Our first and second graders were enthralled with Patsy Smith Roberts! She read one of her books to them and followed the story with information about her writing process and facts about the animals and people of Africa. She was a delightful guest and I regretted not having more time to spend with her.
One of our first graders, who just moved here from Africa, was her special assistant. He arrived at our school in August speaking only French and now speaks and understands English extraordinarily well. Last week, when I was reading one of Ms. Roberts' books to his class, he suddenly became very animated as he saw photographs of village children. When I heard him say, "I know them! I know them!", it was clear that he needed to personally meet our special guest. The highlight of the day for Ms. Roberts and for me was when our young African friend embraced her. They instantly had a special connection and it was beautiful to watch.
One of our first graders, who just moved here from Africa, was her special assistant. He arrived at our school in August speaking only French and now speaks and understands English extraordinarily well. Last week, when I was reading one of Ms. Roberts' books to his class, he suddenly became very animated as he saw photographs of village children. When I heard him say, "I know them! I know them!", it was clear that he needed to personally meet our special guest. The highlight of the day for Ms. Roberts and for me was when our young African friend embraced her. They instantly had a special connection and it was beautiful to watch.