Skype Classroom Visit with 4th Graders from Spring Valley, NY

Skype Classroom Visit with 4th Graders from New York

Getting reactions back from children that my author Mom (Barbara Techel) and I meet via Skype (and in-person) is one of th most rewarding things about what we do. My heart flutters really fast when I hear back from kids... it is so priceless!  Tuesday we did a Skype call with a Mrs. Gershenoff''s 4th grade class at Hempstead Elementary School in Spring Valley, NY.  They are studying nonfiction books and writing books of their own as part of their studies.  Their teacher sent some of their reactions to us connecting with them via Skype which they put in their writer's notebook.

Photo taken by Mrs. Gershenoff from the view of the classroom while talking to me and Frankie on Skype!

By: Jonathan

Oh my gosh!  It was so cool!  This was my first time that I really saw an author.  My heart was beating so fast. I had butterflies in my stomach when I asked my question.  I didn’t know when we read the book that she was going to actually Skype with us.  I was so excited!  My brother is going to be jealous that I met and author.  So are my friends.

By: Christy

Skyping with Barbara Techel was amazing! We even got to see Frankie!  She was so cute.  Barbara even woke her up from her beauty sleep to  show her to us. She answered all of our questions.  She even said she would talk about us on TV, but only if she got back on TV.  Maybe if Mrs. Gershenoff gives me her email and Skype I can Skype her too.

By: Adelle

I really liked when the author showed us Frankie.  I would like to do it again! It was sooo cute Skyping with a real author.  I really wish Frankie and Mrs. Techel would visit us in person.  I also wish we had more time together on Skype.

By: Ryan

It was so overwhelming to see a real life character from a book!  I would love to do this again!

By: Lewis

OMG! Meeting Barbara Techel and Frankie was soooo exciting!  I was ready to hog the computer and talk to Barbara all day and not give the others a turn.

This is what they posted on their classroom website as well:

3.09.11 Wow!  Today we had an amazing experience!  We Skyped with an Award Winning Author, Barbara Techel, author of Frankie the Walk 'n Roll Dog.  She taught us about writing our own nonfiction stories and gave us tips on what to do if we get stuck on writing a part of our story.  She also shared some of her own personal feelings and life events about her dog Frankie and her challenges.  Be sure to ask your child all about this incredible activity! Also, check out our class blog where we posted about the book.  We even received a blog post from Barbara Techel! I have also sent home a flier if you are intersted in purchasing an autographed copy of one of Ms. Techel's books.

Teachers & Students love Skype Visits with Frankie the Walk 'N Roll Dog

What fun my mom and I are having sharing our message of hope and inspiration and meeting so many different teachers and students around the world, and all with the help of the Internet.
We have used Skype, but also worked with video conferencing that schools have in-house.  It is a dog-gone amazing way to meet wonderful kids from all over the US and Canada.  You inspire US!
Check out below what teachers are saying about the experience!  If you would like more information please visit our special teacher section on our website.  We would love to meet you and your students virtually!

Students at my school in Canada used Skype to connect via the Internet with Barbara and Frankie who live in Wisconsin. The students were so excited and amazed at the experience. It seemed as if Frankie and Barbara were sitting right in their classroom!

The students were able to interact with Frankie and Barbara. They asked many thought provoking questions. They learned a lot about animals with disabilities and how to stay positive no matter what challenges they might face. The Skype has been their favorite part of the school year! ~Karen Keys, Teacher Librarian Canada

I was apprehensive about the vist, but it was tremendous. I wondered if 500+ children would be able to attend to the screen and realize they were having a conversation with an author. You did it! They stayed on task for the entire visit. The variety of activity--your talking, the Powerpoint, the video and Frankie's presence all worked together to keep them engaged. Thank you-- you made me look good! ~Kathy Howell, library media specialist, Clarksville Primary School, Arkansas

The students had such a great time during their webcam visit with Mrs. Techel and Frankie. They were even more inspiring in person. Mrs. Techel had Frankie right there with her during our web cam visit. Frankie even fell asleep on her desk. She showed the class how Frankie got in and out of her wheelchair, explained how she cared for Frankie, gave us a first hand view of her writing studio, and explained the writing process from the gathering of ideas, to the editing, and the publishing stages. ~Karen Elz, 3rd grade elementary teacher, Shiloh Point Elementary School, Georgia

Through the magic of technology we were able to host Barb & Frankie for an in-class(ish) presentation via Skype. Barb was able to take the kids through the notion of overcoming challenges, making a difference in the lives of others, and facing hardship in a positive, life-changing way. They were CAPTIVATED which is a pretty big deal for six-year-olds. ~Ben Bordeau, Who's Your Dachshund blogger and Jason Wade, 1st grade teacher, Bicentennial School, Canada