Tiny Moments Become Published Masterpieces
Second-graders write and GLOW
What happens when you ask second-graders to zoom in on life’s smallest adventures?
Magic. Pure, published magic.
The journey began with a simple assignment: write a true personal narrative. But not just any story, no sprawling “watermelon” sagas allowed.
"They focus a lot on seed moments vs. the watermelon topics," explained second-grade teacher Kathy Thompsen. "An example of a watermelon topic would be My Day at Disney World. The seed moment would be Riding Space Mountain for the First Time."
Translation? Pick one crystal-clear instant. The splash in the puddle. The lost tooth at recess. The moment your dog ate your sandwich.
Armed with pencils and memories, every student drafted multiple tales from their own lives—then picked their favorite to polish and publish.
Enter the iPads and the app Book Creator. Kids typed (or dictated) their words, snapped photos of their hand-drawn illustrations, and designed a cover and an “About the Author” page. Suddenly, rough drafts became real books, complete with glossy digital flair!
Then came the moment they’d been buzzing about: The Glow Gallery.
Desks transformed into mini bookstores. Some stories glowed on iPads; others shone in crisp paper printouts. Students from all three second-grade classes rotated room to room, eyes wide, reading every single tale.
In their hands? A stack of Post-it Notes. Their mission? Leave a glow—one specific, heartfelt compliment—for every author.
"When peers point out what someone did well, it reassures them that their hard work and skills are noticed," said Ms. Thompsen. "Positive comments from classmates can feel especially meaningful because they come from their friends who they care for."
By the end, desks were blanketed in praise: “I felt like I was on that roller coaster with you!” … “Your drawing of the dog made me laugh out loud!” … “I loved how you described the wind in your hair!”
These weren’t just stories anymore. They were bridges, between writers and readers, memories and friendships, effort and celebration. And every sticky note? A tiny spark of confidence, glowing bright.
Jacksonville Country Day School
Located in Jacksonville, FL, Jacksonville Country Day School is a private school for Pre-K 3 through 5th grade. JCDS prepares students for a healthy and productive lifetime of intellectual exploration, character development, and social responsibility.
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