@SkypeClassroom

Thanks to SkypeClassroom program, I introduced Ms. Riggs class in Philadelphia, PA to Mrs. Grasso's class in Lindenhurst, NY.  I read Sofia's Stoop Story:  18th Street, Brooklyn to both classes simultaneously.  All students learned how to say meat-a-balls like my Italian grandmother did.  Then students from each class asked me questions.  They also asked each other questions.  It was like a field trip without the long bus ride.  LOL  They all enjoyed it!  And so did I!!!

Kira Kosarin, aka Phoebe Thunderman

My fourth grade students are "Kidsday" reporters.  They are all working on puzzles which will be in the newspaper in August.  Yesterday, I received and urgent call from Pat Mullooly.  He informed me that he set up an interview with Kira Kosarin who plays Phoebe on the Thundermans TV show.  How exciting!  Then he told me that the interview was scheduled for today.  I had less than 24 hours to make arrangements.  I asked our principal, who called the Superintendent, who contacted The Board of Education to get permission.  Then we chose four students from those who already did their assignments, from a hat.  I had to call each parent to get permission, write up a permission slip, check the LIRR train schedule...and tell the students.  Needless to say they were overjoyed....hugging me, jumping up and down.  Then, I received a call at 5:30am that school would be closed due to snow.  Oh, no!!!  Why did it have to snow so much today.  Our interview was cancelled.  We are all so disappointed that we could not meet the very talented Kira Kosarin.  Maybe we will have an opportunity another day.

Author/Illustrator Night At JFK Intermediate School in Deer Park

I met many wonderful students, parents, and teachers tonight.  I always love to
talk about my book and encourage students and adults to write their families'
favorite stories down.  Maybe I will read them in published books one day!

International Literacy Association's Reading Today

Sofia's Stoop Story made the Jan./Feb. issue of Reading Today!

As you may know, the International Reading Association recently changed its name to the International Literacy Association.  Tonight, I sat down on my couch to read the first issue announcing the new name.  As always, it contains interesting articles.  On page 46, the Member Spotlight page, lists Career accomplishments from ILA's valued members.  And right there, amongst several award winning teachers is the only book....YES, it is Sofia's Stoop Story!!!  I'm so excited.  Uncle Frankie must be smiling up in heaven right now.

It's been a while...

So sorry has been a while since I have posted.  I could give you a hundred reasons why, but I won't.  However, I do want to share two school visits.  One was at the only elementary school at Ocean Beach on Fire Island, Long Island, NY.  There are a total of 36 students in the school and the principal is also the superintendent.  The classes are multi-grade classes with approximately 8 students in each class.  Everyone was so warm and welcoming.  I would love to teach there...no, I take that back...I would really LOVE to be a student there!  I was picked up at the Captree Boat Basin by a wonderful "bus" driver in a 4WD SUV.  We rode along a narrow road and also on the beach.  He made a couple of stops along the way to pick up one student's laptop and another student's instrument from their homes.  What service!  What an experience for me!

I also visited a school on the bay in Wantagh.  I was invited by my friend's daughter, Mary.  This was another unique experience because Mary is in a multi-age classroom.  There are 75 students in the program, 25 in each class made up of first, second, and third grade students.  They were all attentive and polite.  They seemed to enjoy Sofia's Stoop Story and had wonderful questions for me.  They especially loved talking with an Italian accent just like my Nana did.  "Meat-a-ball!"

In October, I was invited to read and share my writing process with a Girl Scout Troop at Daniel Street Elementary School in Lindenhurst.  These girls were very attentive and asked great questions.  I informed them that they are the first group to see my dear Uncle Frankie's actual aluminum folder chair that he sat on because his "butt was too bony to sit on the stoop."  Notice how the webbing is worn from much use.  I use to take my mom's fairly new chair to my presentations, but when I signed on THE stoop at Uncle Frankie's house on 18th Street in May, my cousin gave me Uncle Frankie's well-worn chair.  He said that he had no idea why he saved this chair, because no one could actually sit on...now he knows why he saved it!  I am honored to share my dear uncle's chair with my readers.

Hofstra University's Italian Festival

Yesterday, I attended Hofsta's Italian Festival.  It was a beautiful day for a festival.  The food, music, and people were all wonderful.  Sofia's Stoop Story was well received.  And I met so many wonderful people.  I even met another LaPlaca whose family is also from Petralia Soprana, Sicily.  What a wonderful day!