As a culminating project for our integrated studies unit on the Middle Ages, the second graders wrote research papers on a related topic of their choosing. Their finished papers were published in a class illuminated manuscript.
Becoming published authors is an educational adventure unlike any other. It builds students' confidence by signaling to them that they and their work are worth sharing and celebrating with others. It's a reward for their hard work, but also an acknowledgement that they made something new, incredible and worthwhile. They aren't just members of the audience anymore – they're creators, capable of doing anything they put their minds to. We shared our published work with the first grade class via Zoom.
Being able to hold their finished classbook in their hands and, better yet, hand it over to someone else to read and enjoy is a thrilling experience. It makes them feel recognized as authors and as capable people, not just kids – both by their peers and by their teachers and parents.
