Apr 29, 2022 | Battle Creek Central High School
Students in Ms. Samples' class at Battle Creek Central High School have been participating in a project-based learning (PBL) activity that gives them hands-on experience writing and publishing their own children’s books to share with children in the community.
According to Ms. Samples, the true purpose of the project was to get the students engaged in the process of book-writing and discovering a love for reading. “They get to work on their communication skills, their presentation skills, and feel proud about what they’ve done,” she said, adding, “the greatest success is seeing students being proud of their books and getting excited to read and to share that passion with younger students as well.”
Student (and author) Na'zeon Kendrid explained that the process started by asking several children, including Ms. Sample’s own granddaughters, what they were interested in and researching some other popular children’s books to find some good examples. so we could come up with our own ideas. “It was fun and difficult at the same time,” Kindred noted. “At some moments, I wanted to quit, but I didn’t. I kept going. I didn’t know it until I tried it, but I learned that I’m good at writing kids’ books.”
Na'zeon added that his favorite moment was when he read his book with Ms. Sample’s Granddaughter, Fremont International Academy pre-K student Lillyana. "I like the mermaid book because I can make a wish every time I read it," she said.
Ja'tavion Calwell’s book, Craig Loves Sports, is based on some of the sports he has tried and enjoyed in his life. He hopes younger kids can relate to the book and maybe think about trying some new sports too. “This isn’t something I would have thought I’d be doing,” Calwell said. “But now that I have, it’s like, ‘Wow, I’m 14 and I’m an author! It’s something I’m proud of.”
Now that the students have published and printed their first copies, the next goal is to visit an elementary school in the near future to read their books directly with their target audience.
BCPS Superintendent Kimberly Carter shared, “at BCPS, our North Star is literacy because it is the foundation for school success. It warms my heart to see the work of incredible teachers like Ms. Samples, empowering students to think and dream big and sharing the love of reading. I am thankful to all who participated to make this project a success.”
Ms. Samples and her students would like to send a special "thank you" to the following supporters:
- Tyler Gilland
- Aric Vaughn
- Ann Solovey
- Nate Hunt
- Teresa Cooper
- Jihad Ford
- Jen Gregor
- Ann Kamm
- Mr. See's Class (Fremont)
- Cody Sanders
- Alexandra Chambers
- Jennifer Beck
- Joe Hearns
- Severiana O'Connor
- Mario Brown
- Edward Plegue
- BCCHS Daytime Custodial Staff
- Dr. Todd G. Stagner, OD, Optometrist, Battle Creek