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PARP MONTH UNDER WAY AT PQ Bruce Colville is best known as an author – he has, after all, published 95 children’s books. But his skills as a storyteller were what captivated third graders at Pequenakonck Elementary School recently when he visited as part of Parents as Reading Partners (PARP) month. The author of the My Teacher Is an Alien series and the Magic Shop books had the students spellbound as he told a story to illustrate writing tricks and styles. Leaving them with a cliff hanger, he explained “that’s what brings you back to the next chapter – because I am in competition for your attention.” The most important thing about a story, he said, is the character, “How can you care about what happens if you don’t care about who it’s happening to?” he asked them. Then he revealed one of his favorite writing tricks: “Get a good character and get him in trouble.” Reminding the students that “movies are written too,” the former elementary school teacher told the students, “You are smarter than you think you are,” and advised them to “put good stuff into your mind. Go places, see things, meet people, and if you can’t, go to the library. Because if you put good stuff into your mind, you’ll get good stuff out of it.” Mr. Colville was one of six authors visiting the elementary school this month in the PTO-sponsored event. Helen Lester will talk to kindergartners. Hans Wilhelm met with the first grade, Stacey Beitler with second graders, Charles Smith with the fourth grade, and Marvin Terban with the fifth grade. An annual month-long event, Parents as Reading Partners is designed to foster a love of reading and encourage children to read for enjoyment.
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