Reading an author’s note can give us insight into an author’s identity, hopes and passions. Before reading the author’s note, have a discussion with students based on the following questions:
Who do you imagine the author might be? Why do you think it was important for them to share this story with students? Read the author’s note as a class and create Found Poems for a gallery walk:
Step 1: Read the author’s note as a class and compile a list of words and phrases on the board or a piece of paper that resonate with the class to create a Found Poem.
Step 2: Identify a theme or message that represents the words and phrases. Begin the conversation by asking students: What do these words/phrases represent?
Step 3: Using the words compiled as a class and adding their own words, students are to create a poem that responds to the author’s note. What do they want the author to know about the themes, messages and impacts of the book?
For younger grades, ask students to choose one to two lines that they resonate most with and then continue to Step 4-6.
Step 4: Once the poems are complete, each student will receive a blank cue card or small piece of paper. They will write out their good copy poem/lines and include a visual representation of their message.
Step 5: Put up all of the poems/pieces of art on the wall for a gallery walk and have students view their classmates’ art.
Step 6: Debrief the process of creation and the gallery walk. How did this experience feel for them? How did it feel to respond to the author? Why is it important to respond? How did it feel seeing other students’ poems/art?