Oceans, Pirates and Writing Ahoy!

This author/filmmaker assembly is based around the book A Pirate's Quest (written by Laura and Robert Sams, illustrated by Heiner Hertling) and the movie The Riddle in a Bottle.  What is it like to make a book or movie?  Where do ideas come from?  What is it like to swim underwater with sharks and sea turtles?  Laura and Robert will share a behind-the-scenes look at the book and movie, emphasizing that the creative process takes time and a lot of choices.  Get ready to hear Robert sing like the pirate!  Get ready to make choices about writing and editing!  Get ready to see a book printed with the four color printing process!

For nature centers and similar venues, the program can be adapted to include a bit more science and focus about moving water. 

How does this program relate to the curriculum?

After participating in the program, students will:

• Learn that most of the earth is covered by water, and that moving water is important for life on earth.
• Recognize that authors make choices as they convey meaning and influence an audience. Examples include word selection, use of illustrations, etc.
• Begin to develop and use strategies for planning, drafting, revising and editing a variety of text forms.
• Identify and use aspects of the craft of the speaker, writer and illustrator to formulate and express ideas artistically. Examples include design, perspective and dialogue.
• Experience how science concepts can be interpreted through creative expression, such as language arts and fine arts.

"Rob and Laura came to our school in January for an author visit.   The kids loved them!    They involved the students during the whole assembly, getting them up and moving, singing, and finding hidden fish in pictures.  Before they got here, I showed all of my classes (26 of them) the video of "The Riddle in the Bottle."   We all thought it was VERY good.   Besides being very humorous,  we learned  about how life on earth is connected through moving water.   I watched it 26 times with all of my classes and enjoyed it every time I watched it."  -- Kathy Dorey, Teacher/Librarian, Washington Elementary, Washington