A Quest for Learning

On December 2, Spofford Pond fifth graders were treated to a day-long visit by Boxford resident and author, Kathleen Benner Duble. In preparation for the visit, fifth graders read Duble's historical novel Quest, a fictional account of Henry Hudson's last voyage. Knowing they would be able to question the author added incentive for the students to delve into the characters and plot of the book, and their classroom book discussions were both thoughtful and insightful.

With a slide show presentation on a SMART Board, Duble discussed how she finds ideas for her books, researches an historical period, and creates an authentic voice for each character. Fifth graders then tried their hand at writing through an historical character's voice, and several were brave enough to share their work with the author and their group. Later in the week, our student writers practiced creating internal dialogue, developing their voices, during their writing blocks.

Duble finished with a question and answer session in a game format during which our fifth graders were able to show their deeper understanding the book, in addition to asking for writing advice.   This day-long author visit, as well as three classroom sets of the book Quest, was funded through a B.E.S.T. grant awarded spring 2008.

While the 2008-2009 school year is a transitional year for B.E.S.T., we have awarded several grants featured below. Ask your child about two upcoming Educator-in-Residence programs both of which promise to be a hit among students.