What could be better than having author Tom Watson explain how he writes his wildly popular series Stick Dog and Stick Cat? How about having Tom Watson show how he draws those characters while telling funny stories from his life and his books? That's exactly what Half Day students got to see and hear on September 28, 2017. To make it even more special, Tom Watson signed more than 600 pages of drawings in addition to all the books that were personalized for Half Day Students!
Prior to the visit, students visited Tom Watson's web page to learn more about this well-loved author. Students learned about Tom's family and looked forward to hearing the story of why Tom wanted to name his dog Put Your Shirt On instead of Shadow. They also learned that he used to be a speech writer and that some of his more famous clients included former astronaut and senator John Glenn as well as the Governor of Ohio. We're all glad that he chose to focus on writing children's books instead of writing speeches.
After the visit, students used the drawing lessons Tom gave to create bookmarks based on the Stick Dog books. The original Stick Dog book is nominated for the 2018 Bluestem Award which is the Illinois student book choice award for students in grades 3-5. Remember to evaluate Stick Dog and three others from the list to earn your badges and qualify to vote in March with other students from around the state of Illinois.
Prior to the visit, students visited Tom Watson's web page to learn more about this well-loved author. Students learned about Tom's family and looked forward to hearing the story of why Tom wanted to name his dog Put Your Shirt On instead of Shadow. They also learned that he used to be a speech writer and that some of his more famous clients included former astronaut and senator John Glenn as well as the Governor of Ohio. We're all glad that he chose to focus on writing children's books instead of writing speeches.
After the visit, students used the drawing lessons Tom gave to create bookmarks based on the Stick Dog books. The original Stick Dog book is nominated for the 2018 Bluestem Award which is the Illinois student book choice award for students in grades 3-5. Remember to evaluate Stick Dog and three others from the list to earn your badges and qualify to vote in March with other students from around the state of Illinois.
Special thanks to all who helped make the Tom Watson author visit possible:
*Students and parents who met Tom Watson at VAPLD this summer and requested that he visit Half Day
*The Book Stall in Winnetka for sponsoring the visit and arranging book sales for signing
*Mrs. Wolf for assisting with book signing and delivery
*Mrs. VanOverberghe for helping coordinating the visit and book sales at Half Day
*Students and parents who met Tom Watson at VAPLD this summer and requested that he visit Half Day
*The Book Stall in Winnetka for sponsoring the visit and arranging book sales for signing
*Mrs. Wolf for assisting with book signing and delivery
*Mrs. VanOverberghe for helping coordinating the visit and book sales at Half Day