Grade 4
Workshop 1: March 22, 2011
Behind the Book brought author Lauren Tarshis to Ms. Rodriguez-Jackson’s 4th grade class at P.S. 46 in Ft. Greene to discuss her latest book, I Survived Hurricane Katrina. Using a study guide provided by Ms. Tarshis, the class learned about New Orleans and discussed the themes of the book, which included overcoming personal challenges and navigating family relationships, prior to Ms. Tarshis’ visit.
Ms. Tarshis’ lively presentation included her personal story of overcoming a reading problem to become a writer, and her process of making history come to life. The students asked great questions about the series and the writing process. Ms. Tarshis gave the class additional reading material from Scholastic
publishing and also arranged to have the entire “I Survived” book series sent to this class of eager readers.
According to their teacher, the story was so engaging that all the students finished the book, many pushing beyond their reading level with vocabulary help. She planned to use the “I Survived” writing format in a unit about Early American History with her class.
