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Briarwood school 3rd-graders celebrate their ‘published’ work at local bookstore
Pat Arnow
Third-graders from PS 117 in Briarwood, Queens, show the books they have chosen to buy.
Pat Arnow
Pat Arnow
Fernando reads his persuasive essay to his classmates while co-teachers Sue Kissin and Shari Kotler (right) look on.
For the customers browsing the bookstore shelves in Bay Terrace on Jan. 16, it had all the hallmarks of a literary event: a store sign welcoming the writers, a podium with a microphone and attentive audience members clutching their newly purchased books. But the bookstore patrons weren’t there to meet just any authors: They were recognizing the work of 3rd-graders from PS 117 in Briarwood, Queens.
Like many classes that hold a writer’s workshop as part of their curriculum, Sue Kissin and Shari Kotler’s students conclude each writing unit with a celebration of their “published” work — pieces that students have moved diligently through each stage of the writing process. Usually, this celebration takes place inside the classroom. But once a year — thanks to the inspiration of PS 117’s retired literacy coach Judi Kugel — the festivities move to Barnes & Noble, where students first get a chance to shop for books and then read their work aloud for their families and peers.
“We do anything we can to motivate reading and writing,” said Kugel, who continues to coordinate the annual event. “People are amazed that the kids are so excited to be getting books.”
The 3rd-graders eagerly swarmed the children’s section of the store, pointing out books they recognized from their classroom and loudly debating the merits of purchasing the newest Percy Jackson book.
“[Percy] always goes through dangerous stuff, and I have to read the next book to find out what he does on his adventures!” exclaimed Gagan.
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Pat Arnow
The annual outing to the bookstore is that brainchild of PS 117's retired literacy coach Judi Kugel.
After completing their purchases, students filed into quiet rows in front of the podium. The students’ orations would be an appropriate way to end their most recent unit on opinion writing — or, as Kissin phrased it, “persuasive speeches to change the world.”
“I’m excited to read my piece about getting more technology in our classroom, because I’ll have so many friends supporting me,” said Tristan before his reading. “I’m hoping they’ll take action to convince the principal to get us more computers!”
His peers greeted the rousing conclusion of his speech with ringing applause. It was a fitting reception for a published author.