Staten Island 5th-graders become published authors | In Class column

IN CLASS: This feature is part of an ongoing education column highlighting the various activities that engage school communities.

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — A group of recently graduated fifth-grade students at one Staten Island elementary school can say there are officially published authors.

During the 2022-2023 school year, fifth-grade English language arts teacher Angela O’Toole, of PS 30 in Westerleigh, was scrolling through social media when she stumbled upon another educator who published a book with their class. She quickly did her research about the company, Student Treasures, which made it possible, and knew it would be a great experience for her students.

According to Student Treasures, the class book inspires young writers, promotes student collaboration, builds self-esteem, and is an easy way to incorporate educational standards.

O’Toole’s classes got to work brainstorming book ideas and once each fifth-grade class decided on a vision for their book, they began the writing process. Except this one would be on a much larger scale.

For a month, students diligently wrote “create pourquoi tales” and letters to their future selves — old legends told to explain why certain events happened.

“The joy the children had in achieving each step of the process was evident as they worked,” said O’Toole.

Once the text was completed, each child illustrated their work. After some revision and editing, the finished product was sent to the publishing company.

Just a few weeks later, the published books arrived and students were able to see all of their hard work come to life. At the end of June, children celebrated their accomplishment with an Italian ice publishing party at PS 30 where parents and other guests watched them walk the red carpet as published authors.