Reflections on an author visit

In my last post, I talked about the benefits of using a student author committee to help plan the author visits we have. Now it's time for the students' reflection of the event. On the day after the visit, I asked the crew three questions:

1. How do you feel you did as a member of the author committee? What were your positive contributions?
2. What was the best thing(s) about being on the author committee?
3. What would you change for next time?

Question #1 responses always surprise me. It's always interesting to read what students feel their strengths are ... and what they overlook. It makes for a good conversation with them later. 

Most of the comments under #3 were about missing recess. The only time I can meet with this group is at lunch, so one day a week they are asked to give up that lunch recess. Considering this is a big dilemma for third and fourth graders, I was proud of those who stayed with us the whole time. There were a lot of students dedicated to this committee. My favorite comment here was: "The only thing I would change is if it's warm and nice out, then we should schedule the meeting for a different day when it is not that nice out." Hmmm ... that could get tricky, but it's worth a try. 😁


My favorite answers came from the second question. Here are some of their thoughts:

• "I loved that I got to work with people that I normally don't. I also loved doing something different than recess and having something to get excited about."

• "It felt good and I loved being a part of something, even if it takes up my recess."

• "When I was in author committee, I felt sort of important and I got to work hard, which I like doing."

• "The best thing about being on the author committee was I got to do some of my favorite things (like reading and acting) to help promote the author visit."

• "I feel the best thing was getting to take a picture with Sarah Weeks and getting to decorate and make it look nice for her."

• "The best thing is getting to be in a group and having lots of fun."

These comments are exactly why I continue to let the students be a part of the planning for our author visits. The next time we have an author, these kids will be 5th and 6th graders with a great prior experience to build on. I can't wait to see what they come up with next time. 

Sarah with the 3rd Grade Author Committee

Sarah with the 4th Grade Author Committee