HOW IT WORKS
Authors Alive: Students’ Twist on Famous Works is a thematic English/Language Arts program that incorporates the use of technology. To reach all components of a balanced literacy unit, various strategies are implemented using books by Eric Carle and Lois Ehlert. Strategies include read-alouds, reading and listening comprehension, sentence structure, sequencing, character development, and setting. During one such lesson, the students listen to The Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle. They then retell the story, with illustrations from the book as a guide. Retelling the story helps in the sequencing activity that follows. The students have previously learned what sequencing is and apply their knowledge to this story. They then focus on the beginning, middle, and end of the story, and are asked to use their imagination to alter the story and create a new one as a class. The skills they learned are then applied to their individual stories. For their final project, the students create a story of their own based on the works of Eric Carle or Lois Ehlert. With computer assistance and a little imagination, they ultimately complete and publish their own book. 

THE STUDENTS
Thirteen students of various academic levels participate in this program. Although this program has been developed for students with disabilities, it can be used with children of all ability levels. Within the classroom, students are given the opportunity to work on their books in large groups and also work independently during scheduled time in the writing center. The students practice using the Internet, KidPix, Clipart, and Board Maker programs during biweekly computer classes. They also continue to develop their keyboarding skills. Adapted books along with small-group and individual read-alouds ensure exposure and understanding of the text by all students regardless of functioning level. 

THE STAFF
Camille Blake has been a teacher at P.S. 176 for the past four years. She received her Master’s Degree in Special Education from the College of New Rochelle. Stefanie Pavelka has been teaching for the past three years. They have developed and adapted curriculum to meet the academic and social needs for students with autism. Serving on the Literacy, Math, and Science committees has allowed them to work with administration and other staff members to better serve the needs of their students.

WHAT YOU NEED
The program requires several computers with Internet access software (Kid Pix, Clipart, Board Maker), a printer, multiple copies of books by Eric Carle and Lois Ehlert, a video camera, videotape, paper, pencils, markers, crayons, scissors, glue, camera, film, and laminating paper.

OVERALL VALUE
By incorporating books and technology, Authors Alive: Students’ Twist on Famous Works gives students the opportunity to use their imagination in a new way. In publishing their own books and presenting them to an audience, the students feel a sense of pride and accomplishment.