype experience.

“Take in how cool this experience is,” Miss Carvell told students just before the internet connection was completed. “You may never have this experience again.”

Messner talked with students from the back porch at her Lake Champlain, NY, home, alternating video views of her face with views of Crab Island across the bay from her home.

Among questions students asked:

What inspires you to write? (“I loved to write since I was in 2nd grade. It’s the coolest thing to write and then see people’s reactions.”)

What are some interesting things you do? (“I love the outdoors and I like to travel.”)

How do you think up your settings? (“Usually from places I visit.”)

What do you like about being an author? (“It’s really fun. But it’s also hard work sometimes because it’s challenging.”)

How much time does it take to research your stories? (“Some longer than others but usually it takes four to six months of planning.”

What’s your favorite book? (Ramona the Pest by Beverly Cleary)

A winner of the 2010 E.B. White Read Aloud Award for Older Readers, Messner admitted to the students that what she really loves most is “being able to talk to people like you.”

 “Thank you for your fantastic questions,” she said as the half-hour Skype visit concluded. “I can tell you’re all a great group of readers.”

Editor's note: This is a press release from Valley View School District 365U.