With the Royal Canadian Mint ceasing distribution of the Canadian penny in February this year, student interest in the Canadian penny has spiked here at Florence Meares.
A few months ago, courtesy of Halton District School Board Library Services, the FM Library received a copy of "Little Copper Pennies for Kids" by Susan Harris and illustrated by Mark Sexton.
Mrs. Withers and Mrs. Shantz Kindergarten class were very interested in this book and wanted to learn more about the penny and the author who wrote this interesting book.
On Wednesday, May 29th, after several emails and a trial run with Skype, Mrs. Withers and Mrs. Shantz class held a Skype session with Susan Harris, author of "Little Copper Pennies.
Even though Mrs. Harris was all the way in Melville, Saskatchewan, Canada, it was like she was in the next room.
The students had many questions for Mrs. Harris, some of which included:
Why did you write about a penny?
-Mrs. Harris thought "If a penny could speak what would it say?"
Did you use glue and staples to make the book?
-she used a publisher who has big machines to help make the book.
How many books have you written?
-4
Did you meet the illustrator?
-yes -his name is Mark Sexton
Do you have a favourite author?
-Enid Blyton and Robert Munsch
We we all truly amazed at Mrs. Harris' vast knowledge of the history of the Canadian penny and she had many examples of different versions of the penny over the years.
Thank you so much for taking time out of your busy schedule Mrs. Harris. You have given students and teachers here at Florence Meares and unforgettable experience!
I have been terribly excited to meet the pupils and staff of FM ever since Mrs. Withers contacted me by phone. Then I met Mr. Cann via the Skype trial and my excitement kept growing. And today the excitement peaked when I met all the beautifully dressed girls and boys. You all look so adorable and you were stars in your own Skype movie. Thank you for reading my book and keeping the memories of the iconic penny alive. Remember, the penny is special, just like you, small with a very important role. And it changed over the years, just like you would too. Thanks, Mr. Cann, for the photo memories, and Mrs Lynn Wineski, I am indebted to you and Jeanette Weatherill for responding to my inquiries, reviewing and following up on your promise to purchase the books. May God bless you all, and may you produce many writers from your schools. Cheers, Susan Harris, Author.
ReplyDelete