Susan Verde Visits
First thing Monday morning, elementary students have a lot of energy. Visiting author Susan Verde gave them an opportunity to let it all out.
“Ready, get set, roar!” she said, encouraging them to do Lion’s Breath, a yoga pose, with sound effects.
The cafeteria rocked. Using the school’s hand signal for quiet, students became silent and attentive.
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Librarian Juli Hoffman, author Susan Verde, Principal Kerry Ford … holding Verde's books!
Problem-solving strategies and resilience are Increase Miller Elementary’s themes this month, and Verde’s books and visit are part of it.
Her book "I Am Courage: A Book of Resilience” is the May all-school read, inspiring classroom discussions about the importance of trying new things, asking for help and getting back up after a fall.
Second graders are also reading her book “The Water Princess” with librarian Juli Hoffman as part of a STREAM unit about clean water.
Verde led a conversation with the students about mindfulness and affirmations—tools that she includes in all of her books.
“If you don’t feel good inside, it’s hard to take care of yourself, or anyone else,” she said.
There was just enough time in the assembly for Verde read her new book “Who I Am: Words I Tell Myself.”
Students were peaceful and reflective as they took the words to heart:
When the unkind voice gets loud and I feel down, I can tell myself: I am enough. In this world, I matter.
