On Tuesday morning I got to see four of my five reading groups. 16 seven and eight-year-olds who are just finding learning to read more difficult than others. Maybe how Gracie felt trying to reach the top of the water bottle.
I wanted to take the time to share their joy with Mr. Spiers and all of those who clapped and commented for Gracie We Love You. I felt like I owed everyone a PS.
I asked my students what they wanted to say to Mr. Spiers and I wrote down their words exactly as they were told to me.
“I liked when Gracie got her name. My teacher’s dog is named Gracie too.”
“I like when they said Peep (laugh) and Cheep (laugh).”
“I like how you drew the note and I want one myself because it is so pretty.”
“The book has so much detail.”
“The feather is so soft — like a carpet.”
“I love chickens. My dad had a chicken but he died.”
“We have a chicken farm in Brazil. When we have a break, we will see them.”
“You are an amazing writer and drawer.”
“I like your book and you are so sweet to us, sending us a card and feathers.”
“The feathers feel so real and fluffy.”
“Thank you for letting us feel your chicks’ feathers.”
“Thank you for writing this book.”
“I like how the chicks work together.”
“I can’t wait to see the rest of the book.”
“I like that you bought Gracie because it shows you are a good person.”
“Your card is beautiful. I want to be an artist.”
“You wrote a lot of words to us.”
“I’ve never seen a chicken feather, only a duck feather. I tried to write with it but it didn’t work.”
Thank you again John Spiers for making these students’ day a little bit sweeter. And for making my day a little bit sweeter too.