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| Canadian children’s author to visit campus |
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Canadian children's author Sheree Fitch will pay a visit to the University of Maine at Presque Isle on April 28 and 29
to talk about her work thanks to a group of education students. Fitch is an educator, literacy activist and the author of award-winning poetry, picture books, nonfiction, plays and novels for all ages. As a global ambassador for children's literature, she has toured and performed all over the world. She is the author of numerous books for children, including her first book Toes in my Nose, which remains a best-seller, Sleeping Dragons All Around, and There Were Monkeys in My Kitchen. She is the recipient of the Mr. Christie Award, Ontario Silver Birch Award, Atlantic Hackematack Award, and The Vicky Metcalf award for a body of work inspirational to Canadian children. During her two-day stay in Presque Isle, Fitch will host three workshops. The first workshop will be held on Monday, April 28 at 6 p.m. in the Campus Center. The W.I.S.E. Words Writing Workshop is geared toward teachers, university students and parents. Through guided exercises, Fitch will help the group to discover authentic voices and visions. Exercises can be adapted for classroom use. On Tuesday, April 29 at 10 a.m. in the Campus Center, Fitch will host a child-centered session for local school children. She also will host an evening workshop for adults on Tuesday, April 29 at 6 p.m. in the Campus Center. Titled "Serious Joy: Writing for Children," Fitch will talk about her writing journey and how we answer for ourselves what defines excellence in children's books. The public is invited to attend all workshops. Also during her stay, Fitch will attend University classes, participate in a reading session at the UMPI Daycare Center, and have lunch with UMPI students, faculty and local teachers. She also will visit an elementary school in Grand Falls, New Brunswick, and host a reading and book signing at the Mark and Emily Turner Memorial Library in Presque Isle on Monday, April 28 at 2:30 p.m. Fitch's visit became a reality after Education students chose her as the subject of their final presentation for the upper level course Children's Literacy. In EDU 357, taught by Dr. Barbara Chalou, students offer a final presentation based on a favorite children's author. Chalou always recommends that her students contact the authors to obtain background information. "At times, authors have sent the students a book or other curriculum materials," Chalou said. "Students often invite the author to join the presentation as well. And, in this case, we're very fortunate to be able to say that this author responded in the affirmative." "We really cannot express the feelings we had for the warm response she [Fitch] gave to our email request," Student Janice Briggs said. "As we read it for the second, then third time in disbelief, we were filled with such delight and excitement. We were just completely overwhelmed. She seems so enthusiastic about getting kids excited about language and words." Fitch lives with her husband and divides her time between her two homes in Washington, D.C. and River John, Nova Scotia. She holds a bachelor's degree from St. Thomas University, a master's degree from Acadia University, and honorary doctorates from both St. Thomas and Acadia for her contribution to Canadian literature and education. |
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University of Maine at Presque Isle
181 Main Street
Presque Isle, ME 04769
207.768.9400
A member of the University of Maine System
181 Main Street
Presque Isle, ME 04769
207.768.9400
A member of the University of Maine System