Patch Portfolio: Kids and Literature — Writing From the Heart (and not the Prompt)

The reviews are in on the work displayed and grandmother Suzy Glowski summed it up best when she said, “It’s amazing!"

Glowski was with her grandson, Ethan Birks, in the hours leading up to the 2011 Authors’ Museum at Bell Shoals Baptist Academy. The annual event showcases the writing, reading and performance talents of students across all grade levels with one common denominator: literature.

“I think it’s wonderful what they do to bring the school together,” Glowski added. “And there’s just so much out there to see. It’s a lot of work. It’s amazing that kids in kindergarten through eighth-grade get involved in this."

Among the work on display (see photo gallery above) was Birks’ own story, “My Peaceful Place."

And what is his peaceful place?

“My room,” he said. “Because I have a bed in it and I can lay down."

“I’m in love with it,” eighth-grader Sam Pulizzano said about the museum. “Every bit of it is so creative. It’s outstanding that everything was thrown together by students, young students and old students."

Spearheaded by English teacher Tammy Perkins, assisted by student Selena Martinez, and involving lots of man hours by students, teachers and parents alike, the annual event featured:

Illumination Classroom Writing 101 (sixth and seventh grade)

• A "Grand Theatre" (seventh grade)
• The "Sensory Academy” (fifth grade)
• The Gallery
• Writing Exhibit (kindergarten through grade 4)
• The Plaza (modern art sculptures, professional photographer)
• The Classical Theatre, featuring “original morality stories” (sixth grade)
• The Bohemian Cafe (sixth grade)
• The “Extended Metaphor Display” (eighth grade)
• The “Tea Party” (eighth grade)
• In the courtyard, a BSBA art show, peace mural and  live piano selections
• In the outdoor cafe, the BSBA choir
• The Museum Store

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