Miranda Atienza
Cultural Arts Coordinator
Chippewa Elementary School
Holtsville, New York
myrah422@optonline.net
917-442-1110
This definitely was not the assembly that I expected, it was so much better. Seeing other author visits, Daryl seriously surprised me and the staff for the better. He was engaging, inspiring and seeing the kid's expressions were priceless. Just speaking to the kids afterwards and them telling me how much they wanted to pick up Daryl's books to read was so uplifting. Getting the kids to want to read was my main objective and Daryl helped make that possible!!!
Some of the strengths of his assemblies was the fact that everything was interactive, and everyone participated, whether it was a song or during "the reader's theater". Daryl sang and read his books aloud with the help of the audience. But he didn't just read a book to them; he actually acted out the books. He was able to keep the kids focused because they were part of the assembly (not just watching and listening). I think that is the reason why the teachers loved it so much as well.
Daryl was engaging and inspiring to all the grade levels. He was funny when he had to be. He was serious when he needed to make a point. He referenced how some books came from real life experiences and how the students could actually use their experiences to start writing themselves. The kids don’t realize it yet but they definitely learned something while having fun.
I have had teachers of every grade level come to me and say, "Thank you for finding such an awesome author". All my years at this school, I've never had such a response.