On April 7, 2010, author and YIS parent Holly Thompson visited and shared her experiences as a writer with grade one students. Grade one's current unit focuses on the creative writing process, and Holly was able to help students understand some of the steps writers take when they are creating stories and working toward publication.
Holly's Sakura Medal nominated work The Wakame Gatherers required a great deal of research into the wakame harvesting process, and Holly shared some of this knowledge of wakame with the grade one students. Students were able to gain an appreciation for this seasonal harvest that takes place just a few kilometers away each year in Kamakura, and which forms the focus for much of this story.
Each year, the YIS Library organizes a series of visiting authors, illustrators, and storytellers with the support of the PTSA. As a YIS parent, Holly has generously donated her time to visit with grade one students over the past several years, greatly inspiring these students who are in the midst of creating their own stories.
Holly Thompson with 1L
Holly Thompson with 1K
Holly Thompson showing 1L students how to tie wakame
