Patricia Polacco!

As you probably know, our school got an amazing opportunity this morning.  The amazing author and illustrator of 90 children's books, Patricia Polacco, visited our school and spoke to the entire student body this morning.  Her talk lasted about an hour and she led all of us on a journey through her heart and her life as a story-teller and artist.  She brought with her two artifacts of her life and stories: her "keeping quilt" and a piece of her family's "wishing rock."  She lovingly told the stories of these two objects and about the magic they hold for her. 

The "Keeping Quilt"

She said two quotes that stuck out to me today as an educator and mother.  The first she was actually quoting her grandmother in a Russian accent, "Oh is true story...but it may not have happened."  I love this as a reminder to our children about the art and fun of story-telling.

The second quote addresses us as learners and how we express ourselves, "Everyone is gifted...we just open our gifts at different times."  Patricia Polacco shared with us that because of her learning disabilities, she didn't learn to read until she was 14 years old.  She explained that her gift of art helped her through her education and eventually led to her success in making stories. 

At the close of her talk, each child was given the opportunity to make a wish on her piece of meteorite.  There were rules, however, if you wanted to make a wish.  She gave the standard warning of being careful of what you wish for.  No wishing for money, because money you didn't earn is a trap.  No wishing for toys, because it only makes you want more toys.  No wishing to change another person, because the only way you can change another person is through kindness.  

Touching the Rock to Make a Wish

May all their wishes come true.