Engaging Author Inspires Students

In honor of National Reading Month, elementary students at Lone Pine and Eastover Elementary Schools were treated to a lively, interactive presentation by children’s book author Baptiste Paul. This author uses imagery and passion to teach students about research and the writing process, and as a self-proclaimed storyteller, shared, “You capture an audience’s attention with your stories; this is the beauty of books!”

Paul tailored his presentations to his audience and grade level. The author talked about his life growing up on the island of St. Lucia, his passion for nature and environmentalism, his family, both in the United States and in the Caribbean, and his absolute love of books and reading. Paul discussed several writing techniques with students; one theme was on research techniques, such as interviewing family members to find facts. Another topic was using describing words to paint a picture with your words, while using the five senses to harness the power of storytelling. 

Students listened to Paul with rapt attention. “I want you to feel something, I want you to see something. The words I use draw you in and make you feel what I feel. I am inviting you to experience something,” Paul told the audience. Baptiste Paul focused on three of his books: Climb On!, The Field, and I am Farmer. The author uniquely engaged students by asking questions and incorporating humor into the presentation. After a student volunteers an answer, the group is asked to give the child a round of applause. If a student was heard disagreeing with an answer, Paul reminded his writers that we are all in a safe space and no one should feel like they can’t take a risk by making a mistake. 

Paul encouraged students to be physically active during his stories. When the line, “I’m open,” (referring to a soccer player on the field) was read, Paul told the room to wave their hands in the air. Vivid and colorful illustrations in the books piqued students’ interest while Paul conveyed the mood of the page through body language and tone.  Eastover Principal Andy Gignac observed, “To capture 300 kindergarteners, first and second graders' attention while embedding movement into storytelling, we couldn’t ask for a better enrichment opportunity for our students!” 

Eastover third grade student, Elise White, enthused, “I really love the pictures that are in his books. He is a very nice person and the assembly was very, very fun!” Baptiste Paul wrapped up his presentation with the advice, “Be open to experiences to be a better writer,” which paralleled another poignant lesson he declared early in the presentation, “I want you to love reading!”