One Dog Canoe with Mary Casanova
A lively, interactive program with author Mary Casanova for grades K-5. Mary recounts her journey growing up in a family of ten, struggling with reading, and discovering that books are a window into the world and writing is a way to "have a voice." Audiences of all ages engage with Mary's warm presentation style, including Q&A, and respond with a greater desire to read--and write stories of their own. Teachers appreciate that Mary regularly addresses the writing process: dealing with writer's block, drawing on personal experience, using the five senses; show, don't tell, and the use of conflict.
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We distributed evaluation forms after each program. We hoped that patrons and students would have a new understanding and/or appreciation for the the writing process, as well as reading and all that it can uncover. We also hoped that students would learn something new about the artistic process of writing. We also hoped that patrons would leave with a stronger association of the library as a place that promotes experience in arts and culture.
100% of respondents said they agreed or strongly agree that this program brought their community a new cultural or artistic experience. 93% strongly agreed they learned something new about the arts, history or culture. 92% said after this program, they are very likely to think of the library as a place to experience arts or cultural programming. Public comments included, "Mary was very personable and made me think I could write book too" and, "LOVED that kids can be exposed to authors!" and, "Mary planted the seed that kids can become authors, as everyone has their own stories with their own experiences that only they can tell about. She also had the kids reenact one of her stories on stage."
We partnered with Warren-Alvarado-Oslo Elementary School, Greenbush Middle River School, Roseau Elementary School, Kittson Central Elementary School and Warroad Elementary School. All programs were hosted at schools.