Unforgettable Day at St. Mark Catholic School in Southwest Ranches, FL
What an incredible day we had at St. Mark Catholic School!
Normally I am so exhausted after performing at schools, that I cannot even write. But today is different. I still have a ton of energy from the inspiring students and teachers at this wonderful school! I spoke to 4 groups of children over the course of several hours, and each session was unique. That’s why I love being a children’s book author – no 2 author visits are ever the same.
The children from age 4-13 were very curious, and asked me some great questions. One 3rd grade boy had a fabulous question about how a book cover is made – binding and all! (I am impressed, because the cost of manufacturing a hardbound book was a big challenge for me as publisher when I got started). Also this school ranked among the highest I’ve visited for geography knowledge. Yahoo! The first middle school student I asked knew where New York City was located! That may seem like no big deal to you, however less than half of all high school students in the US can point to NYC on a map!
There is a special energy you get from kindergartners! They have so many stories to tell you and their imaginations are so refreshing. And they are as cute as can be! No wonder why I can relate to children (better than adults usually!)
Even the middle school boys enjoyed Lilly’s cartoon voice. After the presentation, several of them asked me for another sampling of Lilly, and even tried to do it themselves. What a hoot!
I must thank school librarian Sandy Garcia for her genuine kindness. Her dedication to the school and the students is to be commended. Her enthusiasm and energy are contagious. She presented me with a vase of flowers to say thank you! No one has ever done that before!
I will always remember the visit at St. Mark Catholic School
and would be honored to return one day!
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5 comments
superstar on April 25, 2009 at 10:03 am
I loved it when you came to my school. My table started laughing with the voices (we are the one’s that bursted laughing in your middle school presentation.) We loved Lily’s voice!!!
superstar on April 25, 2009 at 10:15 am
You have the greatest voices!!!
Debbie on April 25, 2009 at 12:09 pm
Thank you for laughing at Lilly! I am so impressed with your school. You are all polite, curious and smart! I am so looking forward to coming back. “I love middle school stuents. Actually I adore them!” (in Lilly voice).
Tyler R. Tichelaar on April 26, 2009 at 10:40 am
Wonderful job, Debbie. Keep up the good work!
Sandy on May 5, 2009 at 8:04 am
Author Debbie Glade visited St. Mark Catholic School on Friday, April 24th, 2009. It was an exciting day for all students: Pre-K4-8th Grade. Primary students listened to the voice of Lilly Badilly and danced to music from the CD. Mrs. Glade presented her story with Costa Rican Rain Forest facts including pictures and sound recordings, locating areas on the world map, and a question and answer session. Intermediate students had a similar presentation with more of an emphasis on geographical facts. Middle School students listened intently to the importance of Reading and Writing and how to get started in the writing and publishing field. One of the more enjoyable parts of the presentation featured real life occurrences that were turned into stories, which Mrs. Glade presented to encourage writing based on every day life experiences. Middle School students enjoyed the presentation, particularly the variety of voices used by Mrs. Glade from the characters in her story. It was a enlightening experience and a day thoroughly enjoyed by all!