George O'Connor: Author-in-the-HOUSE!

Our experience with George O'Connor at FISW was pure MAGIC. Over three full school days, our students were captivated and energised around story telling and making. As an author-in-residence, George gave every minute of his time and energy into inspiring, collaborating and creating with our students. 

Every FISW student from First Steps through Grade 8 engaged in two distinct workshops. The first sessions centered around storytelling, George's research and creative process and the design of beloved characters from his books. George's dynamism and humour brought joy and excitement to all groups. George has the rare gift of connection with students of all ages. 

The photos above show George's combination of story telling, live drawing and sharing the layers of this artwork and writing. Each workshop was tailored to the age group and based on the reading and research students had experienced prior to George's visit. The foundation in the weeks before the visit - book clubs, graphic novel studies, read alouds in library class, and independent reading - all set the stage for deep engagement.

Each age group was immersed in several lively and compelling live drawings. George tells his stories through the drawings and explains the intention behind the design of each character. He encourages students to draw along with him.

The second sessions focused on students' own comic creation. First students made a collaborative 4-panel comic with George as a large group. George asked the group of Primary and Grade 1 students, "How should we sign the comic that we made together?" A student responded, "Sign it, George and friends." If there was one take-away to wish for this would be it! Our students see themselves as writers, artists and creators. Collaborators with George. 

Here are some of the collaborative comics created by "George and friends."

Then students selected prompts on subject, setting and problem and were challenged to deign their very own original comic. By sharing his own sketch book, George conveyed the message that mistakes are the best way to improve - the learning and the fun are in the mistakes. If you are perfect, there is nowhere else to go! Where's the adventure in that? Students heard this message loud and clear and felt safe and proud to share their work with George and even the larger group.

As students worked, George circulated and provided feedback and tips to students individually or in small groups. In keeping with our practice in writers workshop, students were invited to share their comics with the larger group and receive feedback from their peers and teachers.

Our FISW community was also thrilled to have some opportunities to learn with George outside of the regular school day. Our after school workshop for families focused on the brand new, and final book of the Olympians, Dionysos. Our amazing PTG also helped us celebrate literacy by promoting Spirit Week and hosting a book fair.

Our teachers enjoyed a session called "Connecting With Comics," a deep dive into the sophistication and possibilities of teaching with comics. Teachers explored the intentionality behind the design and strategies for engaging students through visual storytelling. And, our parents were invited to see a live session of a Grade 4&5 workshop to get an insight into their children's experience during the visit.

We used Flipgrid to capture students' thinking, reflections and work around the Author-in-Residence experience. Students were invited to share short videos within in three different topics:

• George O'Connor Books - What are you reading from the Olympians series? Captain Awesome? Super Turbo? Other picture books? Tell us the titles and why you love them!

• Author Visit Reflection - What did you learn? What did you love? What would you like to learn more about? What's next for you?

• Share YOUR Comics, Art or Stories - Take a clear photo of your original comic and record a dramatic reading!

Our students' enthusiasm and excitement shine through their video responses. The experience with George O'Connor was truly impactful and one our students will remember. In the words of one student, "I just loved that he was here. It was like magic the way he moved his pen and that he was here in person." The experience was motivating for many students, a spring board for student action and goal setting. Ranging from reading goals, story writing, comic creation, sketch book practice, many students are ready to take their learning and launch forward.

We can't thank George enough and look forward to building a long-standing connection with FIS!

FIS community members can view the Flipgrid below: