This year’s Young Authors' Conference, held this past Saturday, March 5, was a huge success!  Gabrielle Balkan was this year’s celebrity speaker. Mrs. Balkan is best known for non-fiction books that delight readers ages 3-12 with curious and essential facts about the United States, animal record-breakers, and ground-breaking artists. 

During this unique learning experience, P-H-M students in grades K-5 have the opportunity to learn directly from a well-known children’s writer. Through interactive, engaging Q&A with the children, Balkan led the students through the process of creating engaging storylines. 

Students also participate in small group sharing sessions, led by P-H-M teachers, where they share stories they’ve created. Students give each other positive feedback, encouraging and inspiring their fellow students.

Students aren’t the only ones that benefit from the Young Authors’ Conference, parents do too! While students were participating in their small group writing sessions, parents attended a special presentation by Penn High School English Teacher Mary Nicolini. Nicolini gave parents fun tips on ways to inspire ideas for creative writing with their children.

Students and parents also enjoyed a presentation of from the Potawatomi Zoo!. The Young Authors’ Conference is sponsored by Corporations for Education, a division of the P-H-M Education Foundation. 

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