Author Visit with Carole Boston Weatherford

On Wednesday , February 19th, we hosted our Author of the Month, Carole Boston Weatherford, in the Media Center. All students had the opportunity to meet Ms. Weatherford and hear her poetry and stories. She gave students several pieces of advice throughout the day. To be successful at something students need to have Perseverance, be Practical, Preparation, and Practice!

 4th and 5th grade students learned about the importance of family tradition, oral history, and honoring the struggles of our ancestors through the poetry of Remember the Bridge: Poems of a People. 

Harrison holds a rain stick

2nd and 3rd grade students listened to and sang poetry from Sidewalk Chalk: Poems of the City. Ms. Weatherford talked to students about the book-making process and revealed that she is always working on a book! She also shared her poem Before John Was a Jazz Giant (about famous NC musician, John Coltrane) and reminded students that the seed for who they will be as a grown up sprouts in their childhood. 

K/1 kids had fun with call and response poetry--especially the poem from the book Jazz Baby.

All students had the chance to ask questions after each performance. One student asked Ms. Weatherford what inspires her to write poetry and she replied, "I am able to hear words in my head--I have a gift for that." A few of her favorite authors are Langston Hughes and Dr. Seuss. 

Dozens of students purchased one of Ms. Weatherford's books and participated in a book signing. 

A team of 2nd, 4th, and 5th grade reporters from our newspaper spent time interviewing Ms. Weatherford. We can't wait to read their article!

After her visit, students were lining up to check out one of Ms. Weatherford's books to share with their famlies. Students and teachers really enjoyed meeting our Author of the Month! Thank you, Ms. Weatherford, for inspiring our students and encouraging them to follow their dreams and connect with their past.