We had the very distinct pleasure of hosting an impromptu visit on Monday, April 23rd, by the fabulous storyteller, musician, author, poet, and artist, Ashley Bryan. Mr. Bryan is the 2012 recipient of the Coretta Scott King-Virginia Hamilton Award for Lifetime Achievement. In 1962 he became the first African-American to both write and illustrate a children's book. Our fourth graders have been learning all about him and his work through visiting author, Rosemarie Gulla. As part of their work with Ms. Gulla, students performed at 2 local events in the community during Mr. Bryan's stay in Durham.
During his visit in the Media Center, we were treated to readings, songs, and words of wisdom and encouragement from Mr. Bryan. Please enjoy a pictures and brief video clips below. Our time with Ashley Bryan is certainly an experience we will never forget!
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| 4th grade teacher, Lisa Lord, introduces Mr. Bryan and asks the students who loves his artwork and books. Can you tell they are excited?? |
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| Mr. Bryan recites "Baby," by Langston Huges. He demonstrated that some poems are meant to be read softly and others are meant to be read loudly. He encouraged us to try and "hear the poet's voice." |
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| He asked students many questions during his presentation |
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| Mrs. Harrison's class recited his poem, "Ancestry," at the end of the visit |
I created the video below using a new website called WeVideo. I'm still learning so I know it's not the highest quality--I will get better! It will still give you a good idea of how engaging and infectious Ashley Bryan was and how much we enjoyed his visit! There are 5 short clips--my favorite, of course, is the one called: "Books Make Me Happy!" :)
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