Fifth Graders at the 5/6 Center Meet Author Using 21st Century Technology

Students in John Powers’ 5th Grade English and Social Studies class at the 5/6 Grade Center had a unique opportunity to ask questions and learn from one of their favorite authors, Elvira Woodruff, May 14 through a Skype presentation. Author of over 20 young adult novels, Woodruff has received recognition for her various adventure, historical fiction and picture books.

“We read her historical fiction novel, ‘George Washington’s Socks,’ and this was a great opportunity for students to see that social studies and English can intersect,” Powers said. “And they were very excited about the opportunity. They realized it’s not every day you get to speak with a famous author and see where she writes.”

Woodruff showed students how she takes an idea for a historical fiction novel and turns it into a finished product, including the many notes and photos she collected to write “George Washington’s Socks.” This is the first Skype and author visit the students have participated in while in Powers’ class.

“It was something worthwhile for the kids,” Powers said. “Plus, it was an incentive for them to read the book. They all wanted to be able to comment or ask a question, so they needed to know about her writings.”