Author Lauren Tarshis motivates students to become authors and illustrators

This fall, fourth graders at O’Block Elementary participated in a variety of engaging learning experiences centered around Lauren Tarshis’s popular I Survived series. The journey began with the students reading I Survived the Attacks of September 11, 2001, followed by exploring many more of Tarshis’s novels in both reading class and book club.

The excitement continued with an I Survived kick-off event at the Plum Borough Community Library, where local librarians hosted a series of fun and interactive activities based on the books. That same week, students took part in a library scavenger hunt and had the chance to “survive” an escape room challenge.

In language class, students researched real-life events and created their own I Survived stories. These stories, along with the title pages they designed in art class, were full of detail, creativity and imagination. To celebrate the students’ hard work, the Plum Borough Community Library hosted an “Author Night,” honoring the young authors.

A highlight of the experience was when Lauren Tarshis, author of the I Survived series, visited O’Block Elementary. She inspired third and fourth graders to read, write and continue imagining. To show their appreciation, the fourth graders gifted Tarshis with copies of their own I Survived stories, with thanks to Pittsburgh Arts & Lectures for making the visit possible.

It was truly a wonderful experience for all involved. Everyone survived and thrived through these exciting learning opportunities.